A Shocking News

The look of shock and disbelief still lingered on Finn's face as he clutched the interspatial ring given to him by Little Black. He simply couldn't believe it—the rare pill he had been searching for all this time was in the possession of that tiny black creature.

As he thought about it, he couldn't help but recall the other precious pills that might have the power to make him stronger.

"If Little Black has had these pills all along… could it be…?"

Finn's eyes widened at the possibility that all the other lost treasures might have been hidden by this little black being as well.

He was about to go search for Little Black and demand the rest of the rare pills, determined to crush the entire Nine Ice Family once and for all—but he abruptly stopped, falling into deep thought.

'If Little Black truly held all those things… why?'

The question gnawed at him. He desperately needed those treasures to help his clan grow strong, strong enough that no one would ever dare oppose them again. With such power, he could finally exact the vengeance he had dreamed of. And yet—it felt as though Little Black was deliberately keeping him in check.

He remembered the three Divine Artifacts, surrounded by that violent, dense energy. He suspected that too was Little Black's doing, and it wouldn't surprise him if the impenetrable barriers had been created by that same tiny creature.

After reflecting for a while, an old memory surfaced.

According to Sierra, the Fire Phoenix, perhaps his parents had sent him here to temper his will and force him to forge his own path. Back then, he couldn't comprehend their reasons, but now… he was starting to see it more clearly.

Maybe his parents didn't want him to grow up like the arrogant young Adventurers he'd encountered—brash, entitled, and lacking respect. Perhaps they wanted to fortify his faith in himself, to teach him never to rely blindly on others.

It was possible they wished for him to depend solely on his own strength as he rose to the very summit, which was why they had sealed away his true power.

And maybe… maybe Little Black was doing the same, limiting the treasures he handed over.

Calming his mind with a deep breath, Finn shifted his focus back to the interspatial ring in his hand.

Even so, deep inside, he felt gratitude toward Little Black. That creature had still shown him a measure of consideration. While these pills might not directly elevate his power to new heights, they could help the members of the Azure Wood Family who had lost arms and legs. And above all, they could heal his father, whose two arms had been so grievously wounded.

He reached his senses into the ring, feeling the items inside. A moment later, a small bottle materialized in his palm.

Carefully, Finn opened the bottle and let a single pill roll onto his hand. The moment it settled on his skin, it emitted a peculiar fragrance and released its medicinal aura into the air.

Like most pills, it was round. Its entire surface gleamed like crystal, smooth and bright red, the color of fresh blood—a mark of supreme quality.

According to the information provided by the system, this was an Emperor-rank Pill known as the Limbs Regeneration Pill. Only Alchemy Emperors possessed the skill to craft such a thing. Even then, it was not easily made, requiring unshakable mental focus, enough level, and the pinnacle of alchemy talent.

At present, Finn had none of those qualities, making it utterly impossible for him to create such a product himself.

He had never even planned to try forging such pills—until now. Yet Little Black had casually handed him about a hundred of them.

Finn placed the pill back into the bottle and tucked it safely into the interspatial ring hidden in his pocket.

After that, he did not immediately leave the Myriad World Mirror. He remembered that his Blood Heavy Sword was merely a High-tier Excellent Armament. He planned to claim a fine Low-tier Epic Armament—one suited perfectly for him.

Indeed, he intended to wield an Epic Armament as his temporary sword!

While he knew perfectly well that only Adventurers of 1st Level Sky Rank or higher could fully unleash the might of an Epic Armament, he also knew himself. Even with his true power sealed, he was different. His potential and talent far surpassed the ordinary.

Besides, he couldn't rely solely on his 9th Level Profound Rank. Sheeha herself was Sky Rank. And while he possessed a soul puppet with Sky Rank strength, he understood all too well—such puppets could never rival a living, breathing Adventurer.

It was true the puppet had once wielded the might of a 6th Level Sky Rank, but once was the key word. Now it was nothing more than a cold corpse of a puppet, incapable of using techniques or skills—limited only to brute force.

Even so, Finn was aware he could never wield the full power of a Low-tier Epic Armament. Even a 1st or 2nd Level Sky Rank adventurer might be unable to control such strength. But he was confident he could draw out fifty percent—or more—of its potential.

Having made up his mind, Finn moved straight to where the Epic Armaments were kept to choose his new weapon. He needed a blade that would fit him perfectly, so he had to be meticulous in his selection.

Among the hundreds of thousands of Epic Armaments present, one sword seized his attention the instant he laid eyes on it.

A Low-tier Epic Armament, broad like his old Blood Heavy Sword. Its design was split between two colors—deep crimson at the core, framed by pure black steel. Along the blade's edge gleamed an eerie blood-red light.

When Finn grasped the massive weapon, a mechanical voice echoed crisply in his mind.

[Crimson Black Heavy Sword]

Armament Grade: Epic

Quality: Low-tier

Damage: 40,231

Finn wasn't surprised to discover that its strength was more than double that of a Top-tier Excellent Armament. After all, it was an Epic Armament—its power could obliterate an entire town if properly unleashed.

As he held the magnificent sword, he felt its weight—it was easily three times heavier than his old Blood Heavy Sword.

He headed for a small mountain nearby, raised the Crimson Black Heavy Sword, and poured energy into the blade.

With a shout, he swung it down in a single devastating arc.

Seven Heavy Sword Art, First Skill: Heavenly Slash!

The ground quaked violently as Finn unleashed the attack. Even before the blow landed, massive cracks spread across the earth.

BANG!

An explosive roar shook the air, shrouding the entire area in thick smoke. When the dust finally cleared, he stood there calmly, a meaningful smile on his lips as he looked upon the mountain that had been cleaved clean in half.

Chunks of stone—large and small—rained down around him.

Finn turned away without hesitation and strode to another part of the Myriad World Mirror where three divine artifacts rested.

He gazed at the massive, broad sword cloaked in swirling, oppressive energy. His eyes glimmered with longing and anticipation as he imagined himself wielding that astonishing blade.

This was the most powerful Divine Artifact in Rise of Gods—the fabled God-eater.

With enough strength behind it, it could shatter an entire world with a single slash.

Someday, Finn swore he would claim that sword and reign supreme over the world of Adventurers.

After a moment of silent dreaming, he exhaled and turned his attention to opening the exit portal of the Myriad World Mirror.

It was time to return to his clan—to fulfill his duty and begin the long-awaited revenge.

Once he emerged, he went straight to the meeting chamber within his family's territory, summoning all the elders, Augustus, and the five remaining rogue adventurers.

When everyone arrived, Finn's gaze swept across the room. Seeing the pitiful state of the five Rogue Adventurers and the Elders of both the Azure Wood and Golden Lion Families, he felt a fresh surge of rage burn through him.

All of this… was the Nine Ice Family's fault. And he would never forgive them.

From the interspatial ring Little Black had given him, Finn drew out every last Limbs Regeneration Pill and laid them neatly on the table before him.

Everyone stared, stunned and confused by what he was doing.

"Finn, may I ask what those pills are for?" Augustus finally asked, his voice uncertain.

Finn's gaze swept the chamber before resting on Augustus. A faint, gentle smile touched his lips.

"These pills before you are extraordinary. I know many of you carry deep sorrow over what has happened to you. So today, I wish to offer them as a small recompense for all the sacrifices you have made for the Azure Wood Family."

The Elders and Adventurers listened, but their confusion only deepened.

"We chose to stand beside the Azure Wood Family," Caesar declared firmly, eyes locked with Finn's, "and that decision… we will never regret."

One by one, the others nodded solemnly. In the end, they were mercenaries—without land, without title in the Sacred Dragon Kingdom.

"Sir Finn Doria," spoke Earl, the strongest of the five rogue adventurers, his voice low but steady. One arm hung heavily in a sling where his limb had been severed.

"I must ask… would you tell us what these pills can do?"

Finn looked him straight in the eye and smiled softly. "Of course, Sir Earl." He paused before continuing:

"These pills are called Limbs Regeneration Pills. They are exceedingly rare, and their effect is quite simple—they heal and regrow lost limbs."

THUD!

Gasps filled the room. Someone even stood up in shock, eyes wide with disbelief as they stared at Finn.

"S-Sir Finn… Is that true?! Please, tell me you speak the truth!" Earl's voice broke as tears welled in his eyes.

Hope—raw, desperate hope—flickered in every gaze.

Since the day he lost his arm, Earl had never dreamed it could be restored. No healer, no technique, no legend ever spoke of regenerating a severed limb. In their world, hands, feet, and arms were life itself—a warrior without them could never again stand as an equal among adventurers.

With quiet sincerity, Finn nodded.

"I promise you, every word I have said is true. All who were wounded in this war will receive this gift from me. Each of you will get one pill—you may take it whenever you wish—"

THUD!

Before he could finish, Earl dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

"Thank you, Sir Finn! I swear on my life—I will do everything in my power to repay this debt!"

One by one, the injured adventurers followed, bowing deeply, tears falling unrestrained.

"Stand," Finn said softly. "You owe me no gratitude. This is simply the price of your sacrifice for the Azure Wood Family. But if you truly wish to thank me… Sir Earl, tell me—who sent you to aid our clan?"

Earl rose, wiping his tears. He faced Finn solemnly.

"Sir Finn… Even if I wanted to, I do not know. None of us do."

Finn's brows knitted. "How can that be? Did no one pay you directly?"

He couldn't make sense of it. How could even the adventurers themselves be ignorant of who had hired them?

"The truth is… the Adventurers' Guild issued the mission and paid us. I asked them the same question—many times—but never received a clear answer," Earl said earnestly.

Finn studied his face. He sensed nothing but truth in Earl's words.

With a heavy sigh, Finn nodded.

"Then there is nothing more to be done. Still, know this—you are welcome to remain here as Guest Elders. We will treat you with respect equal to any born of our clan. Your families may join you, should you wish."

Shock rippled through the room. For a moment, none could speak. Then, all five Adventurers bowed once more, tears streaming down their cheeks as they thanked him again and again.

--

In another chamber, a man in violet robes sat in solemn silence, his gaze fixed upon a small envelope in his hand.

He was none other than Noah, leader of the Cloud Soaring Sect.

Beside him stood Marcus, sorrow etched across his face.

"Sect Master Noah," Marcus said quietly, "the Adventurers' Guild has sent their letter… it must be the report on the war between the Azure Wood Family and the Nine Ice Family."

A shadow of grief clouded Noah's eyes as he slowly withdrew the paper and began to read.

Before he could finish, his hands began to tremble violently. Disbelief overtook his face.

Marcus frowned in confusion. This wasn't the reaction he'd expected—he saw no sorrow in Noah's expression, only shock.

"Sect Master… what is it? Is it bad news?"

Noah swallowed hard, his voice shaking as he met Marcus's eyes.

"I… I don't know if it's good or bad, but… Finn Doria… he's alive!"