The North had never been so alive.
After the fall of the First Throne, the land itself seemed to breathe again—snow melted into rivers of silver, and the once-frozen skies blazed with crimson auroras. The people whispered one name across the mountains, the forests, the battle camps.
"Arden the Flame Duke."The mortal who slew a god.
But victory came with silence. Beneath the cheers and pride, the Northern Citadel's air grew heavier by the day. Everyone knew: six more gods were descending.
And the only path forward—was up.
Under the pale light of dawn, Arden, Celestia, Ryn, Elara, and the rest of the heroines rode direwolves toward the ancient tundra beyond the Frostfang Mountains. The ground here was littered with crystal shards—remnants of a time before time.
The wind howled across a vast plain where seven obelisks stood in a perfect circle, each carved with runes that pulsed faintly with draconic energy.
Arden dismounted, his boots crunching against ice that shimmered with faint gold.
"This is it," he murmured. "The Gate of Eternity."
Celestia's eyes widened as she brushed frost from one of the runes. "These sigils… they predate Heaven's calendar. They're written in the language of the First Flame."
Ryn crouched beside another stone, daggers in hand, ever cautious. "How do we open it?"
Arden looked toward the center of the ring—where a massive seal of ice lay dormant, glowing faintly with crimson veins.
"With the Heart of Eternity," he said. "The relic hidden in this gate. It's the key to piercing the heavens."
But Elara frowned. "Wait. The Heart was said to be powered by a living soul… a sacrifice, wasn't it?"
The group fell silent. Even the wind seemed to pause.
Arden nodded. "The dragon's memory confirmed it. One soul of pure light must ignite the gate. Without it, the portal won't open."
Celestia's wings trembled. "Then it can't be done. We're not sacrificing anyone—"
But her voice faltered when she saw his expression.
"There's no other way," he said quietly. "And I already know who it has to be."
That night, beneath the shattered moon, Arden stood alone beside the sealed gate.
Footsteps approached from behind. It was Serena, the white-haired priestess of his harem, her robes glowing softly in the moonlight.
"You've been avoiding me," she said gently.
He sighed. "I didn't want you to know."
Serena smiled sadly. "But I already do."
She reached out, placing a hand on his chest—over the flame that burned within. "You carry too much alone, Arden. Always trying to bear every burden."
His jaw tightened. "I won't let anyone else die for me."
"It's not for you," she whispered. "It's for everyone who believes in you. For the world that deserves to live free."
He turned to her, eyes fierce. "Serena—"
But she silenced him with a finger to his lips. "When I prayed to the gods, they never answered. When I prayed to you… you did."
A tear slipped down her cheek. "If my light can open the gate that lets you end their tyranny, then my life is well spent."
He grasped her wrist, voice trembling. "You're not dying. Not while I still draw breath."
"Then promise me one thing," she said softly. "When you reach Heaven… burn it all."
At dawn, the army gathered around the Gate of Eternity.
The obelisks began to glow as runes flared to life. The frozen plain rumbled.
Serena stood at the center, her staff of light glowing brighter than the sun. Celestia's face was pale as she watched, her wings trembling.
"Are you sure about this?"
Serena smiled faintly. "I've never been more certain."
Arden stepped forward, placing his palm on her forehead. His flame surrounded her like a gentle halo.
"I'll bring you back," he said firmly. "No matter what it takes."
"Then I'll wait for you… on the other side."
She lifted her staff high, chanting words no mortal tongue had spoken in eons.
"By the flame before creation, by the soul that defies death—open the way."
The obelisks roared with power, shooting beams of light into the sky. The frozen seal beneath her cracked open, revealing a core of molten gold—the Heart of Eternity.
Serena's body began to dissolve into light, her essence merging with the heart.
"Arden…" she whispered, smiling through tears. "Lead them… beyond the stars."
"Serena—!"
The world exploded in light.
When the brilliance faded, the Heart had vanished.In its place was a colossal portal of golden fire, spiraling upward into infinity.
The Gate of Eternity had opened.
The army stood in silence—awed, terrified, reverent.
Celestia knelt, whispering a prayer through clenched teeth.Arden stood before the gate, his expression unreadable, his aura flickering between grief and fury.
"Serena's light… it became the bridge," he murmured. "Her soul anchors the path to Heaven."
Ryn stepped forward. "Then we make sure her sacrifice isn't in vain."
Arden nodded slowly. "Prepare the Legion. Once we cross, there's no returning."
The wind howled, and the golden fire reflected in his eyes as he whispered—
"Heaven burned her light. Now I'll burn Heaven's throne."
As the army prepared to march, Celestia lingered at the gate's edge.She looked at the golden spiral reaching into eternity and whispered—
"Serena… we'll see you soon."
Above, six divine lights began to stir.The remaining Thrones had sensed it—the mortal gate that now pierced their domain.
And they were waiting.