The black sun of morning rose over the charred walls of Black Hollow, casting long shadows across the stone. The stronghold now bore Liam's mark—etched into the courtyard floor by divine flame:
⚡
A jagged bolt, splitting earth and sky. The mark of judgment.
Inside the main hall, Liam stood over a makeshift altar. It was once a shrine to a demon called Varkelion, now shattered. In its place, a new altar had formed—his own. Crafted by Create, lined with celestial stone and engraved in radiant gold.
Before it knelt Rennan, trembling.
Liam stepped forward.
"You called me a false god," he said calmly. "And yet here you kneel."
"I—I was wrong," Rennan whispered. "You spared me. That means something."
"No. I spared you because I need proof that faith can be forged from ruin. You are my proof."
He raised a hand. Light sparked around his fingers.
---
[Ascension Menu – Eligible Target Detected: Rennan]
Available Roles:
• Lesser Angel (Support Type – Buffs, Healing)
• Lesser Demon (Assault Type – Fire Damage, Fear Aura)
> Ascension Cost: 8 FP
---
Liam stared down at the boy.
"Do you want to be my weapon?"
Rennan blinked. "I just want to belong."
"That's all a weapon needs."
Liam's aura surged. Wings of golden fire flared from his back, casting the entire hall in blinding brilliance. The boy screamed—not in pain, but in change. His body lifted from the ground, engulfed in radiant energy.
When the light faded, Rennan stood transformed.
His robes were white, lined with silver. A faint glow emanated from his skin. His eyes no longer trembled with fear—they burned with purpose.
---
System Notification: Ascension Complete
Rennan has become your First Angel
+8 FP Spent | FP Remaining: 2
Faith Surge Bonus: +1 Level, +2 Charisma
Followers: 10 | Angels: 1 | Demons: 0
Milestone Progress: 1/1 Ascensions
---
GOD SYSTEM – STATUS UPDATE
Level: 7
Class: Chosen of Divinity
Title: God of Vengeance (Lesser)
STATS:
• Strength: 15
• Speed: 15
• Endurance: 13
• Divine Power: 23
• Willpower: 17
• Charisma: 12
• Perception: 11
New Passive Unlocked: Divine Beacon – All followers within 300 meters gain +10% Strength and Willpower in your presence.
---
Later that day, the Spirit floated beside Liam as they walked the walltop.
"You chose an angel. Why not a demon?"
"He's a child," Liam replied. "He's seen enough darkness."
The Spirit tilted her head. "Mercy?"
"No. Strategy. He can heal. Inspire. A living banner for my army."
She smiled. "Good. You're starting to think like a god."
Liam looked out toward the horizon.
"What's next?"
"Ashspire," the Spirit said. "Second stronghold of the demon cult. Located in the Emberlands. Ruled by a warlock named Sarthas the Hollow-Eyed."
"Sarthas," Liam muttered. "He was there that night. He held my father while they burned him alive."
The rage returned.
"I'll make him scream."
---
Milestone Quest Progress:
Strongholds Cleansed: 1/3
Followers: 10/30
Ascensions: 1/1 ✅
---
That night, Liam gathered his forces.
Garran, Elira, Rennan, and the now seven loyal soldiers—all stood armored, armed, and awaiting command. Rennan hovered slightly above ground, golden light swirling at his palms.
"We ride east," Liam said. "To Ashspire."
Elira stepped forward. "You sure you're ready? They say Sarthas commands hellfire."
"I command faith."
He raised his hand.
"Let the gods of ash and blood feel the weight of mine."
And with that, the army moved out.
---
Elsewhere…
In the cursed towers of Ashspire, a withered man cloaked in smoke opened his dead-white eyes.
"Kael'Rok has fallen," Sarthas whispered.
A demonic voice hissed behind him. "You underestimated the boy."
"No," Sarthas said coldly. "I prepared for him. His god bleeds too. We just need to press the wound."
From the shadows, seven figures stepped forward—The Hollow Circle, the cult's seven remaining heads.
"The Godchild comes," Sarthas said, smiling faintly. "Let us give him a kingdom of corpses."
[End of Chapter 9]