SPOP Chapter 109 Black Phoenix

Buzz!

In the vast, empty void, Rojen's gaze seemed to stir the very fabric of space, sending ripples through the air.

Chirp!

The colossal Tedoria recoiled in fear, trembling as it locked eyes with Rojen's blood-red gaze. Its vision was swallowed by the intense crimson light, as if the very color magnified before it, drowning everything in a sea of red. Within an instant, the Tedoria found itself trapped in the overwhelming blood-saturated world.

A massive black tomoe appeared within the crimson haze, rotating slowly like a spiraling vortex, drawing the Tedoria's consciousness into its depths.

"I am your master, and you are my loyal companion, my pet, raised since childhood. Your name is Black Phoenix. You will obey my every command."

The voice echoed inside Tedoria's mind, a mysterious tone that repeated the words, embedding them deeply. The black tomoe spun ever faster, the resistance of the giant bird beginning to dissolve as it subconsciously accepted the meaning behind those words.

Chirp!

This time, the call was gentle, the ferocity of the earlier shriek now replaced by a soft, almost tender note.

Ha!

Rojen let out a relieved sigh, watching as the previously furious Tedoria, ready to tear him apart, suddenly calmed. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Controlling the bird had seemed simple at first, a mere gaze to command it. But in reality, it was a test of mental fortitude, far more draining than physical combat.

The body is but a puppet, while the mind is the general who commands it. Those with greater mental power can often exert more strength at the same physical level. This was the truth Rojen lived by.

The Tedoria, over one hundred meters long, demanded an even greater expenditure of mental strength, draining Rojen's reserves.

'Black Phoenix?'

Rojen's voice was tentative as he called out.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, Tedoria's wings flared open, and its massive claws came crashing down, creating a blast of pressure that rushed toward Rojen in an instant. Rojen's pupils contracted, his body tensing as he prepared to dodge. But within a breath, he realized he couldn't escape. The bird was too fast, too powerful.

His muscles tensed in reflex, but the Tedoria's enormous form was already within inches of him.

"It's over... too fast!" The speed and force of the Tedoria's attack surpassed his expectations, leaving him stunned.

"Captain!"

In the jungle, Jason's face twisted in alarm at the sudden eruption of movement from the Tedoria. But then, just two breaths later, the sharp claws, gleaming like polished metal, stopped mere inches from Rojen's shoulder, lightly tapping him before quickly retracting.

The sheer force of the Tedoria's touch sent Rojen flying, crashing against a large tree with a sickening thud.

Huā lā lā!

Leaves rustled as Rojen's body stuck to the tree, his limbs crumpling in pain.

'That hurts!'

For a moment, it felt as though all his senses had been stripped away, leaving him numb, disoriented. But as he slowly crumpled to the ground, Rojen saw the expression on the Tedoria.

It was an odd mix of expectation, apology, and a touch of nostalgia.

'Did it work?'

The hesitation in the bird's eyes, the claw that longed to reach out but feared causing harm, was clear. The affection in its gaze only deepened Rojen's understanding.

In that instant, Rojen knew.

"It wants to perch on my shoulder, but its size... it doesn't realize the impact."

As Rojen rubbed his sore shoulder, his senses returned, and he understood this moment. It was the result of the memories transferred to the Tedoria through the Sharingan and the King of a Hundred Birds skill, memories he had instilled. Though simple, they were enough for a creature of such limited self-awareness.

"Captain!" Jason, Rouge, and Lordling rushed forward, standing protectively around Rojen, their faces etched with concern.

"I'm fine!" Rojen reassured them, pushing Jason aside as he rose to his feet. Jason, still tense, positioned himself in front of Rojen, eyeing the massive bird above them warily.

Chirp!

The Tedoria's eyes narrowed sharply as it turned its gaze toward the newcomers. Its claws unfurled, its patience thinning.

"Danger!" Jason shouted, his fists clenched, preparing for a fight. Despite his imposing stature, his figure seemed tiny beneath the Tedoria's massive form.

Rojen stepped forward, shaking his head. "Don't worry; it's under my control now."

"What?!" Jason's heart raced as disbelief painted his features. Rouge and the others exchanged shocked looks.

"Black Phoenix!" Rojen called out again, his eyes locking with the Tedoria above.

Chirp!

The giant bird responded with a soft call, almost as if acknowledging him.

This moment left Jason and Rouge in even greater astonishment.

Chirp!

As if sensing something below, several more Tedoria appeared in the sky, their enormous bodies blocking out the sunlight. With a few powerful flaps, they descended toward Rojen and his group.

Chirp!

Black Phoenix, its head snapping around, let out a sharp call, its gaze firm as it directed the others.

Soon, a conversation of sorts unfolded among the giant birds. After several breaths, the other Tedoria took off, soaring into the sky, leaving Black Phoenix to gaze down gently at Rojen.

"Black Phoenix, I need your help." Rojen's words seemed to resonate with the bird, its enormous head nodding in acknowledgment.

With a smile, Rojen turned to Jason, Rouge, and Lordling. "Let's climb onto its back."

Jason and Rouge still appeared stunned, hardly able to believe that Rojen had simply used the strange melody of a leaf to communicate with the massive creature.

When Black Phoenix finally landed, the group climbed onto its back, and Jason, unable to hold back his excitement, blurted out, "Captain! Is this Voice Of All Things?!"

"Tell me, is it?!" Jason's voice was filled with wonder.

"Huh?" Rojen blinked in confusion.

'Voice Of All Things? What was that? All he had done was use a bit of genjutsu, drawing from the King of a Hundred Birds skill, enhanced by the tomoe Sharingan.'

"It must be, right? The legends say Roger could do it. You've got his bloodline, there's no other explanation! Only someone like him could control such massive creatures!"

Jason's voice trembled with excitement.

"That's incredible, this bird, it's like a mount of the gods!" His face shone with exhilaration.

Rojen just shrugged, clearly speechless. "You can believe whatever you want," he replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

(End of This Chapter)

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