The sky split open as the Abyssal Wretch roared, its three glowing eyes fixed on Liam like a predator spotting prey.
Its voice was thunder, rage, and sorrow—a beast born of suffering and summoned by Sarthas the Hollow-Eyed, the monster who had stood by as Liam's family burned.
Liam's heart thundered in his chest, not from fear, but from focus. The battle around him blurred into noise. Only one thing mattered now: the monster ahead—and the puppet master above.
GOD SYSTEM – STATUS
Level: 7
Faith Points (FP): 2
Followers: 12
Angels: 1
Demons: 0
STATS:
• Strength: 15
• Speed: 15
• Endurance: 13
• Divine Power: 23
• Willpower: 17
• Charisma: 12
• Perception: 11
Liam extended his hand. "Enhance: Garran."
The knight's eyes flared gold. His muscles bulked, armor radiating with divine energy.
"Go. Wound the beast."
With a roar, Garran leapt into the air and brought his blade down on the Wretch's arm. Flesh and bone split like bark, and the creature howled.
Elira stood far back, already drawing her enchanted bow.
"Third eye," Liam reminded her.
"I know," she muttered, and loosed.
The arrow flew with perfect speed—but the Wretch saw it. A whip-like tendril burst from its back and slapped it from the sky.
Liam scowled. "Perception's too high. Fine."
Ability Used: Lesser Judgment
Target: Abyssal Wretch
Effect: Applies a stacking mark of divine punishment (reduces defense and healing by 10%)
The air vibrated as a rune-mark flared across the Wretch's chest. It shrieked, stumbling for the first time. Liam walked forward, step by step, each one burning the earth beneath him.
Rennan floated overhead, hands weaving a circle of light.
"Sanctum Ward, coming up!" he shouted.
The dome of protection fell over Liam's forces as fireballs and curses from Ashspire's cultists rained down, deflected and fizzled.
The tide was turning.
System Notification:
Cultist morale broken – 3 fleeing
+3 Followers Converted
+3 FP Gained
Followers: 15 | FP: 5
Liam's divine aura flared. The staff in his hand pulsed with light.
"Spirit," he whispered. "Can you hear me?"
Her voice curled through his mind. "Always."
"I need to fly."
"Then command the skies."
He closed his eyes and whispered a new invocation.
New Ability Unlocked: Wings of the Chosen
• Cost: 3 FP
• Grants temporary flight and speed boost.
• Duration: 2 minutes
He activated it.
Wings of red and gold burst from his back—plume-like, ethereal, and blinding. With a thunderclap, he shot into the sky, flanking the Wretch's exposed side.
"Sarthas!" he shouted toward the tower. "I'm coming for you!"
From the spire, the warlock snarled. "You are nothing but a cursed boy!"
"Wrong," Liam said, hovering above the Wretch now. "I'm the god of your end."
He pointed the staff downward.
"Destroy: Abyssal Heart."
Faith Ability Used: Destroy (Tier 1)
Target: Abyssal Wretch (Vital Organ – Abyssal Heart)
Success Chance: 41% → Boosted by Divine Power, +30%
Final Chance: 71%
Result: SUCCESS
A shockwave tore through the monster. Its center chest cavity imploded, caving inward with a terrible crack.
The Wretch collapsed, dead before it hit the ground.
The battlefield went silent.
Then—
Cheers. Cries. Roars of awe.
The cultists fled, some dropping their weapons. A few even fell to their knees, eyes wide in worship.
Liam descended slowly, wings folding behind him.
The Divine Banner now glowed brilliant white, cleansed by faith.
System Notification:
Ashspire Beast Slain
Major Victory Achieved
• +5 Followers
• +10 FP
• +1 Level
• Title Gained: Beastbane of Ashspire
• Stat Boost: +1 Strength, +1 Speed, +2 Divine Power
Level: 8
FP: 12
Followers: 20
Updated STATS:
• Strength: 16
• Speed: 16
• Endurance: 13
• Divine Power: 25
• Willpower: 17
• Charisma: 12
• Perception: 11
"Liam!" Elira shouted, pointing. "Sarthas is running!"
He turned sharply. The warlock was fleeing through the upper tower halls, a coward in cracked robes.
"Not today," Liam muttered.
He raised his hand. "Rennan, give me light."
The angel summoned a ball of divine flame.
Liam hurled it.
The tower cracked, one side exploding outward. Sarthas was blown back, body limp, collapsing at the feet of the incoming army.
Liam landed beside him.
"You should've killed me when you had the chance."
The warlock coughed blood, eyes wide. "You… you're not a god."
"No," Liam said. "I'm worse."
He raised his staff and struck.
The Hollow-Eyed Warlock died screaming.
System Notification:
Major Target Eliminated – Sarthas the Hollow-Eyed
• +15 FP
• +1 Unique Follower (Warlock's apprentice defected)
• Title Upgraded: God of Vengeance → God of Flame and Judgment (Lesser)
• Bonus: +2 Willpower, +2 Endurance
• New Skill Available: Divine Summons (Locked)
Ashspire burned behind him. But it wasn't the fire of demons anymore.
It was his.
[End of Chapter 11]