The Ember Guard stood in formation atop the bloodied ridge, their armor blackened by smoke and their expressions grim. Behind them, the Cathedral of Hollow Prayers lay in ruin—its spires collapsed, its demonic residue purged, its chants forever silenced.
But the world did not slow to mourn. War never paused for breath.
From the horizon came dust clouds—marching banners. Liam stood alone at the edge of the ruined altar, watching the approach with narrowed eyes.
"Who are they?" Seraphina asked from beside him, her golden flame pulsing gently.
Kael stepped forward, squinting. "Standard-bearers of the Southern Principality."
Rune hovered near Liam's shoulder. "They're not allies. Their aura sings of distrust and ambition."
Liam said nothing.
Not yet.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]Diplomatic Encounter DetectedFaction: Southern Principality – House VeltrionLeader: Prince Tharos VeltrionStatus: SuspiciousIntent: Subjugation / AcquisitionWarning: Faith-draining sigils detected in caravan. Possible suppression field en route.
Liam's eyes hardened. "Prepare the ritual chamber. They think they're coming to negotiate. We'll show them divine truth."
He turned to Mira. "Ready the conversion altar."
Mira blinked. "You're going to—convert nobles?"
"If they come to kneel, I'll accept," Liam replied coldly. "If not... I'll show them the difference between a crown and a god."
The delegation arrived with all the pomp expected of aristocracy. Golden carriages, violet drapes, and an entourage of armored guards. At the front rode Prince Tharos Veltrion—a man draped in silver filigree, his smile oily and his words rehearsed.
"Lord Carson," he greeted, dismounting with a calculated bow. "Or should I say... God Carson?"
Liam didn't smile. "Say whatever name pleases your tongue. It makes no difference to me."
Tharos chuckled, but his eyes betrayed no mirth. "You've cleansed these lands of blight. Admirable. Admirable indeed. But such power… must be guided. Tethered to purpose."
"I already have one," Liam said.
"Ah, yes. Revenge." Tharos spread his arms. "Noble, if short-sighted. Why not ally with the Southern Principality? Share your gifts. Allow us to… assist you in rule."
Rune hissed softly in Liam's ear. "He wants to drain your influence. He sees a weapon, not a god."
Liam stepped forward. "You ask me to bow."
"No, no," Tharos said quickly. "I ask you to coexist. To partner."
Liam raised his hand.
A golden circle burned into the earth around the prince's feet. He froze.
Divine Magic. Undeniable. Irresistible.
Liam's voice thundered. "Then let us test your sincerity. If you believe I am what I claim—then kneel. Swear your faith. Let me mark you."
Tharos went pale.
"You want me to become a follower?"
"No," Liam said. "I want you to stop pretending you're not a parasite wearing perfume."
The prince drew his sword.
Bad choice.
[BATTLE INITIATED]Prince Tharos Veltrion – Human NobleLevel: 52Strength: 190Speed: 170Intelligence: 198Special Trait:Sigil Suppression – Can dampen magic within a 12-meter radius.
Liam didn't flinch.
He raised his staff and cast Judgment Chain.
Golden chains erupted from the earth, wrapping around the prince's limbs before his sword could touch air. He screamed, but the divine metal burned through enchantment and will alike.
Liam strode forward and placed a hand on the prince's head.
The world pulsed.
"Faith… or dust?"
"I'll nev—"
Liam released the Godbrand.
[Conversion Failed – Subject Rejected Divinity]Executing Ash Protocol
Soul Burn Engaged…
Prince Tharos Veltrion: Erased.+3,000 Faith Points+New Trait: Ashen Brand – Enemies who reject faith violently will combust.
The prince's body disintegrated into a storm of ash and white fire. His guards froze, horror in their eyes.
"Choose," Liam said, turning to them. "Serve truth… or burn beside him."
One by one, they fell to their knees.
Behind him, Seraphina's flame flared with conflicted light.
Rune spoke gently, "You're walking a narrow path, Liam."
"I know," he said.
"But do you care?" Rune asked.
Liam looked over the ruins of the cathedral—over the horizon where more enemies surely waited.
"I care enough to finish what I started."
[STATS UPDATED]
Level: 65Strength: 285Speed: 270Endurance: 301Intelligence: 265Charisma: 223Divine Energy: 5,600 / 5,600Faith Points: 68,700New Passive:Ashen Brand – Rejection of divinity triggers soul combustion.Follower Count: 38,000Angels: 2Demons: 1
That night, the Ember Guard gathered around the main fire as Mira shared intelligence from the north: new cult activity. Entire villages vanishing.
Liam leaned against a stone wall, staring at the embers.
Seraphina approached quietly.
"You killed him too easily."
"I offered him a chance," Liam said without looking at her.
"You gave him an ultimatum."
"He was going to enslave others in my name."
She didn't respond for a moment.
Then, softly, "You scare me sometimes."
Liam looked at her. "I scare myself."
Silence.
Then she sat beside him.
He didn't stop her.
After a long pause, she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Just promise me," she whispered. "When it ends… you'll still be you."
"I don't know who that is anymore."
"I do."
Her hand found his.
And for a while, the war paused—not because the world allowed it, but because they did.
End of Chapter 50