Chapter 244: Two New Authorities

Chapter 244: Chapter 244: Two New Authorities

Vina emerged from her domain several days after her evolution.

The moment she stepped out, it became immediately apparent that she was no longer the same being Ares had known before.

Her transformation had completely altered her appearance. She was considerably taller than before, her figure more mature and imposing, and the presence surrounding her carried an entirely different weight. The transformation had not merely increased her physical strength; it had elevated her existence to an entirely different level.

She stood before Ares and Aurora with a calm expression, her posture dignified as the faint pressure of her newly acquired power spread through the surrounding area.

Ares observed her carefully before activating True Sight.

His eyes briefly changed as he examined every aspect of her existence, from her physical body to the immense power flowing through her.

"You have evolved far beyond what I expected," Ares said calmly. "Your transformation has completely altered your level of existence. You are now a Supreme Transcendent."

Vina lowered her head respectfully.

"Thank you, Master. This evolution was only possible because of the power you granted me."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"While I remained inside my domain, I also used the power of my evolution to create thirty different types of Arachne. Each one possesses a different variation of my abilities, and I have personally shaped their development so that they will not merely exist as ordinary offspring."

Ares looked at her with interest.

"You could have created thousands, couldn’t you?"

"Yes, Master."

Vina’s expression remained composed.

"However, I believe that creating thousands of ordinary S-Rank Arachne would be less beneficial than producing a much smaller number of exceptionally powerful individuals. I chose to create thirty instead, and I intend to raise each of them carefully so that their potential will be developed as far as possible."

Ares considered her words.

"So those thirty will eventually become Transcendents?"

"Yes, Master. If their development proceeds according to my calculations, they should reach the Transcendent realm within several days."

Ares gave a small nod.

"As I expected of you."

Vina smiled faintly.

"Your approval means more to me than you realize, Master."

Ares remained silent for a moment before looking toward Aurora.

Vina had already become far more than a simple subordinate who could be deployed when needed.

She was now one of the organization’s most important assets.

’I also assigned Vina to be one to oversee Starlight, but her responsibilities extend far beyond that now. She is also the guardian of the mountains surrounding the main headquarters, and the S-Rank guardians she created there have ensured that no one from the surrounding kingdoms has been able to enter the Highlands without being detected.’

His gaze shifted toward Vina.

’That explains why there have been no reports of humans from the surrounding territories attempting to cross into the mountains. The guardians she created have been doing their job exactly as intended.’

Vina then spoke again.

"The thirty Arachne will eventually undergo human transformation as well. I want them to be capable of moving freely among other races when the situation requires it."

Ares nodded.

"I’ll be looking forward to seeing what they become."

He paused before adding,

"I’ll also give them some of my power when the time comes. If they are going to serve the Eclipsed Order directly, I want them to possess enough strength to justify their positions."

Vina lowered her head.

"Yes, Master. I will ensure that they are properly prepared."

Ares turned toward Aurora.

"I’ll leave everything here to you. Aurora, make sure the affairs of Starlight and the surrounding facilities continue without interruption."

Aurora bowed respectfully.

"Understood, Master. I will take care of everything."

Ares gave them both a final nod before disappearing.

---

Later that day, Ares returned to the main headquarters.

The massive doors of the throne chamber stood before him, and as he entered, the enormous hall immediately became silent.

Ares walked toward the throne at the far end of the chamber before taking his seat.

The throne room remained quiet for several moments.

Then—

WHOOSH.

Two figures appeared before the throne.

They immediately lowered themselves into a respectful kneel.

"Master."

It was Nao and Vanessa.

Ares looked down at the two members of the Eclipsed Order who had remained beside him since the organization was still nothing more than a small hidden group.

Their accomplishments had not gone unnoticed.

"I will not keep you here for long," Ares said. "There is still something else I need to take care of today, so I would rather get straight to the matter at hand."

Nao and Vanessa remained silent, waiting for his words.

"I have received reports regarding both of your accomplishments, particularly the work you performed when the Eclipsed Order was still a small organization with only a handful of members."

His voice remained calm, but there was unmistakable recognition in his words.

"You were there before this organization became what it is today. You continued to serve without hesitation as our numbers increased, our enemies became stronger, and the responsibilities placed upon you became considerably greater."

Neither Nao nor Vanessa raised their heads.

Ares continued.

"Because of your achievements and your continued loyalty, I have decided to grant each of you one of the remaining authorities that originated from the Fifteen-Tailed Celestial Fox."

Both of their eyes widened.

Neither had expected such an announcement.

Ares looked toward Nao.

"Nao."

Nao immediately straightened slightly.

"Yes, Master."

"From this moment onward, you will inherit the Authority of the Primordial Titan."

The atmosphere inside the throne room suddenly changed.

A tremendous pressure emerged around Nao before she could even fully comprehend what had happened.

"You will carry a new title from this day forward."

Ares’s voice echoed through the chamber.

"Iron Reaper."

The moment those words left his mouth, a massive surge of power erupted around Nao.

BOOM!

The pressure spread across the throne room as an enormous amount of energy poured into her body.

Nao’s eyes widened as he felt the authority descend upon her.

The power did not merely strengthen his muscles.

It began reinforcing every part of his existence.

Hisbbones, flesh, blood, magical pathways, physical strength, endurance, and even the foundation of his soul were being altered by the authority of the Primordial Titan.

The air around him trembled.

The authority carried an ancient and overwhelming feeling, as though an existence from an age long forgotten had suddenly awakened within him.

Nao clenched his fists as he struggled to contain the immense power.

Ares watched him without concern.

"Do not resist it. Allow the authority to become part of you rather than attempting to force it into submission."

Nao immediately followed his instruction.

The violent surge gradually stabilized.

The pressure surrounding him slowly condensed until the power became completely integrated into his existence.

When the process finally ended, Nao remained kneeling before the throne, but his presence had become completely different.

Ares then turned his attention toward Vanessa.

"Vanessa."

She immediately raised her head.

"Yes, Master."

"You have also proven yourself worthy of receiving an authority."

Ares extended his hand.

"From this day forward, you will inherit the Authority of the Phoenix."

A brilliant force descended upon Vanessa.

Unlike the heavy and overwhelming presence surrounding Nao, Vanessa’s authority carried an entirely different nature.

A powerful heat spread throughout the chamber, but it was not ordinary fire.

It was the power of rebirth.

The authority coursed through Vanessa’s body, reconstructing and strengthening her physical form while simultaneously reinforcing her soul.

The power continued to rise.

WHOOSH!

Crimson and golden flames erupted around her, twisting through the air without harming the throne room.

Vanessa’s hair and clothing moved violently beneath the pressure as the Phoenix Authority completely integrated itself into her existence.

Her wounds, weaknesses, and physical limitations were erased beneath the overwhelming force of the authority.

The flames eventually condensed into her body.

The throne room became silent once more.

Ares looked down at her.

"From this day forward, you will carry the title of Ash Reaper."

Vanessa lowered her head.

"Yes, Master."

The two remained kneeling before Ares.

After several moments, they spoke together.

"Thank you, Master. We will never betray the trust you have placed in us."

Ares looked at them for a long moment.

"Titles and power are not rewards that exist merely to make you stronger. They represent responsibility."

His voice remained calm, yet every word carried authority.

"You have both been with the Eclipsed Order since its earliest days, and that is precisely why I am entrusting you with powers of this level. I expect you to use them wisely, protect those under your command, and never allow your strength to make you careless."

Nao and Vanessa listened without moving.

Ares continued.

"Remember that power is only valuable when you have the discipline to control it. The authorities I have given you may allow you to surpass limits that once seemed impossible, but they do not excuse recklessness. If you encounter an enemy stronger than yourselves, adapt. If you encounter an ability you do not understand, observe before acting. And if the lives of our people are placed in danger, do whatever is necessary to protect them."

His gaze became slightly sharper.

"You are Reapers of the Eclipsed Order. Carry that title with pride, but more importantly, carry it with responsibility."

Nao lowered his head further.

"Understood, Master."

Vanessa followed immediately.

"We will remember your words, Master."

Ares nodded.

"Good. You may leave."

The two Reapers rose from their kneeling positions and bowed deeply one final time.

"Thank you, Master."

They then turned and walked toward the massive doors of the throne chamber.

Once the doors closed behind them, Ares remained seated upon the throne in silence, his thoughts already turning toward the next matter that required his attention.