Joshua headed back to Mulligan, this time with Raizel and Ice Reaper guiding his path. Where Joshua went to the barren lands where swords were and he saw before him. Kael standing as the Avatar of Destruction

Kael Webster, Avatar of Destruction.

The Avatar of Destruction that served Lucius, has lived 52 lives.

An anomaly, another dimension's fighter.

Level Immeasuarable. HP Unknown. MP Unknown Skills Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

The unknowns that flooded Joshua's screen was discerning. He felt his legs clamp up and his fingers getting numb. Just the sight of Kael before him was enough to cause Joshua to feel stress and weak. It was obvious and clearly it was something Joshua had not thought about.

Kael stood still like a statue, Joshua kept coming closer. Kael did not react to him, merely keeping his gaze to meet with Joshua's. Kael's decks of playing cards were fluttering all around Kael as he stretched his neck.

"Are you ready, Lord of Thorns?"

"What...What is this?" Joshua was confused and with reason, Kael's sudden appearance here is always a bad omen.

"It is merely a small battle. The fear of the unknown. That is for you to experience because not all enemies will follow with the rules of this world. Tell me Joshua, what is it that you wish for?" Kael's question, it was not absurd but it was like the same thing that was asked by the 5th Bellwitch. Joshua was thinking of an answer to satisfy Kael. Yet, the tone itself had Joshua slowly faltering, despite his newly equipped Coat of Crimson and Mask of Thorns. The Duality was not present on Kael, but what was present were the words. 'God Killer' 'Slayer of Gods' 'Bringer of Change' 'Force of Nature'

Joshua has fought demons, he has fought against the most powerful enemies so far. Yet, Joshua felt his legs squirming. Fingers going numb, his breathing tensing up. His heart rate beating off like the drums of a heavy metal drummer. Instantly spiking. Joshua has seen all sorts of horrors yet he felt his own skeleton wanting to tear off his skin and flesh to run away from this. His instincts screamed to run, but Joshua steeled his resolves. Shaky hands, quaking boots and a heart that was riddled with fear.

Warning!

Depending on your answer the fight may go easier or smoother depending on your answers.

You will not die in this fight but...

The damage that you may suffer is beyond will be different. Be aware.

Joshua read the pop up carefully, he had to consider his options carefully. Fucking up was not an option. Making a mistake was not an option. This Avatar of Destruction with the numbered system has Joshua uneasy and feeling generally uncomfortable by the sight of Kael.

"Take your time, Lord. I will not rush you. This is a question for your soul." Kael spoke with a gentle voice, the intensity of what Joshua had felt was gone. The skill Supreme Rule was able to calm it down and cancel the effect but not to much greatness. It can still be inflicted. Joshua had to think, unsure of what his thought process was or if there was anything on his mind that was clear.

"I... I don't have a clear goal. I just... I just want to live comfortably. Is that wrong?" Kael shook his head.

"No, but do you feel powerless?" Kael asked.

"Yes... I do.. I. I always feel powerless when I come back here. This was the tomb of the place I once called home." Joshua answered, where he had earned a nod from Kael.

"I suppose that will be enough for us to start with." Kael said as he cracked his fingers, where Joshua watched how the dust cleared away from all around them just with that motion.

"Ready your blade, Lord. I will attack you." Kael warned, a voice of ominous intent. Joshua readied his blade and felt Kael vanish from his senses. Kael was right beside Joshua, where he flicked Joshua's mask. Sending him flying through an entire block worth of buildings.

Joshua looked at his HP was reduced to 17,500. Seeing that his endurance had helped Joshua reduce the impact, then Kael came to strike Joshua with a katana, his eyes read that it was known as 'Divine Slayer'.

"Focus." Joshua heard Kael's voice, unable to see where he was. Getting faint with his senses, was it front? Back? Left? Right? The way Kael was in general was confusing. It wasn't a ghost like appearance but rather an omen. A whisper like feeling as Joshua was constantly turning around to pinpoint where he was. He felt a sharp tingle to the right,Joshua readied his blade, watching Kael push him back.

"Just because you can't feel me doesn't mean you can't pin point where I am. You can do this Joshua." Kael spoke of assurance yet his actions sent Joshua flying to the wall. Kael chased after Joshua who rolled away from where he was. Barely managing to dodge Kael's attack as the portion of the building was blown outwards. Joshua got back on his feet, then charging at Kael head on. Taking the initiative, but Kael engaged Joshua in a full on sword fight.

Joshua's strong strikes were easily parried by Kael, redirecting the katana to the side. Kael shoulder charged Joshua to the wall, where Joshua put a hole through it.

"Never think things are simple as it seems." Kael said as he snapped his fingers. Where the cards of the Four Kings circled around Joshua.

"Four Kings, blast my enemy to oblivion." A snap of Kael's finger, Joshua was sent flying through the walls where he entered Bayran's territory. He was still alive, and it was thanks to the newly improved Coat of Crimson and the Mask of Thorn's higher defenses. Bayran was present with the other three Ancients.

"Ancients of White, Yellow, Green and Red. Nice to see you all." Kael greeted them.

"I wish the same could be said but this.." Bayran spoke up.

"No." Joshua stopped Bayran as he got on his feet, shaking. Clearly Joshua had taken a heavy blow, he was seeing double. Kael walked closer, not attacking Joshua just a slap to get Joshua to see things clearly.

"Why do you hesitate? When I see your swordsmanship. I see so much hesitation." Kael pointed out, as he charged at Joshua. A head on confrontation where Joshua was being overpowered quickly.

"Think, think!"

'Ancient of Winters : Ice Blast' The blast pushed Kael back, then Joshua charged ahead, striking Kael's chest. Where he took it, and then grabbed Joshua by the throat.

"Don't let yourself be exposed after an attack. Always look for an opportunity to recover." Kael let go and kicked Joshua through the trees, an entire portion of the forest was being damaged by the impact.

"I will have a lot to repair in my little home." Bayran said, as Kael charged after Joshua. Where he noticed Joshua seeing the dark elven children that was hiding there with their families.

"Go! Go!" Joshua shouted for them to run as Kael ran to the children instead. Joshua was horrified, was Kael going to kill the entire village of these elves? Joshua did not bother waiting for the answer, he used the Path of Florescence to reach Kael in time.

"Good. Now there was some initiative. If you want to protect them, you need to have more initiative."

"Blade Shift." Ashen Sirius took form as Joshua imbued the Ancient of Winter's magic into it. Putting his left hand to the spine of the blade, to push Kael back for a brief moment. Joshua used Feint Blow from his gauntlets, tricking Kael to think he was going to slash Kael's neck. He was going for the shoulder. It did pierce through but Kael wrapped his arm around Joshua's neck in a headlock. The attempt failed as Kael watched his hands pass through, Joshua shoulder charged Kael and jumped back to use the Ancient of Spring's attack, the thorn path. Which created thorns that bound Kael to the ground.

"Not bad, but... Did you think I only attack with a blade?" Kael asked as the Ace of Spades burned the thorns away.

"I know but you need at least a few miliseconds to think!" Joshua was able to strike Kael from the left. Then shifting the Ashen Sirius back to Brilliant Ash. The strike created vapors that blanketed the area, the thick mist was covering Kael's position.

"Trust in your abilities, Lord. Now trust your creativity to pull you through." Kael said within the smoke, Joshua could see that he was within the range of an attack and ducked. Watching how a laser made of flames blasted through the air. Joshua could see the intensity of it, it melted the entirety of the snow that was in the area. It must have used a lot of MP to even cast such a thing.

Joshua then went after Kael who was within the smoke, where he made contact with Kael's blade. The mist cleared instantly, where Kael looked at Joshua as they continued to attack one another.

"Have you grieved properly?" Kael asked, it triggered Joshua's anger as he started attacking frantically. Kael let out a sigh, dissappointed that such words were easy to trigger Joshua far too easily. The stalemate of slashes and piercing attacks were left wanting and Joshua was not tired but Kael was not overwhelmed or bothered. Kael broke it, by redirecting the sword aside and headbutting Joshua's head.

"You can't be triggered like that. If the enemies knew you were in that state. It would be pitiful." Kael said to Joshua, who fell to his knees. His HP was barely making it through. It was down to 1HP. Joshua may have regretted not investing more in vitality but he took a deep breath. Looking at Kael who looked at him.

"Do you know why I'm here?" Joshua shook his head.

"I don't."

"You have a good heart, Joshua. A kind heart, but to live the life you wish. You must be strong enough to allow kindness and cruelty go hand in hand. Be kind to those who you wish to protect, but be cruel to your enemies. Ensure that they do not have mercy, I regretted letting enemies go because they hurt the people I loved later. What had happened here... It is a tragedy, but Goddess of Seasons chose you because of your heart. You whose heart has caused problems at birth, you who've not been able to do many things other people can. Now you are the sole survivor. Yet, you've not grieved properly." Kael said as he knelt to Joshua, placing his hand over Joshua's shoulder.

"Let me show you... My times of grief." Joshua watched the many soldiers, the many warriors that died by his side. The lovers and wives, the children whom he had lost. The times Kael broke down and the time when Kael used his grief as resolve. Joshua could see so much, and he finally understood. Kael was the same but he went through a horrid cycle and now, his earth may be in danger. Yet here he was, with Joshua. The times where Joshua saw Lee cry for the death of his lover. The many named legends that Kael had crafted in his life times, the friends that died and even watching Ice Reaper break in his brother's arms. It was intense, Joshua could feel his heart weeping for the Avatar of Destruction, for his powers yet he could not protect them.

"Never think that tears are for the weak. Your mask of thorns has chosen to bear your sadness as well. So will they." Joshua turned to see his familiars behind him. This time they had their weapons changed, they looked much more fierce and much stronger than before. They walked on over, forming a line to Joshua. Lugasa was first hugging Joshua tightly.

"Lugasa?"

"Master... If you need to talk about grief, I am here too. I did lose my two sons in a war where werewolves fought against each other. I killed the clan that did it, but I just felt more hollow. Though I do have Esyn, she's the only one left but... She knows that I can't spend as much time with her and as long as you needed me. I am at your side. So stop hiding your thoughts. If you need to let your grief out. Why not us?" Lugasa posed the question where Joshua looked at Kael.

"We have watched the many Lords whose tears fell for their grief. Though we may not understand, we wish to help you. Though we cannot cut grief like an enemy, it is pain and as life dictates it. Pain must be felt, Oh Lord." Iacus spoke to Joshua.

"Family is not always blood. It can also be by the bonds you've forged. Joshua, as my equal. I will train you so that one day you will equal to me." Kael said as he looked at Ice Reaper who bowed to him.

"Ice Reaper. I will always... Always be grateful for what you've done for Ren. And I hope, you take care of Joshua the same too." Kael said to Ice Reaper, it was a pained smile.

"Yes, my Avatar. I will take care of him, as I have taken care of you. I do miss Ren sometimes."

"He's using a scythe, and I think you will be a fine weapon for him when the time comes, but it seems someone else has been made." Kael said as they watched another scythe made of ice, unlike Ice Reaper's pale blue this one was made with ice that was with midnight black.

The black scythe took a human form, being a figure as tall as Ice Reaper.

"Brother. It has been many years." Ice Reaper hugged the other scythe tightly.

"Midnight Fang... It has been far too long... Why are you here?"

"For my resolve, brother. You have a duty to the Lord of Thorns. So I will be staying in your stead. To take care of Ren." Midnight Fang's words had touched Ice Reaper, despite being a cloaked skeleton. Joshua could see that Ice Reaper was happy.

"Thank you, brother. I... I am in your debt." Midnight Fang turned to Kael.

"So the elder brother is going to take care of my younger brother. I'm fine with that plan, Midnight Fang." Midnight Fang reverted to a scythe form and Kael grabbed him, then looking at Joshua.

"For they serve you Lord of Thorns. As the many blades once served me." Kael said as they see the swords of the cemetery float to their position. Then showing their human forms to them.

"They will be ready when you are ready. So will the other Familiars of the Lord of Thorns." Kael said as Lugasa let go of Joshua.

"Just know that the Avatar of Destruction, Kael Webster sees the 13th Lord of Thorns as an equal and I will train you until you become strong enough to not need my help." Kael's words were a declaration that was heard by all in Mulligan, as voices chanted in admission.

"Lord of Thorns!" The voices chorused, including the blades that were covering the sky, then Joshua turned to see Kael take a pendant from his neck.

Where it formed into a blade. Kael looked at it for quite a bit, and taking a deep breath.

"The Legend of the Avatar of Destruction carrying 4 blades is a little misguided. I carried 5. The 5th blade... It is one of a kind, known to me as the Ashen Phoenix. Nobody knows about it because I rarely draw it. It's a blade that I can't use because it needs someone else. Perhaps all of my years of fighting. This blade that I used in my last life to slay a Supreme Being... It will be useful to you. But I need to recite the oath." Kael said as the Four Ancients appeared by their side.

"Take this blade, oh one who bears the burden of his world. For when things turn grim, turn to this blade. For when everything that was once alive must turn to ash. The ashes will give birth to anew. The phoenix is born from the ashes. Slumbering, awaiting for its true call and you to become its master. For the Ashen Phoenix will only accept those worthy to the call. And so, I... The 7th Bearer, will pass this blade unto you. As my predecessor, Lucius has given to me. As did his predecessors. You are worthy to be its herald. Give this legend, a new life. Joshua Gates." Kael declared as they watched the ash gray tachi appear before them. It had the marks of a phoenix over its scabbard. With its grip, handguard and scabbard tied by a glowing red string.

"Take this blade to the 5th Bellwitch. He must make the changes for this tachi to suit you." Kael said as Joshua took the blade, where the glowing string burned away. Joshua was brought elsewhere.

A world full of ash, a world where only destruction roamed. Joshua looked around, seeing the sky which had a pair of eyes staring at him. It was the phoenix. Beauty in ash, where its wings covered the entire world that Joshua stood on. The phoenix cowled loudly, as the ash cleared up and it closed its wings on itself. Then charging straight to Joshua, yet he did not feel fear nor did he feel any sort of emotion. Merely seeing the phoenix's life and the lives of its masters. The phoenix charged through Joshua's heart.

Where Joshua stood firm and looked at the Ashen Phoenix tachi in his hand. Then blinking twice as the world was turned back to Mulligan, where Kael nodded.

"You are worthy, oh Lord of Thorns." Kael said as he shouldered Midnight Fang.

"Good luck on your adventure. I'll come by once or twice just to mess with you. Or kick your ass until you get stronger. Oh and I almost forget." Kael snapped his fingers to Joshua.

Skills obtained

Avatar of Destruction's Sworn Rival

By being the rival of the Avatar of Destruction, the 13th Lord of Thorns is able to fight enemies that are not originally within the Spires or outside enemies that have invaded from other world's with the system.

Increases combat potential and damage to outsiders by 75%.

Magic damage increased by 75%.

Kael then threw a deck of cards at Joshua.

"You have to beat the Master of Cards for that one to be used. Trust me, if you can handle me right now at my laziest way of kicking your ass. You can beat the Master of Cards. Now all of the fights against me are unlocked. Beat the 52 lives of the Avatar of Destruction and you will gain some skills or powerful weapons too. I don't use guns though, just swords and magic. If guns, it has to be the Avatar of War, but he'll have to pay you a visit. Which might be sooner or later. That guy's weapon collection is pretty sweet. Railguns, electric sniper rifles. Plasma cannons... The works. Well, enough dilly dallying from me. I get so tense from being so damn serious all the time. See ya." Kael said as a portal opened and he walked into it.

Joshua fell to his butt and let out a sigh. That was a tiring endeavour, his stamina was gone and he only had 1HP left.

"I'm just... Going to... Fall asleep for a bit." Joshua fell on his back and slept like a log.

"May I ask what is the Ashen Phoenix?" Donovan asked the Ancients, the others seem to be awaiting for their answers.

"It is a blade that has killed the Supreme Being. It was a blade that was made by the First Bellwitch as a gift to a human who wanted to slay a Supreme Being that did not keep his promise." That explanation may have been lackcluster but it was the best Bayran could do.

"There is not much to be said as the Goddess of Seasons has only heard of it recently and perhaps. Requested that the Lord to add it to his arsenal." Asim said as they looked at the sleeping Joshua.

"Sleep well, Lord of Thorns... Now let's bring him back to Bellwitch's shop." Barakas said as she pecked Joshua's forehead, then carrying him around.