The sun dipped low over Aetherion Academy, painting the horizon in molten shades of amber and crimson. Shadows stretched unnaturally long, casting eerie patterns across courtyards and towers. Kaelith stood at the center of the aftermath, his silver eyes scanning distant fissures where the portals had scarred reality itself. The air was thick with residual energy, charged with the echoes of the previous confrontatio
Lyra clung to his side, small hands gripping his sleeve tightly. Her heartbeat thumped in perfect synchronization with the pulsing energy of the Heart within he
> [System Status – Nyxion Activ
[Anger: 85/100
[NP: 25,100
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
Nyxion's voice slithered through his mind, smooth and omin
> "They watch… little pawn. The crimson portals have closed, but the void still stirs. Patience… preparation… the game escalates
Kaelith exhaled slowly. "Preparation… yes. Observation first. Strength always follo
The Afterma
The courtyard was littered with fragments of stone, scorched earth, and traces of residual energy from the portals. Academy instructors and upper-class nobles peered from safe distances, expressions ranging from fear to begrudging respect. Whispers ran rampan
> "That boy… a commoner… survived the crimson portals
"How is that possible? No elite mage could have managed it!
Kaelith ignored the commentary, focusing instead on Lyra. The Heart within her stirred, restless as if sensing distant threats. He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "You felt it too, didn't you? The energy… the intent of whoever opened those porta
Lyra nodded, trembling. "I… yes. It was like a shadow watching… waiting for us to falter
> [Heart Influence Passive – Synchronization Risin
A New Summo
A flash of light heralded an arrival. A figure descended from the sky, clad in silver and violet robes, their presence commanding and immediate. They landed gracefully, folding their robes with precise eleganc
> "Kaelith Veyr," the figure announced, voice resonating with authority. "Your actions in the crimson portals have drawn attention… attention that will either elevate you or annihilate you. A trial awaits — unlike any you've faced before
Kaelith's Shadow Veil pulsed, darkness coiling like a living storm around him. Lyra instinctively stepped closer, small hands entwined with
> [NP Earned: 500 – Authority Presence Detecte
> [System Notification: New Quest – Trial of the Molten Ascendants; Reward: Unknown; Risk: Extr
Kaelith's jaw tightened. "Another trial… very well. We rise, Lyra. Togeth
Preparatio
He led Lyra to a secluded training courtyard, moving with calculated steps. Shadows stretched and coiled around him, absorbing ambient negative emotions — envy, fear, disbelief — and converting them into N
> [NP Earned: 400 – Environmental Emotional Absorptio
Kaelith opened his Shop Menu. The accumulated NP allowed him access to high-tier items previously out of re
> [SHOP – Negative Points Currenc
– Forbidden Combat Manual: "Seven Fangs" – 2,000 N
– Lesser Lifespan Potion – 950 N
– Escape Rune (50m) – 600 N
– Shadow Sigil Enhancement – 4,800 N
– Emotional Catalyst Gem – 3,500 N
– Abyssal Core Artifact – 15,000 N
> [NP: 25,
After careful consideration, Kaelith purchased the Shadow Sigil Enhancement and Emotional Catalyst Gem, knowing their combined effect could stabilize his Shadow Veil and further augment Heart synchronizat
> [System Notification: Items Equipped – Shadow Sigil Enhancement & Emotional Catalyst Gem Activ
Lyra looked up, admiration and concern mixed in her gaze. "Brother… you plan to face them n
Kaelith's silver eyes glimmered. "We prepare… then we strike. But every step must be calculated
The Approa
As the sun sank, the distant molten portals shimmered faintly, signaling the arrival of the Ascendants. Kaelith and Lyra moved silently through the corridors of the Academy, avoiding unnecessary attentio
> [System Alert: Portal Residual Energy Rising – NP Gain Potential: 600
The first of the Molten Ascendants appeared — massive humanoid figures, fused with molten rock and veins of crimson energy, their eyes glowing with intent. They moved like living volcanoes, every step causing tremors and small erupti
> [NP Earned: 700 – Emotional Density Extrem
Kaelith readied himself, Shadow Dagger gleaming faintly, aura coiling like a storm. Lyra mirrored his movements, her aura intertwining with his, the Heart pulsing in sync with his heartb
> [Heart Influence Passive – Maximum Synchronizatio
Clash with the Ascendan
The first Ascendant swung a massive arm, creating a shockwave that shattered nearby stone. Kaelith dodged fluidly, absorbing the fear and malice radiating from the creatur
> [NP Earned: 500 – Emotional Absorptio
Lyra cast protective wards, shielding both herself and Kaelith from residual energy. The battlefield became a dance of shadows, molten strikes, and synchronized aura bur
> [Shadow Bind – Level V Activ
[NP Earned: 600 – Multi-Target Emotional Drain
The Ascendants moved with brutal efficiency, forcing Kaelith to think beyond simple tactics. He manipulated the battlefield, redirecting molten projectiles into one another, binding them with shadows, and absorbing their anger and malice into the sys
> [NP Earned: 800 – Strategic Emotional Absorptio
Rising Thre
As the Ascendants weakened, the ground trembled violently. A new figure emerged from the final portal — towering, cloaked in obsidian and molten veins, eyes glowing with omnipotent malice. The air around it twisted, warping light and shadow simultaneousl
> [System Alert: Final Ascendant Detected – Maximum Threa
[NP Gain Potential: 1,500+
Kaelith's heart raced, the God of Negative Emotions stirring violently within him. The anger bar crested at 99/100 once again, the temptation of Negative Surge whispering in his m
> Lyra's voice trembled: "Brother… this… this one… is… different
Kaelith steadied himself, hands tightening around the Shadow Dagger. "Different… yes. But not unbeatable. Not if we fight as o
Tactical Maneuve
The final Ascendant struck, sending molten energy crashing toward them. Kaelith used Shadow Veil to absorb part of the force, redirecting residual energy into environmental hazards. Rocks erupted, molten pools shifted, and shadows coiled around the enemy, restraining its limb
> [NP Earned: 900 – Extreme Threat Absorptio
Lyra amplified his aura with synchronized Heart pulses, creating a perfect balance of defense and calculated offe
> [Heart Influence Passive – Full Synchronization Achieve
[NP Earned: 600 – Emotional Amplification
Kaelith's strategic strikes, combined with the fusion of Heart energy and Shadow Veil, destabilized the Ascendant. Its molten form flickered, veins of crimson energy tearing as it roared in frustrat
To Be Continued – Chapter 20 Part
The final confrontation looms. Kaelith must resist the temptation of Negative Surge, rely on strategy and Heart synchronization, and face the ultimate Ascendant. Every step, every absorbed emotion, every pulse of energy could tip the balance between survival and deat
> [System Status – God of Negative Emotions Fully Activ
[NP: 28,000+
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation
Far-off, the remnants of other portals shimmer faintly. Observers from countless dimensions watch intently, awaiting the outcome of the confrontation that could change the course of Kaelith's r
Kaelith tightened his grip on the Shadow Dagger. Shadows and silver pulses coiled around him like a living storm. Lyra's hand pressed against his chest, anchoring hi
> "No hesitation… no mercy… we survive and we rise
The molten portal trembled, energy pulsing violently, heralding the beginning of a battle that would be sung in whispers across dimensi
dons.."m.ise.]]e]h. 2---ion.]d]nse.n]s.rs---ne."."ind.]t]y.at
---n]tem.]e]sts.n]e.ts
---n]eat.e]ons.+]n.ch---."ow?"e]ion.100]PPPPPPy]ach.n]P.ns---er."eme]d]his.."e.ns
---g]."ls?""…"t.th---ws."."ous:]]]e]r.n. him.
> "No hesitation… no mercy… we survive and we rise."
The molten portal trembled, energy pulsing violently, heralding the beginning of a battle that would be sung in whispers across dimensions.
The molten portal trembled violently, casting molten-red light across the courtyard. Shadows and silver pulses coiled around Kaelith and Lyra, forming a protective storm. The final Ascendant stood before them — towering, armored in obsidian fused with pulsating crimson veins, every movement radiating omnipotent malice.
> [System Alert: Maximum Threat – Final Ascendant Engaged]
[NP Gain Potential: 1,800+]
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation]
Lyra's small hand trembled as she reached for Kaelith's. "Brother… this one… I… I can feel its power. It's overwhelming!"
Kaelith's silver eyes glinted in molten light, Shadow Veil coiling like living tendrils around him. "Stay close. We've prepared for this. Trust me… and the Heart within you."
> [Heart Influence Passive – Maximum Synchronization Achieved]
[Shadow Veil Fully Active]
[Anger: 99/100]
[NP: 28,000+]
---
First Strike
The Ascendant's massive gauntlet swung with catastrophic force, crushing the ground and sending molten shockwaves racing outward. Kaelith rolled fluidly through the debris, tendrils of shadow coiling around the shockwave to absorb a portion of its energy.
> [NP Earned: 900 – Extreme Emotional Threat Absorbed]
Lyra's aura flared as protective wards expanded, creating a reflective barrier around them both. Each pulse of molten energy that hit the wards was partially converted into NP.
> [NP Earned: 600 – Heart Amplified Absorption]
Kaelith assessed the battlefield. Direct attacks would be suicidal. He needed to manipulate the Ascendant, using environmental hazards and his own aura to control the flow of battle.
---
Strategic Counter
Kaelith struck first, using a combination of Shadow Bind and Heart-infused tendrils to immobilize one of the Ascendant's arms. Sparks of energy flew as the shadow tendrils constricted, siphoning off malice and rage directly into Kaelith's system.
> [NP Earned: 1,200 – Emotional Absorption Maxed]
Lyra mirrored his movements, creating a lattice of synchronized energy to amplify his attacks. Every pulse from the Heart surged through the Shadow Veil, reinforcing Kaelith's defenses while destabilizing the Ascendant.
> [NP Earned: 700 – Heart Synchronization Amplification]
The Ascendant staggered, molten veins flickering as it roared in frustration. Kaelith's eyes glowed faintly, Shadow Dagger pulsing with silver energy.
> [System Status – God of Negative Emotions Fully Active]
---
Temptation and Control
Kaelith felt the surge of anger within him peak. His Berserk Threshold was reached — the temptation to activate Negative Surge whispered at the edge of his mind. Fifteen years of his lifespan hung in the balance, a price too steep for this moment.
> Lyra's voice echoed in his mind: "Brother… not now… we can survive without it!"
He clenched his fists, suppressing the temptation. Strategy over power. Patience over destruction. Each attack was deliberate, calculated, and maximized for NP absorption.
> [NP Earned: 1,500 – Controlled Emotional Absorption]
The Ascendant lunged again, its molten gauntlets swinging in deadly arcs. Kaelith twisted and weaved, coiling shadows around incoming strikes, deflecting energy, and absorbing malice while Lyra's Heart pulses stabilized their movements.
> [NP Earned: 800 – Multi-Target Emotional Drain]
---
Near-Death Gambit
The Ascendant slammed both fists to the ground, creating a shockwave that cracked the earth beneath Kaelith's feet. The impact threw him backward, narrowly avoiding molten shards tearing the air. Lyra screamed, her wards flickering under the pressure.
> [NP Earned: 600 – Emotional Surge from Near-Death Threat]
[Anger: 100/100 – Berserk State Optional]
Kaelith's mind raced. He couldn't afford to unleash Negative Surge — yet conventional attacks wouldn't be enough. Then an idea struck: he could combine environmental manipulation, Heart synchronization, and Shadow Bind in a multi-phase strike.
> [System Notification: Multi-Layer Strategy – Activated]
---
The Final Strike
Kaelith leapt, moving with fluid precision, each shadow tendril striking critical points on the Ascendant. Lyra's aura pulsed in perfect synchronization, amplifying the effect. The Ascendant's molten veins flickered violently, its power destabilized.
> [NP Earned: 1,500 – Maximum Absorption]
He drew upon the combined energy, coiling it around the Ascendant, using Shadow Bind, Heart pulses, and environmental hazards. The ground erupted beneath the enemy, molten and shadowy forces colliding in a storm of light and darkness.
> [NP Earned: 1,200 – Environmental & Emotional Fusion]
The Ascendant collapsed, staggering to its knees, molten energy cracking and flaring uncontrollably. Kaelith remained calm, maintaining precise control.
> [System Status – God of Negative Emotions Fully Active]
[NP: 31,500]
[Skill Ready: Negative Surge – Optional Activation]
Lyra gasped, gripping his arm. "Brother… you… you did it… without… without using it!"
Kaelith's eyes gleamed in molten-red light, shadow and Heart energy coiling like a storm around him. "Strategy, Lyra… patience. That is strength."
---
Aftermath
The molten portal collapsed, leaving a scar across the Academy grounds. The Ascendants that survived fled through faint residual energy, carrying tales of Kaelith's power.
> [System Notification: Trial of the Molten Ascendants – Cleared]
[NP Earned Total: 6,900]
[NP: 31,500]
Kaelith opened the Shop Menu, scanning available items with his newly acquired NP:
> [SHOP – Negative Points Currency]
– Abyssal Core Artifact – 15,000 NP
– Forbidden Combat Manual "Seven Fangs" – 2,000 NP
– Shadow Sigil Enhancement – 4,800 NP
– Lifespan Potion (Major) – 2,500 NP
– Escape Rune (200m) – 1,500 NP
– Emotional Catalyst Gem – 3,500 NP
> [NP: 31,500]
Lyra's eyes glimmered with awe. "Brother… you're… incredible… we… we've survived the impossible…"
Kaelith's gaze turned to the distant horizon, where faint traces of other portals shimmered. Observers from countless dimensions watched silently, their intentions unreadable.
> Nyxion purred darkly: "The molten portals have tested you, little pawn… but the true game begins… now. Others will come. Stronger. Deadlier. Prepare… and rise."
Kaelith's eyes hardened, reflecting molten light, silver aura, and deep shadows. Lyra pressed her small hand against his chest, anchoring him.
> "No hesitation… no mercy… we survive and rise. Whatever they send next… we will be ready."
The molten light faded, leaving the Academy in an uneasy calm. But far-off, distant observers and hidden portals shimmered faintly. The world had changed. Kaelith had risen. And the next trial loomed, promising greater challenges, darker foes, and the ultimate test of strategy, strength, and the bond between siblings.