Two days ago, in Thallerion, Xerxez traveled to the land of Wendlock, but he was surprised by how much Wendlock had changed. Many trees had been cut down and converted into farmlands by the Ossibian inhabitants. Nonetheless, they embraced the reality of verdant rice paddies on the plains and even terraced fields in the mountains—which hadn't been there before.

Dragonflies playfully darted across the breezy plains, and the sunlight was gentle. However, the sweet laughter of children playing nearby suddenly ceased!

The thunderous hoofbeats of horses, like an approaching storm signaling thunder and lightning to farmers, caused the Ossibians' faces to contort upon their arrival. The clanging of shields and swords made the farmers halt their planting, and they gripped their farming tools tightly.

Xerxez and his company stopped in a spacious area surrounded by green vegetables. A soldier blew a trumpet to summon all the farmers and residents, but the pigs wallowing in the mud squealed and shuddered.

The Ossibians approached like long-horned goats, the Ossibian farmers thinking that the Thallerions' visit to Wendlock brought not peace, but a fear that Xerxez's soldiers might attack them, as they had heard that the alliance offered by Thallerion to King Matar had failed.

Xerxez wasted no time and immediately issued an order to all the Ossibians.

"Listen, all you Ossibians," he called out to everyone listening. "I did not approve of King Matar's conditions for the alliance I offered. I regret—" Xerxez surveyed the farmers and took a bold breath. "Cease your farming in Wendlock. Return to Ossibian."

Many raised axes like war weapons, brandishing them before Xerxez, their farming tools gnashing like fangs, yet it was merely a jesting threat in the eyes of the Thallerion soldiers.

"We won't agree! We'll stay here!!!" The farmers' individual arguments were deafening. They were like smoked bees, thrown into chaos by Xerxez's command. "We won't leave!!! We've lived here for a long time!" The farmers' shouts continued.

"Perhaps you deceived our king, that's why he didn't agree to your rotten alliance!!!" shouted a man, still covered in mud from the rice paddy, holding a scythe. "This land is ours, you deceivers!!!"

"You have the gall to call us deceivers, when it's you who are seizing land!!" General Phalleon retorted, raising an eyebrow while one arm rested on his holstered pistol. "Pack up and leave!!!!" The people clamored as if their world was ending. The women's wails grew louder as they mourned the land of Wendlock.

"We'll die before you make us leave!!!" yelled another Ossibian, clutching an axe and with a bolo at his waist. His blood boiled at Phalleon's command.

"Fool, what can your axe do against our guns?" Phalleon sneered. He even drew his small pistol. "I won't hesitate to use this on you!" Phalleon threatened when he saw them about to resist.

"Calm down, Ossibians!" Catana shouted. "Don't blame us. Ask your king, and you will know the answer."

"Retreat if you don't want violence!" Vethor told the farmers, who looked ready to charge the Thallerion soldiers. He leaned against an orange tree, slicing and eating a ripe fruit with his dagger.

"Beloved King of Thallerion, please don't make us leave this land." A woman carrying a child knelt at Xerxez's feet, pleading. Xerxez's guards immediately rebuked and removed the woman. But she struggled, and Xerxez's shoes were soaked with tears. Xerxez's emotions were stirred, and he made a decision:

"Listen, all you Ossibians: I will grant you the coming harvest for the sake of your children and your hard work, but beyond that, you will no longer enjoy the prosperity of Wendlock." Xerxez sighed and mounted his horse.

While Xerxez was busy getting into position on his horse, he didn't notice a man, seemingly possessed by a demon, suddenly go wild, grab a sharp farming fork, and charge to stab Xerxez.

Bang!!! — Phalleon's gun fired with lightning speed, killing the man with a shot to the back. Sheep scattered, running away. The gunshot echoed across the rice paddies, and sparrows flew off.

"Phew!!!" General Phalleon spat at the man sprawled at the feet of Xerxez's horse. "I told you not to act like a madman!!!"

"May Corvus curse you!!!!" a woman cried, restrained by Xerxez's soldiers but struggling, wanting to go to the dead man. "Curse you!!!!!!" she shrieked. Phalleon merely laughed, thinking that the Ossibian folktales about the entity Corvus—the raven in the heavens—were just stories.

The atmosphere in Wendlock curdled after the woman uttered Corvus. An ominous, bruising darkness swallowed the sun, and the breeze, once gentle, became a violent, whipping gale, tearing at the vegetable plants. Livestock, sensing an unseen terror, stampeded in a cacophony of panicked bleats and hooves, surging desperately into the maw of the cavern.

Amidst the stunned silence of the villagers, the dead man's body began to writhe. He convulsed with an unnatural intensity, his limbs jerking as if seized by an invisible hand. Then, defying all laws of nature, he ascended, rigid and suspended in mid-air.

"You still alive?"

As Phalleon frightened, he shoot him and fell on the ground. However, a low, guttural rumble clawed its way from his throat, culminating in a single, ragged croak: "Crow!" His eyes were milky white, utterly devoid of life, and his mouth distended grotesquely as a viscous, black raven, its feathers slick and glistening, forced its way out. The bird's eyes burned with a furious, crimson light, locking onto Phalleon with chilling intent before it shrieked and tore into the darkened sky.

"Disgusting!" Phalleon cried, his gut twisting with nausea at the sight. The grotesque emergence of the raven from the deceased's mouth was an absolute abomination. "Did he actually eat that raven?"

The Ossibians who had planned to revolt against the Thallerion soldiers became scared and retreated. The women cried, and even the children cowered in fear at the gunshot.

"You shouldn't have shot that man; you saw what the gunshot did to the children," Xerxez said.

"I merely did what was necessary for a rebel like him, so that others won't follow his example," Phalleon said, breathing a sigh of relief, and putting his gun back in its holster.

"Soldiers, help them leave until the border of Wendlock," Xerxez commanded, taking a deep breath.

"I will personally oversee the soldiers who will escort the Ossibians out of Wendlock," Captain Vethor said. He sheathed his dagger at his waist and approached the soldiers to assist the Ossibians in their departure.

"The rain is about to pour, everybody hurry, pack up your things and carry your animals and pets." Catana commanded to all Ossibian farmers.

As Xerxez saw the incoming heavy rain, he returned to the Thallerion kingdom, as he expected, the councils greeted him and asked him if he had successfully expelled the Ossibian farmers.

Afterward, he excitedly went to his wife in the chamber, but Perlend was not there.

"Where is she?"

Xerxez was afraid because Perlend and the baby, along with her maid, had been missing for several days. However, Xerxez also noticed that the urn for ashes was missing. He thought that perhaps she went to Peronica, but he still ordered a search for his wife and child. Xerxez felt that Perlend had been suffering ever since she fainted.

"Find my beloved wife, Perlend! And also my son, Pyramus!" Xerxez's bones trembled and he was anxious because his wife and child had been missing for two days.

The messenger from Peronica arrived on that second day. Xerxez was urgently summoned, a command from Queen Pyramia was given to the king of Thallerion that needed to be addressed immediately. When Xerxez discovered the queen's order, and that it concerned his wife, Perlend—Xerxez rushed with Matheros to Peronica.

Xerxez didn't know Queen Pyramia's true intention, but all he could think about was the condition of Perlend and the baby. As they approached Peronica, his heart pounded harder whenever he thought of his beloved Perlend.

Upon reaching the foot of Peronica, they were met by soldiers in armor as red as embers, who escorted them to Queen Pyramia's palace. They were greeted by the familiar large phoenix statue at the entrance of Queen Pyramia's kingdom. Xerxez still remembered the red leaves of the trees that once kissed the walls; now, they had all fallen.

"My Queen, Pyramia... If this is for an alliance, I assure you that our dealings with you will be harmonious. However, you also mentioned my wife, Perlend." Xerxez's eyes showed the fatigue from his ceaseless worry in searching for his son and wife.

"My Queen, we wish to know your purpose for summoning our king of Thallerion?" said Chief Commander Matheros. Matheros thought that Perlend's earlier departure might be related to the queen's messenger now.

"How do you know Perlend?" Queen Pyramia asked, her voice almost as cold as the night. She stood from her throne and stepped towards where Xerxez stood. Xerxez frowned slightly when he heard his wife's name. "Do you truly know her whole being?" Queen Pyramia's questions were like a whip preparing to strike Xerxez.

The council members were listening from the side, as were some of the high-ranking clan leaders. Xerxez began to think that Perlend might have come from one of Peronica's important clans. Xerxez's confidence in believing that Perlend was an orphan began to waver.

"My Queen of Peronica, I met Perlend by the stream near Cirtax River, but if you think I took her in an elopement, you are mistaken! Perlend said she had no parents or family."

"Do you truly know nothing about the life of the Princess of Peronica?" A man sitting among the clan leaders spoke, his face contorted in distaste at Xerxez's account.

"I loved Perlend, so her origin was no obstacle for me, but because that is what my wife told me, that is what I will believe. So please, show me my wife." Xerxez was desperate to see his wife because his anxiety wouldn't leave him.

"Xerxez," Queen Pyramia uttered. "Do you know the story of Peronica—but I know you're quick to believe gossip—why didn't you try to find out about Perlend's life, did you intend this even though you knew—or are you just pretending not to know?"

"Perlend has nothing to do with the life of the Princess of Peronica. My wife is an orphan, that's why I loved and married her." Xerxez's brow furrowed because the queen was implying that Perlend was the cursed princess of Peronica. "So why are you meddling in our married life?"

"Because I am Perlend's mother!—Whack!!" Queen Pyramia slapped Xerxez in front of many people. Everyone was shocked by the loud smack of her palm on Xerxez's almost red cheek. The queen's tears flowed as if she was the one hurt by the slap. Xerxez felt deafened when he heard the echo of the truth that the queen was his mother-in-law.

"You are Perlend's mother?" Xerxez was stunned.

"Surprised?" said Queen Pyramia. "That pain isn't enough!" Queen Pyramia was about to scold Xerxez further when an old woman arrived, her necklace clanking, her words as sharp as talon-like earrings.

"Queen Pyramia, that's enough!" Old Sentheria approached. And stood before the people. "I am Sentheria, Perlend's grandmother. I am delighted to welcome you to the Vrupercan clan, King of Thallerion."

Xerxez's face was serious as he saw Sentheria's unusual appearance, like a shaman adorned with many trinkets. Xerxez knew that antique amulets hung from Sentheria's neck. "But I regret to inform you that the princess's body is weak. It seems you are the only one her last breath awaits."

Xerxes had heard about the Vrupercan clan and was surprised by Perlend's extensive knowledge of Queen Pyramia's lineage. It turned out Perlend was Queen Pyramia's daughter, confirming that phoenix blood flowed in his wife's veins. This made Xerxes ponder the fate of his son, Pyramus.

Xerxes was certain the Vrupercan clan wouldn't allow Pyramus to be separated from their sight. But that wasn't important to him; what he truly desired was to see and be with his wife and child.

As Xerxes understood it, the Vrupercans were a race among the Peronica who possessed pure phoenix blood. Over many, many years, they branched into numerous clans, mostly from Elanthro, a country nestled atop mountains. People believed this land was chosen by the entity of Aquila—the powerful thunderbird—the phoenix's rival.

However, for the Vrupercans, the phoenix itself didn't die but reincarnated as a human. From then on, their hair turned fiery red like the phoenix's, and they believed phoenix blood was sacred.

But all of that was just old wives' tales. What truly happened was that the phoenix entity had no physical body that could take human form or reincarnate. Instead, one of the Vrupercans was chosen by the phoenix to be its vessel, allowing the phoenix's power to be realized in this world. When this chosen one married, the phoenix's power, along with agelessness, red hair, and smooth skin, was passed down to their children. Old Sentheria believed the chosen one never truly died but transformed into a phoenix. This was according to the stories of her ancestors, which she still held true. Thus, she believed the ashes were a sign of the chosen one's return, not as a human, but as a phoenix.

The clan became divided because some Elanthro married Vrupercans. However, before the curse arrived, all clans inherited the red hair and agelessness. But when the curse came, the Vrupercans weakened and became susceptible to illness. If their blood mixed with other races, those who married outside the clan would be afflicted with a curse that was the opposite of the phoenix's blessing.

Xerxes' heart pounded upon hearing about Perlend's condition. Queen Pyramia and Sentheria accompanied Xerxes to Perlend's room. Perlend was awake but barely moving; her body was very weak, and her voice was hoarse.

"Xerxez," Perlend called, slowly. Xerxes rushed to her upon hearing her voice, eager to be by her side. Xerxes immediately embraced and kissed Perlend.

"Why did you leave without saying goodbye? You worried me even more." Perlend remained silent. Tears slowly streamed down her face, and her skin cracked like decaying feathers.

"Beloved Queen Pyramia, please, tell me why my wife's body is like this?" Queen Pyramia sighed deeply at Xerxes' question.

"Do you remember those days? At the dinner table, you once asked about the princess?" Xerxes nodded, the memory flashing back. "The truth is, Perlend never had an illness. But when she has a child with a man who isn't of phoenix blood, the curse appears."

"The Phoenix's curse?" Xerxes' voice was deep, like a cave echoing with incomprehensible truth.

"Yes. That's why we never wanted men to see Perlend, because it was unlikely that her suitors wouldn't fall for her."

"My Queen, truthfully, I also risked trying to meet the princess back then. But you wouldn't allow it; I wanted to confirm if Perlend was your daughter."

"Do you know Perlend was supposed to marry a man of her own blood, but she ran away, and now I've found out she eloped with you."

"Mama," Perlend called, her voice almost gone. Xerxes noticed Perlend's face had aged, and her hair had turned white, like a heron's. "Xerxez," Xerxes also turned, looking at Perlend's entire body with sorrow.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I hope you can forgive me..." Perlend's words were broken as she struggled to breathe.

"Perlend, don't think about that. Fight, and I will find a cure for you," Xerxes said, caressing Perlend's hand.

"King Xerxes, I regret to say there is no cure for the Phoenix's curse," Old Sentheria interjected, standing at the door of the room, her charms jingling.

"The truth is, this isn't the first time we've witnessed the Phoenix's curse. We've done everything we can to cure it, but as expected, it always comes to nothing, just like before."

"Have you asked the Cypriox?" Xerxes asked.

"Please don't take offense, but ever since they sided with Elanthro... our relations with them have become strained," Sentheria replied.

"Grandma Sentheria, this is not the time for your old personal disputes. A life is at stake here, so please, stop it," Xerxes said, raising his voice, his words like a slap to old Sentheria's face.

"The way you talk, you'd think you know the whole truth. You don't know the betrayal the Cypriox committed." She sniffed. "Hmph, those hypocrites!"

"All you care about is your clan's welfare. What about the people affected?" Xerxes countered.

"Oh, now you're lecturing me? Hey, King of Thallerion, you know nothing about our clan's entire story." Sentheria pointed her wooden cane at Xerxes. The lines on Sentheria's cane glowed. Xerxes noticed this and realized it wasn't an ordinary staff but a crutch of magic.

"Please, both of you, be quiet!" Queen Pyramia said, annoyed. The two fell silent, glaring at each other like birds about to clash. "My husband died because it was connected to the curse, so... Grandma Sentheria, I think Xerxes is right, why don't we take a chance?"

"Take a chance?" Sentheria said. "Queen Pyramia, I'm not just speaking for the clan's welfare; I'm telling you—we don't have enough time to ask for help."

"Grandma Sentheria, I don't want to lose Perlend either. But as long as Perlend is still alive, maybe we can still prevent the Phoenix's curse?"

"Do you think this is a shallow curse that miracle workers in Cypriox can cure?"

"Grandma Sentheria, have you ever tried asking them for help before?" Xerxes asked.

"Don't ask me such things. But I will clarify this for you, asking for help from the Cypriox will lead nowhere!"

"I believe the entity of Crux is alive," Xerxes replied. "I will go to Cypriox to ask for help from the three kings."

"Hmph, do whatever you want with that, just don't involve the name Peronica when you ask for help from Cypriox," Sentheria said.

Suddenly, soldiers arrived, none other than Queen Pyramia's three soldiers. Qun Lun, leading them, rushed in with greetings for everyone present.

"Beloved Queen and Old Sentheria... we regret to inform you... The old phoenix ashes are missing from the facility," Qun Lun announced. Sentheria's shoulders slumped, and her knees trembled with fear that the news might be true.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.