[Location: The Scorched Expanse – Edge of the Obsidian Sands]
After escaping the Celestial Heir, Kael emerged into a vast desert of black sand. The air rippled with ancient heat. Long-buried relics of past civilizations protruded from dunes like the bones of long-dead gods.
"The Temple of the Broken Flame…"
He had seen its location in the [Forbidden Archive] granted by his Abyss pact—a temple lost to time, buried beneath flame, said to house one of the Primordial Cores: sources of power left behind by forgotten gods.
If Kael could claim it, he would no longer just rival Selena…
He'd surpass her.
---
[Temple Gates – Sealed by Fire]
The entrance was embedded into a sheer cliff, its gates charred black and pulsing with ancient runes of fire.
As Kael approached, the system flared:
[Quest Activated: Trial of the Broken Flame]
· Survive the Temple's Purging Flame
· Defeat the Guardian of Ash
· Claim the Broken Core
Reward: +1 Void Evolution Tier / Passive: Flame Immunity (Minor)
Warning: Death Chance – 61%
Kael reached forward and placed his palm on the sigil.
The runes blazed with red light, searing his skin.
"Prove yourself, shadow-bearer," a voice echoed. "Or burn."
The gates groaned—and opened.
---
[Inner Sanctum – First Trial Chamber]
The air shifted instantly. Heat hit Kael like a wall. His cloak crisped at the edges. Flames danced from cracks in the floor, forming symbols that rearranged constantly.
A massive stone golem, wreathed in living fire, rose from the center.
It stood ten meters tall, eyes like molten iron.
[Temple Guardian: Vul'Zakar – The Ashborn]
LV: 30
Type: Primordial Construct
Trait: Flamecore Invincibility
Kael summoned [Void Chains] and launched [Abyssal Pulse].
Nothing.
"This one… is immune to all Void-based attacks," the system whispered.
Kael gritted his teeth. His trump cards were useless?
No—this was a flame trial, not a Void one.
He had to think differently.
---
[Kael's Adaptation]
He reached into his spiritual sea—where a fragment of the Abyss stirred—and pushed the Void back.
"System… can I reconfigure?"
[Void Configuration Override Detected]
Temporary Alignment: Neutral Flame Core – Unstable
Activating Hidden Skill: 🔸 [Flame Echo: Corrupt Flameform]
Duration – 3 minutes. Warning: Soul Burn Risk: 34%
Kael's body ignited—not with Void, but flame.
A dark red fire, unstable and writhing, cloaked his frame.
He charged forward.
---
The fight between : [Vul'Zakar vs. Corrupt Flame Kael] Began
The golem roared, swinging molten fists that shattered the ground.
Kael ducked and struck with [Corrupt Flame Lance], the spear burning with abyss-infected fire. It pierced the Guardian's knee, splashing obsidian blood.
The golem responded by unleashing [Ashstorm Barrage], a wave of burning debris and wind.
Kael was knocked back—his flame armor cracked—but he didn't stop.
He slammed his hand into the floor and shouted:
"[Flame Collapse]!"
The corrupted fire surged beneath the ground, exploding under the Guardian's feet.
The giant let out one final, distorted scream—and collapsed.
---
[System Alert]
Vul'Zakar Defeated
· Flame Resistance +20%
· Skill Acquired: [Corrupt Flame Armor]
· Access to Primordial Core: GRANTED
A pedestal rose from the floor.
On it burned a heart-sized orb of fragmented fire, broken but glowing with immeasurable power.
You have obtained: [Broken Primordial Flame Core]
Would you like to absorb it?
▸ YES ▸ NO
Kael reached out—
And chose YES.
---
[Soul Mutation in Progress…]
The Core merged with his Void Seed, creating something new. Not flame. Not shadow.
A hybrid.
A twisted dance of corrupted fire and infinite darkness now pulsed inside him.
His system chimed:
· New Passive Unlocked: Ember of the Void – Converts fire-based damage into Void energy.
· Skill: [Ash Step] – Teleport short distances using burned terrain.
· Void Authority: 64%
· Soul Mutation Incomplete – Awaiting a Second Core…
Kael's hand tightened.
"So I need more Cores... to complete the transformation."
He turned toward the cracked doorway that had opened behind the pedestal.
A new realm lay waiting.
---
[Far Away – Celestial Council Chambers]
Selena knelt before seven robed figures, light swirling above them.
"He survived the Flame Trial," one said. "And took the Core."
"That temple killed two gods," another hissed. "He has to be stopped."
Selena's eyes glowed white-hot.
"He will be."
"When?" the High Oracle barked. "He grows faster than Heaven expected."
"Soon," Selena said, rising.
"I now know what he's after."
She drew her blade.
"The next Core is in Skygrave. I'll be waiting."