A storm loomed over Redfall.
Not clouds.
But attention.
In the holy capital of Valeria, the great Cathedral Bell rang three times — a signal that hadn't echoed in centuries.
A divine voice boomed within the High Court.
"Abyssal Domain… Confirmed."
"Host identified: Name – Kael. Title – Abyss King of Redfall. Status – Class S Threat. Divine Judgment recommended."
Archmage Selyra clutched her staff, eyes narrowed.
"He's not hiding anymore."
The queen stepped forward, voice cold and resolute.
"Then neither shall we."
She raised her hand toward the divine seal.
"Summon the Seraph of Purity."
Meanwhile – Redfall Fortress
Kael sat on the obsidian throne deep in the newly fortified crypt. The Domain Core pulsed behind him like a dark heart.
Zar stood nearby, blade freshly reforged by Kael's abyssal forge.
Lira stood at the edge of the chamber, holding a scroll of light.
"I intercepted this," she whispered. "A divine decree. They're coming."
[Warning: Divine-Grade Entity Approaching – Est. Power Level: B++ to A+]
[Name: Seraph Elandriel – "The Feather of Flame"]
[Arrival Time: 48 Hours]
SAGE pulsed in Kael's mind.
"Tactical recommendation: Expand forces, set outer wards, prepare anti-holy defense. Suggest: Ritual of Awakening for domain-bound followers."
Kael stood.
"Then let the world come."
New Objective: Prepare Redfall for Assault
Time Until Arrival: 48 Hours
Sub-Objectives:
– Upgrade Redfall Defenses (1/3)
– Empower Followers (Zar, Lira)
– Forge a Relic of Dread
– Scout Incoming Route
Ritual Chamber – Hours Later
Zar knelt within a ring of dark flame, Kael's hand on his head.
[Initiating Ritual: Awakening – Subject: Zar]
[Trait Evolution: Kael's Blade → Dread Vanguard]
[Form Unlocked: Abyss Berserker – Control: High | Obedience: Absolute]
Zar's body shifted — larger, armored in black bone, eyes burning red.
"I… serve," he growled, voice like stone cracking.
Lira followed next.
Kael placed the Oathkeeper's Fragment in her hands, wrapped in mana.
[Initiating Bond Transfer…]
[Trait: Empathic Awareness + Fragment of Light → Fusion Complete]
[New Class Unlocked: Twilight Healer – Alignment: Shadowlight]
[Lira now resists holy AND dark corruption.]
She rose glowing, tears in her eyes. "You gave me power… to save, not destroy."
Kael's voice was calm.
"You'll do both."
War Council
Hours passed. Redfall's walls pulsed with dark glyphs. Spikes formed of abyssal bone erupted around its perimeter. The fortress had begun to live — breathing, waiting.
Within the command chamber, Kael met with his lieutenants: Zar, now bearing a cursed halberd, and Lira, radiating both warmth and darkness.
Kael pointed to a flickering map formed from dark flame.
"We are outnumbered. Outmatched in divinity. But we own something they cannot understand — will."
He marked three potential entry points for the Seraph's vanguard.
"We bleed them at the gates. Lira, you reinforce the inner sanctum. Zar, you command the outer circle. If I fall, you burn this world to its roots."
Zar nodded. "And if we win?"
Kael's voice turned cold.
"Then Redfall becomes prophecy."
Somewhere Above the Clouds
Wings of flame tore across the sky.
A woman of perfect symmetry, wrapped in radiant gold armor, flew like a comet. Her eyes burned with judgment.
"Kael…"
"You rise where you were never meant to exist."
Behind her, a hundred holy knights flew in formation, each with blazing swords.
End of Chapter
[Kael – Rank: D+]
[Followers: Zar (D) – Abyss Berserker | Lira (D-) – Twilight Healer]
[Base: Redfall Fortress – Defense: Reinforced | Morale: High]
[Incoming Raid: Seraph Elandriel – Time Remaining: 44h 13m]
[Progress Toward Mythic Threat: 12%]