Chapter 6: Flames and Strangers
The great doors of Caelora Hall groaned as they opened.
The storm raged behind the three strangers, their cloaks soaked and dripping. But their eyes—sharp, unblinking—remained fixed on Eron.
> "This place was dead," said the woman with the gold eye.
"The world left it behind. Why raise it now?"
Eron didn't blink.
> "Because legacies don't die. They're stolen. Forgotten.
I'm here to take mine back."
The other two strangers glanced at each other. One was a lean man with a twin sword harness. The other, a silent hooded figure—face hidden entirely.
They stepped inside, silently.
> "Three days," said the woman. "Prove you're real.
Or we burn this place down ourselves."
---
> [System Alert]
Unknown Entities Registered: Temporarily Neutral
Skill Signature: Suppressed.
Caution Recommended.
Eric's voice pulsed in Eron's mind.
> "Gold Eye Match Detected: Former Clan Scout.
Name: Sira Talek – Ex-Caeloran Pathfinder.
Loyalty: Fragmented."
> "She's one of ours?" Eron asked inwardly.
> "Was," Eric replied.
"Until the collapse."
---
🔥 That Night
Eron sat by the forge, staring into the dancing flames.
Rurik sharpened blades nearby, while Lyra prepared salves. The strangers hadn't spoken since entering. But their presence was like coiled wire—ready to snap.
> "They're watching," Lyra said. "Judging."
> "Let them," Eron replied.
"I want them to."
---
As midnight approached, Eric's voice cut through the silence.
> "AI Core reaching Phase 1 activation.
New Protocol Available: Soulfire Pact."
> "What is it?"
> "A clan-bonding ritual. Old Caeloran tradition.
Mutual soul exchange. Proof of intent. Cannot be faked."
Eron stood.
> "Let's do it."
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🕯️ The Pact
The main hall was cleared. A soulfire torch lit the center of the stone floor.
The three strangers formed a circle with Eron. Eric's voice echoed through the chamber.
> "Clan Caelora Pact – Flame-Bound Trial.
Step forward if you seek to rebuild."
Sira stepped into the flame without hesitation.
> "I watched the fall. I lost everything with it.
I want to see if this fire can rise again."
The lean swordsman followed. "I owe your father a blood debt. If you carry his spark… I'll follow."
The hooded one stepped forward silently—and then dropped the hood.
It was a girl.
Barely older than Eron. Blue hair, and silver eyes.
> "I don't remember my name," she said softly.
"But the flame… it called me."
---
> [System Notification]
Clan Members +3 Added
Total Clan Members: 6
Rank: Initiate Level 2 → Growth Unlocked
New Feature: Flame Bond | Active
---
Eric's core flickered like a rising sun.
> "Heir," he said, voice clearer now.
"The flame grows."
---