The days fell like embers from a dying fire.
Kael stood atop the northern cliffs beyond Elandor's city walls, his cloak torn by wind, his breath raw with resolve. Five weeks remained until the predicted emergence of the Origin-Class Varnok. The world had changed since his ascension to Eclipse rank. The higher-ups relied on him more, the continent watched him more closely, and the Varnok came faster—stronger. But even now, with Eclipse rank surging in his veins, Kael knew it wasn't enough.
Five weeks remaining – Eclipse 4th Flame Kael trained beneath the celestial storms of the Hollow Skies, his body howling with unstable energies. Each swing of his arm cracked air; each pulse of Essence trembled the earth. He pushed the Godbreaker techniques beyond control—dangerous, volatile. Dominion Collapse Exeunt left his body wrecked for two days straight.
Leiya stood at his side, helping him walk, watching him scream through the pain of growth. "You're killing yourself," she whispered, but he only nodded.
"I'm buying us a future."
Three weeks remaining – Eclipse 7th Flame Kael took on Varnok surges single-handedly. In the Myrrhfen Wastes, he decimated a Pyre-tier horde and an Eclipse-tier Packlord in under a minute. Civilians watched from ruined barricades as the battlefield was reduced to glass.
He stood alone, armor cracked, blood dried over his eyes, but upright.
Back in Elandor, Leiya nursed his wounds again. "Kael, you're growing stronger than I can even see anymore," she said.
He touched her hand. "I can't stop. The Origin-class... it's already watching. I feel it."
One week remaining – Eclipse 10th Flame
Thunderstorms rolled through Valeria as if mourning something. Kael stood at the Worldflame Spire—barefoot, bare-chested, Essence burning from every pore. The flames no longer bowed to his will. They danced with him. Lightning curled along his limbs. Stormlight flowed through his bloodstream. Kinetic pulses followed his heartbeat.
Kael clenched his fists. "One week left."
A low voice echoed behind him. Arkzen.
"You've walked a path most men die dreaming of. You're close, Kael."
Kael didn't look back. "Not close enough. I need one more step."
Arkzen nodded slowly. "Then take it. Or be consumed."
Kael turned to the horizon.
"I only have one week to reach Origin."
His eyes blazed white.
"I NEED TO PUSH."