The fortress-city of Ashspire loomed like a blade thrust into the mountainside.
Its towers scraped the dark clouds above, walls carved from blackstone laced with mana circuits that pulsed with golden light. Even from a distance, Kael could feel the tension in the air—like the city was holding its breath. From the surrounding hills, columns of smoke rose, and thunder rumbled without rain.
Arin squinted through the haze. "This place is… bleeding power."
Kael nodded grimly. "And fear."
[Zone Discovered: Ashspire – Last Bastion of the Ember Range]
• Status: Under Siege
• Threat Level: Critical
• Faction Presence Detected: Skyforged Council, Crimson Cult, Abyssspawn Horde
• Map Updated: 43% Unlocked
They approached the outer checkpoint, where armored sentinels held crossbows and magitech rifles—aimed at everything that moved. Kael raised his hands slowly, weapon sheathed. His system interface flickered in full view.
"System-Bearer," one of the guards muttered. "Another one."
"Name?" barked the leader.
"Kael Drayven."
The soldier stared. His expression changed the moment Kael said it. Not suspicion… awe. And fear.
"You're the one who sealed the Rift at Sanctuary?"
"…Yes."
The gates parted without another word.
[Reputation Gained – Skyforged Council: +15 | Rumor: Rift-Sealer]
Inside Ashspire, the streets were crowded—refugees, wounded soldiers, and hawkers selling forged talismans. Magic lamps flickered under stress. Every alley whispered of demons.
Kael and Arin found shelter at a rundown inn called The Silver Scar, tucked between a spell-forging shop and a collapsed tavern. The innkeeper—a burly dwarf named Hurn—handed them keys wordlessly and pointed to the notice board.
Kael approached the board and scanned the missions:
• [Quest: Cull the Crawlers – Slay 10 Abyssspawn Scouts]
• [Quest: Escort Mage Convoy to Skyforge Spire]
• [Urgent Request – System-Bearers Wanted: Report to High Inquisitor Talien]
Arin pointed to the last one. "That sounds like your type of trouble."
Kael tore the notice down. "Let's find him."
—
The Skyforge Spire rose at the city's heart—a tower of white metal and floating platforms that shimmered with gravity-defying enchantments. Inside, elite guards escorted Kael through polished corridors etched with celestial runes until they reached a grand chamber.
There, standing beneath a suspended crystal halo, was High Inquisitor Talien.
He wore robes of silver and flame, his face veiled by a golden mask depicting wings folded over empty eyes.
"Kael Drayven," Talien intoned. "The Rift-Sealer. The Skyforged have watched your ascent."
Kael stood firm. "I didn't come for praise. I came for answers."
Talien raised a gloved hand. A system window bloomed in the air—projecting Kael's path:
Arcanoblade → Skyforged Ascendant → ??? (Locked: Requires Tier Authority)
"You walk a path forbidden to both angels and demons," Talien said. "Do you know what lies at the end of it?"
Kael met his gaze. "No. But I know what lies behind me—ruin. I don't plan to stop walking."
Talien inclined his head. "Then understand this: the System is no gift. It is a trial of realms, and only one bearer will ascend fully."
Kael frowned. "You're saying… there are others like me?"
"Not many. But enough to make you a target."
The air changed. A scrying crystal near the wall glowed red.
[ALERT: Outer Wall Breach – Abyssspawn Incursion Detected]
• Estimated Force: 300+
• Command Entity Detected: "Dreadspeaker Varnok"
• City Status: LOCKDOWN
Kael turned without hesitation. "Where?"
Talien extended a hand—magic flared, and a weapon appeared in midair. A silver-hilted sword humming with Skyforged power.
"Take this," he said. "Your blade may split shadows. But this one? It was forged to silence gods."
[Item Acquired: Skybrand – Legendary Weapon (Light-Aligned)]
• Bonus: +25% damage vs demonic / abyssal
• Trait: Emits passive aura that weakens nearby corrupted foes
• Synergy Bonus: Doubles Arcanoblade Effectiveness when combined with Dawnrend
Kael gripped the blade. It felt like holding judgment itself.
"I'll handle Varnok."
Talien's voice dropped. "Then go, Rift-Sealer. Remind the darkness why it fears the light."
—
Kael and Arin raced through the streets toward the southern battlement, where chaos reigned.
Monsters poured through the shattered walls—creatures of claw, fang, and mind-splitting whispers. Civilians screamed. Soldiers fell.
And then… Kael arrived.
[Main Quest Triggered – Defend the Southern Wall]
He leapt from the tower, sword glowing, system flaring:
[Skill Chain Activated – Heavenstep → Dawnrend → Skybrand Slash]
He cleaved through the vanguard like a divine storm.
Arin followed, a firestorm erupting at her feet.
[Party Combo: Purge Protocol – 1,200% AoE Light + Flame Burst]
Dozens fell.
From the horde's center, a monstrous form rose—Dreadspeaker Varnok. Wrapped in chains and shadow, its voice tore reality like paper.
"System-bearer… your soul shall sing in my chorus of screams!"
Kael's eyes glowed. "Come and try."