241 Blaze's POV -1

[Blaze's POV]

The phoenix, a mythical embodiment of more than just flames and rebirth, encapsulates the essence of renewal, resilience, and the intricate cycle of life itself. Their story isn't solely about rising from ashes but about an enduring spirit steering their every transformation.

Beyond their fiery nature, it's the inner strength that defines them, guiding their essence through each rebirth. For the young ones among them, mastering the flames within isn't merely about wielding power; it's a quest for harmony, a pursuit of balance, and an understanding of the intricate dance of energy.

Their flames represent not only passion and creativity but also the profound willingness to start anew. Yet, within that immense power lies an undeniable responsibility. Flames possess the duality to both heal and destroy, to bestow strength and to engulf in chaos.

However, not all who bear the legacy embrace its wisdom. Some fall prey to the allure of unchecked power, losing themselves in reckless abandon, forgetting the wisdom inherent in their kind's legacy. In their pursuit of unfettered strength, they forsake the true essence of the phoenix.

I descended to the ground, letting Princess off my back. He jumped off—

I still remember the way he fell in the midst of his flight. Everything was fine, but for some reason, it felt like his heart stopped. I could feel the mental connection between us disappear then, but thankfully, he was fine.

"Why here?" he pointed at the pond, his expression a mix of interest and boredom.

It's the same pond we came to when he rescued that little girl, which was surprising in its own way, to be honest.

"Well, you might get your skin a bit burned; you might need some water to cool off your burning ass." I turned back to my cat form.

The sun had fully set, and the two moons hovered over us. The clouds made it hard to see them, though.

"Shut the fuck up," he rolled his eyes as we walked towards a bit more open space with fewer trees.

The wind blew in the cold atmosphere. I don't know, but it's been long, and I like this world more than back there, where I grew up. It's more... free.

Ren took a deep breath as he jumped a few times to loosen up his muscles. Were the things he did in the Arena not enough for the warm-up?

I am not sure, but for some reason, whenever I see him doing something out of place, I hope that he won't do it. Because for the last year, whatever he does comes back to bite him, and his lack of surprise for those things makes me more... worried.

I never thought I'd be one to say that I am worried about a puny mortal.

"Princess, you have already gone up by the half puberty stage of a Phoenix, and surprisingly, you are not even close to what a real half-grown phoenix should be like in terms of power. More like a loser," I provoked him in my mind.

Well, he never met a phoenix, and this system is useless... maybe it's my fault. No point in blaming anyone.

But yeah, unlike what he should've been doing right now, this guy's in constant threat of... Gods.

It's really simple, to be honest. For the past few months, it's been in my mind that he's a constant target of those so-called Gods.

My relationship with them was never deep at all, but I knew that they were quite strong - well, they are literal Gods, but still, I can compare myself with them in my prime years.

So yeah, they are strong, and them being interested in this human that they themselves have invited into this world is quite normal. But why are they all trying from different angles? And who's on what side? Do they want him to live or do they want him dead?

"You can remove your robe," I told him. "Don't look at me like that, you jerk!" I shouted, seeing his disgusted expression.

Sighing, he removed his robe. His current physique is like perfectly how it's in a real womb-born... or you can say egg-born phoenix. His bloodline still has some human remains, which is why he's still able to remain between his humanoid form this early - things are going to keep changing from here on, though.

"Now you better teach me something useful," he said.

... useful. Well, this is going to be a life-changer.

"Form a fireball on your left palm and a raw mana orb on your right palm. Keep your eyes closed. Make sure the flames are as compact as you can get them - I don't want any chaotic flames," I instructed while backing up.

"Kay," he closed his eyes and placed both of his hands in front of himself. A flame formed on his left and white energy crackled on his right palm.

I am still not sure how he got his hand on raw mana this early, but due to him being... a lot different than anyone, and sometimes sense doesn't apply to this guy, I left it aside for now.

The flames took shape of a ball, and then, I sensed him curving the overgrown flames. Looks like I don't have to spoon-feed him, at least, as he himself understood that he has to spin the fire at tremendous speed to make it look more stable.

"And now, channel your mana pool at max and strengthen your body to the maximum," I said.

There was no motion from him while the fireball kept spinning faster and faster. I saw him gritting his teeth.

...he didn't question why but pushed himself to the limits in a few seconds.

If I were to throw a small hill on him right now, he'd survive... at least a bit injured but still alive.

His current mana pool allows him to max out, using around a hundred six-star spells while putting significant pressure on him, but it's still better than any human on the surface of this world who's a six-star.

Even that blond kid won't be able to cast fifty to seventy spells.

Usually, since most phoenix younglings don't have access to raw mana at such a tender age, this spell has a slightly different way of usage.

I had observed Ren extensively before coming up with this, but if I were to tell him that, this guy wouldn't care at all.

"And now..." I paused for a moment before continuing, "Absorb the fire and make it spin internally."

Fush*

"What the heck?" The fireball dissipated in his hand along with the mana orb.

"Why would you stop!" I cursed at him.

"Who says to make fire internally? Dude, I'll just burn my insides! Where am I supposed to make fire? In my stomach? My intestines?" he retorted.

"Fellow! You are a phoenix now! Your body can at least handle such internal burns!" I hissed at him mentally.

Humans would die if they form a spell internally, but for dragons, phoenixes, and other high-class creatures, we are different. Even if it burns, it's bearable.

"...really?" He raised a brow.

"Coward," I said with just one word, and he closed his eyes, formed a fireball, and stopped again.

"How am I supposed to absorb the fire inside, though?" ...not his fault. Can't blame him for things he's never heard about.