Reincarnated as a Phoenix

Chapter 212 – Pillars of Destruction

---More tales in the life of author-kun. Remember how my laptop was supposed to be fixed? The same fan that wasn't spinning, now has an issue where it sounds like it's getting caught on something (I really haven't a clue and don't dare taking it apart myself). I can continue to write for now but it's inevitable this will effect content again. Sorry.

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“Okay… so to summarize everything up. You’ve obviously been working on organizing the rebellion and getting everyone together, me and Petra entering the games was an attempt of getting Gods to join our cause… oh. You sent my parents and Dio off to destroy a pillar? I’ll come to back to that… still don’t’ understand why you couldn’t get us involved in this earlier”

Despite receiving an explanation for what’s gone on, the explanation Asmodeus gives of course is lacking so that’s pretty much all that I can get right now. This isn’t an Ikarus lacking perception moment because even if I had one hundred in that stat, Asmodeus’s explanations nerfs everyone down to an equal level.

Oh, we’re still in that hideout under the tavern. It’s surprisingly comfortable down here but then again, I am sitting on the wife’s lap since there’s not enough usable chairs down here. Turns out, our rebellion we’re going to support can’t even bother getting enough chairs apparently. That’s not concerning at all.

“Heh, just roll with it sister, we’re both playing the same game here. You’ve already had a meeting with Zeus, correct? Presume he went about making a pointless threat? You can ignore that bluff, there’s only a couple of futures where it ever becomes a possibility and we’ve avoided them… probably”

Asmodeus already knows what’s happened so the instant response he’s getting is an eyeroll. All the time this guy does this so you tend to just blank him out… the fact there’s a possibility Zeus does act on his threat pisses me off immensely though. You touch Zeki and Ariza and I promise you, someone is going to get fucked up.

“You know… where is the rest of the rebellion anyways? This just seems tragic”

That gets a face of sadness from Aphrodite and Hermes but I am right. Artemis just constantly looks angry so don’t know if she agrees or not. Leo-, I mean Uriel still continues to look stoic so she’s impossible to guess. I’m still going off that theory that they’re the same person despite the fact this angle doesn’t seem as wicked… eh. Maybe I’m wrong on that, she did just sell out her species like Asmodeus as well.

“Heh, not sure what you were expecting sister. The rebellion was always a mess of jumbled ideas so the current lack of members reflects that”

This causes me to instinctively facepalm from Asmodeus explanation. Even though I wasn’t expecting much, I was hoping this might just be a tiny splinter cell and it turns out we have a headquarters that dozens of Gods reside in.

Already sensing I’m stressing the hell out; Petra always finds a way of helping and just a slight head rub does the world a wonder. I’m actually a little surprised she’s so able to remain calm about this.

“Heh, just relax Ikarus, you already know how vague he is. There is somehow method in his madness so the chances are, this isn’t all we’re working with”

‘Ah, the epitome of wisdom like usual. Things normally end up tying together once you blindly follow his lead’

“Heh… what’s this pillar thing you speak of anyway?”

While my stress levels are starting to lower, Petra gets us back on track. My parents were sent off to destroy a pillar guided by Dio and have only just finished. Of course, Asmodeus is always vague so haven’t a clue what that even is.

“That’ll be the key to bringing down Zeus, dark one. All his power comes from pillars and in order to bring him down to our level, they need to be destroyed. The traitor helped me destroy another over in the angel’s domain”

Uriel stands there still as stoic as ever but her aura seems to be leaking a little bit of guilt. Maybe she isn’t the evil mage after all, don’t remember her ever having any guilt.

(Dio) “You sure about that Asmodeus? Last I heard, those pillars were nothing more than just stabilizing devices left behind by the titans”

“Heh, that’s one purpose young God, just trust me on this and don’t ask too many questions. That’s our goal”

Clearly, there’s something Asmodeus isn’t telling us about these pillars but he can be like talking to a brick wall at times. Just leave it and go with the flow like usual.

“So… my parents and Dio just went out to destroy one and you’ve dealt with another? That’s two out of… how many?”

Apparently, the one my parents went to destroy was comparable to demolishing an old building so nothing of real interest to note. The other was built into the angelic cathedral that burnt down.

“Three now sister, the folks over in Ragnarök destroyed theirs long ago. Similar to how our lordship works, there’s seven in total and the swifter we get around to destroying them, the less resistance we’ll face”

Asmodeus and his foul grin returns as undoubtedly, there must be some sort of evil action behind this plan. I’m not too sure where the connection to genocide is just yet but it’ll be something of that magnitude.

“That’s the plan then? It sounds awfully similar to the time you had Ikarus go on a goose chase becoming a demon lord”

“Heh, it’s really not the same dark one. You’ll see firsthand when all of us, excluding the dragons go to destroy the next one together”

Surprisingly, the four Gods that were already here seem surprised by this announcement. Both parents are as well but for different reasons.

“Aren’t we coming along too?”

“Hmph… you weakling Gods will never truly understand the importance of dragons. Two especially”

Sounding dejected, you would never think dragons could come across like this but they want to join us on our little pillar crusade. I’m assuming there’s an important reason why they can’t though.

“Heh, we have two very important things you dragons need to do for us all. Without your specialist skills, the plan completely falls short. Everything is written down in this note”

‘At least that gets both of them happy. Mother just wants to be involved and father clearly is being a tsundere about being important…’

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“We’re… here then? I wasn’t expecting a place like this. Way too many flowers”

“Heh, it’s beautiful Ikarus, isn’t it? Just like you”

‘Urgh… compliment from the wife. Loins weakening’

(Thanatos) “It’s alright I guess… Elysium in the Underworld is better”

(Aphrodite) “So many flowers! It baffles me Apollo kept this place all to himself”

(Hermes) “I could train and run forever inside here!”

(Artemis) “Erk, you lot are crazy! What’s the big deal with a fucking field of flowers? It’s way too open for hunting”

(Uriel) “It’s quite pleasant I suppose”

After going through portal after portal led by Asmodeus to get to where we’re supposed to go, we finally arrive at what appears to be the place.

I swear by the fourth world, I was getting interdimensional travel sickness if that’s a thing. I like to exaggerate but it really was a convoluted mess, ended up going through a scrapyard, a graveyard, a black-market and even a brothel at one point. They really don’t keep up to date with portal management around here.

As for the location we’re now at, remember that time we saw the beautiful fields of Elysium when going through the Underworld search? No? Erm…we weren’t there for long. Regardless, this place is just an endless meadow with a tower, or pillar as tall as the eye can see.

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“Heh, be warned sister. This place may look beautiful but hidden beneath those flowers, it’s practically a minefield”

“Well… couldn’t we just simply fly over it then?”

“Heh, wouldn’t recommend it unless you want a javelin piercing your torso sister. The pillar detects motion in the air and reacts accordingly”

‘Right… definitely don’t want to give that a try then. Already been stabbed through the torso once before, that shit hurt!’

“Hah, you lot worry too much! It’ll be a peace of cake…”

The wild Artemis charges onto the field and surprisingly, manages to get a quarter of the distance before an explosion wipes her out in an instant. I’d laugh if she hadn’t just been blown in half…

“Fuck! My legsss… screw this. I’ll be back in a minute…”

Pulling out a dagger, Artemis puts herself out of her misery while we all just look away. I guess if you’ve got the benefit of revival, killing yourself isn’t exactly much of a problem. She is definitely something strange though.

“You know… why is it we brought her? There’s a point in bringing everyone, right?”

“Heh, correct, it’s just for bait sister. Since me and you haven’t got the benefit of a second life, all you lot will be acting as mine detectors for us. Any volunteers?”

…

‘Seriously? This is the best solution this guy can come up with to getting across a literal minefield!?’

(Uriel) “That’s the reasoning behind his Asmodeus? It’s truly wicked… yet may just work”

(Dio) “Sounds about right… calling dibs on going last”

(Hermes) “A-Are we really doing this? Dying r-really hurts, you know?”

(Thanatos) “*Sighhh*… if this is what Lord Hades wants me to assist you with, then I will… I’m not going next though”

(Aphrodite) “Look at all the pretty flowers about to be spoiled by blood! Such a romantic place going to ruin”

And of course, the additions to our temporary party are definitely unique to say the least. I’m not surprised there’s nobody wanting to take the job… step right up and be blown to pieces!

…

Thankfully, Hermes is willing to step up and be the next one to enter the mine infested meadow and I’m still trying to look away. I can normally stomach gore but this seems so unnecessary.

Unlike the wild Goddess before him, his speed quickly gets him to the halfway point before his body explodes into a red paste and disintegrates like the Goddess before him. Think I may skip lunch today.

“*Sigh*… guess I’ll give it a try then”

Next up, the angel Uriel takes the stage slowly following the dead Gods. She’s being a little more cautious on this but I really can’t see her getting too far…

It seems like Thanatos, then Aphrodite will follow along next, not going to keep watching anymore. Think Petra would’ve volunteered but Asmodeus held her back. At least we can both agree on not allowing the wife to get blown to smithereens… I think that as Uriel turns to bits. At least we’re making slow progress.

‘Hang on… isn’t she going to end up getting spawn trapped as well?’

“Heh, can see the look on your face sister. Relax… she’s already changed her anchor point. The traitor is fine”

“Phew… not like I care at all. What’s the story with all these lot anyways? The Gods alive… and dead I mean?”

“Heh, you mean those idiots sister? Like most Gods up here, just treat them like cannon fodder and it’ll be much easier to handle. It just happens, these lot are the most expendable as well”

‘I hope the remaining Gods think Asmodeus is joking about this… he really isn’t though’

Turning away from Asmodeus and now towards Dionysus, the small talk is always better when it’s not followed by an evil smirk… and an explosion apparently. I swear Dio is like the only guy friend I have in this world… guess Nathan counts but he is in a different world a world and an empire away.

“What about the story of this place then? There can’t be that many beautiful places like this around here”

“Funnily enough, I do know that Ikarus. This place once upon a time was Apollo’s domain he used for testing out his artefacts. The meadow itself was a reaction from tinkering with one of Hephaestus’s hammers and thus, the heart of this world was created”

“Ya know… is this where you sent Charlotte power from? Harnessing the power around the place?”

Despite it not seeming like it, there is a huge amount of radiant energy floating all around the place that even I can detect. Petra herself seems surprised that I can pick this up because that is normally something related to that boring magic theory crap.

“Kinda. He put a lot of dormant energy into the pillars and harnessing it is doable if you know how his brain works. You spend enough time digging here, you’ll probably come across an artefact or two as well”

‘Ah, so this world is like his stash as well? Maybe we can go digging for some stuff after… if Asmodeus deems it worth the time’

(Petra) “You not worried he might show up and be angry?”

“No. He’d be a little annoyed at people messing with his work but he was always flexible to reason, logic and wisdom. Say… how was Athena when you two last spoke with her?”

“Heh, she seemed alright. Why?”

“Yeah, why Dio? Is my wife starting to remind you of her or something?”

“Slightly, but that’s not what I’m getting at Ikarus. It’s just that Athena had a nose for sniffing Apollo out when he doesn’t want to be found. Wouldn’t surprise me if she’s looking for him down there right now”

I’m… not sure what to make of this. By the way he keeps being brought up, you’d think Apollo would the key to making everything click but it hasn’t become a point of interest just yet. Maybe that’ll be the goal once the pillars are destroyed? Or it’s just pointless lore, who knows…

Without even realizing it with the constant explosions going off in the background, only four of us remain now: Me, the wife, Dionysus and Asmodeus. Thankfully, the demonic dickhead was paying attention to where we need to step so he leads us forward to the point Aphrodite just blew up. It’s safe to say, she’s not so cute anymore…

“Heh, it’s your turn youn-”

Instead of waiting for Asmodeus to get Dionysus to do the final few steps, Petra takes the leap and causes my heart so skip a beat. Luckily, I don’t have to witness my wife turn into fertilizer today, I know she’ll revive because she is an actually God now, but fuck no to that!

“Heh, what now? How do we destroy this thing?”

Now all on the other side in touching distance to the pillar after following the wife alone, we’ve finally crossed the flowery fields of death! It sounds better in my head.

“Heh, this is the part I’m sure your lover will enjoy dark one. What we need is a strong surge of power that’ll dislodge anything not powerful enough to withstand it”

“Like, for example… a nuclear blast?”

In response, I receive a simple nod from Asmodeus. Tis the little things in life that make it worth living.

“Hell yeah! Petra, barrier-… silly me, keep forgetting about friendly fire”

Of course, I get a strong rush of blood to my head when it’s time for a quick nuking. Decisions… decisions, it’s not common I get to blow something up like this in a practical setting.

‘Do we go for the biggy or just a teeny weeny lickle nuke? Eh, let’s start small and then go big if it’s needed… Aesa?’

[<Giving Ikarus the orb to activate -atomic hellfire->]

Now with the power to end worlds in my grasp, I don’t bother taking the time to be patient and lob that orb straight towards the thing that needs to be demolished.

Demolition expert Ikarus here and when I say shit needs to come down, you best get your hardhats on and freaking run for the hills!

The sheer power of this explosion becomes blinding and deafening in an instant, of course and this range I lose the epicness of the mushroom cloud but I’m less focused on that right now. Just feel that power…

Something doesn’t feel right though, all the power kept within this pillar should’ve spread around yet it feels like it’s becoming compact, fixating on a single point. It’s also strange that the land hasn’t been moulded by how a nuke normally works, the sky has turned red but not a single crater in sight. I’m not getting disappointed at all.

Once the embers from the explosion settles and visibility barely returns, all four of us stand facing the now collapsed pillar and what presents us… is utter madness.

(Asmo) “Heh, a little eager, aren’t you sister? I would’ve said get ready and prepare for a fight if you had waited a little longer”

(Dio) “I can see why fathe-… what the fuck?”

(Petra) “…”

(Ikarus) “Is that… no freaking way! That can’t be…”

Ahead of us is a creature I could only ever dream about coming across, a creature being so intwined with Greek mythology, even the most uniformed may have heard of it’s existence. The minotaur…

“RARGHHHHHHHH!!!”

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Before I even have the chance to question why a creature that should be in the labyrinth is up here, the fucker charges us head on in this smouldering nuke zone!

All of us spread out instantly and try to avoiding grouping up, which in turn leads for the bull aiming for me! I haven’t even got my weapons out yet, fucking Asmodeus and his tendency for not sharing anything until the last minute!

‘Oh, hey Ikarus, there’s the freaking Minotaur inside that pillar so best get ready after we cross the fucking minefield! I hate him so much at times’

“Don’t do that sister, the pillar’s defences are still active”

Instinctively wanting to fly and face this guy from above, Asmodeus scolds me before I even get the chance to open my wings. Getting impaled by a spear doesn’t sound great so on this I’ll trust him even if the pillar is already toppled. I don’t know how shit works!

I simply don’t have enough time to now get out of the way of this guy so when his horns try to impale me, the only thing I can is unsheathe Excalibur, jump up, and plunge it into the back of his neck.

“Fuckkkk, it’s like I’m at a rodeo! Stop shaking, you stupid beast!”

“RARGHHH!!!”

Not wanting to lose my sword, I grab onto it for my life while the beast shakes like that stupid American bull riding thing! I hate this so much!

[<Aesa’s has just noticed something Ikarus, bringing up the status screen>]

[Name: Asterion  |  Species: Minotaur  |  Level: 1000]

[Health    174,521/250,000]

[Stamina 201,345/250,000]

[Magicka 0/0]

‘Really pick your moments, don’t you Aesa!?’

[<Ikarus is fine, you have more than enough speed to contend with this beast. Aesa is just surprised on the fact this creature has broken the stat cap. It should be 166,666>]

‘You really are unbelievable at times… just get out already! That’s not what she said…’

Anyways, while I’ve finally mastered the impossible task of pulling out a sword from a raging bull, the rest of my party come to my aid when I finally get grip of my blade and literally get thrown into the arms of my lover! I’m not making this shit up, Petra literally catches me in that princess position.

“Heh… probably not the time right now”

‘Aww… I was hoping Petra would say something witty or go for a kiss. I’m not opposed to being embarrassed mid battle’

Asmo and Dio provide an ample distraction while I get down, both shooting magic into the beast but both look to be slightly underwhelming.

Asmodeus with his wind magic and Dionysus with a violet flowing liquid that looks awfully similar to wine. Regardless, the creature gets pushed back and its eyes turn purple. I don’t think it’s harmed in the slightest though.

“Heh, alcoholism at its finest. Your hangover attack will be useful here young God”

“Not the time Asmodeus… let’s just deal with this beast”

Instead of targeting the magic dealers, the creature aims for me again. It clearly hates people named Ikarus but I’m happy to take the role of bait this time around.

‘Aesa?’

[<No can do Ikarus, -plot protection mark 2- is still in cooldown>]

‘Crap… think aspect is good to go… Aesa, right now!’

Remembering I wasted plot protection back at that burning cathedral, I also remember aspect only got activated, not actually used so that’ll work a treat for a one vs one boss fight. It’s finally time to see how much of a punch it packs…

[<-Aspect of gigantomachy mark 2- is now in use>]

Breasts expanding and the power coursing through my veins, the beast is just about to fully charge into me again but feeling like I can now hold him back, I avoid aiming to jump over him this time around.

Using as much strength as I can possibly muster, I strike the rampaging beast in the head only to find the creature still manages to push me back even with the insane knockback aspect can have!

Somehow, I’m still receiving the strength of gigantomachy so the beast only slowly manages to push me back while both of my blades keep it from thrashing one of its horns into my ribs. Maybe the attack hasn’t fully cancelled yet since we’re still in contact? It doesn’t matter because I’m still getting pushed back, I’m going to end up in the minefield if this continues…

While the creature is slowed down like this, the other three take the opportunity to launch more attacks. I’m pretty sure Dionysus can only make the animal drunk then actually providing any real harm but I guess fighting a drunk bull is better than nothing.

Asmodeus fires off several projectiles made from wind, don’t even ask how that works while the wife activates her version of aspect and strikes the creature’s bottom. Aesa would probably enjoy that…

“RARGHHHHHH!!!”

‘Status’

[Name: Asterion  |  Species: Minotaur  |  Level: 1000]

[Health    23,481/250,000]

[Stamina 198,519/250,000]

[Magicka 0/0]

‘Even after all this damage we’ve done, he’s still pushing me into the flowery minefield’

I’m conflicted a little, if I activate something too over the top like launching my meteors, it could cause a chain reaction setting all the mines off behind me.

No, a fuck tonne amount of fire is the solution here and the wife is in agreement, activating her black-eyed mode as well.

Activating in unison, I start forcing out fire from my gripped hands while Petra coats the entire floor in her hellish black flame. The site is truly hideous especially when you combine it with the redness that the nuke’s left behind, hideously brilliant I mean! This shit looks like a battle straight out of hell.

“RARGHH! Mooooo…”

Another scream as the creature starts to weaken, clearly having no resistance to fire so we keep this up and start to cook the fucker!

Have you ever seen that ancient Greek torturing device called the brazen bull? Basically, the condemned human would be put in a bull made from metal and then a fire would be lit underneath. This is what I imagine this sounds like… only reason I bring this up is because I’m sure I’ve seen that device as decoration around Olympus. I can afford to get distracted when we’re done cooking steak…

Thankfully, after what feels like I’ve exhausted more than a third of my magicka, the creature is finally put to rest allowing me to catch my breath. I came dangerously close to entering that minefield again.

‘Phew… that shit was intense! Need to calm it… that was pretty dope’

“Asmodeus… what the fuck was the Minitour doing up here? Theseus killed him and it was reported all around Olympus. Yet… that half man, half bull is right here”

Before us lovebirds get a chance to start questioning, Dionysus gets in first who looks shocked to the core. Not really sure why he’s so bothered considering that thing had an agenda against me!

‘Maybe it was my hair? It’s pretty much reddish orange after all, bulls hate red after all… Asmodeus has red armour as well though’

“Heh, he was dead young God. When figuring out potential ways to deal with enemies, this was one of Zeus’s many experiments he conducted in attempt to make sure none shall oppose his rule. The pillars were mainly used as cover in attempt to shield off the power he was releasing…”

‘When Asmodeus starts going into lore, you listen. He’s basically a goldmine when he actually decides to start sharing’

“…Reforging the Minotaur’s soul was nothing compared to what he’s capable of… why is it you think Hephaestus and Athena left so early? They knew what he was doing and were disgusted by it”

“This is something Zeus did? Then why is it inside Apollo’s realm?”

…

My question actually makes Asmodeus pause but mainly because I think he wants Dio to figure it out by himself.

“Huh… guess he found it and then left like the others. One important question still remains though, where the hell is he…”