Chapter 35: The Second Titan - The Phoenix Lord Draven
Ian regained consciousness after the ultimate battle with Zexerav, and Zexerav sat beside him, accompanied by Bavery. The air was filled with an air of anticipation as Ian slowly opened his eyes.
"It's great you already woke up, sleepyhead," Zexerav said with a hint of amusement, a smile spreading across his face. "We've been waiting for a week for your awakening. I must say, you're quite the resilient one."
Ian's gaze met Zexerav's, and he asked, "Did you beat me?" His voice was laced with a mix of curiosity and competitiveness.
Zexerav chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a hint of pride. "Probably, but in terms of power, you defeated me. As an immortal, my rejuvenating process is much faster than yours. However, I must admit that I'm impressed by your strength."
Ian smiled, his eyes sparkling with determination. "You better be ready for our next battle. You were a spectacular opponent, and I'm glad we're on good terms now."
Zexerav's expression turned serious, and he said, "I've never met someone like you, Ian. You matched and overpowered my Dark Mirana Burst. I'd like to join forces with you. Will you accept me as an ally in battle?"
Ian's eyes widened in surprise, and he replied, "I never expected someone stronger than me to ask to join our force. You're overqualified, Zexerav. But I'm willing to accept your offer."
Zexerav nodded, a hint of relief washing over his face. "Don't celebrate yet, Ian. There's still much work to be done. Even with my help, escaping this place won't be easy. The next Titan we'll meet is ten times stronger than me – Draven, the Titan with the sacred phoenix trueform. I've heard he's a formidable opponent, and we need to be cautious."
Bavery's expression turned grave, and he said, "I've never heard of this Titan Lord Zexerav. We must be cautious of his attacks. Let's proceed with caution."
Ian, Zexerav, and Bavery set out to confront Draven, their hearts pounding with anticipation. As they approached, Draven's imposing figure loomed before them, his presence radiating power and authority.
"I admire your courage, Ian," Draven said, his voice dripping with condescension. "Even with Zexerav's help, you won't stand a chance against me. You're no match for the sacred phoenix."
Ian's determination only grew stronger, and he mentally communicated with Heat, "Are you ready, Heat?"
"As always, Master," Heat replied, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "It's great to fight alongside you."
Ian turned to James and boosted himself into God Mode. Zexerav transformed into his Dragon Mode, and Draven unleashed an enormous energy outburst, his shining fiery red aura radiating power.
"You dare to oppose me, knowing I possess the sacred flame?" Draven angrily said to Zexerav, his voice echoing through the air.
"I don't care about your flame, Draven," Zexerav retorted, his voice firm and resolute. "All I want is my freedom from this place. I'll do whatever it takes to achieve it."
The battle raged on, with Zexerav and James unleashing their ultimate attacks. Draven countered with his Sacred Flame Burst, and the three engaged in an intense fight. The air was filled with the sound of clashing energies, and the ground shook beneath their feet.
As the battle continued, Draven revealed his ultimate form – the Sacred Phoenix Mode. His charge became more powerful, and James was amazed by his strength.
"Our chance of winning here is zero," Zexerav said, his voice laced with a mix of determination and resignation. "But I'm not going to give up. I'll fight with every ounce of strength I have."
"It doesn't matter, Zexerav," James uttered, his voice filled with conviction. "Even if I die here, I'll rejuvenate again. But I won't let you fight alone."
Zexerav's expression turned somber, and he said, "You're wrong, James. If you die at the hands of Draven or any of the ten Titans stronger than me, you won't be revived by your sun ability. They'll consume your attunement and soul, making them more powerful. That's why I need to protect you."
The stakes were raised, and the battle became even more intense. Draven's anger and pride fueled his attacks, and Zexerav's determination only grew stronger.
"I'll make your end worthy enough for your foolishness," Draven said, his voice dripping with disdain. "But I respect you for being a prideful Titan. Your arrogance will be your downfall."
Zexerav's eyes flashed with determination as he charged at Draven, his furious purple super flames engulfing his body. Draven, however, simply absorbed the flames, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"You think your flames can harm me?" Draven taunted, his voice echoing through the air. "I am the master of the sacred flame. Your attacks are nothing but mere sparks compared to my power."
Zexerav's expression remained resolute, and he charged forward, delivering a powerful Deadly Claw Burn Attack. However, Draven was unfazed, his body glowing with an intense, fiery aura.
The battle raged on, with Zexerav unleashing his full fury upon Draven. Despite his valiant efforts, Zexerav found himself unable to land a decisive blow. Draven's power seemed almost limitless, and his counterattacks left Zexerav reeling.
As the fight continued, Zexerav's energy began to wane. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't seem to gain the upper hand. Draven's Sacred Flame Burst proved too much for him, and he stumbled backward, his body battered and bruised.
"Why are you doing this, Zexerav?" Draven asked, his voice laced with curiosity. "You know it's pointless to fight me. You're no match for my power."
Zexerav's eyes flashed with pride, and he replied, "This is my pride, Draven. I won't back down, no matter the cost. I'll show you my strength, even if it means my downfall."
Draven's expression turned cold, and he said, "Very well, Zexerav. I'll make your end worthy enough for your foolishness. Prepare to face your demise."
With a swift motion, Draven unleashed a devastating attack, and Zexerav found himself unable to defend against it. The blow struck him with incredible force, sending him crashing to the ground.
As Zexerav lay there, his vision fading, he knew his plan was about to unfold. Before the battle, he had instructed Bavery to get James out of the way and not intervene.
"I'll help you Zexerav," James said, but Zexerav swiftly delivered a quick blow to make him unconscious.
"Get him android and watch. Don't intervene. This is my battle," Zexerav instructed Bavery.
Bavery looked at Zexerav with concern but nodded in understanding. "Are you sure you want to do this, even if you don't stand a chance against him?"
Zexerav smiled weakly, knowing his plan would soon come to fruition. "I'm sure, Android. I admire James' courage and resilience. After this battle, let him know that there is one Titan who admired him. I plan to unite my soul with his body. That's the only way you both can get out of this place. If a Titan decided to unite his soul to a mortal, that mortal will be the most invulnerable force in the universe."
With those final thoughts, Zexerav's eyes closed, and his body went still. The outcome of the battle was decided, and Zexerav's plan was set in motion.
As Zexerav's body lay motionless on the ground, Draven stood over him, his chest heaving with exertion. "You were a worthy opponent, Zexerav," he said, his voice tinged with respect. "But in the end, your pride was your downfall."
Bavery watched in silence, his eyes fixed on Zexerav's lifeless body. He knew that Zexerav's plan had been to sacrifice himself to unite his soul with James', and he wondered if it would actually work.
As the moments passed, a strange energy began to emanate from Zexerav's body. It swirled around him, taking on a life of its own, and then suddenly shot towards James' unconscious form.
James' body began to glow with a soft, purple light, and Bavery could sense the energy of Zexerav's soul merging with his own. The process was slow and agonizing, but Bavery knew it was necessary if James was to survive.
As the energy dissipated, James' eyes flickered open, and he sat up, looking around in confusion. Bavery rushed to his side, helping him to his feet.
"James, are you okay?" Bavery asked, concern etched on his face.
James looked at him, and then down at his own hands. "I...I feel different," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "I can feel Zexerav's power coursing through me. It's like nothing I've ever experienced before."
Bavery nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Zexerav's plan worked, James. His soul has united with yours. You're now the most invulnerable force in the universe."
James' eyes widened in understanding, and he looked at Draven, who was watching them with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. "I see," James said, his voice filled with determination. "Then let's finish what Zexerav started. Let's take you down, Draven."
Draven's expression turned serious, and he nodded. "Very well, James. Let's see if you're worthy of Zexerav's sacrifice."