CHAPTER 9 INFERNO PACT

Legacy of Shadows – Chapter 9: Inferno Pact

The Summit of Silence never changed—gray skies, ancient stone, and an air of anticipation. But Kael had changed.

He had passed two trials. Shadows danced a little less violently within him. His aura—once clouded with doubt—was beginning to shine through the cracks.

But now, he stood before the third portal, burning with searing reds and oranges. Flames licked at its edges, and the air around it shimmered from the heat.

"The Trial of Fire," Kael said.

Cynthia gave him a tight nod. "This one won't be like the others. Fire isn't about reflection or stagnation. It's rage. It's will. The trial bearer… is known as the Flamebound Titan."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "Titan?"

"You'll see."

He stepped into the portal—and the world ignited around him.

Trial of Fire – The Ashlands of Embra

Kael emerged into a land consumed by flame.

Volcanoes bled rivers of molten lava. Ash choked the sky, casting the world in a perpetual red twilight. The ground beneath him was cracked obsidian and coal.

Gengar hovered beside him, unnerved.

They walked through the infernal wasteland, passing scorched remains of towers and blackened statues of warriors. The heat was unbearable. But what truly pressed down on Kael was the anger. The very land vibrated with fury.

At the heart of a lava basin stood an arena—circular, surrounded by lavafalls. And at its center…

A giant.

He stood nearly twelve feet tall, his body armored in volcanic stone. Glowing magma pulsed beneath his skin like veins of fury. Horns jutted from his helm, and a massive sword of fire rested on his back.

"I am Baldur, the Flamebound Titan," he rumbled. "Chosen of Moltres. Guardian of the Fire Pact."

Kael swallowed hard.

"This land burned because we let it," Baldur said. "To test who among mortals has the will to rise from the ashes. If you wish to pass, prove your flame burns hotter than mine."

He slammed his sword into the ground, and the battle began.

Battle: Kael vs. Baldur, the Flamebound Titan

Baldur unleashed his Pokémon—Typhlosion (Hisuan form), its flames blue and ghostly.

Kael called forth Ceruledge, the perfect answer.

The battlefield quaked with their clash.

Typhlosion opened with Infernal Parade, ghostly firebombs hurtling toward Ceruledge. Kael countered fast—"Dodge and close in! Use Bitter Blade!"

Ceruledge danced through the air, slashing with fiery swords. Typhlosion took the hit—but grinned. Then exploded with Eruption, sending Ceruledge flying.

Kael grimaced. "It's tanky. Go for unpredictability. Shadow Sneak!"

Ceruledge vanished into the arena's shadows, then struck from below. Typhlosion faltered.

Kael saw his chance. "Finish it—Bitter Blade, full force!"

The slash connected—Typhlosion roared, staggered… and fell.

But Baldur only smirked. "Good. Very good."

Then he stepped onto the battlefield.

"You passed the Pokémon trial. But the fire within? That's yours to prove."

Baldur's body burst into flames. His eyes glowed like twin suns. "Face me, Shadowbearer. Not as a Trainer—but as a soul."

Trial of the Flame – Soul to Soul

Kael felt heat enter his chest. Gengar and Ceruledge stepped back as a circle of fire enclosed him and Baldur.

"Inside this ring," Baldur boomed, "your power manifests not in Pokémon—but in will. Show me the fire you hold within."

Kael gritted his teeth. "Bring it on."

The flames around them rose. Kael felt his aura flare—memories of loss, of rejection, of years spent running from who he was. But beneath the pain… something else.

Resolve.

He rushed forward.

A punch connected.

So did Baldur's.

Back and forth, aura against aura—clashing, searing, breaking. Kael fell once. Twice. But every time, he stood again. Blood trickled down his lip. Baldur's flames blazed ever higher.

But Kael didn't stop.

"I'm not the same boy who was scared of failing," he growled. "I've walked through shadows. I've faced my own darkness. I burn with purpose."

His aura exploded into a spiral of silver and violet flames. Gengar roared in unison. The Summit of Silence felt it.

Kael raised his hand—flame gathering at his palm—and struck Baldur in the chest.

A flash of light.

Silence.

Then… Baldur laughed.

"HA! That's the fire of a king. You passed."

The flames died down.

Reward – The Ember Pact

Baldur knelt and pressed a hand to the ground. A symbol of flame etched itself into Kael's palm.

"The Ember Pact," he said. "You may now call on the power of fire—once per trial, your will can burn through any single shadow."

Kael's eyes widened. "What does that mean?"

"You'll know when the time comes."

The arena faded as Kael was pulled back into the portal.

Return to the Summit

Kael emerged, breathing hard, his fists still warm from the battle.

Cynthia stepped forward, amazed. "You fought the Titan. Alone?"

Kael nodded, showing her the mark on his palm. "Three trials down."

The Arbiter whispered once more, "The flame burns within you. But even fire fears time…"

Kael looked up.

Three trials remained—Steel, Light, and Time.

And deep inside, something stirred again.

A whisper—not just from the shadows.

But from the past.

End of Chapter 9

(Next: Chapter 10 – Steelheart)