"This era has already produced seven Campione, more than any previous age. The awakening of the 'Last King' is inevitable."
"My little flame! Even I have no way to face the 'Strongest Steel'. All I can do is cheer you on from behind."
"You must be careful with him, though I know caution won't help..."
Pandora clutched Phoenix tightly, looking at her daughter as if gazing at a child about to suffer. Her voice turned sorrowful.
"..."
Phoenix let this mother who looked more like a young girl hold her. After a moment of silence, she placed her hand on Pandora's head and gently stroked her small head.
Compared to a mother, it would be more fitting to call her a younger sister.
"I understand. Don't worry! Even the 'Strongest Steel' won't be my opponent."
"Still, thank you for the reminder."
"My little flame, don't treat me like a child. I'm your mother." Pandora swatted away Phoenix's hand, her expression clearly annoyed.
"Alright... Mom... I'm sorry!"
"Yes, that's my favorite little daughter! Those older brothers and sisters of yours were so disobedient! You're much better, my little flame! I love you, so... you mustn't die."
Hearing Phoenix's voice, Pandora's face once again lit up with an adorable smile as she hugged her daughter.
"..."
Phoenix remained silent, offering no further response.
"Well, it's about time. Next time... we'll see each other again!"
After a few more minutes, Pandora took a few steps back, gazing at her "little daughter" before gently waving goodbye.
"Right, next time! It won't be too long..."
Phoenix nodded in agreement.
When Phoenix's consciousness returned, she found herself surrounded by a raging sandstorm. The desert winds whipped through the dunes, carrying swirling yellow sands that danced across the sky. The entire heavens became a stage for the tempestuous sands, as the dunes themselves shifted and moved with the gales.
Faced with this sudden sandstorm, Phoenix remained calm. This was the desert, after all - such storms were hardly unexpected.
Ignoring the overwhelming yellow sands, Phoenix observed them parting instinctively around her, creating a clear path several meters wide.
Behind her, her blazing wings reformed once more. Scanning the swirling sands, Phoenix realized she couldn't see Higokumaru, Erica, or Liliana through the thick dust.
She had no choice but to search for the three young girls within the storm.
Fortunately, it didn't take long. Phoenix soon spotted Erica and Liliana struggling through the sandstorm not far ahead.
As for Higokumaru, she had transformed into a fox, completely wrapping herself in her tail to form a fluffy ball. The sandstorm seemed to have little effect on her.
Seeing the three figures ahead, Phoenix waved her hand, pulling them into the domain of her [ Seventh Heaven ] power.
Higokumaru, Erica, and Liliana found themselves momentarily stunned. Just moments ago, they had been struggling through a sandstorm, and now they found themselves transported to an unfamiliar place.
Before them lay a scene of idyllic beauty: celestial steeds galloping across the skies, adorable cherubs frolicking in the grass, and other resplendent angels tending to flowers and pruning the garden.
The entire world exuded a sense of serene warmth, as if they had entered the very realm of Heaven itself.
"Where are we?"
Though the surroundings appeared idyllic, Erica and Liliana immediately drew their Weapons with practiced movements, their instincts kicking in.
"How did we end up here?!"
The two Knights exchanged uneasy glances, tension palpable between them.
"Rest assured, you're within the purview of my domain's authority," Phoenix's voice suddenly resonated in their minds. "I released you from the sandstorm once I emerged."
"Her Majesty's power..." Liliana murmured, her grip on her Weapon loosening.
"...It's as if we've entered another world entirely," Erica added, awe coloring her voice. "Such immense power..."
Unaware of Liliana and Erica's thoughts, Phoenix transformed into a bird and flew swiftly toward Italy.
In less than three hours, Phoenix reached her residence in Italy.
Upon returning, Phoenix released Liliana, Erica, and Higokumaru from her authority.
"Phoenix..."
"Phoenix, we're so sorry! Not only did we fail to assist you, but we also caused you trouble."
The two girls emerged, gazing at Phoenix with apologetic expressions tinged with self-reproach.
"It's alright. This isn't your fault. Facing a Heretic God, you've done remarkably well," Phoenix replied, waving her hand dismissively as she looked at the two young girls. She had never truly expected them to be of much help in the first place.
Nor did she need them to contribute significantly in battles against Heretic Gods.
"I'm sorry..." Erica said again, her head bowed, a trace of despair in her voice. She now fully understood... how laughably inadequate her pride in her strength was against the Heretic God.
The once proud young girl had lost all her former arrogance.
Meanwhile, Liliana, the other knight girl, fared better. Though also somewhat defeated, her mental fortitude had always been strong.
Thus, she didn't suffer as much as Erica.
"...Actually, there's no need to take it so personally."
Seeing the girl who had always been as proud as a phoenix now weeping like a child, Phoenix suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.
"You've just endured a sandstorm. Covered in sand and grime, I'm sure you're uncomfortable. Go back to your rooms and bathe first! After you're clean... come to my room around 10:30 PM.
I have something for you."
Phoenix gazed at the two young girl knights before her. These girls had nearly pledged their complete loyalty to her. Having suffered such a setback, she felt they needed some encouragement.
After all, Erica and Liliana were prodigious mages. It would be unfortunate if this defeat left lasting psychological scars.
They needed confidence and motivation.
Perhaps... an enhancement to their combat capabilities.