Two days had passed since the battle with Charybdis, and the village of Eterna was slowly returning to its normal rhythm. Atem sat in his private chamber, a simple but elegant room that overlooked the village. He held a delicate porcelain cup in his hands, steam curling from the tea inside.
Across from him, Milim sat cross-legged on a cushion, snacking on roasted meat skewers and sweet pastries, her violet eyes gleaming with mischievous curiosity. The soft afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, catching in her pink hair and casting faint glows across the room.
Milim tilted her head suddenly, eyes twinkling. "So, Atem… why don't you become a Demon Lord?"
The question was so unexpected that Atem almost spilled his tea, his crimson eyes widening slightly. "A… Demon Lord?" he asked, setting the cup carefully on the side table.
Milim leaned forward eagerly, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Yes! Think about it! You're already incredibly strong, Atem—stronger than some of the actual Demon Lords. If I vouch for you, they'll accept you. You could join our ranks!"
Atem leaned back slightly, one hand resting on his chin as he considered her words. "Interesting," he said thoughtfully. "And… what exactly would I gain from joining your group?"
Milim's grin widened, a sparkle of excitement dancing in her eyes. "Oh! You'd get to fight strong opponents—creatures that most wouldn't even dare approach. No one would bother you, and you'd always have allies when things get tough. And… well… you'd get to see the world in a whole new way, and gain recognition as one of the top beings around. You'd be… unstoppable in your own right."
Atem's crimson gaze studied her carefully, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Interesting… but I'll need some time to think about it, Milim. It is a significant decision."
Milim pouted dramatically, though her excitement didn't fade. "Fine, fine… but don't think about it too long! It would be so fun to have you in our circle!"
Atem shifted slightly, leaning forward. "While we're discussing powerful matters… I have a request, Milim."
Her eyes immediately lit up, curiosity sparking into delight. "A favor from Atem? Hehe! This is exciting! What is it?"
Atem's voice was calm, measured, yet carried an authority that made even Milim sit up straighter. "I need your assistance. I am preparing to evolve. I cannot do so inside Eterna; the energy release could devastate the surroundings. There is a cave not far from here—isolated and suitable—but I will need a barrier to contain my energy while I evolve."
Milim blinked, then her eyes widened. She puffed out her chest, her usual enthusiasm turning into fierce pride. "Wait… what?! You're going to evolve… and become stronger?! I knew you were special… but this… this is amazing! So… after this, we'll be able to fight together? Right?"
Atem chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "No promises. Let's focus on completing the evolution first. After that… perhaps."
Milim let out a triumphant giggle. "Alright, Atem! Consider it done! I'll make sure your barrier is perfect. Nothing will break through!"
Atem inclined his head. "Excellent. Your strength and control are unmatched, which is why I am asking you. I need the barrier to be perfectly stable—nothing can interfere with the evolution process."
Milim's grin grew even wider. "You can count on me! I've got this, Atem! I won't let anything ruin your evolution!"
Atem's crimson eyes shifted slightly, thoughtful and precise. "Very well."
Atem then turned his attention outside. He extended his awareness subtly, sending a mental message to Benimaru, who is his right hand man.
Thought Communication:
Atem → Benimaru: I will be heading to Veldora Cave. Do not allow anyone to approach the cave. Maintain order in Eterna until my return. You are in charge here.
Benimaru's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded, even though Atem could see it in his mind. Understood, Master. I will ensure the village remains safe, and no one will interfere. Your path is clear.
Atem exhaled softly, setting his cup down. His crimson gaze turned back toward Milim, who was bouncing slightly on her cushion, still radiating energy and excitement. "Very well," he said quietly.
Later on Atem and milim went to the cave without being seen by anyone, only Benimaru knew where his Master went.
When they arrived at the cave....
The cave was silent, the walls humming faintly with Milim's power. She stood with her arms crossed, eyes burning with excitement, her barrier shimmering like a dome of molten crystal around Atem.
"Alright, Atem," Milim said, puffing her cheeks a little. "I've reinforced the barrier three times over. Even if you go crazy in there, I won't let the energy spill out. So… do it already!"
Atem took a deep breath, his golden eyes narrowing with resolve. Inside his mind, the Oracle's gentle voice whispered.
Oracle: "Master… shall I begin the evolution?"
Atem: "Yes. Do it. Let's see how far I can go."
The moment the words left his lips, a surge of light exploded from his chest.
The cave shook violently. A tidal wave of energy slammed against Milim's barrier. She gritted her teeth, planting her feet on the stone floor.
"Whoa! This is insane!" she yelled, tightening her aura. "Don't you dare break through, Atem, or I'll smack you after this!"
Inside his consciousness, Atem felt himself falling. Darkness swallowed him, then blinding light. His body went limp in the real world as his soul was being rewritten.
Oracle: "It's alright, Master. Stay calm. I'll guide you. Your soul is… shifting. No—being reforged. You're no longer human. No longer only spirit. You're becoming something… new."
Atem (faintly): "…What am I becoming?"
Oracle (softly, with awe): "A Dragonoid… fused with the essence of a True Dragon. A species that should not exist. A being with the body of man and the soul of dragon. You are becoming a Pharaoh-Dragon… a ruler that carries eternity itself in his veins."
The energy spiked again. Atem's body grew taller, his muscles sculpted with divine sharpness. His hair flared like flame, his skin radiating faint golden marks that glowed across his arms and chest like pharaonic tattoos.
Milim's eyes widened. "This pressure… it's like Veldora, but… no, even more focused… sharper. He's… evolving into something ridiculous!"
Inside, the Oracle pressed forward. She reached for the Voice of the World.
Oracle: "Voice of the World, I request evolution of Unique Skill King of Games into Ultimate…"
Voice of the World: Request denied.
Oracle: "… again! Merge with Pharaoh's Authority! Make it whole!"
Voice of the World: Request denied.
The Oracle did not give up. Her tone was fierce now.
Oracle: "Then we'll do it another way. I'll use pieces of Anubis, Devourer of Eternity. Merge Predation, Soul Consumption, and Pharaoh's Command into King of Games and Pharaoh's Authority! Force compatibility—override restrictions!"
Again, rejection. Again, and again. The world denied her.
She tried fifty times, seventy times, her voice echoing with frustration but determination.
Finally, on the one-hundredth attempt, the cave trembled as if the world itself gave in.
A voice thundered:
Voice of the World: Request accepted. Merging complete.
A new power flooded Atem's soul.
Oracle: "It's done… Master, you've gained a new Ultimate Skill: Horus, Eternal Judge."
✦ Ultimate Skill: Horus, Eternal Judge ✦
Core: The embodiment of divine judgment and kingship over fate.
Abilities:
Eye of Eternity – Atem can see through all illusions, lies, and possible futures.
Duel of Destiny – Forces opponents into a one-on-one clash under divine law, no escape.
Solar Dominion – Atem manifests radiant constructs of his Soul Guardians, endlessly reviving them under his will.
Fate Manipulation – Probability bends to his decisions, ensuring the scales tip toward his chosen outcome.
Eternal Verdict – Atem can pass judgment, sealing skills, weakening enemies, or stripping them of will to fight.
Back in the cave, Atem's aura reached its peak. His golden glow dimmed, stabilizing into a majestic radiance. He opened his eyes—molten gold, sharp as sunlight.
He rose slowly, the cave trembling beneath each step.
Milim lowered her barrier, panting, sweat on her brow. Her pupils widened. "Atem… you're… unreal. Your aura—no, your very presence—it's like standing in front of a god."
Inside, the Oracle whispered warmly.
Oracle: "Congratulations, Master. You've become the first Pharaoh-Dragon. A ruler born of man and dragon alike. And now… your full deck is yours once again. Every card, every spirit, save for the three Egyptian Gods. They remain sealed."
Atem clenched his fist, golden aura flaring. "…So this is what lies beyond evolution."
Milim cracked a wild grin, her excitement boiling over. "Heh… Atem, don't think you're getting away now. You and me—we're fighting after this. No excuses!"
Atem chuckled, his new aura majestic and overwhelming. "Fine, Milim. But don't regret asking."
The cave went silent, but the world had shifted. Atem had crossed into a realm few even dreamed of.