The Ashen Wastes stretched before Kael like a battlefield trapped in time. Blasted earth. Bone-white trees. Skies that never cleared. Every step further into the desolation was like walking into the heart of a forgotten god's wrath.
He had traveled for three days since the ambush.
No more Flamebound Hunters had come… yet.
But the System stayed restless. Watching. Measuring.
> Flameborn Progression: 25%
Next Milestone Ability Unlocked at 40% – ???
Warning: Long exposure to Cursed Terrain reduces Resistance over time.
Kael wrapped a cloth around his mouth and pressed forward. The only marker left on the old map was a shattered symbol—half of a sun over a ruined tower.
That was where the Order of Ember once stood.
And perhaps, where it would rise again.
He found the fortress on the evening of the fourth day.
It had once been a stronghold of obsidian and silver-veined stone, but now it lay broken and half-buried in the ash. Its outer wall had collapsed under some ancient siege, and its main gate was choked with sand and twisted steel. Strange glyphs pulsed weakly on the stones, flickering like dying embers.
Kael approached cautiously, blade drawn.
> Area Discovered: Ruins of Emberhold
Status: Abandoned | Infested | Sealed by Flame Wards
Recommended Level: 30+
You are not alone.
His eyes narrowed.
Something was watching him.
As he entered the crumbling courtyard, Kael heard the unmistakable rasp of movement—metal scraping bone. The air shimmered with heat. And from the shadows crawled the first of them:
A Burnt Warden—a knight in molten armor, its body half-fused to the armor it once wore. Its eyes glowed red. Its breath hissed through blackened lungs.
Then came another.
And another.
A dozen in total. All once protectors of Emberhold. Now undead sentinels, cursed to guard the ruins until fire claimed them completely.
> Enemies Detected: Burnt Warden x12
Rank: Elite Undead | Immunity: Basic Fire | Weakness: Divine Spark / Soulfire
Escape Not Possible – Area Sealed by Ward.
Kael raised his sword.
The System pulsed.
> New Skill Unlocked: Soulbrand Slash – Strike empowered by your flameborne essence. Deals true damage to undead and cursed enemies.
He didn't wait.
The first clash sent shockwaves through the courtyard. Kael danced between them, sword flaming, cloak torn by claws and rusted blades. He ducked a halberd swing, rolled, and carved a glowing mark into a Warden's helm.
> Soulbrand Slash – Critical
Enemy Destroyed
Ash exploded.
But they kept coming. Tireless. Merciless.
Kael was forced back toward a broken archway, bleeding, panting. The mark on his chest throbbed violently.
> Surge Available: 10% | Not Recommended
You must endure.
And then—
A flare of light erupted from within the fortress.
The Wardens stopped.
Something was awakening.
Kael turned toward the ruins—and saw a figure standing in the shattered doorway. Cloaked in red and gold. Face hidden. Hands blazing with restrained fire.
A voice echoed:
> "Who walks in ember's shadow uninvited?"
Kael lowered his sword.
"Kael. Flameborn. I've come for the Pact."
The figure raised a hand. The Wardens retreated into the stone.
Then the flames died down, and the figure spoke again—softly this time.
> "Then come, Kindled one. Your trial has just begun."
> Quest Updated: The Ember Pact
New Objective: Survive the Trial of the Flamebound Heart.
Difficulty: Lethal
Kael followed the stranger into the dark halls of Emberhold.
The fortress may have been broken.
But its fire was far from dead.