Level One Flame Dragon Sword

Ethan spun, bringing his sword across the last soldier's chest in a clean arc. The man collapsed without a sound, and his Ascendant Core floated free for just a moment before vanishing into Ethan's inventory.

A soft chime echoed in his mind.

[Ascendant Cores collected: 50 / 50.]

The moment it happened, Ethan froze.

His grip on the hilt of the Flame Dragon Sword tightened—not from fear, but anticipation. The blade in his hand suddenly grew warm. Then hot. Then alive.

A deep crimson glow surged through the carvings along the weapon's length. Faint lines of golden light pulsed from the core at its base, moving like veins to the tip of the blade.

It was happening.

The Flame Dragon Sword was evolving.