Healing and Reflection
Fa and her companions, exhausted after completing the trial in the Sensory Void Abyss, lay on the simple bedding in the corner. Their gazes occasionally drifted toward Elios on the stone bed and Casa del standing beside him. The iridescent glow of the Void Ginseng flowed in Casa del's hand, bringing a touch of warm life energy to the dim space. The bone dragon "Eternal Night of Silence" crouched beside the stone platform, its ghostly blue soulfire flickering quietly, as if guarding this silent domain.
"Fa, are you okay?" Arya asked softly, her emerald eyes filled with concern. She sat beside Fa, her fingers gently stroking the string of the Storm Bow, seeking comfort from its familiar texture.
Fa nodded and forced a faint smile. "I'm fine, it's just… that experience was too terrifying." Her star pupil throbbed with lingering pain, the wounds from the soul devourers' gnawing still unhealed, but she suppressed her fatigue and looked steadily toward Casa del.
"Yeah, that feeling…" TISK shook his head, the Lava Hammer leaning beside him, its ice-fire patterns faintly glowing. "I've never felt such deep despair before. I couldn't even sense the hammer's existence."
Celestia clutched Elios's hand tightly, tears welling in her eyes as she gazed at his pale face. "Elios… you have to wake up…" Her four wings trembled slightly, wind-thunder power unconsciously swirling at her fingertips, revealing her inner anxiety and helplessness.
Casa del focused intently on studying the "Soul-Binding Miasma" within Elios. His thin fingers lightly touched Elios's forehead, and the Void Ginseng's iridescent light transformed into fine streams of energy, slowly seeping into the depths of Elios's soul. A powerful soul energy surged from Casa del, probing the curse's roots. His cloak fluttered slightly with the energy fluctuations, and a hint of gravity appeared in his profound gaze.
"Lord Casa del…" Celestia whispered, "Can you… can you save him?"
Casa del did not reply, continuing his work in silence. His silence weighed heavily on Celestia's heart, but she knew she could only trust this mysterious Dragon Binder at this moment. The teammates quietly discussed their recent experience, their reverence for Casa del intertwined with worry for Elios's safety. Fa fell into deep thought, recalling the tone Villanette used when mentioning Casa del, trying to find clues within it.
Doomsday Rebirth Organization Meeting
Meanwhile, in a vast virtual space impossible to locate—filled with cold technological aesthetics and eerie magical circuits—the holographic projections of the ten leaders of Doomsday Rebirth finally all lit up. At the central main seat sat Roman Kronos, his gaze sharp as an eagle. His left eye was deep emerald green, while his right eye burned blood-red, emanating endless pressure. The other nine projections surrounded him, each with distinct yet overwhelmingly powerful auras.
In addition to Roman Kronos (BOSS), Xister (Blood Elf), Cthulhu (Soul Tribe), Shux (Beastkin), Wolf (Dwarf), WingSeris (Wing Clan), Maris (Mechanical Lifeform), and Virginia (Human)—who had recovered from severe injury thanks to Dr. Zheng's advanced medical technology—two more finally appeared:
One was the Vine Lord Mandelas (Plant Being): his entire body wrapped in red, blue, and green vines, revealing only a pair of deep purple eyes that radiated eerie vitality. The vines writhed at his will, capable of secreting corrosive sap or instantly growing into cages to bind enemies. His voice was low and resonant, like echoes from underground.
The other was Rhea Medusa, whom Fa's group had encountered on the deserted island.
Shux made a harsh scraping sound in his throat upon seeing the projections of Mandelas and Medusa. He finally understood the meaning behind WingSeris's earlier words: "Cute newcomer, put away your pitiful courage." Because the aura of these two was on par with Roman's, or even faintly superior—especially Medusa's casual yet overwhelmingly oppressive posture, which instinctively filled him with fear.
"Now that everyone is here, let's begin," Roman Kronos spoke, his voice low and emotionless, yet it caused ripples of disorder in the space's data streams.
Wolf spoke first, his tone heavy: "Two days ago, the Elf Queen convened a meeting with the various races to discuss the extermination of Doomsday Rebirth. After voting, they agreed to take action. The human, dwarf, elf, beastkin, and amphibian races have begun large-scale searches. Our plans can no longer be concealed; we must decide on the next step."
Roman lightly tapped his fingertips, and a holographic projection of the Mulet Continent appeared in the center of the virtual interface, densely marked with red dots and blue arrows. "Our intelligence network shows that the alliance's search teams have already advanced into the outer regions. We don't have much time left." He swept his gaze across every leader present, his tone carrying unquestionable resolve.
Xister licked his lips, a bloodthirsty gleam flashing in his eyes: "In that case, we might as well turn their plan against them. I can use blood magic to control the enemy's supply lines, making them turn on each other and create internal chaos. Once the alliance army falls into disorder, our general offensive will be twice as effective." He extended his index finger, and a drop of blood oozed from the tip, forming a twisted blood rune in the air.
Cthulhu let out a sinister laugh, his voice chilling: "The Soul Tribe's soul-control techniques will come in handy. We can directly invade the consciousness of enemy commanders, forcing them to issue wrong orders, or even cause their main forces to collapse mentally at critical moments, turning them into our puppets. Imagine a million-strong army suddenly turning their blades on each other… how beautiful that scene would be." The pale arm shadows behind him became clearer, as if ready to tear through space at any moment.
Shux let out a piercing roar, his thick mechanical prosthetic limb slamming onto the virtual table: "Enough talk! Just suppress them with brute force! Let those who dare resist witness the power of Doomsday Rebirth! My variant beastkin legions are ready—their blood flows with the purest rage, eager to tear apart all enemies. We'll break through from the front and deliver the most direct, cruelest blow!" His single yellow eye flashed, muscles twitching grotesquely.
WingSeris smiled elegantly, her expression holy yet carrying an eerie compassion: "Shux's brute strength is effective, but lacks beauty. I can deploy my winged legions and the variant winged army cultivated by Dr. Zheng to launch aerial assaults, dyeing the sky with blood. They will glide like ghosts above the enemy lines, dropping city-destroying energy bombs, sending the enemy to their doom without resistance. The alliance is nothing before us." Her pure white six wings spread slightly, as if a breeze swept through the virtual space.
Maris's cold mechanical voice rang out, his core optical sensors flashing with precision: "The mechanical legions stand ready. Our energy cannons have been upgraded to maximum power for precise bombardment, targeting and destroying the alliance's command centers, energy weak points, and any threatening targets. Meanwhile, our mechanical infantry can effectively pin down ground forces, providing fire support and tactical cover for other units. Any defensive system will be meaningless before absolute firepower." The flowing living metal of his body refracted cold, hard light.
Virginia's dark purple lips curled into a cold smile, her tone gloomy and malicious: "These are just the preliminaries. The real fun is dealing with those pesky rats personally—especially that group of self-righteous 'mice,' meaning Fa and her companions. They've ruined too many of our plans and even dared to injure me severely. It's time to settle this debt. I'll make them experience true pain in the depths of despair." She gently stroked the scar on her arm, a hint of pathological excitement flashing in her eyes.
Mandelas's voice rumbled like an underground echo, carrying a cold, damp chill: "I have already infiltrated red, blue, and green vines beneath every village and city in the western and northern parts of the Mulet Continent. Their root systems have grown deep, reaching the deepest layers of the earth's veins and absorbing leyline energy. The moment the general offensive sounds, these vines will erupt instantly, destroying buildings and devouring enemies, collapsing the entire continent into ruins in a short time. All living beings will become nourishment for my vines." The red, blue, and green vines on his body writhed more violently, emitting a corrosive odor.
All eyes turned in unison to the ever-silent Rhea Medusa. Her crimson ponytail stood out vividly in the virtual space, her amber eyes deep and inscrutable. The corners of her mouth lifted slightly in a half-smile, as if indifferent to everything yet seemingly having already seen through it all. The dark-gold greatsword "Ten Thousand Mountains" floated silently behind her, radiating an asphyxiating oppressive force.
"Very well," Roman Kronos spoke slowly, a mad gleam flashing in his eyes. "It seems everyone has thorough plans." He tapped the virtual interface, enlarging the Mulet Continent projection and highlighting one red dot. "We will launch the offensive from here—Dr. Zheng's Laboratory No. 1."
Roman's voice suddenly turned colder and more resolute: "Dr. Zheng, I need you to release all experimental subjects immediately. Let those 'masterpieces' we have modified with great power prove their worth on the battlefield. They will serve as special forces, infiltrating enemy rear lines to create even greater chaos. At the same time, they can be used to wear down the alliance's elite troops."
A hoarse, fanatical voice echoed in the virtual space: "Understood, boss! Our soldiers crave freedom and slaughter! They will become Doomsday Rebirth's sharpest claws, making the entire continent tremble! I'll let them taste the flesh and blood of the alliance!" This was Dr. Zheng's voice; although he was not physically present at the leaders' meeting, his scientific achievements formed a vital part of Doomsday Rebirth's power.
After intense debate and Roman's final decision: "Although we are still 20% short of a perfect operation, we cannot wait any longer. The alliance's reaction speed exceeded our expectations. Time is critical—we will launch the general offensive against the Mulet Continent ahead of schedule! All plans, execute immediately!"
Doomsday Rebirth Members' Reactions
Xister licked his lips and laughed: "Finally, we can slaughter to our heart's content! Blood will dye the entire Mulet Continent red, and Doomsday Rebirth's glory will bloom in the pools of blood!"
Shux roared: "Let them witness the terror of Doomsday Rebirth! I'll tear the enemies to pieces and build Doomsday Rebirth's throne from their bones!"
WingSeris smiled: "The sky will become our battlefield. Blood will be beautiful, like the most moving painting. Those foolish resisters will feel Doomsday Rebirth's grace through their suffering."
Virginia sneered coldly: "Those rats are doomed this time. I'll personally tear their bodies and souls apart piece by piece, letting them sink into despair."
Mandelas rumbled: "The vines are ready. The continent will collapse in an instant. The power from the depths of the earth will completely devour this hypocritical paradise."
Cthulhu chuckled sinisterly: "The soul-harvesting feast is about to begin. Their fear and despair will become my most delicious sustenance."
Roman turned to Medusa, his gaze sharp and probing: "Medusa, guard the five star fragments we obtained. They are the key to the plan and must not be lost under any circumstances."
Medusa finally spoke, her voice clear yet meaningful, like a mountain spring—pleasant yet hiding bottomless whirlpools: "I will. Their safety is more important than my life." Her hand gently caressed the "Ten Thousand Mountains" pendant at her neck; a flash of dark-gold light vanished, and a profound, meaningful gleam flashed in her eyes. Her emphasis on the star fragments far exceeded Roman's expectations, but he did not probe further, taking it as loyalty to the mission.
The meeting ended, and the projections faded one by one. The virtual space returned to darkness. A devastating general offensive targeting the Mulet Continent had quietly begun. The fate of the entire continent was pushed toward an unknown abyss at this moment.
Second Trial and Choice
Time returned to the core space of the Silent Extinction Corridor. A heavy sense of exhaustion lingered. Fa's group sat around the simple makeshift bedding in the corner, using this brief respite to mend the deep wounds on their souls and bodies. The air was thick with dust and ancient magical scents, so quiet that suppressed breathing could be heard. Casa del stood by the stone bed, his thin, eagle-like fingers gently stroking the Void Ginseng floating above Elios's chest. The strange root emitted a faint iridescent glow, and strands of life energy flowed like tiny streams, precisely guided by Casa del into Elios's cold body, sustaining his flickering life force like a candle in the wind. The massive bone dragon "Eternal Night of Silence" crouched silently in the deep shadows, its ghostly blue soulfire slowly flickering in its empty eye sockets like two eternal lamps of the underworld, guarding this forgotten realm in silence.
The deathly silence was broken by a low voice, like a pebble dropped into an ancient well. "Have you rested enough?" Casa del slowly turned, the shadows of his cloak covering most of his face, but his profound eyes—deep enough to swallow light—swept over everyone, bringing invisible pressure. His voice carried a metallic scraping quality, echoing in the vast space. "Then let's begin the second trial—the trial of poison and spirit."
Fa lifted her head sharply. The star pupil in her right eye, containing the mysteries of the stars, flashed with a faint blue light. The lingering soul pain from earlier exertion was stirred by this declaration, causing her delicate brows to furrow slightly. She took a deep breath, suppressed the discomfort, stood up briskly, placed her right hand on her chest, and performed a solemn salute toward this unfathomable guardian: "Lord Casa del, may I ask what the specific content of this trial is?"
Casa del stepped forward silently like a ghost. His gaze was sharp as a poisoned blade, piercing straight into the depths of Fa's star pupil, as if to peel open her soul for inspection. "This trial will test the depth of your control over poison and spirit, as well as the resilience of your will. You may choose to enter alone," he paused, his tone carrying a subtle consideration, "or bring companions you deem suitable. Based on experience," he slightly lifted his thin chin, "I suggest you select those familiar with poison and spirit magic to accompany you. Their presence… may become your aid at critical moments."
Fa turned and scanned her companions' faces like the most precise probe. Arya's gentle green eyes shone with unwavering protective light; TISK's rugged face was filled with determination to swing his hammer for her at any time; Kayla's tensed muscles contained the fighting spirit and power of a leopardkin general; Rex's cold metallic face exuded absolute calm and reliability; Lin Ya was steady as an ancient tree, radiating natural serenity; Yuyuer's wise eyes appeared especially profound under the glow of the dragonbone staff's crystal orb; Zhamisi flicked her snake tail, the Venom Fang curved blade in her hand reflecting ghostly light, full of boldness; Salsa's semi-transparent soul body held a distant gaze, as if hiding endless secrets; Celestia anxiously hugged the unconscious Elios, her four wings trembling slightly—they were all comrades she could entrust her life to. However, the special nature of this trial—dual torment of poison and spirit—forced her to make the most precise and ruthless choice.
"Celestia, Salsa, Zhamisi, Yuyuer," Fa's voice was low and clear, carrying unquestionable decisiveness as her gaze settled on the four named individuals. "I need you to come with me." She quickly explained her reasons, both as clarification and self-confirmation: "Celestia and Salsa, you have the deepest mastery of spirit magic among us; Zhamisi, your poison talent is unmatched; Yuyuer, your wisdom, mental power, and illusion expertise will serve as our lighthouse in the mist. The rest, please stay here, stay vigilant, and be ready to respond to any changes."
Celestia nodded firmly, her knuckles whitening from gripping Elios tightly. Her voice carried a faint tremor yet was exceptionally resolute: "I'll go with you. For Elios, no matter what lies ahead, I will push through!"
Salsa's soul body rippled like water, her nod carrying an ethereal, non-physical quality. Her voice resonated directly in everyone's minds, heavier than ever: "My shadow and spirit power will become your shield and spear."
Zhamisi flicked out her scarlet snake tongue, skillfully twirling the Venom Fang curved blade in her hand, her bold spirit dispelling some of the tension: "Alright! With me here, no matter what venomous snakes, scorpions, miasma, or plagues come, I'll chew them all up and spit them out! Your safety is guaranteed with me!"
Yuyuer gripped the dragonbone staff inlaid with a huge sapphire, the crystal orb's deep blue light pulsing like breathing. She offered a reassuring smile, her voice steady: "I will do everything I can to discern truth from illusion and find the best path to break through for us."
Casa del quietly observed the rapid rapport and trust forming among the five, a subtle, hard-to-read emotion flickering in his gaze beneath the cloak's shadows. He said no more, raising his thin, twig-like right hand and tracing a mysterious, intricate trajectory in the air. Dark-golden soul energy flowed from his fingertips like molten gold, quickly weaving and forming in midair into a portal with twisted edges that emitted ominous ghostly light. Inside was bottomless darkness, with faint eerie purple-green mists churning. His low voice sounded like final judgment: "The Trial Gate is open. Step inside and face the trial of the Abyssal Rift. Fail, and your souls will sink here for eternity; succeed, and the light of inheritance will guide your return. Enter."
"Abyssal Rift…" Fa's heart clenched as if gripped by an icy hand. The name itself carried suffocating pressure. Yet she showed no hesitation; her eyes sharpened, and she stepped forward first toward the glowing portal. Celestia followed closely, her resolve to protect Elios serving as her strongest armor. Salsa's soul body drifted in like smoke, Zhamisi flexibly followed with a flick of her snake tail, and Yuyuer entered last, the blue light of the crystal orb on her staff swirling to cover the rear. The light flashed intensely, and the five figures were instantly swallowed by the portal, vanishing without a trace. The glowing portal was erased by an invisible hand after their disappearance, leaving no mark behind.