"No…" Azik shook his head instinctively, resisting the pull. Even though his mind barely held on, his body reacted... tiny black phosphorescent fragments sprouted across his skin.
Then, a blood‑red fissure appeared on his forehead. Immediately, golden light burst forth... an ornate phoenix-shaped golden artifact manifested from illusion into flesh. Unsurprisingly, its presence intensified Azik's agony and drove him toward merging with the other half of his soul. Death's ancient plan was now fully revealed: unless impeded externally, when Azik's soul and the Death Uniqueness merged... despite his current strong state... Salinger would inevitably be reborn within his body.
But just as Azik stepped forward, a hand lightly grasped the glowing phoenix artifact. In the next moment, the golden radiance was suppressed. Azik felt something detach from deep within him... a moment of excruciating pain followed by soothing power.
Alaric held the phoenix ornament between his fingers, examining the heirloom with interest. He recalled that its origin traced back generations to a Phoenix Ancestor Gregrace, later inherited by Death, and fused into Azik's soul. From that perspective, it was indeed an ancient artifact.
While studying the phoenix, Alaric's other hand rested gently on Azik's shoulder, using the power of Death to nurture and heal his fractured soul.
With spirit‑work, the Death Pathway was truly perfect for this.
At the same time, Amanises was active too... but her focus lay not on the phoenix artifact, but on the massive feathered serpent before them.
Darkness fell, bringing a peculiar tranquility. The serpent's massive eyes began to close; its cold, expressionless face softened as if drifting into a dream.
Amanises extended her hand and rested it on the serpent's brow. Her intent was clear: the creature trembled, instinctively trying to open its eyes and break free from the dream... but Amanises held it firmly.
Gradually, the serpent's struggle ceased. Amanises withdrew her hand, and at her fingertips faint stains of oily residue were visible... residue that seemed eager to stain further. Amanises merely curved her lips, and the residue vanished in an instant.
Moments later the serpent reopened its eyes. Intelligence had vanished; the creature now appeared bewildered and instinctual... like an animal.
As expected, Amanises then produced a charm. Activating it, she turned to Alaric and the others:
"I have stripped most of Salinger's power from him, but his divinity and madness remain. If he is to survive, he still must conquer the other half of himself."
"Well done!" Alaric nodded in approval. He then approached the serpent and gently touched its scales.
"Indeed, cool to the touch." He noted calmly. At that moment, the Death Uniqueness within him resonated with the artifact on the serpent. Even in its animal instinct, the creature displayed traces of puzzlement.
Alaric smiled and withdrew another item from his possession... a sealing artifact once belonging to Bernadette, crafted by Roselle as a Level‑0 seal, made of a raw material that possessed a Sequence‑1 trait from the Death Pathway.
When he acquired that trait is unclear... but he tilted his head, looking at Azik who had drawn near, and said:
"Now choose, Azik. Do you wish to fuse purely with your other half, or would you have me help suppress it... help you become the King of Angels?"
It may seem reckless or overambitious... such a choice would spell death for most other Sequence‑2 Beyonders. But for Azik, it was possible. His other half of the soul had long merged with the Death Uniqueness and possessed Half‑Death status; and having participated in the Pale Disaster, Azik had already completed the Ascension to Pale Emperor ceremony.
Most importantly, with Alaric... the true Death... present, Maximal suppression of the Uniqueness and Sequence‑1 trait was possible.
And Amanises offered another layer of guarantee: no rebirth of Salinger.
Even if she faltered, Alaric himself, the current Death, could salvage the situation. Suppressing a death‑god from the past was within his power.
This moment represented perfect convergence of timing, location, and people. There has likely never been a more fitting moment for Azik to accept the Death Uniqueness and become the King of Angels!
Yes, risks existed... but if he passed up this opportunity and severed the merge entirely, reclaiming the Uniqueness later would be far more difficult.
Azik's gaze settled on the Pale Emperor trait in Alaric's hand... clearly surprised. Then he looked to the serpent's bewildered eyes. Meeting his other half, Azik smiled:
"As Death Consul, I once wondered whether my lack of strength had prevented me from possessing the beautiful emotions depicted in stories."
"Now I understand that such love doesn't require overwhelming power... but…" He paused. His eyes shifted between the phoenix artifact in Alaric's other hand and the serene Amanises, then returned to Alaric.
"If I don't have sufficient strength, I cannot protect everything I hold dear."
As a typical Sequence‑2, he had been too weak... always losing. So Azik chose greater power, to safeguard those he loved.
"Even if that increases my odds of failure?" Alaric looked at him and asked.
"Still, I believe... as long as you are here, as long as you stand with me... Death will not be reborn within me. I trust myself. I will defeat divinity and survive." Azik smiled gently, then glanced toward Klein and Jack, who watched him anxiously.
"Even if I should vanish, the Death Consul within me will guard you all. He is a good child, who once had no choice. I believe with Lucifer... you here... he will become that guardian."
***
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