Chapter 851

EP.851 Part 3 Chapter 2 Section 25: Durability – Supreme Magic

In the world of Tera, the earth goddess was struck with shock as a being who could be considered her priest from another dimension appeared.

No, this girl wasn’t just any priest – she had inherited all of the goddess’s essence and power through her former vessel.

The spirits looked on…

They witnessed the fall of Tera…

They saw how their priest fell to the overwhelming enemies and was swallowed by darkness. And through that influence, even the spirit itself became corrupted, transforming into merely one ‘Spirit.’

As a spirit, it came to be known as “Ji Ryun.”

Having forgotten its original name, Ji Ryun deteriorated further, falling into the abyss and becoming the monster known as “Ji Ryun’s Hydra.”

But then, the monster met him…

The boy of Blue Flame.

Through him, Ji Ryun learned the truth about the world and gained full understanding of everything.

However, its sense of self split into two distinct identities: Ji Ryun and Hydra.

“I’m Yuinah,” the woman introduced herself, containing both Ji Ryun and Hydra within her. When the deity first encountered her, they immediately realized she was an artificial goddess created by gathering fragments derived from other gods.

“I’ve come to protect your world.”

At the moment Phoenix made contact with the priest, Yuinah, standing behind Phoenix, and the Earth Goddess, standing behind the priest, were connected through magical energy.

Though their worlds differed, since they occupied similar positions in their respective realms, they couldn’t physically interfere with each other but could still converse.

Through this dialogue, Yuinah taught the Earth Mother Goddess the truth about the world, revealing her own purpose while also learning what the goddess truly desired.

“I get it. Managing all the things of the earth must be incredibly annoying.”

The woman delved deep into the heart of the Earth Mother Goddess.

“No matter how much beings on the surface and underground worship you, fulfilling everyone’s requests is tedious—even for a god. You’re supposed to encompass ‘all living creatures’ of the land, but what do most of them really want?”

“To kill bugs.”

The Earth Mother recalled countless complaints from insects and animals alike.

“Humans killed our parents. Humans stepped on us. Human children crushed our workers without reason. These incidents aren’t rare.”

“You’re right. You tried to embrace all life on earth, including humans, but eventually decided to eradicate humanity to eliminate such problems. Through your priests, you aimed to remove humans so other creatures wouldn’t have to suffer under their tyranny anymore.”

Through her priests, the Earth Mother Goddess ignored their cruel actions toward children, allowing them free rein to act out their twisted desires in order to suppress humanity.

However…

If those priests’ actions influenced her future self—Ji Ryun and Hydra—then she couldn’t let that stand.

“I’m not a pedophile.”

“You’re not… yet. But if things continue like this, you might become one. Pretty soon, you’ll start debating whether boys or girls are better.”

Upon hearing Yuna’s words, the Earth Mother took on a human form resembling Yuna, facing her counterpart across the void.

“But humans are trash, right?”

“Sure, humans can be trash, but love isn’t. Let me teach you about love…”

“Love?”

“Yes. I’ll teach you about love. And maybe… some other things too. Hehe.”

The goddess developed an interest in the concept of ‘gender,’ finding it fascinating as one form of love. Watching Yuna interact with Phoenix filled her with envy at their unattainable bond.

“What should I do?”

“As I said, I’ll send my avatar to your world. Transform it into a spirit of Tera. Ideally, appoint it as a priest too.”

“That’s impossible.”

The Earth Mother firmly shook her head.

“No matter what, she’s still my chosen priest. She’s not dead, so we can’t just replace her arbitrarily, nor can I appoint someone of equal stature like you as a priest.”

“Ah… That’s a problem.”

Yuna found herself at an impasse.

“So, what now?”

“Why?”

“We’ve agreed to bestow the power of the gods of Tera upon him. Specifically, the Phoenix of Ji Ryun.”

“Hmm…”

The Earth Mother played with her hair thoughtfully before nodding solemnly.

“In that case, there is a way. Not as a priest, but as an avatar recognized by the deity. What do you think?”

“You mean, you’d transfer your power directly? Is that okay?”

“It’s not impossible. However, I can’t simply hand over my power, so it will pass through you.”

The Earth Mother extended her hand toward Yuna.

“Let’s make part of you into a spirit and merge it with the Blazing Phoenix. It won’t have will or influence—it will only exist to grant Phoenix strength. Does that work for you?”

“Of course! As long as it helps my brother. Besides, we already share plenty of love in reality.”

Yuna grinned and extended her hand.

“Tera is like a workplace, and reality is home. No need to mix business with pleasure.”

“Understanding you makes your words clearer. Though, I do have one request.”

“What is it?”

“I want to understand my priest.”

The Earth Mother cradled the golden light received from Yuna in her abdomen.

“I want to know why she thinks the way she does. I want to understand humans.”

“Will understanding humans lead you to… experiment with young boys?”

“Is that so wrong?”

“If nothing else, we can share sensations. Link your awareness to my spirit-avatar.”

“…Is that possible?”

“Absolutely. We’re goddesses, after all.”

“I don’t fully grasp it, but it seems worth trying.”

The Earth Mother embraced Yuna.

“Welcome, traveler from another realm.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Tera-me. Even though we only share a title, not substance…”

“Does it… matter?”

The corners of the Earth Mother’s mouth curved upward.

“Now that I understand you, your words make sense. From now on, you are me, and I am you.”

—

“Cream?”

“Pie.”

With that exchange, the Earth Mother fully accepted Yuinah, merging completely with Yuna.

—

I entrusted everything to Yuna.

The moment I touched the priest, Yuna, connected to me through magic, passed through my body and reached the Earth Mother behind the priest.

That was our plan—and it worked perfectly.

“Our business here is done.”

I shoved the priest forward.

The fiery barrier began to dissipate from above, and I transformed my body into that of a monster.

“What… is this…?”

The priest, adjusting his clothes, stared at me blankly.

Then, noticing the golden magic radiating from my body, he violently shook his head.

“No, that can’t be. How…?!”

[Imposters pretending to speak for the gods shall face divine punishment.]

I raised both arms high.

Though I wanted to shout “Hail the Sun!” instead, it was more appropriate to proclaim “Hail Ji Ryun!”

Being buried underground granted me access to vast amounts of earth magic, which surged into my body. Unlike when I barely scraped S-Rank with my basic avatar, I now possessed roughly 93% of average S-Rank power, giving me more than enough strength for a grand entrance.

How should I make my appearance?

How can I re-emerge in a way that captures everyone’s attention?

‘There’s no need for theatrics.’

Simply existing as Phoenix is enough to leave everyone in awe.

It’s natural to be cool.

That’s what makes the “Phoenix of Ji Ryun.”

“Master Priest!! What… what is this?!”

“The power of the earth…?”

Gaianarchists watching me began to gasp in surprise one by one.

Members of the Blue Wind Sect also panicked, startled by the change in my aura.

‘Do they think I’ve betrayed them?’

Technically, I’ve absorbed the powers of the earth.

Would they mistake me for joining Gaianarchy?

‘That won’t do.’

I need to act before the Blue Wind Sect gets confused.

To achieve this, I must actively use the power of the earth.

[Land Spear.]

I thrust my hand downward, then snapped it upward.

Suddenly, the walls began to shake, and sharp spears of stone erupted.

Screaming sounds filled the air!

Massive stone spears shot up at incredible speed, piercing golems and trapping ability users inside conical prisons made of stone.

‘Blasting fire all the time has been fun, but using sustained power is refreshing.’

Memories flooded back.

Back when I was a player, sustained abilities were often linked with Ariel and Yuna.

It was usually them who handled Ji Ryun’s powers, and now I recalled their techniques one by one.

“Die!”

Twins rushed at me from both sides, swinging dangerous axes.

However, I easily blocked their attacks.

[Useless.]

While Blazing Phoenix focused mostly on offense, Ji Ryun’s Phoenix prioritizes defense to the extreme.

Even combined attacks from two S-Ranked users couldn’t pierce the massive magical shield conjured mid-air.

[Your god has abandoned you. They condemn your actions—your plans to destroy the future of children and humanity.]

“That’s a lie! Stop spreading falsehoods!”

[Behold.]

I stretched out both arms.

Behind me, golden wings shimmered into existence, and the visage of a woman gradually materialized.

“Th-the goddess…?”

The figure behind me was Yuna.

She appeared holographically, dressed regally, radiating the undeniable divinity of the Earth Mother.

“How dare you divide the goddess’s power with such a rebel?!”

The priest screamed in anguish.

Everyone turned to stare at me in shock.

Clearly, the Earth Mother—Yuna—was extending her hand protectively over me.

Despite the priest’s protests, her hands remained firmly shielding me.

Who does the Earth Mother support?

Me.

[Of course. The goddess laments your actions. She refrained from excommunicating you only because she sought someone worthy to punish you.]

I raised one arm high. Below me, Yuna extended her hand, supporting me as I stood atop her palm.

[By the power of the gods…]

I unleashed my ultimate technique as Ji Ryun’s Phoenix.

[Blazing Phoenix Revival.]

—

My apologies to the readers.

After this chapter concludes,

I plan to release a volume equivalent to “Death Dinassus of the Soaring Heavens 2.”

Think of it as an all-ages light novel adaptation of the original game.