Chapter 13: A New Resolve
The Final Battle and Victory
After defeating the core of the shadow and restoring peace to the forest, Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) and his companions knew their trials were far from over. Their next destination was the towering Sky Temple, where an even more formidable foe awaited them.
“This temple holds an enemy of even greater power,” Apollo (Kira Moroboshi) said with a grim expression.
“Our abilities will be tested to their limits here,” Uranus (Sora Amano) responded calmly.
The Battle with the Dark Phoenix
Upon reaching the summit of the temple, they encountered a colossal creature with dark wings that radiated black lightning—an enormous phoenix, its feathers cloaked in a suffocating darkness that seemed to absorb all surrounding light.
“This isn’t just any phoenix… it’s the Dark Flash Phoenix!” Loki (Satoshi Koizumi) gasped, struggling to believe the sight before him.
Vishnu (Li Wenqiang), maintaining his composure, assessed the situation. “This phoenix’s regenerative abilities, combined with its dark power, make it a threat unlike anything we’ve faced. We need to stay sharp,” he instructed the group.
Athena raised her shield, positioning herself defensively. “I’ll handle the defense. Focus on finding an opening to strike,” she ordered.
With a deafening roar, the phoenix unleashed a torrent of black lightning and blazing fire. Athena blocked the onslaught with her shield, protecting her companions. “We won’t fall from this!” she declared with unwavering confidence.
Coordinated Attack
“Everyone, let’s combine our strength!” Loki called out to his companions.
Gaia (Misa Morino) summoned the power of nature, manipulating the air to slow the phoenix’s movements. “Air, grant me your strength! Bind this creature!” she commanded, trapping the phoenix in a swirling vortex of wind.
Taking advantage of the opening, Apollo fired an arrow of pure light. “This arrow of light will pierce the dark wings!” he shouted as the arrow struck the phoenix, eliciting a pained scream from the beast.
“Good, keep up the pressure!” Vishnu said, raising his hand to summon lightning. “Thunder, lend me your power!” he commanded as bolts of lightning struck the phoenix, paralyzing it further.
Gaia then unleashed the power of ice, freezing the phoenix’s flames. “Earth and ice, come to me! Ensnare this monster!” she cried as freezing energy wrapped around the phoenix, suppressing its flames.
The Phoenix’s Regeneration and Final Assault
For a moment, silence fell, but then the dark phoenix’s wings began to regenerate. “Its regeneration… it’s faster than we expected!” Athena warned, her guard raised.
“The ice is holding back its flames! Now is our chance!” Loki urged, readying a powerful attack as his companions supported him.
“Everyone, focus your attacks!” Minerva (Tomomi Koizumi) calmly instructed. Apollo fired another arrow of light, striking the frozen phoenix, while Vishnu delivered the final blow with a bolt of thunder.
Unable to withstand the combined assault, the phoenix’s dark wings shattered into pieces, disintegrating into the air.
Revelation of Light
As the phoenix fell, the entire temple was bathed in a radiant light. When the light faded, ancient inscriptions appeared in the center of the temple.
“These are… ancient words,” Minerva said, beginning to decipher the script. “‘When the balance of light and darkness is restored, new powers shall awaken…’”
Just then, a figure appeared from within the light, radiating a serene and majestic aura. The figure looked upon them with kind eyes.
“I commend your courage and strength,” the guardian spoke softly.
“Are you the one protecting this place?” Gaia asked in awe.
The guardian nodded. “Your strength has been tested to prepare you for the next trial.”
The Coming of Peace and the Protective Barrier
With the defeat of the Dark Phoenix, peace was restored to the otherworld. The group returned to the village, where they were greeted with cheers and gratitude from the villagers.
“Thank you, gods, for your return,” the village elder said, bowing deeply.
“Our task here is complete. But another danger may arise. When it does, we will join forces again,” Loki said as he looked at his companions.
“Of course, we’ll always be ready,” Asclepius (Masato Matsuda) responded with a smile.
“Farewell, brave heroes of the gods!” the villagers called out as they waved goodbye.
Gaia raised her hand, creating a protective barrier around the village. “This barrier will protect the village. By combining the power of light and darkness, we’ll ensure their safety.”
The barrier shimmered, enveloping the village in a glowing shield. The protective magic would last for a hundred years, ensuring the village’s safety for generations to come.
“Now the village is secure. We can focus on the next trial without worry,” Gaia said, satisfied.
Return to the Temples
After the defeat of the phoenix, the companions decided to return to their respective temples, each to train and prepare for future battles.
“We should return to our temples and deepen our strength for the trials to come,” Athena suggested.
Loki returned to the Yggdrasil Temple in Asgard, Gaia to the Delphi Temple, and Vishnu to Vaikuntha. Each of them sought to enhance their powers, knowing that the challenges ahead would demand even greater strength.
“When we gather again, we’ll be even stronger,” Loki thought to himself as he watched his companions depart, his resolve unwavering.