The ruins of the Temple of Broken Crowns were still smoldering as Liam and his companions departed, the Mirror of Arthelos now secured within his inner sanctum—its presence sealed with divine barriers and guarded by two of his faithborn.
But peace, as always, was fleeting.
As they descended the southern ridge of the Dawnspire Valley, Rune stopped mid-air, her wings stiff and glowing with unease.
"Something stirs below," she warned.
Liam narrowed his eyes. "Another cult cell?"
Rune shook her head. "No. This feels… older."
They weren't alone.
[STATS – Updated]
Level: 45
Faith Points: 62,300
Followers: 39,200
Core Stats:
Strength: 147
Speed: 153
Endurance: 161
Intelligence: 158
Charisma: 124
Divine Energy: 2900/2900
New Skill Unlocked:
Arthelos' Insight – Peer into a mortal's soul and uncover their hidden truth. (Passive)
New Passive Trait:
Emberheart Bond – For each follower who genuinely loves you, gain +1% divine energy regeneration per hour. Capped at +15%.
That night, as Mira slept near the edge of their camp, Liam stood at the edge of a cliff. The wind whipped his cloak, and Rune hovered beside him.
"Do you think she meant it?" he asked.
Rune tilted her head. "She spoke as one with no deceit."
"I'm not used to being seen like that. Not anymore."
Rune gave a rare soft smile. "Even gods need love, Liam. Especially those who never asked to be one."
A pulse ran through the earth then—deep and ancient.
Rune's glow dimmed. "That's not a cultist."
The mountains parted ahead into a cavern known only in whispers—Ashgul's Maw.
According to legend, it was once a throne chamber for a Primordial Firelord—one who ruled before the gods themselves. The demon cult had long avoided the region, believing the fire beneath it still slept.
But Liam was no fool.
What they avoided, he would conquer.
As they descended into the molten chamber, heat wrapped around them like chains. Magma flowed between cracks in the stone. Strange glyphs glowed along the walls—language not even Rune could decipher.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in their minds:
"You bear the Flame of Dominion… yet you are not born of it. Who dares trespass into my tomb?"
Liam held his staff steady. "I am Liam Carson. God of Creation, Destruction, and Judgment. I seek no tomb—I seek truth."
From the lava itself emerged a being wreathed in smoke and shadow: Ashgul the Bound Flame.
He stood twenty feet tall, eyes like twin furnaces, his hands chains of burning iron.
[PRIMORDIAL BOSS ENCOUNTER – Ashgul the Bound Flame]
Class: Dormant Firelord
Threat Level: S+
Skills:
Molten Brand – Burns through armor and magical shields
Infernal Chainstorm – Area of Effect, causes severe burn and paralysis
Primordial Resurgence – If not killed within 10 minutes, regenerates completely
Passive Aura – Heat of Eternity – Deals 1% of HP damage per second unless protected
Weakness: Holy Water, Sigils of Binding, Divine Rites
"You are bold," Ashgul rumbled, "but boldness does not make you worthy."
Skill Activated: Divine Rite of Binding – Custom Seal
Cost: 2,000 FP
Effect: Locks down enemy skill regeneration for 30 seconds. Usable once per battle.
The chains flared with golden light as Liam hurled the sigil into the magma.
Ashgul roared, staggering backward.
Mira leapt from above, her swords glowing white-hot as she cleaved through one of the elemental's arms.
Rune flew high, channeling a purifying nova that burned through the toxic steam.
But Ashgul adapted quickly.
With a sweep of his hand, he unleashed a Chainstorm, sending hundreds of searing iron links in every direction.
Liam was thrown against the cavern wall. His ribs cracked. Divine blood oozed from his mouth.
Emergency Trigger: Emberheart Bond Activated
You are loved. +30% healing for 60 seconds.
He coughed, then laughed.
"I forgot what it meant to feel pain."
He stood again, cloak burning off his shoulders.
His skin shimmered gold and red—divinity raw and pulsing.
"I'm done holding back."
New Skill Used: Judicator's Wrath (First Use)
Cost: 8,500 FP
Effect: Unleashes divine judgment in a 100-meter radius. All enemies with a corrupted soul take triple damage. Allies receive full healing.
The heavens above the cavern cracked open.
From the sky, a massive sigil of pure light descended.
Ashgul bellowed in fury, raising magma to shield himself—but it was not enough.
The blast struck like a falling star.
Everything shook.
The chains broke.
Ashgul screamed—long, hollow, ancient.
And then… he knelt.
Not in defeat.
But in submission.
"You would have made a fine flame," he rumbled. "But you chose to be a god."
"I chose vengeance first," Liam said. "Godhood was the consequence."
Ashgul nodded solemnly. "Then take what remains of me. A Primordial's blessing is no small gift."
Primordial Flame Inherited
New Title Gained: Heir of the Ember Throne
Skill Gained: Infernal Creation – Fuse divine and elemental fire to forge weapons, armor, or guardians. (FP cost varies)
+50 to Strength, Endurance, and Divine Energy
Later, as the fire cooled and the mountain grew quiet again, Mira wrapped Liam's wounds in silence.
"You almost died back there," she said, not meeting his eyes.
"I didn't," he replied. "Because of you."
She turned to him, her voice trembling. "I don't want to lose you."
Liam touched her hand gently.
"I can't promise I won't die, Mira. But I swear—before the gods, before my system, before the dead—I will not fall before my revenge is done."
She pulled him into an embrace.
Not as a warrior.
Not as a goddess-in-waiting.
Just as a girl.
And he, a boy who once cried alone in blood.
End of Chapter 41