Reincarnated as a Phoenix

Chapter 163 – War Dungeon

<Ah, what puny little mortals do we have entering inside my dungeon today? That's... unexpected, you should have sent me some warning Athena if you were planning to disrespect father...>

Having just arrived in a lifeless void presumably just before the dungeon, I'm greeted by an extremely sinister sounding voice sending chills down my spine. I'm going to assume we've come across Ares just down to how evil he sounds and the fact he mentioned Athena and father.

<...So, here's the deal little insignificant phoenix, we're going to play a game of sorts since you've tumbled into my world. In order to complete my dungeon and provide me with some entertainment, you're going to do something fun...>

'This guy sounds like he's about to say something sinister'

<There's six of you that have entered making this quite an opportunity. You see, I'm not allowing any of you to leave until one side has met its doom. Sacrifice two of your party members for me otherwise, you'll spend eternity stuck in world you have no reason to remain in. I'll be watching over your actions little bird...>

And just like that, everything fades to black...

__________

"*Yawnnn*... Urgh, my head..."

"..."

Waking up next to Petra in a gigantic bed, my head fills with fake memories of this dungeon world almost causing me to pass out. Unlike with the love dungeon, there's years and years of history within this place that's causing this vertigo like spinning.

"You alright Ikarus? Feel like I've been hit with a rock as well"

Petra wakes up as well clutching her head, at least that's a good sign we're both conscious inside this place despite the pain.

Getting a quick look at our surroundings, we're currently in a huge noble style bedroom but I already know the reason why, we are the leaders of these people so it would make sense why we're treated like royalty. Actually, there's no such thing in this world, at least for demonic culture.

As for the actual setting of this world, I could try thinking about the decades of history but there's no real point knowing the intricate backstory of a dungeon. To summarize everything up nice and tidily, we've got three major factions that occupy this world and have been in constant war forever. Those factions are the demons, the orcs and the humans. We've been ruling over the demons the past twelve years as the joint queens, it hits a little close to home really.

It honestly sounds like we've been served a duplicate dungeon but it's a little different than the one we got stuck in for six months, mostly because this war has been going on forever. That, and we also know that the enemies are going to be wearing familiar faces.

The world itself isn't that big, could probably fly one side of it to the other in a couple of days but that still doesn't help this situation in the slightest. You see, the leaders of the orcs are the other two phoenixes and the humans, both Charlotte and Nathan.

By the sounds of what Ares was suggesting, one or two sides either by alliance or other methods have to win this never-ending conflict by destroying one of the three warring sides. To think this godly bastard thinks we're going to go down this route! When we get out of here, I'm adding Ares to our kill list, dickhead deserves a painful death for trying something like this.

"Petra, that bastard wants us to kill each other! If this is the same as that love place, the others could be braindead as well"

How the fuck do we end this without killing them if they could be braindead and think we're their sworn enemy? They wouldn't listen to reason, right? Demons, orcs and humans despise each other in this place, it's not like the hatred back home with the elves and dwarfs. Over here, it's built from the very core and upbringing in this world. The only way you can stop it is through fear, blood and violence. I'm good at causing that but still.

"We don't know that yet Ikarus, let's just get to grip with things first and go from there"

"Agreed... Should probably get up as well"

While I'm getting up trying to calm myself and find a robe to cover with, I still haven't confirmed if my robotic wife is with us in here

'Aesa, I have all my abilities and faculties in here, right? There should be no problems with teleporting out if it becomes too much'?

[<Affirmative, Aesa senses no restriction to power or status. The God Ares may have made an oversight due to Ikarus's teleporting capabilities>]

At least that gives an option, just grab everyone and then teleport out of this place. The problem I can see with it is, would that actually be completing the dungeon? Eh, I'll give that some more thought later, I've already got an idea on how there may be a way we can ignore the fact Ares wants us to destroy each other. If he wants us to kill ourselves, there's got to be a way we can satisfy that bloodlust of his.

Now loosely dressed if that's what you can call it, I've just remembered I've forgot to mention something. You see, me and Petra also have horns. Yes, horns, not even kidding. Mine are black and hers are white, pretty sure we look identical everywhere else but

"Should probably get fully dressed while I'm up now thinking about it"

"Heh, think we have servants for that Ikarus"

"Yeah, I guess I'll call them in now..."

__________

I've got to admit, we do look pretty badass now dressed in these fancy suits of armour that our maids have prepared. Mine is a lot darker and redder in colour while Petra's is a lot whiter but still keeping some of that black that's obviously needed for a good outfit design. Even as a demon, I'm always going to remain weird...

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Now finally dressed and ready for the day ahead, suddenly alarms ring throughout our extravagant palace just as we're about to leave the bedroom. Almost instantly, several guards storm into our room in the process as well.

"Protect the queens! Intruders are coming!"

"They're arriving now, get ready!"

Obviously, me and Petra have no idea what's going until two very familiar faces find their way onto our balcony and our guards. Being a little more specific, two beaks rather than faces.

"It's about time we found you orangey and sis, been flying nonstop to get over here"

"Uh huh, we didn't even stop for breaks"

'Thank fuck these two are normal... hang on...'

Both Zeki and Ariza change form into something I wasn't expecting, not sure why because I assumed they'd be orcs but still. The faces of the guards around us turns from shock into pure disgust though.

Looking at their new forms, both have horns like us but also ears similar to elves. For Ariza, her skins is a blueish shade of green and her proportions are pretty normal. As for Zeki, his proportions AREN'T normal, man looks like a gender bent version of that huge green superhero that smashes things!

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Normally, I'd laugh my head off at what's happened to Zeki but the seriousness kinda outweighs the humour of the huge and hulking phoenix right now. I will start cracking up if he says something like 'Zeki smash' or 'stronk' though. It also reminds me of that death by snu snu thing as well, he must be despising that body.

"Dirty orcs! Just give us the order and we'll destroy them"

"Scum! How dare you invade the queens bedroom!"

The group of guards that have come to our aid still haven't got the memo yet and need a little shouting at now, guess the NPCs inside these places always were a little rough behind the ears.

"Stand down or face our wrath! We erm... invited them here, that's what this is"

"Heh, Ikarus is right. Leave our quarters immediately!"

Hearing us come to defence of the orcs, the face of the guards look astonished, why would any self-respecting demon allow a creature like an orc into their bedroom? That's what would be going through their heads right now, I'd be the exact same if it wasn't the outside knowledge and friendships we have. Seriously though, even I feel disgust to other species right now, fake memories of living in this place be doing that I suppose. Just need to view them as Zeki and Ariza and ignore the distaste... I am going to rip Ares's throat out for making me slightly racist someday.

Thankfully, they do end up listening to our orders and reluctantly leave the room, albeit with immense puzzled looks on their faces. Couldn't they at least think these two are spies or something that we've hired to destroy the orcs? Ah, demons aren't the smartest of bunches, pretty sure it was that way back at home as well.

Anyways, we can finally converse with our phoenix fam, let's just get on with it.

"Heh, you two got here awfully quickly, me and Ikarus only just arrived"

"Really sis? We arrived here two nights ago and have been flying ever since!"

"Uh huh, we headed over here first because we knew you two would know what to do. I did suggest we split up and go get Charlotte and Nathan as well but Zeki wasn't having it"

"We're in this deadly world brother where all the humans and demons would spit on our corpses, splitting up is suicidal right now since you really don't fight"

"But still, those two could be in danger as well"

"Brother, stop being an idiot and think for a second. What happened last time you were left alone in a dangerous spot? Yeah, we don't have orangey's revive anymore"

"But... sorry Zeki, guess you're right"

It's surprisingly refreshing knowing that these two seem fine and Zeki being logical!? It's madness!

"I'm sorry Zeki, but I'm just as clueless as you two right now. May be able to come up with something in a little while but I'm unsure on what other clear conditions there could be"

Even Petra is a little unsure how we should go about this dungeon? That's not exactly reassuring for the other two, guess I'm kinda going to have to to take lead again. Petra would eventually come up with something but she can't be doing all of the work I suppose.

"We're seriously not going to listen to that God bastard and kill each other, right? I'd rather fuck up this entire world then listen to that dickhead"

"Uh huh, I don't want any of us to die"

"Heh, you two can relax, we're definitely not going down that route. You have any ideas Ikarus?"

"Yeah, I do actually, I've got an idea but we'll need to find both Nathan and Charlotte first. Those two will definitely be in the human castle, right? It's not like they can fly over here or something so we'll head off as fast as we can"

Us demons and humans like to live in luxury and enjoy civilization while the orcs basically live in squalor like pigs and the most they can build is tents. If it wasn't for the brute strength of their forces, they'd have lost the three species war years ago.

"Heh, should probably get something to eat first and rest first Ikarus. Both those two look exhausted as well"

Didn't even realize how tired both Ariza and Zeki look right now, they could also do with some food and a quick rest. I'll just carry everyone since it'll save time, don't be moaning at me for this Aesa.

[<Aesa only mentioned once that Ikarus shouldn't be carrying everyone all the time. In this situation, it makes complete sense to do so>]

'At least that settles it...'

"...Let's order up some food for those two, then I'll fly everyone over while they sleep on my back. You might want to hide out of sight just for now though, especially you Zeki"

"Why orangey?"

"Because, some of maids will pass out if they see what you look like that. That body of yours is insane..."

__________

"How much longer orangey? Your scales really suck to sleep on"

"Uh huh, it's not bad Ikarus but have poked my eye a couple of times"

<Perfect timing you two, wipe the sleep out of your eyes as we're basically here>

"..."

Something I've very quickly noticed about this world on the trip over, there's not much to look at other than constant battlefields, the odd homestead and farms in places that don't really seem suitable. There's not much in the way of fertility amongst the soil so it does make sense on that sides of things but if this place wasn't controlled by a God, then I really couldn't see how everyone manages to survive.

I really shouldn't be using that word survive though, the population of this place is like ten women to one male at this point if you exclude the noble population. That's just how devastated this place has become due to constant conflict.

Anyways, I've been flying straight for two days and now, the human castle is in sight high atop a lone mountain in the distance. Sending an army to invade this place would be a nightmare due to the single stairway up to the top, believe me I already know as the memories already say we've tried a plan and lost thousands of demons doing so. Eh, they were actions done by the leaders we've inhabited so it's not like we care all that much, still doesn't feel great to sacrifice thousands pointlessly though. 

It's takes a little bit more time flying towards the vast and beautiful human capital and almost instantly, we're greeted by screams and concerned looks all around. I guess a big, terrifying but chubby dragon is 'attacking' their homes after all.

"Dragon! Sound the alarms!"

"Get the crossbows ready, God save our souls"

"They were supposed to be extinct!? What's going on?"

'Ah, even in a different world, dragons are extremely rare or extinct... These little mortals really look worthless down there'

Honestly, the technology in this world is pretty similar to ours but everything seems to be weak as fuck. This isn't the first time I've been shot at flying over here and even had a harpoon land into me by a patrol or two, literally feels like nothing more than a scratch though.

I'm pretty sure the overall balance of power in this world is much weaker due to how much death has occurred. Of course, if you and your children are constantly getting sent off to die in a war, it's not exactly like you're going to gain strength and levels being sent into the meatgrinder. This world is doomed and it honestly wouldn't surprise me if Ariza's is the sixth strongest person inside this place, that's just how much of a gap remains in this world if our healer is this powerful.

Enough about all that crap though, I've already flown past pretty much all the terrified humans and have now arrived at the palace itself. Luckily enough, there's a balcony connected to the throne room big enough to allow me to land.

Making a quick landing, getting everyone off my back and changing form, the entire room filled with guards' pile towards us looking to destroy the demon and orcish scum that dare to invade the holy land. Like ours though, none seem to be willing to attack without explicit orders to do so from the powers that be.

Both of the two thrones are currently occupied and like we all predicted, both Nathan and Charlotte are the leaders of the human lands. Like us, they both have different outfits on as well, priestess rocking a white priestess garb funnily enough and the knight in a golden set of armour supplemented by a white cape.

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...

Both Nathan and Charlotte look at us with puzzled faces and my anxiety starts to build when nothing is said, these two can't be braindead, right? We'll have to kill them if they want us destroyed and can't be reasoned with...

Luckily, such fear is unnecessary, they were just more surprised than anything else.

"You're all here!? Me and Nat were worried we may be all alone in this place, we really have no idea how to get out"

"It's really good to see you all... Guards, leave this instant! These are very important guests!"

The knights under the rulership of the holy priestess and King Nathan immediately leave the room with no questions asked once shouted at, I'd have liked a reaction similar with our guards who first saw the orcs but obviously these humans are a little less blatant with their racism.

"It's great to see you two are faring well, white suits you really well Charlotte"

(Ariza) "Uh huh, it's good to know you two are safe"

(Petra) "..."

"Thanks Ikarus-sama and Ariza-sama, I-..."

"Can we skip this pointless reunion cause we've already been in here for days already? Does anyone have any fucking clue how we're going to get out of this shithole? I'm down for sacrificing the nun and empire's lackey but I'd rather not have to take orders from a bastard God"

...

That comment Zeki made cutting off Charlotte makes everyone uncomfortable except me, I know what he said about sacrificing them was a lie despite him and Nathan not being on the best of terms. Just him being a tsundere like usual so best ignore it.

"Patience kid, already told you I may have an idea. Now that we're all here, let's get started..."

Both Nathan and Charlotte leave the thrones and we all go to stand around a round table inside this room, presumably used for plotting war if you look at the maps and other things on the table.

"...You lot may not know this but Ares is the God of war, that basically means his entire goal is obvious. I can think of three ideas that may just work getting us out of this place..."

All of the party stand around full of expectation from Ikarus finally embracing the protagonist role and leading on! I'd rather they all not look at me like this since they're just ideas after all, they could all fail and go terribly wrong.

"...The first one, I'll call the nuclear option. That involves wiping out this entire world and killing every single person that lives inside this place"

...

And of course, the uncomfortable looks now focus on me rather than Zeki. I'm being deadly serious though.

"You can look at me like that all you want but if the God is looking for war, what better way than to destroy the entire world he commands? He'd probably enjoy it as well, the war to end all wars. I'm not saying we do it, but it's still an option"

Nuking an entire world does have some appeal but it's obvious only I and Zeki would enjoy such a plan. The only reason why this isn't my main idea is that I'd rather not disappoint Petra and Charlotte, my morality basically comes down to my future wife and friend anyways.

"Option two... let's call it the annoying sibling plan or something stupid like that if you want a name. This plan is the complete opposite and we go against his plans by forcing peace. Imagine his reaction when we decide to turn this place into a paradise and stop all the wars, Ares would be pissed if he's watching"

That gets a few happier faces around excluding Zeki who obviously seems to prefer the nuclear option. I do agree with him but already said my reasons otherwise.

"Seriously orangey? One of your plans is destroy everything and the next is make everything happy and peaceful!?"

"Heh, Zeki has a point Ikarus, both are considerably different"

"The funny thing is, they really are more similar than you'd think. You'll understand more when I go into the details, lemme just get onto the third..."

'In all honesty, I really don't see the point in mentioning the last plan but still should bring it up just in case, I guess'

"...The third option is, we just TP out of this place and see if we can find another token elsewhere. For some reason, I imagine abandoning this place will cause us to lose out on it since we technically wouldn't be finishing it. There's obviously a fourth choice of sacrifice but I'd rather doom a thousand different worlds than kill any of you five... Don't say anything Charlotte"

By the looks of it, priestess was about to say something but I don't want to hear it. As much as people refuse to admit it, some human lives have greater value than others, life is not equal and never will be. I'm just being realistic about it all, I could see Charlotte offering to sacrifice herself and maybe the same thing with Nathan, I'm not even entertaining the idea.

"That peace plan Ikarus, how does it even work? You've clearly been giving this some thought"

"Petra, it's a little janky and needs a load of work but it may just piss him off enough to let us complete the dungeon, the other two plans can always be done if it fails anyways. I am sorry Ariza but you will have to give me a hand with this all"

"Me Ikarus? There's not much I can do other than heal"

"This plan heavily involves you, let me get through it all first..."