chapter fourteen
Chapter 14: The Vermilion Bird – A Divine Awakening
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Crow walked through the dense forest, his senses on high alert. After the victory against the Spider Tyrant, he had gained some peace, but he knew that new challenges awaited him. He had already gathered several powerful creatures, but something was tugging at his intuition—a presence in the air, faint but undeniably there.
It was unusual, something he couldn't quite place. As he ventured deeper into the forest, he spotted a small figure resting on a branch of an ancient, gnarled tree. The figure was a bird, no bigger than a typical sparrow, its feathers a dull mix of reddish-brown. It seemed weak, almost fragile, with its head lowered and wings tucked tightly against its body as if it were exhausted.
But Crow's sharp eyes caught something else—an unusual aura surrounding it, barely perceptible to anyone but him.
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[SYSTEM ALERT!]
Creature Identified: Vermilion Bird (Unawakened) [Divine Potential]
Status: Weak (Level 1)
Potential: Divine
Note: This creature is dormant, its true power locked away. Requires awakening to unlock its full potential.
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Crow's heart skipped a beat. The Vermilion Bird was one of the Four Mythical Birds. In his world, these creatures were legends, their powers capable of reshaping the very fabric of reality.
But this one… was weak. Unawakened.
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"A Divine creature with potential like this… It's almost a shame to leave it like this." Crow murmured to himself, his curiosity piqued.
He took a few steps closer, kneeling to get a better look at the bird. Its eyes were closed, its chest rising and falling with slow, shallow breaths. There was a sense of peace about it, almost as if it were in a deep slumber.
Crow wasn't sure what exactly this bird was doing here, but he didn't want to let this opportunity slip by. The Divine Potential of the bird was something rare—almost mythical. If he could awaken it, this bird could become one of his most powerful beasts.
He reached out and placed his hand near the bird.
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[SYSTEM ALERT!]
Would you like to attempt awakening the Vermilion Bird?
Warning: Awakening a Divine Creature may be risky and require high amounts of energy.
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Crow nodded. "I'm ready."
The system hummed as a flash of light surrounded the Vermilion Bird. Crow felt the energy coursing through him, and for a moment, it was almost as if the world around him had stopped. Then, with a sudden burst, the bird's feathers began to glow with a radiant crimson light.
Its wings unfurled, and the energy surrounding it seemed to ignite. A beautiful aura of flame began to surround it, and its body transformed from weak to strong in a flash. Its feathers turned to a brilliant vermilion red, glowing with the intensity of a thousand suns.
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[SYSTEM ALERT!]
Vermilion Bird Awakened!
Stats Unlocked:
HP: 10,000 (Level 1)
Attack: 3,000
Defense: 2,000
Speed: 4,500
Abilities Unlocked:
Flame of Rebirth – The Vermilion Bird can rejuvenate itself, healing massive amounts of damage over time.
Firestorm – The bird can summon a storm of flames, scorching everything in its path.
Divine Flight – Increases speed and evasion. The Vermilion Bird can fly at incredible speeds while becoming temporarily invincible.
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Crow stared in awe as the Vermilion Bird fluttered into the air, its powerful wings beating with immense force. Its energy radiated in waves, filling the entire area with an almost sacred warmth. This wasn't just any bird—it was a Divine Beast that had unlocked its full potential.
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"Incredible…" Crow whispered, watching as the bird's power surged. He could feel it—this was no ordinary creature. The Vermilion Bird was on a completely different level. It was not just a pet; it was an ally of godlike power.
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Crow extended his hand. "Welcome to the team."
The Vermilion Bird landed gracefully on his arm, its fiery feathers brushing against him. It gazed into his eyes with a sense of understanding, as if it knew that this was the beginning of something far greater.
Crow felt the bond forming, the connection solidifying. He could already tell—this bird would be a game-changer.
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[TO BE CONTINUED...]
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