Time Bought

{Arising of the Phoenix: Crossing the Myriad Bridge}!

The moment the attack landed the sky split apart, a giant crack formed as space failed to keep itself together. Wrock returned his fist to his side and exhaled, the next moment his Spirit and blue energy flickered out of existence. Dropping to his knees he grasped towards his chest. He couldn't quite complete the action before he fell forward dead.

Umin stumbled forward, "What was that? Even as a Transcender I've never felt something give such a pressure."

Coming across Wrock's corpse his face twisted, "Power at a price, pitiful. Although I suppose my condition isn't much better."

BOOM-!

Umin's heart nearly leapt out of his chest. Due to his condition his awareness hit rock bottom, the sudden explosion startled him greatly. Raising his guard he watched the explosion from a distance. Something stood up, yet clearly was struggling to stay on its feet. The smoke cleared and revealed the creature, it was none other than the Chimera!

"Even after all that?"

No that wasn't quite right! The Chimera's current condition, it wasn't in any good position at all! Rather it looked similar to a stick figure, missing any of its dominating features. Umin's face twisted into a wry expression, "You still stand! What tenacity."

"How troublesome indeed."

Bang-!

Golden energy slammed against the Chimera and pinned it into place. A figure slow descended from the sky, "I was originally unsure how to deal with this problem, but to think you all went through such pain. I will take the blame, my oversight left you all like this."

Umin watched the figure warily, "Who are you?"

"Odd, you should already know who I am. This isn't our first time meeting."

Another voice called out, "Don't worry! He's here to help!"

Umin tossed a glance the other way and his shoulder's relaxed, "It seems we succeeded then?"

Gear coughed as he stumbled forward, "Akiol. . . Akiol said this guy was probably the only one who could handle this properly."

"Perhaps introductions are in order. I am known as Xo, the leader of the Gated Arena. Akiol was quick to inform me of the rampant Heresy."

Xo looked towards the Chimera, "A Forged Existence eh. . .", surprisingly a smirk formed on the man's face, "Seems my age is catching up, that guy's remnants still linger about. As for this thing, I'll make sure it's dealt with properly."

Flicking his sleeve a small droplet of shining liquid flew forward. With a snap it flung itself into Umin's mouth. The moment it touched his tongue Umin felt all his wounds magically healed itself, "Such a powerful elixir. . . no doubt a treasure?"

"Perhaps to someone of your Stage. This stuff is just a treat for me nowadays."

Umin's eye twitched at the comment.

Xo's gaze moved towards Wrock's body, "As for him. . . it seems something greater already got to him.", a careless laugh escaped his lips, "Even I wouldn't dare anger such a being."

"You know of it?"

"I do not. The South's chosen representatives have given me more than my fair share of surprises. However one thing is for sure.", Xo's face turned serious, "Wrock lingers on becoming Heresy himself."

Gear's expression fell, "What? But after all he's done?"

"Whatever he did, the World now treats him as a threat. It's. . . afraid of him. Even now his Prominence is being stripped from his body. Even if he is Semi-Immortal, this is akin to destroying his foundation. I am unsure how he plans to continue forward. The Stages. . . he no longer has access to them."

"But he did all of this to help the World! He fought against their enemy!"

"Perhaps it's because of that he hasn't been deemed Heresy just yet. For now let us handle this creature."

Xo's hand moved carelessly and the strange gem flew from the Chimera's body. It hovered above Xo's palm and he inspected it, "Crafted more recently? I didn't think any Heretics remained capable of this."

"The one who made it is already dead."

". . . It seems I've been more careless than I thought. As for this-!", Xo reached to crush it, but the wind suddenly blasted forward and knocked it away.

How could some casual wind surpass someone like Xo? No this wind wasn't as simple, it held an extreme amount of Authority. Zenothoriath's presence arose from the forest, the gem floating next to it, "Forgive our rudeness, however the World's wishes aren't simple."

Xo's gaze casual watched Zenothoriath, "Ah, the Sages of the World. I was wondering why your Epithet was unavailable for a bit. I may respect your position, but that isn't something I can casually let free."

"It seems the World doesn't want it to be destroyed."

"Even though it's very existence is Heresy?"

"Yet it is not, for it can last under the Sun."

"Ah.", as if understanding Xo smirked, "Even the almighty World has its weaknesses. Very well, I'll stand by next time. However I wish to convey that if something like this happens again, I am to be told?"

Xo's eyes flashed to the side as if looking at something. With a faint smile he lifted the Chimera, "So be it. I'll be taking my leave, I rushed here upon realizing the dangers. I simply wish I was a bit sooner. Farewell."

Zenothoriath flashed and split apart into the Four Sages. Xo paid it no attention and both he and the Chimera vanished. Umin sighed heavily, "Such beings, it seems my strength is lacking."

"You guys did great!", another familiar voice called forth.

This time it was Akiol, followed by the rest of the party. It was obvious that they couldn't beat the Chimera, so Akiol went to the strongest person he knew. He figured since the Gated Arena was under his control, so would the hunting grounds. Thankfully it seemed Xo was understanding and rushed over. With such speed Akiol was far behind and took extra long to catch up. Upon meeting with the rest he checked up on everyone.

Gear was about to wave at them when he noticed the weight change in his palm. Now the fight was over his various buffs were fading away. The armor granted to him by the World now faded, and the sword in his palms fell apart once again.

Looking back he noticed the village waving at him. Each person he knew, and a weak smile formed on his face. Slowly each villager faded away, leaving him alone. Maybe it was a sign to stop looking back as well.

Changing his view he took a step forward to Akiol and heartily greeted him.