The Hero looked up, watching as the life beyond human intelligence slowly descended toward him.
All the Winged Ones descended as the Phoenix descended, not even pausing on the treetops, but prostrating on the ground.
The Hero raised his hand, as if sensing something.
"This is... the blessing given to me...
"Really, is it okay?" The Hero's hand retracted slightly with some uncertainty.
Such a precious blessing, do I truly deserve it?
Without responding to the Hero's question, the Phoenix blinked and lowered its head willingly, touching its head to the Hero's hand.
This was a blessing, a gift from destiny.
It was what you needed, and you were needed by it—
Then, endless light and fire transformed into sky-covering waves, spreading from the Hero's body, causing all life to instinctively bow their heads, shielding their eyes from the flames.
The Guard instinctively wanted to protect the Little Girl in their embrace, but the Flame Sea came swiftly and dissipated just as quickly, leaving nothing destroyed in its path.
If someone could look down on this area, they would see the crimson-gold waves rushing forward, extinguishing after washing over the entire forest.
The ultimate pillar of light, the canopy of the sky, the sea of flame... everything seemed illusory, yet brought about tangible changes.
They looked towards where the Hero was previously, only to discover the girl's figure had vanished, as if evaporated by the flames, leaving no trace.
The Little Girl's face turned deathly pale, and she suddenly broke free from the Guard's embrace.
"Little—" The Guard, also momentarily stunned, couldn't stop her, only watching as she ran off.
The Little Girl quickly stopped at the Hero's former location, staring at the ground in a daze.
Then, the Little Girl squatted down, slowly scooping something from the ground.
Could it be bones—several Guards' expressions changed.
But when they saw clearly what was in the Little Girl's palm, they were all dumbstruck.
It was a small, red fluffy ball, not much bigger than a gemstone.
A Phoenix... a Phoenix Chick.
"Chirp—" The Hero (Phoenix), lifted by the Little Girl, finally came to his senses, speaking to the numerous Winged Ones watching.
"Everything's fine, folks, disperse, and remember not to attack humankind."
The countless birds around simultaneously flapped their wings, testifying to the Phoenix's descent and having bathed in its flame, they all wore a satisfied look.
The Winged Ones did not linger any longer, each returning to their own, and for a moment, the whole forest became lively.
[The level of bird magic creatures in the map has increased.]
[Faraway Rural Forest LV24—Phoenix Feather Forest LV34]
Passing Adventurer: Don't provoke the forest's birds, it won't kill you, but it will really hurt.
The coachman looked emotionally at his two Chocobos.
At this moment, both of their postures were more beautiful than any other time; their half-lost feathers fully regrown, now with a touch of golden silky sheen.
And their legs were more powerful than before, both Chocobos were eager to go, constantly pawing the ground, ready to unleash unprecedented speed.
"Hero, you are practically my second birth parent!"
No, I am not as old as you claim.
The Hero sat on the Little Girl's palm, then was cuddled into her embrace.
However, he could understand, for a coachman who makes his living by driving, seeing the rebirth of his two old companions was more joyous than getting money himself.
Now, these two Chocobos, even at the main carriage depot, were of top quality.
If he altered his carriage a bit as well, he could soon become the most stylish coachman at the station, and high-quality orders transporting nobles would flow in continuously.
"...' The Phoenix Mochi in the Little Girl's arms, the Hero was trying hard to adapt to this new stance.
"I also kind of want to touch it, the feathers look really awesome..." Guard A couldn't hide the desire on his face.
"I understand you." Guard B nodded in deep agreement.
"Actually, so do I..." The Guards whispered among themselves, poor concealment led the Little Girl to hug the Phoenix tighter.
"Sit tight! Everyone, let's go!"
Then, at the coachman's shout, the Chocobos happily stepped forward, running at nearly double the previous speed, bouncing so much that the Hero was jolted into the air as the Little Girl loosened her grip.
[The speed of the Chocobo increased, will reach the village by dusk.]
The Little Girl hurriedly caught the Hero, who was flapping his wings wildly, then giggled while stroking the warm and smooth feathers.
The Chocobo Cart swiftly moved through the forest, heading towards the journey's end.
[The Hero has conquered the map: Phoenix Feather Forest LV34]
[Due to the Purification Fire, the Hero's obsession was lifted.]
[The Hero has acquired Beast Spirit Embodiment: Phoenix (Initial) R8]
The first-generation Phoenix without lineage, possessing only foundational instincts, future changes depend entirely on yourself.
[The Hero has acquired the skill: Inferno Bloodline LV4]
After transforming into a Phoenix, one could instinctively master heat and light, using low to mid-level Flame Magic, and also integrate into one's bloodstream as the power of blessing.
Taking the position of Magician, Humanoid forms can instinctively employ medium to low fire and heat spells.
Taking the position of Mage, one can acquire element affinity for light and fire.
Taking the position of Priest, one can gain recognition from relevant religious sects without faith.