Chapter 24: The White Phoenix's Revelation

  Akira emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped over his shoulders, his damp white hair sticking to his forehead. The warmth of the shower still clung to his skin as he opened the door.

  Thud.

  Akira staggered back, rubbing his forehead. Something cold and firm had collided with him. "What the...?" he muttered, looking up to see the culprit.

  Hovering at eye level was the Phoenix spirit, but it was different. Its usual small, harmless form was replaced by a radiant, shimmering figure, larger than before. Its glowing, frostfire feathers gave off an aura that was both freezing and scorching at the same time.

  "Hey, watch where you're going!" the Phoenix said, its voice sharp and almost playful, as if it had been waiting for this moment.

  Akira stumbled back, his eyes wide. "Wait... You can talk?"

  The Phoenix tilted its head, almost amused. "Of course, I can. You just weren’t ready to hear me until now."

  Akira blinked, processing the surreal turn of events. "You're...alive? Like, really alive? I thought you were just some kind of spirit or magic extension."

  The Phoenix sighed, fluttering down to perch on a nearby table. Its small form shifted back into the tiny bird Akira had grown familiar with. "I am alive, but I’m more than that. I am the soul of the system, the very entity that guides you, empowers you, and protects you. And it’s time I explained a few things about your class, your heritage, and...your potential."

  Akira leaned against the wall, his curiosity piqued. "Alright. I’m listening."

  ---

  The Star-Class System

  The Phoenix began. "In this world, every class is ranked by stars. The lowest classes—1-star—are common and mundane. Farmers, merchants, and basic fighters usually fall under this category. The more stars a class has, the greater its potential and power. The rarest, strongest classes are the 7-star classes—the pinnacle of strength, wielded by only the most exceptional individuals."

  Akira nodded, trying to process the information. "So...where does my class, Frostfire Paladin, rank?"

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  The Phoenix's eyes glowed brighter. "Your class is a 6-star class. Few in history have ever held such a rank, and those who did were figures of immense power. However, your class is more than just its rank. It’s deeply tied to your ancestry."

  ---

  The Azami Clan's Legacy

  The room grew colder as the Phoenix continued. "Long ago, there was a clan that worshipped me—the Azami Clan. They were a powerful and noble people, revered for their white hair and neon-purple eyes, which mirrored my own essence. Their bond with me granted them unparalleled mastery over frostfire magic, a unique blend of fire and ice that could incinerate foes yet protect allies. The Azami Clan was once feared and respected across the land, their warriors considered invincible."

  Akira’s breath caught. "Azami? Like my name? But...my family’s just a bunch of farmers."

  The Phoenix nodded solemnly. "Yes. The Azami Clan has fallen from grace, reduced to humble, unremarkable lives. The clan’s power faded into legend, and their name became forgotten by most of the world. But now, you—Akira Azami—stand as their successor. Your affinity for both fire and ice magic awakened my power, causing your predicted class of Black Swordsman to evolve into the Frostfire Paladin."

  Akira’s fists clenched. He had always felt different, but now he knew why. "So...I’m meant to bring back the clan’s legacy?"

  The Phoenix chuckled. "That depends on you. I chose you not just for your potential but for your spirit. You’ve already demonstrated your resolve and adaptability, traits that make you worthy of this power. Whether you rebuild the Azami name or simply carve your own path is up to you."

  ---

  Frostfire Paladin’s Power and the White Phoenix

  Akira’s mind swirled with questions, but he focused on the most pressing one. "This class...the Frostfire Paladin. What exactly does it mean? What can I do with it?"

  The Phoenix hopped closer, its feathers shimmering. "The Frostfire Paladin is a rare blend of raw physical prowess and elemental mastery. You are a dual-wielding swordsman capable of harnessing Cold Fire, a unique magic that combines the destructive force of fire with the freezing power of ice. This magic is alive, unpredictable, and nearly impossible to control. Most would burn themselves out attempting to use it—but with the system’s guidance, you have an advantage."

  Akira nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of the information. "And you? You’re connected to this power?"

  The Phoenix flared its wings proudly. "I am the Frostfire Phoenix, the essence of Cold Fire itself. In battle, I will manifest fully, fighting by your side as a companion and weapon. Outside of battle, I’ll stay in this smaller form to conserve energy. Together, we will grow stronger, but mastering Cold Fire will take discipline. The stronger your bond with me, the stronger you will become."

  Akira’s gaze shifted to his swords. "And my weapons? The fire and ice magic I’ve been using?"

  The Phoenix tilted its head. "Your swords are extensions of your magic, tools that will grow with you. Your left sword channels fire, and your right sword ice. But once you fully master Cold Fire, those swords will evolve beyond anything you’ve seen before. They will become legendary weapons of the Frostfire Paladin."

  ---

  The Star-Class Hierarchy and Enma

  Akira crossed his arms. "You mentioned 7-star classes earlier. If my class is 6-star, what’s above it? And who has a 7-star class?"

  The Phoenix’s glow dimmed slightly, a sign of its seriousness. "Only one person in this era holds a 7-star class: Enma, the leader of the world’s strongest guild. His class is shrouded in mystery, but many speculate it ties to the devil itself. Some believe his power is unnatural, a threat to the balance of this world. If you ever face him...you must be prepared."

  Akira’s brow furrowed. "So he’s the strongest hunter alive."

  "Yes," the Phoenix replied. "But power alone doesn’t determine one’s worth. Enma’s path is his own, and yours will be different. Focus on your growth, Akira. The world is vast, and your story is just beginning."

  ---

  Akira stared at the Phoenix, determination burning in his eyes. The weight of his heritage, his power, and his destiny all pressed down on him, but he felt ready to face it.

  "Alright," Akira said, a grin spreading across his face. "If I’m gonna be the Frostfire Paladin, I’m gonna do it right. Let’s see just how far this power can take me."

  The Phoenix chirped, a sound of approval and pride. "That’s the spirit. Now, let’s get to work. Your journey to mastering Cold Fire has just begun."