"...Sis...ter...?" The Netherwing let out a muffled, distorted growl, as if squeezing a few syllables from the depths of its shattered soul.
Castorice's heart gave a violent lurch. "Sister? Yes... I've returned."
However... the very next moment. The response to this gentleness was the Netherwing stirring up the River of Souls with even greater fury!
It seemed utterly provoked by the aura of the "living." Its massive form churned death energy, transforming it into countless black spears that blotted out the sky as they assaulted the group!
"Be careful! Though driven only by remnant instinct, its fury is mounting! It cannot control itself!" Castorice urgently warned, her tone anxious.
But Phaethon had already moved before she could speak. The authority of Ocean activated once more, instantly suppressing the churning river waters.
And he himself had already raised the blazing "Judgment of Shamash" high. Boiling energy poured madly into the blade, causing the divine weapon to emit a soul-scorching, dark-red heat!
A 「Path」 unfurled beneath his feet, instantly placing him directly above the Netherwing!
「Law」 imbued this strike with the rule of "inevitable hit," while the power of 「Earth」 granted him terrifying kinetic force and descent speed akin to a collapsing mountain!
*BOOM!!!!*
It was like a meteor striking the earth! With that single strike, the burning greatsword nearly completely pierced the Netherwing's massive body, smashing it deep into the River of Souls below!
After piercing the Netherwing, the residual power of "Judgment of Shamash" violently boiled and evaporated large swathes of the river water around it, producing a terrifying hissing sound.
"ROOOAR——!!!"
The Netherwing erupted with a heart-rending cry of agony. The frenzy in its voice was actually dispersed somewhat by this extreme pain.
Then, it seemed to grow a bit more lucid. Broken thoughts transmitted intermittently, carrying a plea for release: "Please... sister... don't look... don't turn back... towards the underworld... leave..."
Castorice was taken aback, as if not fully processing Phaethon's so decisive, even violent, action.
Only then did she speak softly to the struggling beast in the river, her voice tinged with a complex, inscrutable apology:
"I'm sorry, Pollux. But, for all the lingering souls, and for you as well... Death, please rest in peace now."
Before her words faded, Castorice had already gripped her massive scythe. Her figure moved like lightning, and with a loud *CRUNCH*—she gave Pollux a solid hit!
This blow, full of sisterly affection, thoroughly shut down the already grievously wounded Netherwing. Its whimpers grew faint.
Finally, after being subjected to a mixed doubles beatdown by its own sister and a strange man several times over...
Pollux obediently shrank back into the River of Souls, its massive body trembling slightly. Its huge head seemed to bury itself a bit deeper into the tattered "shell," not daring to make any further moves.
Castorice sheathed her scythe and slowly walked forward, alighting beside its cold form. Her voice was as gentle as a sigh:
"I'm sorry I had to forcibly rouse you from your ancient slumber of death... I know it's painful, that you're unsettled... Don't be afraid..."
Pollux indicated it did not wish to speak and radiated intense grievance.
"Do you remember me? I am the girl you once escorted across the sea of souls. I'm sorry, for reasons I still don't fully understand, my memories failed to preserve your image."
Castorice's fingertips lightly brushed its cold scales, trying to convey a sliver of solace. "But with the help of many, I've finally been able to pick up those old fragments..."
"...Pollux, I've returned. Though I know this is hardly the reunion you wished for, I had to do this." Castorice tried to fill her voice with comforting strength.
Pollux, seemingly recalling the mixed doubles of sword and scythe, began low, intermittent whimpers again, sounding utterly pitiful.
"So now, please fulfill your original duty once more," Castorice requested softly.
"Ferry me across this final stretch of the sea of souls, back to the true heart of the underworld, just as you once did... Take me to the resting place of the Coreflame of Death, alright?"
Pollux gave no response. Its massive body shifted slightly, whether acquiescing to Castorice's request, or because...
Phaethon's "Judgment of Shamash" greatsword, still radiating terrifying heat and pressure, was embedded in the ground right beside it, deterring any rebuttal.
Castorice slowly turned. The pale, ghostly light of the River of Souls flowed behind her, illuminating her like a demigod about to enter an eternal hall.
She looked at her two companions who had journeyed with her this far, her voice calm yet carrying unchangeable resolve. "Lord Phaethon, Lady Cyrene... I must depart."
"Go, Castorice." Cyrene responded softly, her tone soaked with an unmistakeable sadness, as if mourning an inevitable parting in advance. "Don't... leave any regrets."
However, against all expectations.
Phaethon stepped forward, his gaze burning as he looked directly at Castorice, and spoke: "Funny, I'm departing too. Let's see who reaches the heart of the underworld first?"
The words were too abrupt, even carrying a hint of ill-timed levity, causing the atmosphere to freeze.
"Lord Phaethon? What... do you mean?" Castorice's hands subconsciously clenched slightly, icy fingertips digging into her palms.
"Phaethon, now doesn't seem the time for jokes, does it?" Cyrene also frowned slightly, sighing helplessly, thinking Phaethon's erratic thinking had once again misfired at an inappropriate moment.
"I'm not joking, Castorice." The trace of levity on Phaethon's face vanished rapidly, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness and insight.
"If I'm not mistaken, once you successfully obtain the Coreflame of Death and become the death demigod presiding over the Nether Realm... it means you will never be able to leave the Nether Realm again, correct?"
His words were like a precise key, instantly unlocking the secret Castorice had been trying to hide.
"Lord Phaethon, I..." Castorice's heart tightened violently, as if her deepest secret had been seen through, leaving her momentarily speechless.
After a moment of silence, she finally nodded slowly, her voice as light as a sigh. "Yes. I will exist alongside the Nether Realm, becoming a cornerstone of the order of life and death.
I will forever watch over this realm of shades, so that death is no longer a cold terminus, but becomes a... gentle waystation within the cycle of life.
This is the fate I, as the death demigod, cannot avoid yet willingly bear."
"But I don't like that ending." Phaethon stated resolutely, his voice ringing clearly over the expanse of the River of Souls.
"I admit... I did indeed fall into deep confusion because of the trial of Strife. And it was through the inspiration from all of you that I was able to set forth anew from within that confusion."