P.S= #12: The Birth of The Phoenix Slayers. Cory vs Nathaniel

"Come on, kid, are you scared? Show me what you got," Nathaniel declared.

The metallic resonance of unsheathed swords filled the air as Cory drew his blades. "Step back, you three, and give them some space," ordered Jaggy.

Nathaniel, his own sword gleaming, engaged Cory. "Tell me something," he began.

"What's that?" Cory replied.

"Tell me your name," Nathaniel demanded.

"I'm Coryeil Silva, the man who's gonna defeat you and take your title as the strongest slayer in the world," Cory confidently declared.

Nathaniel smiled, "Very well then. Just so you know, I won't hold back because you're a kid or because you're injured."

With a swift tap and a swoosh, Cory dashed towards Nathaniel. The clash of their blades resonated—KA-CLANG! Nathaniel effortlessly blocked Cory's strikes with his bare hands, showcasing unparalleled skill.

Cory stepped back, realizing the power he was up against. "Shit, I don't stand a chance against him. So, this is the power of the strongest. I'm sure this is just 1% of his power," he muttered to himself.

Jaggy noticed, "Look at that, the captain's smiling."

"Cory, this is the most fun I've had in years, but let me be the first to beat this into you," Nathaniel remarked. He delivered a powerful punch—BAM! Cory staggered, feeling the impact like a force penetrating him.

"Cory!!!" Kiyomizu shouted.

Nathaniel continued, "Firstly, you're skilled and powerful for your age." Another impactful punch—BAM! Cory grimaced.

"Secondly, your skill and power are not enough for this world, let alone to defeat me." Another punch—BAM!

"And lastly, you have a lot to learn before you can defeat me." A final resounding punch—WAHM BAM!

As Cory lay on the ground, Nathaniel walked up to him, TEP! TEP! "I'm happy that you want to take my title," Nathaniel stated.

"Huh? What?" Cory questioned.

"I've been looking for a successor. You're a good guy and strong, but not strong enough yet. You have the will and potential to get stronger. When you do, come find me in Edena and take the title of the strongest," Nathaniel explained.

"Right, I will," Cory affirmed.

"But I won't give it up so easily," Nathaniel added. "Come on, let's go, Jaggy."

Cory gathered himself and got up. "Wait, how can I become stronger?" he inquired.

Nathaniel shared his wisdom, "Become a great leader. You can't become stronger without your crew, and never lose to anyone. That's what it means to become stronger."

"And by the way, what's your crew's name?" Nathaniel asked.

"Huh? We don't have any," Cory replied.

"Oh, I see. What about The Phoenix Slayers?" suggested Nathaniel.

"That name sounds awesome," Cory agreed.

FWISH!! Jaggy teleported away with Nathaniel.

In a different location, Jaggy questioned Nathaniel's choice of the crew's name. "Why did you give them that name?"

"Because I have a feeling that they are gonna burn the world to ashes," Nathaniel replied.

"Don't you mean take the world by storm?" Jaggy quipped.

"No, burn the world. But before that, they need to cross The Tethys Web to burn the world," Nathaniel explained with a mysterious conviction.

[The Earth Kingdom]

"Hey, Naima, let's finish our fight," urged Cory.

"No need; it's a draw. And thank you, Trini... I mean, Ava, for helping me. It goes for you too, Coryeil," Naima responded.

"No problem, but I prefer if you call me Cory instead of Coryeil," Cory explained.

"Okay, then. Anyways, I will be going," Naima announced.

"Wait, why don't you join us?" Kiyomizu asked.

"You're strong, and we could really use a doctor and a friend, so what do you say?" Cory suggested.

"Yeah, join us," Ava added.

"Fine, I will be happy to join your crew," Naima accepted, marking the beginning of a new alliance.