Far south of Ashborn, in the bleak and cursed land known as Murnval Cradle, a chamber of stone pulsed with dark energy. Its walls were carved with profane sigils, each one a tribute to the infernal lords who governed the demon cult. At the center stood a withered figure wrapped in crimson robes, his skin marked by centuries of corruption.
High Priest Orum, the Ash-Seer, traced a clawed finger across a bowl of blackened coals. Visions flickered within—flames that did not warm, only whispered.
"Liam Carson," he rasped, his voice like parchment tearing. "The flame-child rises."
Behind him knelt lesser priests and warlocks, watching as the visions expanded—Ashborn, divine light, angels in golden mail, people kneeling.
"A godling among mortals," one muttered.
"Blasphemy," spat another.
"No…" Orum whispered. "Opportunity."
---
Meanwhile, in Ashborn…
Liam stood atop a newly erected dais. Below him, thousands gathered—soldiers, faithful, merchants, even foreign spies cloaked in prayer. He had grown used to the weight of their eyes, their expectations. It no longer frightened him.
Today, he would bless the city.
With Elira at his side and Rune hovering above, Liam raised his staff. The gold-and-red aura flared across the square.
> [System Alert: Divine Ritual Detected]
[Blessing: "Shield of Ashborn" – Grants +10% resistance to demon corruption and fire-based attacks for all citizens within the city. Lasts indefinitely. Costs 5,000 Faith Points.]
"Let the world know," Liam intoned, voice echoing through the plaza, "that Ashborn is not just a city—it is a sanctuary. A flame against the dark."
The glow surged outward, enveloping the people.
They fell to their knees, weeping in joy.
> [Faith Points +22,000]
[Followers +3,100]
[Level Up: 20 → 21]
---
[STATS – Updated]
Level: 21
Faith Points: 71,230
Followers: 5,841
Stats:
Strength: 65
Speed: 70
Endurance: 70
Intelligence: 75
Charisma: 58
Divine Energy: 920/920
New Ability Gained:
Inspire (Aura): Allies within 15 meters gain increased morale, minor health regen, and faster skill cooldowns.
Judgment Pulse (Active): Emit a divine wave that deals AoE damage to demonic entities. Costs 150 Divine Energy.
---
Later that night, Liam and Elira walked along the inner wall, watching new houses rise under torchlight. They stopped near a garden—his first order of peace after the siege.
"It's strange," Elira murmured. "To see things growing again."
Liam nodded. "I was born in ruins. But maybe that's what makes me value what's whole."
"You're not the same boy who wandered out of the forest."
"No. But he's still here. Somewhere."
She turned, brushing hair behind her ear. "You know… after the battle, I kept thinking how easy it would be to lose myself in war."
Liam looked at her, really looked.
"You didn't."
"Because of you."
He stepped closer. Her fingers trembled as they brushed his.
And just as he leaned in—Rune exploded into view.
"Trouble!"
Liam gritted his teeth. "Perfect timing."
---
Rune's projection shimmered over the courtyard. "A caravan from northern Athellos was ambushed on the Whispering Road. Survivors said a black-armored knight led the attack."
"Demon cult?" Liam asked.
"They think so. The knight's sword burned with unholy flame."
"Where?"
Rune marked it on the map. "Two days ride east."
Elira tensed. "You want to go personally?"
"I have to. If the cult is mobilizing again, I can't wait for them to knock on Ashborn's gates."
---
The following morning, Liam departed with a strike team—Elira, Cael and Mira (his first angels), ten elite flameborn, and Rune for oversight.
Their ride was swift, and on the second evening, they arrived at the smoldering wreck of the caravan. Carts overturned. Horses mutilated. The scent of burnt flesh in the air.
And on a charred post, a sigil made of scorched bone: the Brand of Orum.
"So he makes his move," Liam growled.
Cael knelt beside a corpse, examining a severed head. "Clean strike. Enchanted blade."
"Any survivors?"
"One."
She lay curled beneath a broken cart, eyes wide, muttering prayers.
Liam approached slowly. "You're safe now."
Her eyes locked onto him. "Y-you… y-you're the god…"
He placed a hand on her forehead. "No. I'm just the flame."
He healed her wounds with a touch and gathered what he could from her broken tale: "A knight of ash and shadow. His armor devoured the light. He asked for only one thing—your name."
Liam's eyes narrowed.
Orum wanted him to come.
And he had.
---
They found the knight a day later, standing atop a hill of bone in the ruins of an old watchtower. The sky above churned with stormclouds. His sword burned violet-black.
He turned slowly, helm adorned with horns, voice like distant thunder. "So the little god comes."
"I'm not little," Liam answered. "And you're trespassing."
The knight raised his sword. "I am Ser Daemon Vale, First of the Fallen Flame. Orum bids you die slowly."
"I've got other plans."
---
[BOSS FIGHT INITIATED – Ser Daemon Vale, Level 26]
Health: 12,000
Affinities: Shadow, Fire
Abilities:
Shadow Cleave
Infernal Leap
Soul Drain
Ash Armor
---
The battle began with a roar. Ser Daemon's first strike split the earth. Liam barely dodged, countering with a wave of Holy Flame. The black armor hissed but held.
Cael and Mira flanked, their swords clashing against his cursed plate. Elira danced like wind, her blades cutting tendons. But the knight was fast—inhumanly so.
"Rune, give me a scan!" Liam shouted.
"His armor is alive. Feeding on pain. You have to break his will."
"Perfect."
Liam invoked Judgment Pulse.
A radiant wave exploded outward. The knight stumbled, screeching as divine energy cracked his helm.
Elira pierced his side. Mira knocked him down. And Liam, now glowing with divine rage, slammed his staff into the knight's chest.
"You dared threaten my people," Liam roared. "Tell Orum—I'm coming."
The staff pulsed, and Ser Daemon's armor shattered like glass. The explosion tossed everyone back.
When the smoke cleared, nothing remained but ash.
---
> [Boss Defeated: Ser Daemon Vale]
[XP Gained: Massive]
[New Skill Gained: Soulbrand] – Your attacks leave a lingering mark on evil beings, causing continuous divine burn for 10 seconds.
[Faith Points +12,000]
[Level Up: 21 → 22]
---
That night, by the campfire, Liam stared at the stars.
Elira sat beside him. "He knew your name."
"Orum is watching me. Testing me."
"And you're walking into it."
"I have to. Before he finds another pawn."
She reached over, took his hand. "Then I walk with you."
He smiled faintly. "I don't deserve you."
"No," she said softly, resting her head against his shoulder. "But you have me."
And beneath the stars, for just a moment, the war paused—and peace wrapped around them like a memory.
But in the halls of the Ash-Seer, Orum stirred the coals again and saw the kiss.
He smiled with rotted teeth.
"Now I know what to burn."
---
End of Chapter 30