[Edge of the Mortal World – Gate of Realms]
The five stood before a colossal gate suspended between two floating cliffs, where reality shimmered like water. This was the Path of Realms—a divine corridor said to connect all that was, is, and will be.
Akarshan clenched his fists, staring into the swirling void. "Ash is going to destroy everything. And yet… I don't feel fear."
"Neither do I," said Shivam, "but not because it's easy. Because if we fail… nothing else matters."
Anuj, the quietest, whispered, "Even if we have to fight a god… he's still our friend."
Monish and Shiv nodded. They had trained in the goddess's realm, and now divine sigils ran across their arms. Each one bore a different aura: Earth, Flame, Void, Water, and Light.
The Goddess of the Gate, an ethereal figure named Avinya, appeared with silver eyes and robes woven from stars.
"You step beyond the mortal realm," she said, "into the lands only walked by gods and devils. You will face three Realms: Trial, Memory, and Truth. And at the end…"
She pointed upward, where a shattered spire floated among the clouds of starlight.
"…you may find a chance to awaken what remains of Asuryan."
She handed Akarshan a key made of pure time.
"The gate will open once. Step with courage."
Akarshan looked at the others. "Together."
They stepped forward. The key vanished in his hand.
The Gate howled open.
---
[First Realm: Realm of Trial – Temple of the Flame-Bearer]
They fell into a land burning with eternal fire.
The sky roared with storms of ash. Mountains breathed smoke.
A voice thundered across the plains:
"WHO DARES WALK THE PATH OF GODS?"
An ancient being appeared—Ratriya, the Flame-Bearer, a former ally of Ash when he was still Supreme. She stood forty feet tall, her hair a living inferno.
"Only those who carry the Flame of Memory may pass."
The five friends readied themselves. Akarshan drew his divine blade, Shivam summoned chains of light, Monish lifted the earth, Shiv moved like wind, and Anuj summoned illusions of fire.
The battle was not of strength—but of will.
Each friend had to face a version of Ash from their memories—laughing Ash, brave Ash, broken Ash, and finally, cruel Ash.
Only after each could accept all parts of him—including the divine monster he had become—did the flame part before them.
Ratriya knelt.
"You carry sorrow. You carry love. Perhaps… you carry enough."
She gave them a Shard of Will, the first relic to awaken Asuryan's soul.
"But be warned—each step forward will take something from you."
---
[Palace of Eternity – Ash's Throne]
Ash sat quietly, a golden flame floating in his palm.
"Someone is walking the path," he whispered.
His voice trembled for the first time.
"They still remember…"
---