Phainon panted, his voice hoarse yet filled with unyielding mockery.
"The Rising Sun that will eventually rise, the Flame-Chaser in Salvation's name..."
Zephyro did not answer directly. Instead, he solemnly said, "You have already set foot upon the path of ascension personally bestowed by the Wounded God. Through this battle, I have tested, on the God's behalf, your wrath and qualifications—enough to burn all things to ash. Now, He awaits your coronation."
As if to confirm his words, the Wounded God hanging high at the end of the [Destruction] Path, his chest covered in scars, stirred slightly.
A drop of pure, radiant golden blood containing the most fundamental authority of [Destruction] slowly peeled away from the deepest wound in Nanook's chest, fell, and hovered precisely before Zephyro like the most precious blessing.
Clearly, Nanook was greatly pleased by the violent power and pure will Phainon and Kevin had displayed—qualities that aligned with the essence of [Destruction].
That drop of golden blood was both recognition and their ticket to becoming new Great Extinguishers.
"I await my colleagues yet to be born."
Zephyro extended his hand wrapped in strips of cloth and steadily held the hovering golden blood of Destruction, aiming it toward Phainon. "Step forward and accept the Wounded God's blessing."
Yet faced with this ultimate reward, enough to drive countless followers of Destruction mad—especially one Grand Duke of Netherflame who had dreamed of it—Phainon suddenly burst into laughter.
"Heh... Hahahaha!!"
Phainon first sneered, then his laughter grew wild and exhilarated, even tinged with madness and pity. "Nanook! You arrogant fool! You think becoming kindling is our fate? You're wrong! From the moment you appeared here and dared to bestow that drop of Destruction's golden blood, your death was already destined!!!"
"Wha...t?"
Zephyro's cloth-wrapped head seemed to tilt slightly, and for