Bright red flames spread like a tide, the scorching waves devouring all impurities on the ground, thoroughly purifying this den of Magic Creatures named as the Sanctuary.
The Divine Throne no longer exists, replaced by rampaging Fiery Flames. Flames, as if possessing their will, surged forth turning everything they touched into ash, as if reveling in a frenzy.
At the center of this Fire Sea, a noble golden-red bird slowly stretched out its wings, edges sharp as a blade. Once symbolizing warmth and hope, like the morning sun, its golden feathers unknowingly stained with a light crimson, like the blood-colored setting sun, casting an unsettling glow.
The Phoenix stood in the midst of flames, the scorching air casting a slightly distorted silhouette, holy yet with a hint of eerie charm, captivating one's soul.
Then, it lowered its head to probe with its beak among the charred ashes, gently pecking up a black Demon Core, and with a tilt of its head, swallowed it contentedly.
The next moment, sparks filled the sky as the Phoenix's figure vanished into the surging heatwaves, leaving only the burning ashes dancing in the air.
[Item: Effect of the Devouring Curse Demon King]
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
Before the flames completely died down, the Gleaming Scale Serpent, now back in Humanoid form, was surrounded by fluttering snowflakes, the cold breath rushing into the scene of the fire.
Where the Phoenix vanished, a young girl quietly lay atop the ashes, her chest rising and falling slightly.
The hollow on her back had already cracked, and Magic Patterns quietly spread to her shoulders; the Fallen Phoenix perched behind the girl, its head reaching over her shoulder, its elongated Phoenix Eyes curving into a mocking arc as if ridiculing the incoming Elemental Spirit.
However, the totem was quickly concealed under clothes.
Gleaming Scale Serpent draped his coat over the Hero, carefully lifting her from the sooty ground full of ashes.
He looked around; the underground space was illuminated by fires, completely devoid of life, the Devouring Curse Demon with a strong will to live had been utterly eradicated, even its Demon Core had been swallowed by the Hero.
But this loyal Familiar had no joy of defeating a formidable enemy on his face, instead, it held a heaviness.
"...Did I fail to assist the queen again?" he murmured under his breath, gritting his teeth, yet cautious not to move too abruptly, fearing to disturb the girl sleeping in his arms.
At this moment, the massive Night Tiger also walked slowly over, shrinking with each step until, by the time it arrived at the feet of Gleaming Scale Serpent, it had returned to the size of a black cat. It looked up at the Hero, its gaze full of deep concern, also carrying an unmistakable fear and dread.
'She has been cursed, very severely, the previous curse has increased because of this.'
"I know..." Gleaming Scale Serpent closed his eyes, his expression sorrowful, "This is the worst scenario we had anticipated."
"But I must say, this is an extremely valuable record; I never imagined not only to witness a Phoenix preying on a Devouring Curse Demon but also to observe this legendary creature's mutant phenomenon... Although it's mild, her aura is shifting closer to that Fallen Phoenix on the highland."
With the slow turning of pages, Hunting Knowledge's thoughts were conveyed.
Gleaming Scale Serpent abruptly opened his eyes, his cold Snake Eyes constricted, angrily staring at Hunting Knowledge.
"It's all because you brought the queen to this place—!"
"…This was indeed unexpected; I didn't intend for her to encounter such an event," Hunting Knowledge's mind-talk remained calm.
"Did you think that just because the queen is asleep, I wouldn't be able to eliminate you? I am now a life from the same tier as you!" Gleaming Scale Serpent's voice was deep and eerie, the surrounding air suddenly cooled, ethereal diamond-shaped Scales appearing around him, reflecting the firelight, faintly forming a cold light prison.
'Is this a time for infighting?'
The black cat's fur slightly bristled, its tail flicking dissatisfied.
Yet, as if sensing Gleaming Scale Serpent's anger, the sleeping Hero also slightly furrowed her brows.
Realizing this, Gleaming Scale Serpent quickly retracted his magic, calming his breath.
"We, of course, do not consider you a non-threat, you, as an extremely rare Elemental Life who has achieved self-evolution, undoubtedly have the ability to freeze our thoughts.
"But you can't completely eliminate me, even if you truly could, it wouldn't change the situation, nor would it help her."
Hunting Knowledge's response was unruffled, unaffected by the threat.
"Sorry... I lost my composure. The queen had already braced herself, I shouldn't have been angry at you."
Gleaming Scale Serpent fell silent for a moment, lowering his head slightly, his voice carrying a trace of apology.
"This isn't your fault. We can't fully understand humankind, nor your emotions similar to theirs, hence the conflicts. Despite us seeing ourselves as rational beings, we must admit this is also a flaw. After all, much human knowledge can't be comprehended by rationality alone," Hunting Knowledge replied steadily.
"However, the fact that you feel anger due to the Hero's situation should be a good thing for her."
Hearing Hunting Knowledge even comforting him, Gleaming Scale Serpent smiled wryly and sighed.
"Thank you." Having completely calmed down, Gleaming Scale Serpent nodded in thanks to Hunting Knowledge and the black cat, then looked worriedly back at the Hero in his arms.
"Your Majesty's current situation... do you have any suggestions?"