The desert wind howled with ancient voices.
Liam stood on the edge of the cliffs that overlooked the valley of Neraxis, an old ruin swallowed by obsidian and sand. The Oracle's vision haunted him—the crying woman in the throne room, wreathed in fire and sorrow.
Rune hovered beside him, solemn. "You saw her."
Liam nodded. "Who is she?"
"I don't know her name," the spirit said. "But I know her title. The Fire Queen."
"Fire?" Liam glanced at his hand, where divine flame curled and danced. "Is she… like me?"
Rune didn't answer.
---
They descended the cliffs at dawn, traveling through rocky terrain until the ruins of Neraxis rose before them. Cracked spires jutted from the sand like the bones of a forgotten beast. Scorch marks marred the stone. The air shimmered with heat.
Mira and Kael trailed behind, weapons drawn.
"Something's off," Mira muttered.
Kael narrowed his eyes. "There's power here. Old power."
Liam stepped forward. The ruins welcomed him like an old friend.
And in the center of the broken city—she waited.
The woman from the vision.
Flame danced around her ankles as she stood barefoot on sun-scorched stone, her crimson hair billowing behind her. A silver crown rested broken on her brow.
She didn't look surprised to see him.
"I was wondering how long you'd take."
Liam stopped a few feet away. "You're real."
"I should be insulted," she smirked. "I cried for you, didn't I?"
He hesitated. "Why?"
She tilted her head. "Because you're the last. The final heir to the Divine Flame."
---
> New Character Introduced: Seraphina, the Fire Queen
Race: Unknown (Ascended)
Class: Flame Sovereign
Affinity: Emberlight, Soulfire
Relationship: ???
---
Mira stepped forward. "Is this a trap?"
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "If it was, you'd already be ash."
She turned back to Liam. "You have questions. I have time."
He clenched his fists. "What was my father? What was I meant to become?"
Seraphina walked to a nearby throne, cracked in half, and sat upon it.
"Your father was a vessel. Not a god. Not a man. Something in-between. He carried the flame of Ignaros—a Prime God. One who ruled before the demons fractured the heavens."
"Ignaros," Liam echoed. "Is that whose power I carry?"
"No," she said. "You carry more. Your system is the last gift of Ignaros before he was devoured. It seeks to make you not just a god... but his successor."
---
> Quest Updated: Blood of the Forgotten Flame
Objective: Discover Ignaros's fate
Objective: Accept or reject his legacy
Reward: Divine Evolution Path Unlocked
---
"But why me?" Liam asked. "Why not you?"
Seraphina looked away. Her fire dimmed.
"I failed," she whispered. "I was his chosen flame once. I was supposed to become something more—but I couldn't bear the weight. I abandoned my throne. Watched everything burn."
A long pause stretched between them.
She stood slowly. "But you… you burned with rage. You sought revenge not just for yourself, but for all who were broken. The system chose well."
Liam's breath caught.
For the first time, he saw her not just as a vision or legend—but a woman. Haunted. Powerful. Alone.
"Then help me," he said.
Her eyes met his.
---
> Bond Formed: Seraphina, Flame Queen
Loyalty: 34/100
Relationship Path: Embers of Trust Unlocked
---
Mira gave him a sidelong glance, clearly uneasy. Kael, meanwhile, simply stepped back, watching Seraphina with cautious reverence.
"What's your plan now?" Seraphina asked.
"I'm going to burn the cult to the ground," Liam replied. "And anyone who stands with them."
"Then you'll need more than strength. You'll need command."
She waved her hand.
The ruins trembled.
And from the sands, a temple rose—molten stone and divine flame sculpting towers and sanctums. In the center, a pulsing crystal the size of a house throbbed like a heart.
"The Forge of Ignaros," Seraphina said. "From here, you can create relics, bless armies, and forge divine constructs."
Liam stepped forward. His system responded instantly.
---
> Divine Structure Gained: Forge of Ignaros
Allows the creation of Flame Relics using Faith Points
Enables troop empowerment rituals
Unlocks Divine Construct Creation
> Faith Cost to Activate: 8,000 FP
Activate now?
---
Liam didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The forge erupted with light. Heat poured through the air, holy and fierce. Runes carved themselves into the ground, and statues of forgotten gods bowed in recognition.
The system chimed again.
---
> Divine Construct Available: Ember Legionnaire (Tier I)
Cost: 300 FP / unit
Maximum units: 30
Would you like to create your first legion?
---
"Yes," Liam said again.
And from the flames, warriors were born.
They emerged in lines of three—armored in glowing obsidian and gilded flame, eyes lit with emberlight. Each kneeled before Liam in unison.
Mira stared in awe. "You're… building an army of gods."
"No," Liam said. "I'm building a world where we don't have to kneel anymore."
---
[STATS – Updated]
Level: 58
Faith Points: 11,110
Followers: 74,890
Title: God of Reclamation
Divine Structures: Forge of Ignaros
Core Stats:
Strength: 235
Speed: 205
Endurance: 248
Intelligence: 220
Charisma: 182
Divine Energy: 4,500 / 4,500
New Divine Skill: Emberforge Command
Summon and empower divine constructs from anywhere in the world. Cost reduced by 10% when used near a consecrated zone.
---
That night, as the forge quieted and the soldiers stood guard, Liam sat beside the fire again.
Seraphina stood near, staring at the stars.
"You still see him, don't you?" he asked softly.
"Ignaros?" she said. "No. But I feel what he left behind."
Their eyes met.
And for a brief moment, the silence between them burned hotter than any flame.
"I don't know what I'm becoming," Liam said.
She stepped closer. "Then let me help you find out."
---
End of Chapter 46