The beautiful lady closed her hand tightly around the bird-shaped gold ornament, then slowly drew back her arm, pulling the ancient object out through the split in Azik's forehead.
The process was undoubtedly excruciating. Even Azik could not stop himself from trembling all over, his face rapidly turning somewhat pale and translucent.
After a long while, he swayed and bowed to the beautiful lady. "Thank you for your help."
Phoenix perched on a broken, fallen stone pillar and asked, "Is everything over now?"
The beautiful lady remained expressionless. "Azik, surely you haven't forgotten that the child survived only because the power of the Artificial God of Death was sustaining her."
"Once I begin merging with the Grim Reaper's authority, I will inevitably withdraw the power she depends on to survive, causing an irreversible death."
Azik said, "I understand... Then may I ask how that outcome can be avoided?"
The beautiful lady looked at Phoenix. "Its help is needed."
Azik immediately fell silent.
"It is a Mythical Creature born from a tributary of the River of Eternal Darkness, naturally possessing a portion of the phoenix bloodline and the river's power. If it is willing to relinquish the power of the River of Eternal Darkness, that can make up for the portion of the Grim Reaper's power the child will lose. It can also heal, to some extent, the effects of your having lost half your soul."
Before Azik could speak, Phoenix tilted its head and thought for a moment. "Will I die if you take away the power of the River of Eternal Darkness?"
"No, but you..."
"Then take it."
Phoenix said, "Azik saved my life, so I'll repay him with a life."
Azik said quietly, "But from now on, you'll be stuck where you are, unable to advance any further."