Reborn

[King's System: You have 113 regular rolls. How would you wish to use them, my liege?]

'You know, I want to give the male pool a chance. Like five rolls to see what's up, you know? I might have been summoning from the wrong pool all along.'

[King's System: Might that be because traditionally, men are seen as stronger? Are you… sexist, my liege?]

'Yes, of course. Women belong in the kitchen.' I chuckled. 'Didn't you know? It's a system that worked for millennia. Both genders have their own strengths and compliment each other. Though, I suppose that in a cultivation setting, that isn't very relevant.'

[King's System: Both genders? My liege, are you implying that there are only two?]

'Now that's a hill that I'd die on.'

[King's System: Twitter… X, would have a field day with that.]

'Couldn't care less. Go roll.'

[King's System: Of course. Five male rolls as requested.]

[From EGG…]

A grey light lit up the sky.

[The Egg.]

A literal egg… fuck me.

I felt like dunking myself into a basketball hoop. Alas, I was hopeful.

'Next.'

[From the movie and novel Drive…]

Grey.

[The Driver.]

'Next.'

Green.

'Next.'

Green.

'Next.'

[From the Shadowverse…]

Grey…

[Wolfraud!]

"I hope to stick around…" He said. 

"..." I stared at him. "Shu the fuck up you fraud, go back to the hole you came from."

When I watched him turn into a roll shard, I sighed.

Sure, it was only six male rolls and 99% of gamblers quit before they hit it big… but damn. I was a lot more interested in having female servants, respectfully. Even if the terrible ones don't have any practical uses, they are at least nice to look at. Some of them.

[King's System: Do you wish to roll some more?]

'Change to the female pool, please. Rapid fire mode.'

[From Assassination Classroom…]

Immediately, a red light lit up the throne room. That's what I'm talking about.

[Bitch-Sensei, Irina Jelavic!]

'Bitch sensei?' I blinked. 

The beautiful light dispersed, revealing a beautiful fair-skinned woman with long hip-length wavy golden hair and large light blue eyes. She had a long, curvy, figure akin to a model. She wore something a teacher who didn't care about dress code would wear…

All I'm saying is that I'd either be failing the class completely (on purpose) or acing every test.

"Come on, you know you want me." She winked.

"..." I rolled my eyes. "Get over here."

The next two were shit rolls that weren't even worth mentioning…

A golden light followed.

[From Madan no Ou to Vanadis.]

I got a bit excited, sitting up a little. 

The golden light dispersed and another beauty showed herself. Her hair was a dazzling silver color, shining like the stars in the sky. Her eyes opened and revealed a deep crimson colour. She held a sword that had a mini extended wing on one side of its guard and a closed one on the other. She was a white-skinned woman with slender arms and a voluptuous figure. 

She wore armor but it was quite revealing, most notably revealing her legs and belly bottom. It was hard to miss the cleavage, too.

Despite looking young, she looked confident… and had a certain charm. 

[Wind Princess of the Silver Flash, Eleonora Viltaria.]

"I, Eleonora Viltaria, pledge my sword to you… King James." She bent her knee and presented her sword. "Should you wish for it."

"No need to be so formal." I got off my throne and stepped forward. Once I got close enough, I took her sword and helped the girl up. I found myself looking a bit too much at her breasts. "Indeed, I do have a use for your… talents."

She smiled as I returned her sword.

"Then I shall faithfully serve you from this day forward until my last"

"Welcome, Eleonora."

"I hope to fight closely by your side, my King." 

"We'll see, I have many useful vassals…" 

Not only was she beautiful, she also seemingly possessed wind-related powers. The competition for the four starting spots was going to be fierce, 100%… I mean, I had a little over a hundred rolls to go and that super roll too. Someone might even have to pack their bags.

Thirty rolls later, I got another sword spirit from Bleach called Kyokotsu. It felt like I was really starting to become a collector of Bleach characters. Then I rolled this teenager blonde-haired girl called Konjiki No Yami from some thing called To Love-Ru (fuck knows what that is). She was a high tier so I kept her. After that, it was pure garbage.

My last roll… the System probably pitied me.

[From Drakengard 3…]

A golden light with rainbow sparkles lit up the throne room. A semi-rainbow? That's new. It was a gentle landing without a single crack of lightning followed by the sound of bells. The sound was… angelic yet eerie.

I heard a slash and the light dispersed away, revealing a fair-skinned woman with pure white hair. She also wore mostly white. She was beyond beautiful and had the aura of a goddess. I'd say she was just about the perfect size figure-wise, not too much but not too little either. Her clothing was pretty damn revealing… indicating that she didn't lack confidence in her appearance.

[Zero, the Betrayer.]

Her left eye opened, revealing a reddish pink allure. Her other eye had a beautiful flower coming out of it.

She stepped forward, sizing me up.

"I am Zero, the Original Intoner…" She felt her eye, stopping briefly. 

"For fuck's sake did I have to be summoned with this damned flower?"

Oh… I didn't expect her to swear like that.

"What's wrong with the flower?" I asked.

"Everything" She raised her sword and tried to dig it out, cutting herself in the process. "Son of a bitch, it's no use…"

She definitely has a few screws loose.

"What is it, exactly? The flower."

She sighed. "It doesn't matter. Why don't you decide quickly on whether or not you wish to keep me."

"Decision's already been made." I gestured to my side.

"Then, as my master, you are willing to fulfill my needs?"

"Your needs?" I blinked. That's rather straightforward… but I didn't want to misinterpret her words.

"Do I need to spell it out for you?" She stepped forward, the sound of her heels echoing across the realm. 

Beatrice stepped in front of me. 

"Not so fast, newbie."

"..." Zero looked at her with an indifferent expression, raising her sword. "You're in the way."

"Get in line like the rest-"

Clang.

Zero struck Beatrice's barrier and a shockwave swayed my hair back as a result. I sighed, resting my head on my hand as I watched several more shockwaves pass by.

"How annoying." Zero complained. "Do I have to kill you first?"

"You can try."

"Chill the fuck out." I rolled my eyes. "Both of you stand to the side. I still have a super roll to get through. You can fight all day long after."

"... Fine." Zero lowered her sword.

"Hmph." Beatrice raised her head.

"Go on, roll."

[From Bleach…]

'Mad… I'm the Bleach collector.'

A golden light lit up in the sky and shot down. When it dispersed, a white-haired man emerged with pupil-less eyes. He had that soul reaper drip.

All the whiteheads been pulling up lately…

[Chojiro Sasakibe.]

"What's your sword's power?" I titled my head.

"Lightning… in Bankai, my liege."

"Huh… cool. I could use that."

[King's System: One problem, my liege… you're at your limit in terms of vassals.]

'Send that blonde little girl back to school.'

[King's System: As you wish.]

'Also, show me the store.'

[Welcome to the Premium Roll Shard Store.]

[Every year, three semi-random characters will appear in the store. They are based on your current roll shard count so nothing particularly overpowered or useless will be present. Should you purchase them all the store will reset automatically.]

'Sounds good.'

[First: Ai Hoshino from Oshi No Ko. A beautiful idol with exceptional talents in acting, performing, singing and dancing.]

[Price: 235 roll shards.]

All of my roll shards?

It presented me with visual evidence of this talent… and, even though I had no idea what she was singing about, she certainly had a certain charm. 

[Second: Kon from Bleach. A modified soul in a plushie. It talks.]

[Price: 150 roll shards.]

'System, respectfully, what in the Indian scam is this?'

[King's System: Trust the process.]

'...'

[Third: Chu Yuechan from the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace. Half-step Emperor Profound Realm and leader of the Seven Fairies. ]

[Price: 200 roll shards.]

'... Man.' I stroked my chin, grinning slightly. 'This would be funny.'

"Yun Wuxin, come check this out."

"What do you want?" She said, in the same usual moody tone. 

"Shut up and come look." I watched as she came up to my throne and took a look at the interface. Her eyes widened to a great extent. "Your mama is on sale. Limited edition, buy while stocks last!"

I probably sounded like an overly eccentric slave trader…

"... Of course, your system would do something like that." She shook slightly. "Take that idol girl if you have to. You'd make a great duet."

"Do you really want to miss the chance of having mommy around 24/7, hmm?" I grabbed her soft hand and looked into her beautiful eyes. "On this occasion, I'll let you choose for me, Yun Wuxin. A privilege that no other vassal has gotten before."

Not to mention her base strength is beyond my own… plus her connection with the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace. I could do a lot with that. 

She looked at me.

"One or three." I repeated.

She pursed her lips for a moment.

Which one will it be… Yun Wuxin?

"One."

"One?" I tilted my head. "Explain why."

"Logically, three would be a waste of a vassal spot. With your talent and genius, you should easily be able to achieve the Emperor Profound Realm in a decently short period of time." Yun Wuxin said with an indifferent expression. "The connection to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace is not at all necessary as you will eclipse them anyway."

"..." I chuckled. "Are you thinking for my benefit or is it an excuse for me not to have your mother as a servant of mine?"

"Take it how you want." Yun Wuxin shrugged. "Besides that, you already intended to bribe her with your pellets."

"I'm starting to like you, you know." I smiled, standing up from my throne. "Alright, System, lemme cop that Ai girl."

[King's System: Once again, my liege, you are at the vassals limit. You know the drill.]

I made my vassals lineup and assessed which one had the least use to me. 

Yogg… final trump card if some crazy shit happens.

None of my golds or rainbows are going anywhere.

Circe is my pellet maker.

Nautica is a submarine.

Saru is my sword.

Enderman is the OG.

Kyokotsu or Irina… losing either of them wouldn't be too bad. Honestly, they were both pretty disposable. Other vassals had similar uses and some are outright better while having more to them. 

'Kyokotsu. Don't need her.'

[Disposed of Kyokotsu… summoning Ai Hoshino.]

A rainbow light… but she's just a performer, right?

I raised an eyebrow.

The same girl I had seen before appeared in front of me. Purple hair, shining purple star-like eyes and of course, beautiful. I'm… gathering quite the group of beauties.

If I wasn't holding myself back… fuck these hormones. 

I took a deep breath.

"Hello, James King." She smiled, looking up at me. "From what I know, you've made a great sacrifice to bring me here. Though I'm no fighter… I'll do my best to not disappoint you."

There was something strange behind her smile… it reminded me a bit of my own. It was convincing, yes, and most would fall for it. But ultimately…

"Alright, the rolling session is over…"

Just as I was about to leave, I saw Jasmine leave the Sky Poison Pearl.

"What is this?" She looked around. 

"Beatrice, explain to her. I got stuff to do."

"I am stuff." Zero interjected.

"..." I chuckled. "Alright, that's pretty funny."

~

Turns out Chu Yuechan was very much interested because she was basically the first person I saw. I took her to my study room which looked a bit suspicious to the guards. Though, really, there's no way a young man like myself would defile the Fairy of Frozen Beauty… though people do like to talk.

"You said something about a free pellet… but it wouldn't truly be 'free', would it?" 

"No, not quite. I want to know who these pellets are going to." I stroked my chin. "Answer that and I'll give you one."

"... Xia Qingyue."

I tossed one Heavenly Earth Zaza to her. 

Her eyes widened.

"That's… all?"

"Her, huh?" I took a few steps around the room. "How could she catch up to the likes of Ling Yun? She was born in the Floating Cloud City, no?"

"She is a supremely talented disciple." Chu Yuechan answered, probably in good faith. 

If it's her…

I remembered her face perfectly. Not her face but… Caroline's. How could they look one and the same? Was I delusional? Did I want to see her so bad that, in my mind, this completely random girl looks like her…?

Or is it just one heavenly coincidence?

Then again, with so many Asian girls, one is bound to look like her…

"That's good." I managed a smile, looking away. "How about I give you five more… for one favour?"

"Five more? How many do you have in your possession?"

"More than I'd need. Anyway, I just want you to accompany me for a few months… let's say three. Also, do not ask questions and keep everything that happens a secret. Can you do that?" I looked at her. "Xia Qingyue could reach the Sky Profound Realm with so many of my pellets."

"The fact that you're so unworried by that possibility… means that you, yourself, are already in the Sky Profound Realm."

"Maybe." I smiled. "Well? Deal or no deal?"

"... Hm. What is it that you would be doing that would require me to keep silent?"

"Nothing that would hurt you, I can promise that much. It's more so for my convenience and… to some extent, safety."

She looked at me.

"When will you give them?"

"Let's say two upfront, another one a month after and two at the end of the three month period."

"Deal." She stretched out her hand. "But first I shall deliver the first four to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace."

"... You're not going to scam me, are you?"

"To make such deals, both parties should have trust in the other."

'Wuxin, is your mommy a scammer?'

"Yes. A terrible scammer. You shouldn't trade with her… ever." Yun Wuxin stated from my inner world.

"Sure." 

I placed down two on her palm.

"I will return as soon as I am able." Chu Yuechan dipped.

At least, it'll be somewhat competitive…

I don't want to dog walk Long Yun and end it there. The people paid big money to see the show. They deserve a worthy performance…

Besides, she is a resident of the Blue Wind Empire. In the grand picture… My true opposition is the outer forces in the world. The other nations. The mythical Sacred Grounds. The worlds beyond, even.

…

I did another evaluation of my vassals and ranked them in usefulness. There were two types: Combat and Non-Combat/Utility. Pretty self-explanatory.

————————————————————————

Combat:

0: Yoggy.

1: Beatrice 

2: Zero (Unkillable?)

3: Yun Wuxin (Underperforming due to low bond?)

4: Itachi

5: Senjumaru

6: Eleonora

7: Dehya

8: Chojiro (underwhelming without mystery Bankai, shares my love for tea.)

Non-Combat:

1: Circe (Blue, pill factory)

2: Enderman (Green, #1 thief)

3: Ai Hoshino (Potential singing partner)

4: Saru (Sword)

5: Nautica (Submarine, untested.)

6: Irina Jelavic (Appearance carries, gives really good french kisses.)

————————————————————————

Enderman looked over my shoulder, staring at the list. I looked back and watched him point at his name. We looked at each other.

"Yes, you're #2, buddy. That's good."

He looked upset.

"Come on, don't be like that."

I sat him down on one of the hills in my inner world before he started screaming his head off again. He suddenly pointed at Yun Wuxin in the distance.

"What about her?"

He pointed at himself and then made a gesture that I comprehended as slitting his throat. 

"You're mad about her dicing you?"

He nodded, pointing at me. 

"Come on, that was ages ago. You healed up in like a minute."

He took out a pen and paper from god knows where and started drawing. First, he drew the incident where he stole from the capital (in stickman style). Then he drew several more incidents where he stole for me. Then he drew the incident with Xiao Che. 

Yun Che and Xia Qingyue. Then he drew a little figure with a crown who held a loveheart, crossed out Yun Che and drew an arrow for the king to move in his place.

"You… did it because… of that?" I blinked.

He nodded, writing:

"Happily Ever After."

"Ah, man. You're so sweet." I chuckled, patting his back. "Honestly, though…I don't care about that girl all that much. Not enough to kill her husband, at least. Though, his other stuff was really useful."

He shrugged, making another drawing.

Now, he drew all of my vassals crowding around him… and Enderman in the back.

"... That's how you feel? Left out?"

He nodded, adding the word "Monster".

"You get why, though, right?" I sighed. "I can't just… you know, have you around. People will get scared. It might even get you killed."

He lowered his head, making a sad noise.

He made another drawing, one of himself in the night.

"... You want to go out more at night?" I smiled. "Sure, buddy. Every night, you can do your thing."

He tilted his head as if to question me.

"I'm 100% certain. I owe a lot to you."

Enderman pat my shoulder, standing up. I think he smiled. 

[Your bond with Enderman has unlocked more of his latent potential. You may also now use his power to a certain degree for yourself, even when he isn't directly active.]

"Thank you, buddy. I'll use this gift well."

~

My starting lineup was made up. Beatrice, Yun Wuxin and Itachi would all remain with the latest addition being Zero. Though usually bitchy and overly horny (maybe that's what I get for summoning only girls), Zero would fold all my other non-starting vassals.

In just a few days, Zero had tried to fuck me half a dozen times. She asked Itachi who dipped the fuck out, Enderman also dipped and Yoggy… well she didn't try her luck with him. In the end, she just became increasingly more irritated. 

Even with my authority, I couldn't restrain her completely. Part of me felt like wacking her face with my dick and getting it over with.

"What's wrong with a bit of action?" Zero protested. "Are you a man or what?"

"Keep acting like that and I'll fuck the bitch out of you."

"Big words for a little boy." Zero raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you do it now? I hate having to wait so long…"

"Ahem." Beatrice cut through. "If anyone is going to be my King's first time… it's going to be me. You can forget about it."

"... Nosy bitch." Zero frowned, shaking her head. Though, her frown subsided into a slight smile. "If you're so persistent, then go first. Do it now. I'll come right after you."

"My liege knows restraint, unlike you. He also has standards." 

"Is it really too much to ask for him to take his dick out and fuck me?" Zero scratched her white hair. "I'm not asking for all that much here. I don't want his love or affection… all I ask for is my… needs to be fulfilled."

"Sit down." I commanded. "Take a deep breath. Go fight the other vassals. Find something to do that isn't sex. Life doesn't revolve around it."

"..." She bit her lip. "I'll slaughter every one of them."

Oh boy… what have I unleashed?

~

Instead of waiting for Chu Yuechan to return, I traveled to the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain Range on my own. When I teleported outside of the city, I took flight for the first time… holy shit it was amazing.

I loved high places, especially the sky. I felt like I was at home… soaring free like a dragon. 

With the Profound Floating Technique, I was able to reach the mountain range in just under a week. I flew in and drew out Zabimaru with the intention of stabilizing my cultivation. Alone, I went on a killing spree…

Now, I wasn't counting but it sure as hell felt like there were more than ten thousand beasts in there. Anything below the late stages of the Earth Profound Realm was absolute fodder so I ignored them. They ran from me, anyway. In the end, my search led to a Sky Profound Realm beast.

A black turtle.

Now, when I'm telling you I couldn't crack his shell or damage him in the slightest… I wasn't joking.

This turtle was tough as nails.

"Yun Wuxin, I want some turtle soup for dinner." 

I summoned her. She rolled her eyes and turned to the turtle. Immediately, she used that Heretic God gate ability and increased her power several times over.

BANG.

With one punch, she broke right through his shell and pulverized the turtle. Poor buddy let out one last groan and walked into the gates of profound beast heaven.

"I need that zaza Heretic God power." I glanced at Yun Wuxin. "Can we be like, friends, at least? With benefits, if you want."

I was joking, of course and she knew me all too well.

"Go fuck yourself." She crossed her arms.

"Rude girl. Does your mommy kiss you with that foul mouth?"

"I blame you."

"So… I've influenced you?" I grinned slightly. 

"The way you are, you'll fail the Phoenix's trials." She remarked, changing the subject. "It's not just your character, either. You're ill-prepared. Its flames will burn you to ashes."

"Thank you for worrying about me, Wuxin. You've been so much sweeter recently…" I smiled, feeling even more determined to prove her wrong. "But… you underestimate me too much. If there were people who passed this trial before, I'll sure as hell be able to pass as well."

She chuckled. "Sure."

"... Are you laughing at me?"

"Go ahead. Prove me wrong, 'King James'."

Is she intentionally using my ego against me? Does she want me to fail… or become doubtful of myself and retreat? 

"I will."

I collected the turtle's entire corpse and dumped it inside of the Sky Poison Pearl. After that, I flew over and landed in the center of the mountain range where I saw a village. I walked right in and everyone looked shook.

Was I that scary?

Besides that… they were all weak. I could squash all of them like ants.

Do these people really have the same bloodline as the almighty Divine Phoenix Sect? One of their janitors could wipe this entire village out in a blink.

I summoned Yun Wuxin.

"Show the way, madam."

"You can only attempt it once." She remarked, walking over to some ruins. 

"Yeah, sure. I'll only need one time."

"Why do you want the Phoenix flames, anyway? Aren't you a prince of the Blue Wind Empire?" She questioned me further.

"They're strong. Need I have another reason?"

"Typical of you."

She led me all the way to a dark room and retreated inside of me right after. There had been two arrays along the path but she dispelled them with a simple touch.

"So, where's the Phoenix?"

Golden eyes opened in the darkness and raging yet calm flames surged around it. The eyes were huge yet long and narrow, staring right at me. 

"The inheritor that opened the way for you… I do not recognise."

"I wouldn't expect you to." I managed a smile. "I came here for your legacy, Phoenix, and am ready for any trial you may throw at me."

"Quite confident, you are. Yes… an expert of the Sky Profound Realm yet so youthful. Indeed, you have reason to be so confident." The Phoenix Spirit blinked. "Pay heed. The trial has three stages in total, respectively: First stage: Purgatory Flame Demon; second stage: Arrows of the Phoenix; third stage: Corruption of the Heart's Flame. If you wish to forfeit during the trial, you may shout out at any time and I'll immediately let you leave the trial grounds. You may die if you forcibly endure the trial…."

"I got all of that." I nodded. 

"Then I wish you success."

I suddenly found myself in the depths of hell. Fire and lava everywhere. The few patches of land were red in colour and were not all that warm either. Despite using my profound energy to shield me, I still did not feel comfortable at all.

I'd easily catch some burns if I wasn't careful…

Not too far from where I was flying, I saw a giant rise from the flames. It was made of pure fire, with two massive ten meter long horns. I noticed a golden mark on its forehead… I mean, it was shining right at me. 

How the fuck do you beat a fucker made of pure fire… in an environment that only had fire?

I'd have to figure that one out.

On the bright side, it didn't look like it could fly-

"ROOOOOAR!!!"

It grew… it grew wings. Yep.

I jinxed myself. Bloody brilliant.

He started looking like the Balrog thing from Lord of the Rings. Shit, he might as well have been him becuse that fucker whipped out a whip of lava. 

Whapposh!

I teleported out of the way using Enderman's ability, dodging my first intended whipping. 

Maybe I'd be able to avoid getting smacked… but I do need to counter. Can't win by just dodging.

I channeled the best (subpar) wind profound arts I had and drew Zabimaru. Strengthened by my wind, I extended the blade and struck the flame demon's chest. The wind exploded and splattered against its chest… making several not-so deep cuts. I withdrew Zabimaru and teleported away before it countered.

Before my very eyes, the cunt regenerated everything.

Surely there's a better way…

I kept trying to hit all types of potential weak spots. I mean, he had a humanoid body… sort of. In the end, it was all for nought and all that happened was me nearing exhaustion.

That glowing mark… was really starting to piss me off.

Wait… it couldn't be that obvious, could it?

"ROOOOOAR!!!"

The demon tried to whip me again but I teleported past his attack, extending Zabimaru.

"Now ROAR and pulverize this motherfucker!"

I extended Zabimaru all the way into the golden mark, pushing its fangs in alongside some wind energy. It exploded and threw the fire giant down, right back into fire.

I attacked again… and again… and again.

The giant got irritated and grabbed Zabimaru, burning its blade. 

I teleported away and forced Zabimaru to return to me.

"Now… it ain't about just winning. It's personal." I frowned, looking down on the fire giant. "That wind isn't cutting it for you, is it?"

I'll show you…

What a striker is.

I formed a ball of wind at my feet, kicking it into the air and adding more energy to it. 

The fire giant got up and tried to smack me but I teleported away, continuing my kick ups pretty casually.

Two, three, four…

Each time, I kicked it higher and added more of my profound energy while keeping its football size. 

"ROOOOOAR!!!"

Rightfully, he got pissed and started trying to catch me lacking. I kept teleporting around him.

Eighteen, nineteen, twenty…!

I kicked it into the air and teleported in its trajectory.

I kicked it back, full force.

Two…

BANG.

Three…

BANG.

Admittedly, my leg was starting to feel the pain. 

This… would have to be it.

The fire giant charged at the ball, a fatal mistake.

I teleported and gave the ball one last strike…

BANG!

WHOOOOSH!

BAAAAM!!!

The ball smashed against the golden mark and propelled deep into its head, exploding in its center. The giant eventually faded away.

Now that's… a goal.

I took several deep breaths.

I was no doctor but I didn't need to be one to know that my right leg was f-u-c-k-e-d.

"Second Stage: Arrows of the Phoenix."

If the last world of fire was hell… then this was its lowest level. Everything was fire. Not a single inch of ground in sight. Even the wind would have scorched my skin if I didn't protect myself with my profound energy.

Fire arrows started to fall from the sky. Easy enough, it seemed like. I managed to dodge them in my base with simple flight. 

Then there were more… okay, this is alright. Moderately hard.

Then some kind of switch flipped as complete phoenix silliehoutes flew down. I needed to use my teleportation to dodge a few. Then more came, dozens at a time. Even as I teleported out of the way, I just found myself teleporting into another.

It was impossible to avoid getting hit…

My body was beginning to burn. Literally.

Now, part of me wanted to summon Beatrice who could probably block every single one…

But…

"Its flames will burn you to ashes. You can't win." I heard that brat's voice.

My pride wouldn't allow it. 

I am not just King of the Vassals, someone who relies on them and is nothing more than a glorified manager.

I am King James… someone worthy of their loyalty and devotion.

BANG.

BANG.

BANG.

Someone worthy of victory…

There was a hundred…

BANG.

BANG.

BANG.

I was being constantly bombarded, no matter how hard I tried to dodge. It was like a beginner being dunked into the hardest level of geometry dash. Impossible.

It… really was too much to endure.

Eventually, I felt… dead?

Did I… really die?

I opened my eyes to a white light which soon revealed the person who I loved more than anything else. The person who taught me the importance of…

I reached out to her.

"Did my little James give up so easily?" She smiled, her golden hair dancing in the air. "Get up again. You can't win from the floor, can you?"

"..." I didn't speak. I knew I'd choke on my own words. "I…"

"You don't need me anymore, my sweet James. You have a new mother, a better father, a good sister, an Empire… and, as always, the adoration of everyone around you. Could you have more reasons to stand up again, hm?"

"... Is this… real?"

She smiled, tapping my head.

"This right here… is your greatest gift along with your heart. You don't need to hold back anything. Don't be afraid."

"No matter what you have to do, cling to life… because there's so much you haven't done yet." She touched the side of my face. "When are you bringing home a wife, hmm? I've been waiting for grandchildren for ages, you know. Someone popular like you has no reason to be alone."

"Caroline-…"

"Where is your Caroline?" She looked around. "She dumped you. Deal with it."

"But…"

"You deserve better. There are people all around you that are more than willing to fill that gap in your heart. You just… need to accept them. Don't walk this path alone."

"Remember who you are… remember your name and what it means!"

"You are…"

"JAMES KING!"

I finished her sentence and the illusion shattered.

"WRAAAAAAAH!"

I let out a primal roar and let all of my profound energy surge out in a spiral of wind. The fire around me was slashed apart and, for once, I felt invigorated.

"Fuck your flames, bitch!"

I swung my arms and fired off my wind into the skies, attacking the Phoenix Silhouettes. My body was on its last leg(s) but holy shit I wasn't about to die falling. 

No… I wasn't going to die at all!

I'm going to win… I'm going to win…

I'm going to make it into reality!!!

Hundreds of phoenix's descended from the sky.

"HOPE…"

I chugged on a bunch of pills and let my body burn with power it shouldn't have before turning it all into wind energy.

"STRUGGLE…"

I shot the wind into the sky, making a shelter for myself.

"VICTORY!!!"

The sky exploded with fire and wind mixing together, blasting me down with an absolutely enormous hurricane.

It kept going at me, tearing my body to pieces.

Yet… I clung to it.

No matter what, I clung to my life… 

Not this time…

I wouldn't give up… they'd have to drag me down kicking and screaming.

As much as my body wanted to peace out, I struggled to keep my eyes open and eventually rolled over to look up.

"No… more?" I questioned, managing a chuckle.

"You've… passed the second trial." The Phoenix blinked. "Your willpower is extraordinary. Yet… I'm afraid that your life will come to an end if I do not intervene."

"Heh… let's get this over with, alright? I got… a busy schedule."

Beatrice will fix me up.

"... The third trial is a trial of the heart. It does not involve fighting, but instead involves the choices within your heart. If you are firm enough towards the pursuit for power, then even if you possess weak profound power, there is a chance you can easily pass. On the other hand, if you do not possess enough determination, then passing your life in the mundane world can also be an option. After all, power is not everything in life."

"The pursuit of power… is the pursuit of winning." I countered. "What is the worth of a mundane life? Nothing."

"We will see…"

I recalled this scene perfectly. The perfect summer. I aced every exam. I just won a major youth football tournament and got my name in every newspaper. My mom gave me a fat allowance. I was the Nation's Darling, so to speak. But none of that was nearly as satisfying as falling into her warm arms for my younger self.

"That's my King…" Caroline brushed my head. "You must be tired after doing all of that carrying."

"... I am." I chuckled. "It's hard carrying two trash cans but ten? Fuck me…"

"I just did."

"You know what I mean." I smiled, shaking my head. "You don't have to do any work… I just want you by my side. Forever."

"You have like 50 quid." She chuckled.

"In the future, I mean. I'll easily be a millionaire just from my ball skills alone. You can chill and raise our kids."

"... I didn't do all of that studying just to stay in the house all day. Also, we're fourteen. What do you know about kids and the future?"

"I know that you're the one meant for me." I managed a smile, touching the side of her face. "The one thing that matters to me is winning… and I can't be winning without you in my life."

"Do you have to be such a romantic on top of looking like a model?" She blushed, looking away. "Sometimes… I think that you're too good for me."

"What kind of stupid thought is that?" I blinked.

"Seriously, you're… perfect." She smiled, tilting her head. "What did I do to deserve you, my sweet King?"

"You kept beating my score in exams, you nerd." I rolled my eyes. "I'd notice you eventually."

"You're so competitive… really, it's the way to your heart, isn't it?"

"Maybe it's my body telling me I need genius kids like me." I grinned slightly.

"Do you have to strive so high?" She suddenly asked. This was new. "Why can't… we be normal? Why do we have to be the best at everything?"

"Why… be normal?" I questioned. 

"Why not?" She grabbed a knife and aimed to stab it into my heart.

I smacked her in the face and rolled off the bed.

"Don't you want to be happy, together, with me?" She turned to me, standing up with the knife in hand.

"You killed that dream." I protested, dodging her attempt at stabbing me. "I would've carried you anywhere, shared all of your burdens, hell… I would have held up the sky for you but you… you pushed me away. Again and again."

She frowned. "What about now?"

"What about now?" I titled my head, feeling deep-rooted anger boil up. "When I was at my highest, where were you? Stuck to me like fucking glue. When I was at my lowest… where were you, Caroline? Tell me… where were you when I had no one to turn to."

"When I… sat alone and saw no hope… when I lost faith in everything…"

"WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU!?"

My shout shook her so much she let go of the knife.

It fell to the ground.

I looked at the knife and picked it up. 

"My Sweet Caroline." I chuckled. "Look at what you've done to me. Why do I care? Why do I care… when you didn't…"

She stepped forward, grabbing the knife from my hand.

"Do you… dare?" I looked down on her.

"If you die here, we'll be back to school. Everything will be better. You… don't need any of this." She reassured me, smiling. "It can be just you and me. We can get married and have those kids you talked about in the future."

She tried to dig the knife into my heart but I blocked it with my hand.

"Nah…" I lowered my head. "The James King you knew is dead… and you, Caroline, were the one who killed him."

I punched her in the face and dragged the knife out of my hand. 

"The only thing left in this heart is the pursuit of victory, glory, power, legacy… none of which will ever betray me."

"James… you know what you really want-"

"I'll be remembered for all of eternity as I bring the entire universe to heel… while you, my dear, will fade away like the insignificant, ordinary, girl you are."

I looked down on her coldly, summoning Zabimaru.

"I am… King James… and you are nothing but a stepping stone on my path."

I tore her to shreds.

The illusion ended.

…

"Did I… pass?" I turned, still in the same cooked state.

"This is truly difficult… yes, you are brilliant. The most brilliant person who has ever attempted my trial, even. Your determination, diligence and resolve is incomparable to anyone else. It's hard to believe that you truly are a mortal."

"But…?" I added.

"However, you have far too much darkness in your heart. Selfishness. Greed. Wrath. Lust. Possessiveness. Overwhelming pride. In the end, you killed the person you loved most for strength… meaning that, despite your efforts, you have failed this trial and will have earned nothing."

"Heh…" I laughed. "After all of this shit… that's what you tell me?

"It is most regrettable. I cannot grant you my bloodline or any assistance… it seems that you will die here."

"Die here? You wasted my time… all these wounds… for that?"

"Hahahahaha…" I couldn't keep it in. My body was half a step away from death and all I could do was laugh. 

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA! MUAHAHAHAHAHA…. HAHAHAHAHAHAH…. HAAAHHAHAHAHA."

"... BEATRICE!" 

Beatrice instantly came over.

"My liege, look at you…" She looked with a saddened expression. "I will get rid of these burns as swiftly as I can."

"Come closer."

 I pulled her down and pressed my lips against hers. Her eyes widened with surprise at first but then she looked very much pleased. We kept kissing and then I dug my tongue into her mouth.

"..." The Phoenix blinked.

[Your bond with Beatrice, the Endless Witch, has strengthened.]

My wounds rapidly regenerated. It's as if I had been reborn in seconds. One thing I noticed instantly… my hair. It wasn't black anymore. I whipped out a mirror.

Blue eyes.

Holy shit…

I'm back.

I chuckled.

King James is back.

I'm so fucking sexy… gyaat.

"You see?" I turned to the Phoenix. "I told you that I wouldn't die here. I've only been reborn, like a phoenix."

"Well, then. That's good. You are free to leave." The Phoenix Spirit said. "I do appreciate your display of mortal affection… but you can't linger here forever."

"Or what?" I questioned, tilting my head. "Wuxin, get over here."

"I did say that you'd fail, didn't I?" 

"This dumbass 'divine' bird has eyes but can't see King James!" I scoffed, shaking my head. "Fuck her legacy. Fuck her shitty flames. Fuck the gods. It's called Against The Gods, isn't it? Well, fuck em all."

"I'll pave my own path…"

I turned away from the Phoenix and walked out, taking Beatrice and Yun Wuxin with me.

"Yogg-Saron, you're hungry, aren't you? I got a full course meal ready for you in there." I grinned, glancing back.

"You can't mean to…" Wuxin questioned. "Don't. Let me talk to the spirit."

'Fuck that.'

"..."

I let the dawg out of his cage.

"YUMMIEEEES!!!"

Yogg-Saron descended on the Phoenix and ate away at it until nothing was left. 

[Salvaged the Phoenix Spirit. Remnants may be used for a special roll.]

'Perfect.'

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