The fire was gone.
Damien stood tall on the one hundred ninety-ninth step, arms relaxed at his sides, eyes closed, face lifted faintly toward the glowing void above. Around him, the air simmered with oppressive heat, the last embers of the fire-infused steps crackling faintly as if searching for one final chance to burn him.
But they could not.
His body no longer responded to the flames with caution or resistance. It welcomed them, absorbed them, endured them with the composure of one who had learned fire's dance so intimately that its fury became music, not threat.
[Congratulations]
[Fire Immunity has reached 85%]
The system's message flashed softly in the corner of his consciousness, and for once, Damien allowed himself the quiet satisfaction of a smile. He had earned this. Every step had been savored, studied, internalized.
And now, as he stepped lightly onto the two hundredth stair, he left the fire behind completely, his body bearing no trace of heat or scorch.
