The effects of the Divine Blood were probably similar to those of the Life Essence. Only far stronger. After all, the Life Essence came from killing a high-tier boss. This Divine Blood, however, required slaying an actual god. The difference was obvious. "Moreover," the Undying Phoenix said calmly, "Divine Blood carries a measure of divinity that can strengthen the body. Of course, ordinary beings cannot handle this kind of divine power. One wrong move, and they'll burst from the strain. How you use it… is entirely up to you." "Divinity?" Aiden fell into thought. This wasn't the first time he'd heard the term. There was no doubt now that it was a trait unique to gods. So, could this be what advancement required as well? "All right," the Undying Phoenix continued, its voice carrying weight, "this space won't hold much longer. I'm grateful that you helped me break the seal, but you must prepare yourself. Once this realm collapses, the news of Hephaestus' fall will reach the other traitors. And…" Its gaze sharpened, locking onto Aiden with a meaning that sent a shiver down his spine, "the fragments of chaotic divinity within you will surely draw their envy. They will stop at nothing to consume it. So grow strong—bring my offspring with you. Until then… I will find a way to deal with those traitors and buy you some time." Aiden frowned instinctively. Several fragments of chaotic divinity. He knew the Holy Dragon's Blessing counted as one. But what about the others? Were they related to his class? Or something else entirely? Before he could ask further, the world around him began to quake violently."It's time," the Undying Phoenix declared. Its beastly head rose, eyes flickering with a rare ferocity. "I'll send you out." A white light erupted from beneath Aiden's feet. "Wait!" Aiden shouted. "Something wrong?" the Undying Phoenix asked, startled. "I haven't picked up my gear yet!" He looked at the floating, crimson staff. "That must be what Hephaestus left behind, right?" "It's just a broken piece of junk. Why bother?" The Undying Phoenix dismissed it, even tinged with disdain. "Junk?" Aiden's mind raced. "If it's junk, do you have more of it? Give me a few." "I said it's junk. Why would I collect it?" The Undying Phoenix snorted. "And everything I own is bound to my soul—it would be useless to you." Aiden frowned, a bit disappointed. He had hoped for a haul. "Fine… at least let me grab this one," he said.Even broken, anything from Hephaestus had to be at least a decent tier. "Simple enough." The Undying Phoenix beat its wings once, stirring up a fierce wind, and the crimson staff floated toward Aiden. 'Hephaestus' Staff (Damaged)' 'Tier: Legendary' 'Energy +500' 'Energy +5%' 'Fire Damage +30%, Fire Skill Cast Time -30%' 'Unknown Passive Skill: Cannot access due to damage' 'Unknown Active Skill: Cannot access due to damage' "Even damaged, it's Legendary. If fully repaired, it could easily reach artifact-tier." Aiden's eyes lit up. Just looking at the base stats, this staff outclassed almost any other equipment.The last two bonuses were practically divine-level for any fire mage. An absolute treasure. And it still had room for improvement. Fully restored, its power would climb even higher. There was no reason to leave it behind—he equipped it immediately. "All right, you need to leave now." The Undying Phoenix spoke again. After a clash of godly powers, the realm had reached its limit and was moments from collapse. A flash of light revealed a portal array beneath them. In the next instant, Aiden and the Phoenix vanished. Boom! As predicted, the world around them began to crumble. … Elsewhere, in an unknown world, an ancient, weathered hall sat in eerie silence.It had clearly been abandoned for thousands of years. Decay and emptiness filled the space. Not a breeze stirred. Everything was lifeless, silent to an almost suffocating degree. Inside the hall, a dozen or so statues were scattered haphazardly. Suddenly, a faint, almost imperceptible hum filled the air. A red statue in the corner slowly opened its eyes. A hollow, haunting voice echoed. "I… have lost an avatar."