Shin's thoughts lingered on Ri Shin as Heart's words echoed in his mind. The twins had inherited a pure, untainted connection to Byakko's lineage, while Ri Shin's bloodline, though strong, had been diluted over generations. But Shin wasn't one to accept things as they were—especially not when it came to those loyal to him.
"Heart," Shin said, his tone thoughtful but firm with resolve. "Is there a way to restore Ri Shin's bloodline? To bring his Byakko lineage back to its full potential?"
Hmm… Heart's voice hummed with consideration, sifting through the depths of her knowledge. After a moment, her tone grew more confident.
Yes, big brother. There's a way… but it won't be easy.
Shin's eyes sharpened. "Tell me."
To restore Ri Shin's bloodline to its original strength, you'll need to perform a Bloodline Rebirth Ritual. This ritual purifies and reforges the bloodline by infusing it with the essence of the original source—in this case, Byakko's pure power. However…
"However?" Shin's brow furrowed.
The process is dangerous, Heart warned. If not done correctly, it could destroy the host's body. His bloodline will be broken down, and if his body isn't strong enough to withstand the rebirth, he won't survive.
Shin's jaw clenched. He wouldn't allow Ri Shin to die—not after everything they'd been through. "What do I need to make this ritual succeed?"
To succeed, Heart said, her tone serious, you'll need three things:
1. A Fragment of Byakko's Divine Core – A shard of Byakko's original power. Without it, the ritual will lack the primal essence necessary to reforge the bloodline.
2. The Tears of a Celestial Beast – These tears hold immense life energy and can stabilize Ri Shin's body during the process. Without them, the risk of failure increases exponentially.
3. A Vessel to Contain Excess Power – During the rebirth, the energy released must be contained. If not, the resulting surge could consume Ri Shin entirely.
Shin's mind raced through potential solutions. "Where can I find them?"
The Fragment of Byakko's Divine Core… Heart hesitated. It may still reside within the Sacred Grounds where Byakko last descended. But those lands are sealed—guarded by ancient wards and dangerous trials.
"And the Tears of a Celestial Beast?"
You'll need to find a Celestial Beast willing to shed its tears… or subdue one through strength. They don't part with their essence lightly. However…
"However?"
The white tiger twins—now bearing Byakko's lineage—might produce the tears after ascending to a higher stage. But that would require nurturing their power and pushing them to their limits.
"And the vessel?"
You'll need something capable of containing divine power… Heart's voice softened. The Celestial Vessel—an ancient relic said to have been forged by the gods to hold the power of primordial beings. But it's been lost to the world for ages…
Shin's expression darkened with determination. The path was perilous, but danger had never stopped him before.
"Heart," Shin said, voice steady, "I'll find what's needed. Ri Shin has stood by me—I won't let his potential remain shackled by time."
Then we'll begin preparations, big brother.
⸻
Shin's thoughts shifted.
Kyou Kai… Fierce. Unyielding. She bore the blood of Jörmungandr, the World Serpent. If Ri Shin's bloodline had weakened, could hers be suffering the same fate? And Ka Ryo Ten, bearer of Athena's legacy—had time dulled her lineage as well?
"Heart," Shin called out again, his tone calm but shadowed by concern.
Yes, big brother? Heart's cheerful voice rang out, though she seemed to already anticipate what was coming.
"Do I need to do the same for Kyou Kai and Ka Ryo Ten? If Ri Shin's bloodline has weakened over time, does that mean theirs have too?"
A quiet pause followed. Heart's usual playfulness gave way to a rare moment of reflection.
You're right to be concerned, she said at last. Their bloodlines have also faded across generations. While they still hold divine power, their connection to the original source has thinned. To unlock their full potential…
"Another Bloodline Rebirth Ritual," Shin murmured, eyes narrowing in understanding.
Yes. But each bloodline requires a different approach—unique trials based on the nature of its origin. Restoring Jörmungandr's and Athena's bloodlines will be equally dangerous.
"What do I need?"
⸻
Kyou Kai's Jörmungandr Bloodline:
1. The Heart of the Abyss – A core of primordial chaos, resonant with Jörmungandr's origin. It lies deep in the Abyssal Sea, guarded by horrors even gods fear.
2. Venom of the World Serpent – Pure venom distilled from a descendant of Jörmungandr. It can only be obtained by defeating one.
3. A Vessel of Endless Depths – Capable of absorbing the chaotic energy. Without it, Kyou Kai's body would be consumed.
Shin's jaw tightened. "And Ka Ryo Ten?"
⸻
Ka Ryo Ten's Athena Bloodline:
1. The Tears of Divine Wisdom – A celestial artifact said to contain Athena's own insight. Hidden within the Sanctuary of Eternal Light, it's guarded by divine trials.
2. Feather of a True Phoenix – A rare symbol of rebirth and immortality. Only a true phoenix can shed it, but they are nearly extinct.
3. The Chalice of Heavenly Purity – A sacred vessel to channel divine energy. Without it, the rebirth could fracture her mind and soul.
Shin exhaled slowly. "So each of them… walks a different path."
Yes, big brother. But if you succeed…
"They won't just inherit their ancestors' strength—they'll surpass them."
Exactly.
A smirk curled on Shin's lips. "Then I'll do whatever it takes."
⸻
But then, his thoughts turned once more—to his wives.
Shego. The Chaos Phoenix. A being of destruction and rebirth. Her power defied order. Boa. A living paradox—carrying both Medusa's power of control and Aphrodite's divine allure. If the others had weakened lineages… could theirs be the same?
"Heart," Shin called, his tone urgent.
Yes, big brother? Heart's tone was more serious now.
"What about Shego and Boa? Do their bloodlines need to be restored too?"
Another pause. Then Heart responded, voice solemn.
Yes. Their bloodlines have also faded.
Shin's gaze steeled. "Tell me what I need."
⸻
Shego – Chaos Phoenix Bloodline:
1. Ashes of the Primordial Flame – The first spark of creation that birthed the phoenix. Buried in the Infernal Abyss, feared even by gods.
2. Heart of a Fallen Star – A celestial core to stabilize her energy and keep her body from combusting.
3. Phoenix Crown – An ancient artifact channeling the will of phoenixes. Without it, Shego's rebirth would spiral out of control. It's guarded by the Eternal Flame Court.
⸻
Boa – Dual Bloodlines: Medusa and Aphrodite
Medusa Lineage:
1. Gaze of the Forgotten Gorgon – A fragment of Medusa's original essence, sealed within her ruined temple.
2. Venom of the Eternal Serpent – Harvested from an abyssal serpent. It must be carefully balanced or it could consume her from within.
Aphrodite Lineage:
1. Tears of the Goddess – A sacred relic shed by Aphrodite herself, holding divine beauty and influence.
2. Lotus of Eternal Desire – A mythical flower that blooms once every millennium. It amplifies allure but can corrupt the soul if unchecked.
⸻
A Final Warning
Big brother… Heart's voice softened, tinged with worry. Boa's ritual will be the most dangerous. Balancing two divine bloodlines is no simple task. If even one element falters… her soul could be torn apart.
Big brother, I'm sorry I could only fully awaken your bloodline…
Shin's expression hardened. "Don't be disheartened, Heart. I don't blame you."
He took a deep breath. "I'll gather everything. I'll restore their bloodlines. I won't let them be bound by the limits of the past."
Then we'll prepare for the trials ahead.
Shin's gaze lifted to the horizon. He would defy the heavens if he had to—for Shego, for Boa, for all of them.
⸻
System Notification:
Ding!
Primary Mission:
Collect all necessary resources to fully awaken the bloodlines of:
Shego, Boa Hancock, Ri Shin, Kyou Kai, and Ka Ryo Ten.
Completion Objective:
Perform the Bloodline Rebirth Ritual to unlock their full power and reveal hidden potential.
Bonus: Possibility of acquiring rare resources for Dragon Mountain Upgrades.
Rewards:
• 1 Designated Summon Token
• 2 General/Hero Tokens
• 1 Special Building Token
• 10,000 System Points
• 1 Token of Choice