A storm loomed over Redfall.
Not clouds.
But attention.
In the holy capital of Valeria, the great Cathedral Bell rang three times — a signal that hadn't echoed in centuries.
A divine voice boomed within the High Court.
"Abyssal Domain… Confirmed."
"Host identified: Name – Kael. Title – Abyss King of Redfall. Status – Class S Threat. Divine Judgment recommended."
Archmage Selyra clutched her staff, eyes narrowed.
"He's not hiding anymore."
The queen stepped forward, voice cold and resolute.
"Then neither shall we."
She raised her hand toward the divine seal.
"Summon the Seraph of Purity."
Meanwhile – Redfall Fortress
Kael sat on the obsidian throne deep in the newly fortified crypt. The Domain Core pulsed behind him like a dark heart.
Zar stood nearby, blade freshly reforged by Kael's abyssal forge.
Lira stood at the edge of the chamber, holding a scroll of light.
"I intercepted this," she whispered. "A divine decree. They're coming."
[Warning: Divine-Grade Entity Approaching – Est. Power Level: B++ to A+][Name: Seraph Elandriel – "The Feather of Flame"][Arrival Time: 48 Hours]
SAGE pulsed in Kael's mind.
"Tactical recommendation: Expand forces, set outer wards, prepare anti-holy defense. Suggest: Ritual of Awakening for domain-bound followers."
Kael stood.
"Then let the world come."
New Objective: Prepare Redfall for Assault
Time Until Arrival: 48 HoursSub-Objectives:– Upgrade Redfall Defenses (1/3)– Empower Followers (Zar, Lira)– Forge a Relic of Dread– Scout Incoming Route
Ritual Chamber – Hours Later
Zar knelt within a ring of dark flame, Kael's hand on his head.
[Initiating Ritual: Awakening – Subject: Zar][Trait Evolution: Kael's Blade → Dread Vanguard][Form Unlocked: Abyss Berserker – Control: High | Obedience: Absolute]
Zar's body shifted — larger, armored in black bone, eyes burning red.
"I… serve," he growled, voice like stone cracking.
Lira followed next.
Kael placed the Oathkeeper's Fragment in her hands, wrapped in mana.
[Initiating Bond Transfer…][Trait: Empathic Awareness + Fragment of Light → Fusion Complete][New Class Unlocked: Twilight Healer – Alignment: Shadowlight][Lira now resists holy AND dark corruption.]
She rose glowing, tears in her eyes. "You gave me power… to save, not destroy."
Kael's voice was calm.
"You'll do both."
Later, Kael stood atop Redfall's outer wall. The wind was sharp. The moon was blood-red.
He could feel it now — the sky was watching.
[Seraph-Class Entity Now Locked On][Holy Pressure Detected in Atmosphere][Bounty Upgraded: 1,000,000 Gold + Divine Favour for Capture]
Somewhere Above the Clouds
Wings of flame tore across the sky.
A woman of perfect symmetry, wrapped in radiant gold armor, flew like a comet. Her eyes burned with judgment.
"Kael…""You rise where you were never meant to exist."
End of Chapter
[Kael – Rank: D+][Followers: Zar (D) – Abyss Berserker | Lira (D-) – Twilight Healer][Base: Redfall Fortress – Defense: Moderate | Morale: High][Incoming Raid: Seraph Elandriel – Time Remaining: 44h 13m]