Chapter 48: Flames Beneath the Ash
The Cradle of Ash had grown eerily quiet.
No lesser monsters emerged from the scorched cliffs or molten dunes. Kael stood at the edge of a massive crater, blood dripping down his arms, breath slow but steady.
He wasn't exhausted—he was ready.
[Zone Fluctuation Detected][Warning: Mini-Boss Entity Approaching…]
From the horizon, the ash split apart as something massive dragged itself into view—a golem, cloaked in shattered glyphs and bound in rusted chains. Its eyes blazed like imprisoned suns.
Its steps made the earth itself groan.
[MINI-BOSS: Penitent Golem — Tier 7]Realm Gap: +2EXP Modifier: +100%Classification: Remnant of the First Flame Trial
Kael smiled darkly. "Good. Something worth killing."
The creature didn't roar. It knelt—as if weighed down by its own sins—then lunged with crushing force.
Kael met it halfway, blade flashing in a brutal arc. The impact cracked his shoulder—but he endured, sliding beneath the creature's swing and carving along its spine. Sparks and bloodless ichor spilled like lava.
Its retaliation was vicious. A chained arm caught Kael mid-step and flung him through a boulder.
[HP: 2,100 / 6,400]
Kael coughed blood, laughing as he rose.
"I'm not that easy to bury."
Another dash. Another blade swing—this time through a weak glyph near the golem's chest. The beast buckled, trembling, and Kael drove his sword up through its collar.
[Enemy Defeated: Penitent Golem — Tier 7][EXP Gained: +48,000 (100% Bonus Applied)][Loot Drop: Golem Core (Lament Type)][Hidden Mechanism Unlocked…]
As the golem crumbled, a glowing circle appeared beneath the corpse's remains—stone stairwells coiling downward into the earth.
[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Trial of Guilt]Objective: Cleanse the Five Vaults of Lament using cores from fallen mini-bossesVault Progress: 1/5Reward: ??? (Divine Legacy Fragment Implied)
Kael stood at the entrance of the newly revealed path, blade resting against his shoulder. His body was battered, but his aura burned strong.
No shortcuts. No borrowed power.
Just him.
And now, a path into something deeper.
Inside the Sacred Pearl
Evelyne sat in silent meditation beside the observation crystal. Though she didn't speak, her aura fluctuated in sync with Kael's—proof of their bond.
Then soft footsteps broke the silence.
Selene entered the chamber in a modest training robe, her star-dark hair tied up behind her head. She paused at the threshold, biting her lip.
"Is it true… that he fought a Tier 7 monster alone?"
Evelyne didn't turn. "Yes. And it nearly killed him."
Selene lowered her gaze. "Then I was right. I'm far behind."
Evelyne finally looked up. "You don't lack power, Selene. You lack pressure."
Selene stepped forward and pressed her palm to the glowing chamber door. "Then let the Cradle pressure me. I want to awaken… for him."
The gate shimmered—and accepted her.
[Companion Entry Approved: Selene]Current Realm: Starforged Tier 4Trait: Heartsong of the Silent Void (Dormant)
Evelyne stood and joined her. "Let's begin, then. No more hiding."
Together, they stepped through, shadows fading into pearl light.
[STATUS WINDOW: KAEL VIREN]
Level: 14EXP: 1,798,000 / 6,400,000Realm: Starforged Realm — Tier 5/9HP: 2,100 / 6,400Mana: 5,300 / 6,700
Base Stats (with 60% harem passive applied):
Strength: 188 → 300
Endurance: 172 → 275
Willpower: 196 → 313
Charm: 218 → 349
Intellect: 164 → 262
Dexterity: 176 → 282
Bonded Wives:
Evelyne (Inside dimension)
Selene (Now inside dimension)
Thalaria (Outside)
Nysera (Sealed)
Valeria (Sealed)
Hidden Quests Active:
Heir of the Silent Cradle
Trial of Guilt — Vaults Cleansed: 1/5
[PET PANEL]
1. Emberfang — Flame Tiger Cub
Realm: Tier 3 (Awakening Stage)
Status: Outside dimension
Trait: Ash Devourer (Can consume monster cores for slow evolution)
2. Vira — Sky Serpent Hatchling
Realm: Tier 2
Status: Resting
Trait: Storm Pulse (Lightning AoE once every 3 minutes)
Dimension Rules Applied:
Pets and companions may enter one at a time
Evelyne is currently exempt from this rule while inside