Fellion flew high up in the air, and the scenery below changed as the days passed. Even with his speed, this journey of his had taken weeks.

  But this day, Fellion felt something rare. The aura of Soul beasts.

  Soul beasts were spread throughout all of the Endless Forest, and Fellion had come into contact with many of them. But they were almost always by themselves, kings of their own area.

  This time, however, there were countless of them gathered together in the valley below Fellion. Many of which were as strong, or even stronger, than Fellion.

  Looks like Temeron was right. I have a bad feeling about this.

  Fellion soon felt a familiar aura and dived down. He landed next to Yshel, a Wind Striped Wolf he had met on several occasions and was on friendly terms with. It had been decades since they last saw each other.

  “Fellion, it’s been a while,” Yshel said as he glanced at Fellion.

  Fellion looked around at the large gathering of beasts and walked up to Yshel. “It has,” Fellion said with a nod.

  “Didn’t expect to see you so far up north. You don’t like coming here, as I recall,” Yshel said.

  “I will if the situation calls for it,” Fellion said.

  “Has word spread all the way to your area?” Yshel asked.

  “I heard that something big was about to happen through the wind. I don’t know the details of it, though. Care to fill me in?” Fellion asked.

  “Barmon has called for us all to gather. He has something to announce,” Yshel said in a solemn tone.

  “Has he advanced again?” Fellion asked.

  “That would be very scary. But not very surprising. He surpassed us old ones a long time ago, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down,” Yshel said.

  “He has the bloodline for it,” Fellion said, “But even so…His rate of advancement shouldn’t be so fast.”

  “He probably carries some secret. No one is that talented. But it has nothing to do with us,” Yshel said.

  “I suppose,” Fellion said with a light nod, “If he is just going to make a show of dominance like last time, I’d rather go back.”

  “Who wouldn’t? But it’s not worth offending him for something so small. You’re here now anyway, might as well stay and listen to what he has to say,” Yshel said.

  “You’re right,” Fellion agreed.

  “How are things in your area? Have the sapi started acting there yet?” Yshel asked.

  “No. The Black Mountains still keep them back. They have even been pushed back slightly these last few years,” Fellion said, “But I heard there was some activity in the Shattered West.”

  “Anything worrying?” Yshel asked.

  “Not really,” Fellion said, “I went to take a look, and besides their outpost on one of the islands there, there hasn’t been much progress as far as I can see.”

  “You shouldn’t take it lightly. You are close to the Shattered West, and the sapi are sneaky. You might come to regret it if you are careless,” Yshel advised.

  “You might be right. Thank you,” Fellion said.

  “Any news of the Phoenix?” Yshel asked.

  Which one?

  Fellion hesitated on whether to bring up the Celestial Phoenix or not, and Yshel caught on.

  “Oh? There is something?” Yshel asked.

  “I haven’t heard anything about the Fire Phoenix since fire got easier to control. There has been no news from Quemer among the sapi either. But…” Fellion hesitated.

  “What?” Yshel pushed.

  “Have you ever thought that maybe the Fire Phoenix wasn’t a unique existence?” Fellion asked.

  “You mean there was more than one? That shouldn’t be. The humans have preserved pretty convincing records, and nowhere does it mention a second Fire Phoenix. Besides, I don’t think the world would allow a race like that to procreate easily. The world would collapse under their might. Especially considering their ability to be reborn. Can you imagine any other race surviving in a world filled with a race like that? There is always a balance,” Yshel argued.

  “I see,” Fellion said, not arguing against Yshel.

  “You think otherwise?” Yshel asked.

  “I-” Fellion was just about to answer when a terrifying aura swept over him, and every beast in the valley quieted down immediately.

  Barmon.

  He feels a lot stronger. What level has he reached?

  The shadows behind the trees and beasts stretched further and grew deeper. Fellion could suddenly feel a vague sense of danger from those dark places.

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  Is this…Authority? But how? Has he already reached such an incredible height?

  “Beasts of the Endless Forest,” A voice rang out. It was smooth and low, and it carried none of the arrogance and aggressiveness that Fellion remembered it by.

  Fellion turned up his head and saw a shadowy figure walk out of a cave in the mountain facing the valley.

  “You did well in gathering here today. I see a lot more beasts have gathered than any of my previous summonings,” Barmon spoke calmly, “I bring you a simple message today. Submit, or die.”

  Fellion felt a shiver run down his back at those domineering words spoken so calmly. The valley of beasts was silent.

  “As many of you know, the Phoenix has returned,” Barmon continued, “I know many of you see it as a blessing to us beasts. Finally, the god of this world, the king of all beasts, has returned. Right?”

  Barmon looked down at the beasts below, and Fellion could feel how those yellow eyes pierced through his soul as they swept past him.

  “Wrong,” Barmon said, “Has the Phoenix ever cared for us beasts? We call it a beast, and recognize it as one of us. But does the Phoenix have a tribe of its own? Does it take other tribes of beasts under its wings? Has the Phoenix ever cared for the interest of us beasts? As far as I know, the Phoenix sees itself as one of the sapi. It protects the sapi, it guides the sapi, and shares its wisdom with the sapi. It gives its very blood to the sapi in order to increase their strength. Strength they use to slaughter us.

  “The return of the Phoenix is not a blessing for us beasts. It’s a calamity. If we sit by and wait for the Phoenix to come to our side and guide us, we’ll be left with disappointment and dead brothers and sisters. The Phoenix is not our friend; it's our enemy.”

  Finally, some noise could be heard from the beasts in the valley. Obviously, not many beasts agreed with Barmon’s words. Every tribe had always revered the Phoenix. Once, it was the strongest god of this world, the pride and honor of all beasts. Now, Barmon disparaged it, and it obviously dissatisfied many of the beasts gathered.

  “Disagree if you want. It doesn’t matter. In the end, it all comes down to strength. If the Phoenix came back here with the same strength as in the past, even I would have to bow my head. But I refuse to believe that is the case. The Phoenix has been reborn, but it is still very weak. I refuse to revere someone weak. Especially such a lover of the sapi.

  “The Phoenix has had its time in this world. And it is time for other beasts to rise up and take its place. We might be limited by our bloodline, but even our bloodline can be changed and strengthened through training, comprehension, and natural treasures. I want to see a new era of gods. I want all of you to stop being content with what you have.

  “Do you all think I got here by luck? Being born with a special bloodline? How can there be such a good thing in this world? What I have accomplished, you all can as well. The only question is, are you willing? Beasts of the Endless Forest, are you content with your place in this world? With the legacy you will leave behind to your tribe? Are you content with waiting for the Phoenix to tell you your place? To be nothing but a pet to the sapi? To be enslaved? Or do you wish for more? Do you wish to hear your race’s name spread through the world? Do you want to bring glory to your ancestors and pride to your descendants?”

  A large roar spread out in the valley, as almost every beast there had felt the words Barmon spoke hit close to home.

  “Do you wish to become gods with me?” Barmon asked.

  An even larger roar rang out through the valley, and Fellion was sure it could be heard from miles away.

  “From today, I will be the leader of the beasts in the Endless Forest. I will lead you to glory. The name of my Moonlight Panther has already spread throughout this continent. Who is going to be next?”

  A wild roar answered his question, as everyone here wanted their lineage to advance to the next level.

  “Bow,” Barmon said in a calm voice. It didn’t sound commanding at all. But his words were law.

  I really shouldn’t have come here. Fellion thought with a sigh. But he still bowed in the end, as did every other beast in the valley.

  There is nothing to do about it. A wise owl submits to the circumstances.

  Adion woke up and immediately felt the pain.

  Agh! Damn!

  His back felt awful. He was lying on his crushed shoulder blade. It was slightly better than when he had passed out, but it was in no way healed.

  But even worse than the pain was the thirst. It was hot in the room Adion was in, and he didn’t know how long it had been since he last had something to drink.

  Adion wanted nothing more than to get up. Unfortunately, he was unable to move. The space around him was completely frozen. He couldn’t fight it. Only the space around his head was free, so he could still breathe.

  The space artifact…

  Where am I? Why did they take me away?

  Did Sell get away?

  Amelia took her, so she should be safe.

  That’s good. I need to focus on myself now.

  It was completely dark in whatever room Adion was in, so he got no clue from that. But the smell and the bobbing motion told him he was on a ship.

  Please tell me they aren’t taking me to Quemer. No one will be able to find me there.

  I guess it doesn’t matter. I need to rely on myself to get out of here.

  Adion felt that his Will had recovered, but his core was still empty from mana because of the strange collar that had been put around his neck.

  They aren’t taking any chances, are they? I guess my teleportation can be a pain to deal with.

  What am I supposed to do in this situation? It would be great if I could just teleport out without anyone noticing. But they have taken every precaution against me.

  Wait…Do I really need my mana? I have Authority. And there is no way they know about that.

  Adion focused on the space around him and tried to make it move.

  Ah…It’s really hard to grab hold of it. It seems like someone with an incredibly strong Will has taken control of that artifact. That’s the only way to explain it.

  But I’m not giving up that easily.

  You want to compete with me in control over space? Bring it on!

  So what if you have an ancient artifact and the Will of a Soul mage? I refuse to believe I’ll lose.

  Adion didn’t begin immediately, though. He focused on the pure mana right above his head and slowly changed it into water mana. He then conjured it into water and felt how a drop formed and fell down into his mouth.

  It’s a good chance to practice my water magic. Now, I don’t have to worry about anything until I begin to starve.

  I have already found a way to increase my Authority, and right now, I have nothing but time.

  Let’s see how long it will take me to get out of this. I definitely won’t lose to some artifact.

  Space! Obey me!

  End of Book 2