Chapter 84: Evolution Island (Part Ten)

Brilliant white light sheltered the knight as he journeyed beneath the stars, following the tireless steps of his white steed. The scenic valleys, fresh meadows, and vibrant forests slipped away behind him. After a long trek, the knight finally halted before a towering volcano that pierced the clouds. Leaping down from his horse, he gently patted its forehead and stroked its snow-white mane.

“Thank you for your help. May nature bless you,” the knight whispered into the horse’s ear. “Ferrarov, return to the realm of the elves and wait for me.”

A breeze swept by, pulling back the knight’s hood and revealing his flawless face to the world. His features were pure and unblemished, his eyes radiated wisdom, brilliant as starlight. Though he appeared young, he bore the gaze of one who had seen through all the mysteries of existence. He was the most perfect being in the world, a creation of beauty and intelligence—the son of the Elven King from Aman.

A voice, holy and grand, resonated from the son of the Elven King, as if singing a hymn of life, praising the gods. Yet within that sacred hymn lurked threads of murderous intent. “Demon of Flame, stop hiding! You destroyed nations, sacrificed millions of humans. Today is the day it all ends! Evil soul, submit to nature’s purification!”

“Elven King’s son, Lord of Aman, why must you stand against me?” The volcano rumbled, as if the entire mountain spoke.

“Demon of Flame, save your words. Are you afraid? When you sacrificed humans, you should have foreseen this day,” the Elven King’s son’s gaze was sharp, as though he could pierce through the demon’s every secret. Brilliant starlight gathered about his wind-blown robes and hair, making him appear ever more divine.

“Anriel! Don’t go too far! The nations I destroyed were all human! The sacrifices were all human! I never touched Aman. When did I ever offend you?” The volcano trembled violently, splitting into countless fissures from which eerie green flames erupted. Molten fire surged forth, raging across this silent, desolate land.

“Demon of Flame! Elves have always been guardians of this continent. All you have done here is an affront to me,” Anriel replied. “Today, as son of the Elven King, Lord of Aman, I shall eradicate you, so you can never again plague this land!”

“Anriel! Prepare to die!” An earth-shattering roar erupted from the volcano. A giant, wreathed in ghostly green flame, burst from the shattered mountain, its enormous fist crashing toward Anriel. Even before the fist reached him, a sonic boom and searing heat swept toward Anriel.

“Starlight, protect me! Starlight, imprison this fiend!” With a gentle wave, the radiant starlight encircling Anriel transformed into a vast shield. Stars shimmered across its surface, trapping the flaming giant’s fist within a stellar cage, halting its advance.

“Wrath of nature, nature, punish this monster!” As Anriel’s words fell, the rampant flames suddenly converged, coalescing into a colossal fire phoenix that soared across the sky.

“Spirit of nature—birds homage to the phoenix!” The fire phoenix cried skyward, its clear call echoing, every feather dazzling with brilliance.

Soon, flocks of birds rushed in from every direction: swallows that blotted out the sun, elegant cranes, splendid peacocks, and mighty eagles. Birds that were once rivals, never meant to coexist, now gathered here. No matter how proud, every bird bowed its head in reverence to the spirit of the phoenix beside Anriel.

The fire phoenix spread its wings and ascended. Each bird offered a feather, each glowing with light, whether strong or weak, resonating with the phoenix’s spirit dancing in the heavens. At last, all the feathers flew to the phoenix, solidifying its once-ethereal form into near reality.

The phoenix spirit let forth a clear, ringing cry that shook the heavens, then transformed into a blaze of endless radiance, surging toward the flaming giant imprisoned by the stars.

“O fire phoenix that burns all evil, descend with your most sacred flames of atonement! Destroy this wicked fiend completely!”

“Anriel!” The flaming giant howled in despair, but soon the radiant flames of atonement engulfed it. Resistance was futile; the flames slowly extinguished, dispersing into countless rays that returned to each bird who had given a feather. The birds cried out in satisfaction and scattered to the winds. The once formidable flaming giant was gone, leaving only shattered black stones behind.

“Evil shall always be destroyed,” Anriel said softly.

“Damn you, Anriel! You destroyed my flaming giant! I will never forgive you!” From the darkness between the stones, a shadow burst forth, ablaze with black fire, radiating pure malice. In its left hand it wielded a massive flaming scythe; in its right, a nine-section whip of fire. “Die!”

The Demon of Flame lashed the whip furiously, as if intent on tearing Anriel to shreds. Anriel, caught off guard that he had only defeated a giant, dodged desperately. Previously depleted, he now found himself in peril, the whip grazing him several times, even singeing his perfect golden hair.

“Hahaha! Anriel! Where is your arrogance now? Today, you will remain here, and taste the torment of endless imprisonment!” The demon laughed wildly, venting his resentment.

“Evil life will always perish! Demon, cease your futile struggle!” Though Anriel was forced back, his spirit burned bright, his confidence unshaken.

“Sink into darkness, cursed elf!” The demon sneered, advancing step by step. Suddenly, he exhaled a cloud of blackness, filled with shimmering particles. Unprepared, Anriel was touched by the black mist.

Here, the brilliance faded completely. Luo Hanya found himself once more in the pitch-black hall, staring, dumbfounded, at the dark statue before him. He had never imagined the figure—no, the elf—could have such an illustrious origin.

Main world quest triggered: Rescue the son of the Elven King, Lord of Aman.