Legend of the Immortal

Desperate Times

Trial by Fire Caverns.

"Ari, how far in are we?"

[We are approximately two percent of the way into the labyrinth. Please remain cautious. Several dangers lying ahead.]

"How many?" Joel asked.

[That is classified information.]

"Tsk." Joel was annoyed, yet he was on edge, remaining cautious.

"Husband...I can sense ten beasts inside...They are all on your level..." Mia whispered, clinging on to Joel's arm.

"Ah Mia, how's your progress?"

"I'll be able to start using my magic in human form in a few hours, if I use any now though,  i'd be able to but then the repercussions will build." Mia replied in earnest, enjoying the warmth from Joel's arm.

Joel didn't seem to mind as they walked.

Then, unable to maintain his silence due to curiosity, Joel finally asked,"Mia...What's this mask for?..."

"It is a mask made by the best dwarven blacksmiths, said to be blessed by even Hestia, one of master's many friends...It contains the secret magics of the Azure Phoenix clan..." Mia responded.

Joel was amazed,"Ho? Can I...wear it?..."

Mia nodded hesitantly,"You can but..."

"But?"

"The price for activating it is quite high...You need a substantial bit of mana..."

"Well...We'll never know till we try..." Joel breathed out softly and donned the mask.

BANG!

In his mind, he felt as if invisible restraints had been broken as power that made him feel invincible filled his body.

From his back, a giant pair of blue wings seemingly made from pure fire sprouted out, encompassing the cave in a brilliant cobalt blue.

His body felt alive, like all the mortal chains had been released, free as a bird in the sky, like an all powerful god.

Joel opened his eyes, wave after wave of euphoria hit him as his power surged exponentially.

[Warning, mana capacity at 20%. Refrain from overexerting mana to avoid backlash at later date.]

Joel's eyes widened, it had only been less than two seconds and his mana had already been depleted to such an extent.

[Warning mana capacity at 5%. Forcefully ejecting armament to prevent permanent harm.]

"AHHHHH!" Joel felt utter agony as he growled in pain, the mask felt like a leech that stuck to his face which was in the process of being forcefully removed.

Falling to his knees, the wings on his back grew smaller and dimmer.

He banged the floor repeatedly.

"Husband!" Mia shouted worriedly, rushing to his side to hold his back.

"Gah! I'm...Fine..." Joel grunted out as the final bits of the mask was torn off his face.

[Mana capacity at 1%. Now initialising recovery. Please refrain from heavy use of mana for the next few hours if you wish to avoid permanent repercussions.]

Joel's body fell to the floor, covered entirely in sweat.

His clothes stuck to his skin as beads of sweat dripped to the ground.

Joel groaned in pain as his muscles felt like they were on fire,"God...What the hell was that?..."

[You have undergone the starting stage of the 'Azure Rebirth' process. Note: This is a process that happens over a select amount of time. During this period of one month, you will undergo an exponential increase in strength and mana capacity. New magic, [Blue Flame Volley] and [Protective Blue] unlocked. Bloodline is currently undergoing change. Azure Phoenix blood, 18%. Minotaur blood, 2%, Human blood, 80%.]