Six days passed.
Veilstone transformed.
Once a neutral trade hub, now it bore the mark of the Abyss: banners of black stitched with silver flame, altars warped into shrines of dual mana — not corrupted, but remade.
Its people didn't cry.
They thrived.
Those once shunned — cursed mages, exiled elves, even runaway slaves — now walked in the open, protected under Kael's rule.
The weak didn't fear the dark anymore.
They feared losing it.
[Territory: Veilstone – Stability: High | Loyalty: 71%][Shrine of Dreadlight – Effects: Mana recovery +20%, Cleanse Curse, Name-Based Evolution Boost]
Kael stood in the spire above the altar, SAGE feeding him battlefield data.
"Enemy force confirmed. Crusader Legion: 500 soldiers. Rank range: D to C. Commander: Paladin Lord Garedor, Rank B.""Estimated arrival: 1 hour."
Lira stepped into the room.
"He brings a Sun Ward — we won't be able to use shadow magic within range."
Kael nodded. "Then we crush it first."
Zar entered next, already armored.
"Permission to lead the charge, Master?"
Kael looked over the edge of the spire. His army — monsters, rebels, and outcasts — waited, eager.
"Permission granted."
The Battlefield: Veilstone Plains
The two forces met at dawn.
The Church's army gleamed in white and gold. Mounted paladins. Priests with war-staffs. Soldiers holding sigils of holy fire.
At their front rode Paladin Lord Garedor — six feet tall, shining with divine aura, a flaming hammer strapped to his back.
[Boss: Garedor the Lightbearer – Rank B][Trait: Righteous Flame – Nullifies dark magic in 20-meter radius][Weakness: Prolonged engagement / Pride]
He raised a hand.
"By divine right, surrender the heretic known as Kael, or face judgment!"
Kael's voice boomed across the field.
"Come take me."
Battle Initiated: The Black Banner vs. The White Flame
Kael stayed behind at first — watching.
Zar led the vanguard, tearing through soldiers like a beast unleashed. His cleaver was soaked before the first ten minutes passed.
Lira supported from a distance, casting Twilight Barriers and corrupting holy sigils with anti-light hexes.
But the Church had numbers — and formations. When their Sun Ward was planted, a massive field of light neutralized Kael's followers' shadow abilities.
SAGE pinged.
"Lightfield active. Recommend disruption."
Kael whispered a word.
[Skill Activated: Abysswalk – Phase through battlefield][Target: Sun Ward Anchor]
He appeared inside the holy formation — alone.
"Blasphemer!" a priest shrieked.
Kael extended his hand.
[Combo: Oblivion Grasp + Crown of Grief + Void Spike → Abyss Thornburst]
The anchor exploded.
The light died.
So did hope.
Mid-Battle Status
[Zar – Enraged | HP: 72%][Lira – Mana 48% | Support Active][Veilstone Forces – Holding][Church Forces – Casualties: 37%]
Paladin Lord Garedor roared and charged directly at Kael.
Their weapons clashed.
Hammer vs. Blade.
Light vs. Void.
[Duel Initiated: Kael vs. Garedor][Boss Trait Activated: Holy Vow – Bonus damage to dark entities][Kael Passive Triggered: Death Denial – Last 10 seconds]
Garedor landed a brutal blow, sending Kael crashing into stone.
Blood spilled.
Kael stood.
Eyes glowing silver-white.
"You swing for justice. I swing for the broken."
[Final Combo: Dread Siphon + Shadow Clone + Devour Core → Throne Execution Lv.2]
He split the hammer. Then the armor. Then the man.
Garedor fell.
Silence.
Aftermath
The Church fled.
Veilstone did not.
It roared in triumph.
Kael stood tall over the battlefield, bloodied, but alive.
[Title Gained: Breaker of Oaths][Veilstone Loyalty: 95%][Reputation Shift: Calamity → Sovereign Threat][Divine Realm Reaction: Code Black – All Seers Ordered to Watch Redfall][New Passive: Warborn – Increased strength per major battle survived]