12 King
"Hmm… it seems that you have company."
The residual spirit remarked.
James raised an eyebrow before turning to the entrance. It was Chu Yuechan.
'What devil possessed her to come here?'
"Six participants it shall be."
"..." James had mixed feelings. On one hand, she made it more difficult. On the other hand, it might benefit him in the future. "She is almost in the Emperor Profound Realm while I am in the early stages of the Sky Profound Realm. How are you going to balance the trial?"
"... Heh." The Divine Spirit didn't answer directly. "It will not be easy."
"What do you mean it won't be easy?" James frowned. "There is far too much of a disparity in our strength."
"It begins now."
Two humanoid stone figures emerged from the ground. They were of average height and had weird heads that looked half-human and half-dragon.
"I assume we have to kill them," James remarked, sighing. "Wuxin, go ahead."
She stepped forward and smashed right through both of them with some effort. After they collapsed to the ground, four more rose in their place.
"I just know this is about to be a tedious shit show." Zero remarked, raising her sword. "These things are never quick and easy."
"Less complaining, more killing." James remained at the centre of the trial ground. "Use the same formation as before."
As it turned out, the stone dragon warriors were all Half-Step Emperor Profound Realm due to Chu Yuechan's participation. This was seemingly no issue for James's vassals at first… but, wave after wave, it became a serious problem.
Four became eight… eight became sixteen… thirty-two… sixty-four… one hundred and sixty-eight.
Itachi was exhausted, Yun Wuxin was slowing down, Chu Yuechan had already been heavily wounded, Beatrice's seemingly endless power was starting to show cracks and Zero was overwhelmed…
'Fuck me.' James cursed. 'I can't even do shit against a fucking Half-Step throne… let alone so many of them. That foolish Fairy of Frozen Beauty couldn't just stay outside, could she?'
"... How bothersome." Beatrice frowned as sweat dropped from her forehead. "I'll protect you until my last breath, my King."
She remained close to him, guarding him with her shield.
"I'm so tired of this shit…"
Zero began to shine, activating her Intoner Mode. She slashed her way through the waves of stone dragon warriors until every single last one was dismantled.
"There, all done." Zero returned to normal, taking a deep breath. Her eye widened slightly when she saw that they had multiplied again. "You gotta be fucking kidding me…"
"I've done a lot of tedious shit before, but this crap might just take the cake."
"Honestly, I'm starting to feel the same way," James remarked. "Well… on the bright side, the rest of you have the ability to actually kill them. I fucking don't."
"So much for our glorious King…" Zero said, slashing her way through a horde of dragon stone warriors. She had to cut each one many times for them to fall. "It feels like we're all babysitting you."
"Right…"
James sighed. 'How many waves are there? If all the opponents were based on my level, my vassals would've been able to clear out thousands…'
'If this continues, I might have to bring out the menace himself…'
'Or…'
The cracks in James' party became apparent as the battle waned. Chu Yuechan was the first to truly be overwhelmed and surrounded in all directions. Despite her best efforts, she could not withstand the horde that hunted her.
BANG.
She was struck by a meteor hammer straight in the face, dropping to the ground.
A dozen swordsmen fell on her at once.
"PHOENIX FLAMES SEARS THE HEAVENS!"
Yun Wuxin flashed forward, torching every last one of them that neared her mother. Chu Yuechan's eyes widened slightly as she struggled to her feet.
"... You have my gratitude." Chu Yuechan didn't even question the Phoenix flames, her eyes turning to the stone dragon warriors.
"... Don't mention it." Yun Wuxin smiled slightly. "Don't throw yourself into danger all alone. We're in this together."
Yun Wuxin and Chu Yuechan proceeded to fight side-by-side, back-to-back. It proved effective for a few minutes until Chu Yuechan hit her limit, and Yun Wuxin was forced into fighting for the both of them.
Itachi was also overwhelmed…
He looked at James and the rest of them, deciding to transform his eyes.
"Itachi…" James turned to Beatrice. "Triss-"
'Amaterasu…'
His eyes scanned across the field before blood spilt from his right. Black flames suddenly emerged, spreading across the entire trial ground and burning every stone dragon warrior. James' eyes widened, turning to Itachi Uchiha.
'He… can do that?'
Itachi's right eye continued to bleed and he immediately deactivated his Sharingan, kneeling down on the floor.
"Everyone… rally in a corner before the next wave," James ordered. "If we're going to fall, it'll be together."
James flew ahead, and the rest joined him in the top right corner of the room. He observed his vassals, all of whom were exhausted to an extent. Some more than others. Chu Yuechan was one blow away from meeting her maker, Itachi had no chakra to use, Zero had exhausted her power, Yun Wuxin's exhaustion from using the Gates was beginning to show itself, and even Beatrice was nearing her limit.
They doubled again… five hundred and twelve stone dragon warriors.
James glanced at Yun Wuxin.
"You know, if I had the Heretic God's power, none of this would be an issue."
"... Why don't you use your god-eating pet?" She countered.
"I wouldn't be able to ensure the safety of the fairy," James remarked, shaking his head. "Do you want to take that risk, Wuxin? I wouldn't mind subbing him in."
"You can't even keep a leash on your own servant." Wuxin scoffed.
"..." Chu Yuechan blinked. "God-eating pet?"
"Even I'm not arrogant enough to believe that I have full control over his actions." James shrugged his shoulders. "We might be good for this wave… but if there's another… or even another after that one-"
The stone dragon warriors weren't waiting around, flying right ahead.
"It seems that only I have the power to put down these insolent dogs." Beatrice raised her head, and two huge towers, which were a hundred metres tall, emerged before her. "Observe, my King… the power of your Endless Witch."
'... Those towers are at least three red dragons stacked on top of the other…' James looked up in awe. 'I've never seen them before.'
Three hundred and sixty ports opened from each colossal tower.
A brilliant shine appeared in each port, forming spears of light.
Shew. Shew. Shew.
Like fireworks, the towers shot hundreds of spears that fired out in all directions.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
The entire trial ground lit up with light as explosions sounded off in every corner. Every single stone dragon warrior was disintegrated into ash. Alas, they multiplied once more into a little over a thousand.
Beatrice was profusely sweating.
"My, my… this dragon spirit really doesn't like you, my liege." Beatrice chuckled. "It's making things so difficult…"
"I'm starting to feel the same way," James remarked. "Triss can you… do it again?"
"For you, I'd… do anything."
James blinked, his blue eyes softening slightly.
"If it means ensuring your victory, then I will exhaust every bit of power that I have."
The Shoulder War Towers of the Gods shined once more, their ports opening and forging new spears of light.
Shew. Shew. Shew. Shew. Shew. Shew.
They flew ahead, lighting up the entire trial ground again.
BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.
New spears continuously formed until every last stone dragon warrior was put down to rest.
Almost everyone observed the Endless Witch with a sense of awe. Her power was truly tremendous. Despite all of the vassals being in the same cultivation realm, her powers were vastly superior to the rest.
When the dust cleared… and trial ground stood silent, Beatrice lost her footing.
James dashed forward and caught her fall.
"Triss… rest easy. You've done enough."
"Somewhere in there… you do… feel something." Beatrice's eyelids grew heavy as she reached out and touched his chest. "This power… came from you."
James smiled slightly, kissing her forehead.
"Thank you."
He closed her eyes and gently put her down on the ground.
There was another wave, the final one.
A body three metres tall emerged at the centre of the trial ground. It was covered in heavy and thick golden armour from head to toe. It held a colossal, completely grey sword which was twisted into an odd shape as if it were made of dragon bone.
"This one… is at the first stage of the Overlord Profound Realm!" Jasmine announced.
'What the fuck? The Overlord Profound Realm… that's basically two great realms higher than me.' James looked up at the observant azure eyes of the residual spirit. "Is the trial this hard for everyone else, or you just want to fuck me over?"
"One hundred and twenty-nine individuals have attempted my trial… and all of them have failed."
"No fucking wonder." James rolled his eyes. "Can't I fight him in single combat? You scale his level down to something remotely feasible for me, and I'll beat him."
"That is not how it works, young man." The spirit replied, blinking once. "You've started this trial with six people, one of which is half a step away from the Emperor Profound Realm… and you will end it as such."
James glanced at Chu Yuechan. He was on the verge of flaming her but held it in.
"Well…" He took a deep breath and turned to his vassals, namely Yun Wuxin. "Now would be a good time."
"..." Yun Wuxin frowned slightly.
"I'm not going to fall short because of your stupidity and reluctance, Wuxin." James stepped closer. "I need your power. I need everyone's power. Right here, right now."
The Stone Dragon General remained still, observing the scene. He began to sharpen his blade, using his gauntlet to grind it.
'He's mocking me…' James observed, frowning slightly. 'Whatever, keep watching. I'll pulverise you in just a moment.'
"This… I am at fault. I have been nothing but a burden." Chu Yuechan lowered her gaze. "If I had not forced myself in here, the trial would not nearly be as difficult. I'm certain that you would have passed it already. And now-"
'Damn right.' James thought. "It's alright… you wanted to honour our agreement. In a way, it was selfish of me to go out alone without saying anything. If I was more open, everything would've been fine."
"Even so… it's not over." James glanced at Yun Wuxin. "I'd summon him instantly, and this would no doubt be over… but are you ready for those consequences? Which is worse, her death or me gaining power?"
Yun Wuxin bit her lip. "... This is just what you wanted. Everything turns in your favour in the end."
James frowned slightly.
"Does it?" He questioned, looking around. "Do you think I like standing around like a helpless child, watching as all of you fight with all the strength that you have? All of the wounds, sacrifices and struggles that you all endure for my benefit while there is not a single scratch on my body… "
Yun Wuxin's eyes widened slightly as James stared into hers.
"Every single moment this drags on, I feel a greater sense of anger. Not at anyone else… but, rather, myself!" James frowned. "If I were to gain anything from this, I wouldn't even want it. What kind of King does nothing as all his subjects falter in battle? A true King should lead them to victory!"
Everyone watched in silence as James gave his passionate speech.
"I want to fight, I want to face this challenge, I want to push myself… and I, most of all… want to win with my own power!"
Yun Wuxin sighed, shaking her head.
"I don't want the fairy to die, either," James stated, stretching out his hand. "I didn't want her to participate in the first place. Now that things ended up the way that they did… you have to decide quickly."
James' eyes shined an ethereal blue.
"Give me the power to protect… or have her death on your hands!"
Yun Wuxin closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she closed the gap between them. She placed her hand on his chest.
"Fine… go ahead and win." Yun Wuxin's eyes flashed crimson. "Don't you dare lose!"
The Stone Dragon General felt a sudden sense of urgency… something was wrong. He sensed danger. The general stopped sharpening his blade and surged forward at an absurd speed that James wouldn't even be able to process normally.
"Protect her… my… King."
The Stone Dragon General raised his sword and aimed to smash it against James' entire entourage…
Four auras surged into one.
Clang.
'FALLING MOON… SINKING STAR!'
Zabimaru surged forward and shot straight into the Stone Dragon General's chest, sending him back several hundred metres.
Zabimaru retracted, and James held it on his right shoulder, his eyes glowing crimson red with three tomoe in each eye. Itachi's eyes. A crimson-golden flower sprouted in his left eye soon after as he observed his appearance. His golden hair grew longer, flowing with majesty and power.
His regeneration was not at all normal, for it combined Zero's, Wuxin's and Beatrice's. His physical power, mind, soul… everything.
The King's ultimate power…
To draw from others and lift himself even higher.
Everyone observed with astonishment at the transformation.
"Protect her… 'my King'?" James looked back at Yun Wuxin, grinning slightly. "Aren't you adorable-"
"Shut up." Yun Wuxin blushed slightly, turning away. "You better finish that thing quickly."
"The Flower…" Zero's reddish pink eyes looked up at James as she touched her face. For the first time, she was free of its curse. "You took it for yourself."
"My version is a bit shinier than yours," James remarked, smiling slightly. "Anyway… I don't know how long this form is going to last, so you lot just sit back and watch me cook that piece of shit into oblivion."
The Stone Dragon General recovered from his daze and grasped Dragon Fault. It raised the blade, and a hundred more stone dragon warriors emerged from the ground.
"Do you think… those walking rocks will amount to anything against me?"
James questioned, tilting his head. He unleashed his pressure, and all the stone dragon warriors were instantly crushed. The Stone Dragon General frowned, stepping forward.
'Let's see if I have the Power of Song…'
The Stone Dragon General charged forward, swinging its sword.
James teleported away with ease.
"Give me freedom, give me fire, give me reason, take me higher."
The Stone Dragon General felt a… strange vibe. Suddenly, his killing intent decreased. He didn't even feel like swinging anymore. Even so, he forced himself to move forward.
Clang.
James blocked its strike.
"See the champions take the field now, you define us, make us feel proud."
He pushed the Stone Dragon General back, extending Zabimaru and slashing into its side. He retracted the blade and deflected the general's counter.
"In the streets, our heads are liftin' as we lose our inhibition."
"Celebration, it surrounds us, every nation, all around us."
'Rumbling Heaven…'
James spread open his left palm and a tornado surged forward, grabbing the Stone Dragon General for a ride onto the other side of the trial ground.
"Staying forever young, singing songs underneath the sun."
"Let's rejoice in the beautiful game, and together, at the end of the day, we all say…"
As James added profound energy to it, the wind continued to grow in velocity and strength.
"When I get older, I will be stronger. They'll call me freedom, just like a wavin' flag."
He channelled Yun Wuxin's Phoenix bloodline, leading to Phoenix flames suddenly forming at the bottom of the tornado.
"When I get older, I will be stronger. They'll call me freedom, just like a wavin' flag."
The wind and fire joined together, creating a devastating Phoenix flame tornado and thoroughly cooking the Stone Dragon General. Meanwhile, James spat some of his own blood and felt a great pain in his chest.
'The strain of the fourth gate is immense, even with my regeneration…'
"So wave your flag, now wave your flag…"
"Now wave your flag…"
'Time to finish this…'
James grasped Zabimaru and flashed forward with all of his strength, descending upon the whirlwind.
He grinned slightly.
"Now, ROAR!"
'DESTROYING SKY… DECIMATING EARTH!!!'
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.
The entire trial ground exploded from the immensely powerful and vast attack.
James flashed before his vassals and erected a barrier, shielding all of them.
…
In the ensuing explosion, the Stone Dragon General was completely destroyed. His Dragon Fault clattered to the ground. Meanwhile, James' powers rapidly faded away. He looked down at his Zabimaru, which had shattered completely. Only the hilt remained.
He looked back at his vassals and Chu Yuechan, observing as the flower in his eye returned to Zero. All of the other powers returned. His veins and everything else were normal again.
"You're all welcome for the carry job." James chuckled, spitting some of his blood onto the ground. "Your glorious and most handsome King James always delivers."
"... What about the other ten waves where you hid under Beatrice's dress?" Yun Wuxin raised an eyebrow.
"It's not my fault those stone cunts were half-step thrones." James shrugged his shoulders.
"You could've kept the Flower." Zero joked, looking at James.
"It would've been nice if I could. It's pretty powerful. Though… I do know how you feel now." James chuckled, stroking his chin as he looked at Zero. "If I still had it, let's just say that we would be doing more than just talking."
"... Right." Zero looked behind James. "I'm just waiting for that stupid dragon spirit to pull another wave out of its ass with a couple more thousand of them."
"No… that was the last wave of the first trial." The residual spirit replied, its eyes locked with James, who looked up. "You truly have some… transcendent abilities, young human. Some of which even I cannot fathom. Truthfully, I may have made it far too difficult… but, in the end, you only evolved under the pressure."
"You blue-eyed prick." James smiled slightly. "Well, did you like the show?"
"It is the most entertaining trial I have witnessed, yes." The residual spirit blinked. "You are… an interesting being. Though you are a human, you have some characteristics that would put even true dragons to shame."
"Why, thank you." James raised his head.
"You're just fuelling his ego." Zero remarked.
"Tsss." James kissed his teeth, glancing at Zero and Wuxin. "Look at these haters, always questioning my greatness. Though, really, how could you truly be great without haters? If no one is so envious of your success to the point that they critique every little thing… then you're not really all that great."
"Hahahaha…" The residual spirit laughed. "You are most fortunate to have those companions by your side. It is good to have people who can ground you when you grow too arrogant."
"... I suppose so." James nodded, taking a more serious tone. "Well, what's the second trial like? Is it more of those rock dragon men?"
"They are called Stone Dragon Warriors."
"Ah, Stone Dragon Warriors." James stroked his chin. "They sound a lot cooler than they look, respectfully."
"... Nevertheless, for the second trial, you will have a year's time limit."
"A year?" James blinked.
"Yeah, yeah… it's probably some bullshit like killing a million beasts." Zero sighed.
"... You would be correct." The residual spirit blinked. "You're one off the mark, however. You will all need to kill nine hundred thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine-"
"We get it." Zero interrupted. "One million. Dragons always make up stupid shit for no reason."
"..." James chuckled. "Excuse Zero's terrible manners. She has stage three moody bitchiodas."
"Moody… bitchiodas? Is that some sort of condition?" The residual spirit questioned with a curious tone. "I've never heard of it before…"
"Oh, don't worry about it." James waved his hand. "Anyway, one million profound beasts? No problem, we'll handle that in less than half the time."
"The second stage's trial ground gate has opened ahead of you. Once you make sufficient preparations, walk through the gate and you will enter the second trial's grounds. I have no doubt that you will inevitably succeed."
The residual spirit's eyes seemed to close.
"Well…" James took a deep breath, sitting down. He dropped his head slightly. "My body feels like shit. Wuxin, come and feed me."
"I think you're mistaking me for Beatrice." Wuxin raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms.
"Yeah, you're right." James pulled Beatrice towards him and embraced her unconscious self. "You could never be like my beautiful, sweet and simply wonderful Beatrice. Glorious blonde hair and wondrous blue eyes… she is perfect. Like me."
"I am aware that you asked me not to ask any questions, but…" Chu Yuechan's eyes looked at them. "There are many things that I do not understand."
"You don't need to know everything, Fairy of Frozen Beauty," James replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Just know that these vassals of mine are bound to me. Their powers revolve around me and our bond… which I can draw from in certain circumstances. We live together, grow stronger together and ultimately will conquer the world together."
Itachi smiled slightly, sitting down.
Yun Wuxin looked at James.
"What?"
"You sure do love your grand speeches." Yun Wuxin turned away, shaking her head.
"It's part of Kingship." James smiled. "Anyway, Wuxin here… is related to you in a sense. That is why she is especially caring and rushed to your rescue."
"... In what way?" Chu Yuechan blinked with curiosity.
"Well, whenever she's comfortable, she'll tell you." James shrugged his shoulders. "We're all pretty banged up, so we should take this moment to get a nice break and recover fully. Luckily for you lot… I always reserve pellets for times like these."
He took out recovery pellets, giving them all one and swallowing one himself.
Zero looked at James.
"I know, I know… you want to swallow something else." James returned her look, grinning slightly.
"You're getting smarter." Zero remarked.
"Only more willing. As long as you don't pop out any kids…"
"Intoners can't have children…" Zero stated indifferently. "You don't have to worry about that."
"Oh…" Although it was supposed to be a relief, James strangely didn't feel all that happy to hear that. "I see."
"Are you getting sentimental?" Zero raised an eyebrow.
"No, of course not." James scoffed, standing up. "Not at all. It's a good thing, really."
"... Right. Let's go." Zero stepped closer, grabbing his arm and taking him out of the sight of everyone else. "Put some effort in this time."
"Effort? You're the one who has that frozen face all the time. It's difficult to feel motivated when you don't moan or anything."
"Huh… it's not my fault you can't make me feel anything." Zero blinked.
'Did she just…'
"..." James raised an eyebrow, feeling as if he had been personally attacked. He ended up chuckling. "Alright… alright… so that's how it is."
"Get mad." Zero grinned slightly.
"I'm going to make you touch the sky today… Zero."
"Oh, really? We'll see-"
James didn't hesitate, employing his refined skill of French kissing. His tongue invaded her mouth and wrapped around hers as he pushed her against the wall.
…
"They're going to take a while," Wuxin remarked, sitting down beside Chu Yuechan. "I'm sorry you got dragged into this."
"I chose to be here." Chu Yuechan replied, shaking her head.
"No, you didn't. The only reason Cang Chao even mentioned you 'protecting' him in the first was because of me." Yun Wuxin sighed. "I don't know whether it's a way to mock me or take pity on me… in a way, he ends up doing both."
"... Are you serving him against your will?" Chu Yuechan questioned.
"Yes." Yun Wuxin nodded. "If I could… I'd kill him."
"How is that even possible?"
"It's complicated…"
"I do not understand completely. From the surface, Cang Chao seems noble, charismatic… determined and caring." Chu Yuechan remarked, glancing at Wuxin. "Is there a specific reason why you'd hate him so much - other than being forced to serve him?"
"There are some reasons, yeah…" Yun Wuxin nodded, glancing at the ceiling. "Sometimes he can act like the worst person in the world… and, other times, he can act… well, you know. Kingly. There are times when I can't help but feel a sense of awe when I look at him… and then I break out of it, remembering the true person behind all of that majesty."
"There is a misunderstanding between you two," Itachi remarked. "Cang Chao seeks his own benefit and is reluctant to let you go for that very reason… but he does not intentionally make matters more difficult for you. If anything, the opposite is true."
"..." Yun Wuxin raised an eyebrow. "His actions and words say otherwise."
"He is the best liar I have ever known." Itachi smiled slightly. "It is fine if you do not believe me. Perhaps I've gravely misjudged him… but, as of now, I believe that somewhere in his heart is a person who means well. If he didn't, he would act very differently. I could promise you that much."
"..." Yun Wuxin didn't reply to him, staying in her thoughts.
'What is the real James like, the one behind the mask…?' She wondered, recalling their time together. 'What do you want? To be the strongest, to conquer the world? What happens when you've done all of that… will you be content?'
'... Why should I even care?' Yun Wuxin sighed.
…
After satisfying himself and Zero, James brought Yun Wuxin to talk in private.
"I have to thank you," James stated, smiling slightly. "You lent me the power of the Heretic God so willingly. The moment I transformed… our bond… was quite powerful. It allowed me to use all of your abilities temporarily."
"You're welcome." Yun Wuxin glanced away.
"... I wonder, how much of that is real?" James stepped closer, looking into her beautiful eyes. "You don't have to keep acting like you hate me, you know. I wouldn't judge you for it-"
"... It's not an act." Yun Wuxin shook her head.
'I'm beginning to doubt that…'
"Oh, really?" James grinned slightly. "Anyway, you keep saying how terrible I am… but I bet you that your father isn't all that saintly, either. In truth, I have reason to believe that he might even be worse than I am. But, since he is your daddy, you praise him unconditionally like a blind child."
"..." Yun Wuxin raised an eyebrow. "Whatever you're trying to do, it isn't going to work."
"I'm just saying." James shrugged his shoulders. "You have some truly unrealistic standards for me. Standards that I never intend to meet, mind you. I'm not going to change for anyone. You either like me or you don't."
James smiled, turning away.
"But… I think you like me more than you let on."
"You love being delusional, don't you?" Wuxin countered.
"We would be so powerful together… it's hard not to imagine it." James grinned slightly. "Who would stand in our way? Absolutely no one. If I were to permanently gain the Heretic God's veins through you… we could even dual-cultivate and probably strengthen each other's inheritance further-"
"Yeah, right." Yun Wuxin chuckled. "Maybe in your dream world."
"... Maybe."
James nodded, shrugging his shoulders.
"Get fully rested. You're going to be slaughtering a lot of beasts for me."
"Of course."
"By the way, I liked how you called me King earlier…" James chuckled as he spoke in a jestful tone, walking away. "It was truly heart throbbing."
"..."
Yun Wuxin sighed.
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