LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 29: Chapter 29
[Mission Complete: Conquer Asgard]
Objective: Go to Asgard, slaughter all zombies, and claim Asgard as your own. (Note: Asgard exists in a different dimension.)
Reward: [Shadow Monarch gains a new ability]
Punishment: [Devoured by the Void]
Time Limit: 1/3 Days]
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[Shadow Extraction] has evolved! Shadow Extraction can now be used on spiritual beings, allowing the Shadow Monarch to raise and command entities beyond the physical realm.
'Oh, I didn't think the day would come.' Ashborn thought, staring at the notification. This was exactly why he hadn't attempted to raise Galactus or the Phoenix Force before—both were spiritual entities, immune to [Shadow Extraction]. But now, that limitation no longer applies.
Sitting on his throne, Ashborn took a moment to consider his next move. Then, without hesitation, he raised a hand and opened a portal, stepping through to where the half-dead bodies of Jean Grey and Galactus lay.
Holding out his palm, he watched as the weakened Dark Phoenix—once a force of destruction feared across the cosmos—was pulled towards him, its fiery essence twisting and writhing in resistance before finally succumbing to his call.
"I thought about turning you into a shadow," Ashborn said, his voice steady, "but in the end, I've decided not to. You're free to do as you wish."
With a flick of his wrist, [Shadow Monarch Force] surged through him, wrapping around the Phoenix Force like tendrils of liquid night. He willed it forward, not to bind, but to cleanse. The corruption that had tainted the cosmic entity began to unravel, drawn into the abyss of his power.
A brilliant explosion followed. The Phoenix flared outward, wings spreading wide as it ascended into the sky, its form rapidly expanding until it rivaled the size of a moon. Golden flames turned pure once more, swirling with unrestrained power as they gazed down at Ashborn.
"Something isn't right about you." The Phoenix Force's voice echoed softly, laced with something between curiosity and wariness. Ashborn simply smiled, the shadows around him flickering in response.
"Nah, I just have a high affinity with the concept of darkness. The name's Ashborn. Should I call you Phoenix?" He asked, removing his helmet to meet the Phoenix Force eye-to-eye. For a moment, Ashborn thought he saw the phoenix shake, but he wasn't sure.
The cosmic entity hovered, its flames flickering with curiosity. "What do you plan on doing? With your power, there's almost nothing you can't do. This universe alone can't contain someone of your potential."
Ashborn shrugged. "Honestly? I don't know. I'm thinking of heading to another universe and figuring things out when I get there. I already lived the power-hungry dream, and I'm sick of it." He let out a tired sigh. "Days of grinding, barely any sleep, constantly watching my back so I don't get eaten by some mutant zombie… not exactly fun."
His gaze shifted to Jean Grey, then to Galactus. "Arise," he commanded.
Darkness swirled around their broken bodies, creeping into every crack and crevice. And then…
Boom!
The universe trembled, far more violently than when Odin had been turned into a shadow. This wasn't just due to Galactus's overwhelming strength—it was the sheer cosmic weight of his rebirth, the ripple effect threatening to shake existence itself. But Ashborn contained it, keeping the aftershocks locked within this realm.
The Phoenix Force gazed at the massive pillar of darkness, watching as it slowly faded, revealing a newly reborn Galactus. But this wasn't the same cosmic devourer as before—this Galactus was far, far stronger than in life.
Shock flickered in the Phoenix Force's burning eyes. It turned toward Jean Grey, now a shadow as well, and felt a shift—her presence, her power… she was the perfect host. More than ever before.
"So, what are you? Are you like Odin's Odin Force?" Ashborn asked while flying onto Galactus's palm, signaling the Phoenix Force to follow. Although he knew alot of the Phoenix force, he had reasons not to show he had such knowledge.
"No, I'm the manifestation of the prime universal force of life. I'm also the nexus of all psionic energy which does, has, and ever will exist in all realities of the universe." The Phoenix Force said, its flames flickering as it regarded Ashborn with unease, realizing it had underestimated him.
"So you have some grand role in creation or something?" Ashborn asked, tilting his head. "Just how were you even born?"
"I was born of the void between states of being. I am the spark that ignites creation and the flame that consumes it," the Phoenix Force said, studying Ashborn carefully.
"Really? But isn't there someone who is the manifestation of Death? Are you two best friends or enemies? And if you consume the flame of creation, doesn't that make you Death? Or is Death only responsible for physical death and nothing more, like the end of individual lives?" Ashborn asked, his curiosity genuine.
The Phoenix Force hesitated, its flames flickering as if the question itself had never been fully considered.
"Death's domain is the process of the living losing life," it finally answered. "My domain is the process of creation dying. We have no relationship."
Ashborn nodded, processing the answer. "So, you don't deal with individuals—you deal with the death of creation itself, the end of cycles, the collapse of everything." He let out a low chuckle. "That makes you way scarier than Death."
"So, what do you plan on doing? Since I'm going to turn every zombie in the universe into a shadow, I doubt you'll be able to find a host for a long time," Ashborn said lightly
The cosmic entity turned its gaze toward Earth. "Why did you let the humans go? Many of them possessed unique abilities that could have benefited you."
Ashborn rolled his eyes. "I could also devour my shadows to grow stronger, but I refuse. I guess I'm too soft, but I don't mind it." He exhaled, looking ahead. "I see my shadows as more than mere tools—they're my allies. As for the humans on Earth… I don't know. I can't find the right words, but it just didn't feel right to attack those who had no ill will towards me."
He stepped forward, nearing the edge of Galactus's massive palm as they arrived in Asgard, the realm now under his rule.
"I see… you allow those weak human emotions to control you," the Phoenix Force said, its tone laced with curiosity.
Ashborn rolled his eyes. "You've existed for eons. I highly doubt you've never once experienced those same 'weak' emotions," he replied, watching as the Phoenix Force hesitated for a brief moment. Noticing this, a smirk tugged at his lips.
"Emotions came and went," it finally said. "To me, they were like a blink—fleeting, insignificant. But to you? They could be a major ripple in your existence, something that lingers, something that could lead to your downfall."
"I'm not one to regret my actions… so how about you join my army? Honestly, I have no idea who I'd even need my army for, but strengthening it wouldn't hurt, right? I won't turn you into a shadow—not out of pity or some human sentiment, but because my gut tells me you're different. And so far, my gut's never been wrong." Ashborn stopped walking, turning to look directly at the Phoenix Force.
"What else has your gut told you?" it asked. Ashborn thought for a moment before responding.
"When I was absorbing Hulk's energy, I got this bad feeling. And for some time now, I've had this sense that something big is coming after me. My instincts have never failed me," Ashborn said with a smile.
The Phoenix Force narrowed its eyes as it studied him. "I will stay—under one condition."
"You will do nothing to disrupt the balance of creation, and will protect it," it said firmly.
"Do I look like someone who causes chaos for no reason?" Ashborn asked, crossing his arms.
The Phoenix Force eyed him carefully, scanning him from head to toe. Ashborn followed her gaze, then glanced down at himself—his dark armor radiating an ominous energy. He let out an awkward cough.
"Well, I control the darkness. The darkness doesn't control me," he clarified with a shrug. "You can check my mind if you want. I have no interest in some grand plan to end the world or whatever." He said with a roll of his eyes.
"I can see that. The fact that you bathe in shadows, yet your soul remains untouched by them, makes no sense. The fact that your mind isn't consumed by darkness, and it doesn't affect your power, also makes no sense," the Phoenix Force said, scrutinizing him.
Ashborn gave her a strange look. "Not everyone is as mentally weak as you," he said bluntly. "There is no 'Dark Ashborn.' There's just me."
The Phoenix Force flinched slightly, clearly taken aback by his words.
"To let mere mortals corrupt you…" Ashborn said with a hint of disdain. "I suppose it's for the best that you stay by my side. Maybe I can teach you a thing or two."
The Phoenix Force gritted its teeth in anger but quickly froze when Galactus narrowed his eyes at it. In her current weakened state, it was no match for him. So, it could do nothing more than hold back it's displeasure and follow Ashborn.