Chapter 52: Ashes of Light

The world known as Ashspire was no longer a world — just a scorched wasteland where glass replaced sand, and prayers were used as weapons.

Lian lay on a stretcher, half-conscious. The battle with Seraphim Dae'ra had left more than physical scars. His soul was strained. His will stretched.

The Citadel still stood… barely. Out of the original 79 survivors, 49 had made it.

The skies had stopped bleeding, but the air remained heavy with despair. Victory had been bought — but the price carved itself into everyone's memories.

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System Prompt

> World: Ashspire – Completed

World Difficulty: Tier 5

Clearance Rating: A+

Bonus Coins Earned: 230,000

Rewards Distributed

> New Unlock: Trial Branch Road – Level 2 Worlds Access Granted

New Talent Unlocked: Skybreaker's Oath (Bound to Soul)

• Once per world, negate a cataclysm-level event

• Cooldown: 30 Earth days

• Passive: Your voice echoes through dimensional folds. Allies gain +10 Morale when near.

Lian opened his eyes as the system voice faded. His body ached — but the pain reminded him: You're still alive.

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Campfire of the Broken

That night, the survivors sat in silence around a cracked fire pit made from angelic bones. The mood was fractured. Jayce tried to break the tension with a joke — it didn't land. Not this time.

Even the joker Boom was quiet, poking the fire with a stick.

Sera, the luck-sculpting gambler, shuffled a bloodstained deck. She drew a card.

> "Next world's cursed," she said. "I felt it. Like someone rigged the dice before we were even born."

Melia stared into the stars, seeing possible futures. Dozens. Hundreds. Most ended in death.

> "We'll be split up again. The system demands it."

The air went cold. Lian clenched his fists.

"Then we'll find each other," he said. "Even across hell."

Sera chuckled bitterly. "Damn right we will."

A soft chime interrupted the moment.

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System Alert: New World Assigned

> Next Destination: Yg'drakael – World of Infernal Blood

World Type: Demonic Invasion / Soulbound World

Tier: 6 (Exceedingly Hostile)

Entry Rule: No vehicle support. All skills temporarily suppressed.

System Warning: This world thrives on irreversible choices.

Lian blinked.

> "Wait, suppressed?"

> [Affirmative. You are being tested. Only your instincts, morals, and sacrifices matter in Yg'drakael.]

One final line appeared.

> Those who make the wrong choice will carry it forever.

Jayce whistled. "That's messed up."

Boom stood. "Then let's hope we're good at choosing."

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Two Hours Later: Dimensional Rift to Yg'drakael

They gathered at the gate — the survivors, now hardened. Lian stood at the front, his gear patched, his soul heavier. He turned one last time.

The sky of Ashspire was finally clear.

"Rest well," he said.

Then the gate opened — and the smell of burning blood flooded their senses.

They stepped into hell.

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Chapter End