The train station was a frenzy of activity. As Adonis and Felix arrived, they were greeted by crowds of people, all desperate to flee the chaos of the burning city. The air was thick with tension, and the smoke from distant fires still clung to the wind. These were citizens who wanted no part of the conflict—neither the protesters nor the authorities—just individuals trying to escape the violence.
Adonis quickly pulled Felix aside, away from the prying eyes of the crowds. He handed him a sizable payment for his assistance and, with a cold tone, warned Felix to keep his distance from the City Council and the Underworld. If anyone discovered Felix knew that Adonis had survived, it could lead to trouble for both of them. Felix nodded in understanding, his eyes wide with fear, as he accepted the money.
"Stay away from all of this," Adonis advised sternly. "You never saw me. You never knew me. If the Council or the Underworld catches even a whiff of you knowing something, they'll hunt you down."
Felix gave a nervous nod, then mumbled a farewell before quickly disappearing into the crowd. Adonis watched him go, knowing that was likely the last time they would ever cross paths.
Without any luggage, Adonis made his way to the platform and boarded the train bound for the capital. He chose a second-class seat, wanting to blend in as much as possible with the other travelers. He had no desire to draw attention to himself. After settling in, he ordered a coffee from a passing attendant and stared out the window, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
The train began its slow departure from the station, and as it gained speed, Adonis caught one final glimpse of the city in the distance. Flames rose high into the sky, the orange glow of fire consuming everything in its path. The sounds of conflict, even from this far, echoed in his mind. A sense of regret washed over him as he considered the destruction he had caused. He had turned a peaceful city into a battlefield, using the lives of its people as pawns in his game. The thought of it twisted in his gut, but he forced himself to remain calm.
He couldn't afford to look back now. He had escaped, and the future awaited him in the capital. His mission, his survival, and his ascension in the Chain Path were all that mattered.
As the train rumbled on, Adonis turned his thoughts toward his goals. He knew that in the capital, things would be different. He had no allies there, no connections, and no safety net. It would be a new game, with new players and new risks. But he was ready for it.
He began mentally reviewing what he knew about the Ascendant Paths. The Chain Path, the one he had chosen, offered immense power if one could climb its ranks, but it was not the only path available to those seeking ascension.
The Puppeteer's Path, for instance, was a route that focused on controlling and manipulating others, pulling their strings from the shadows. It required a sharp mind and the ability to remain unseen, perfect for spies and manipulators. Then there was the Warrior's Path, a more straightforward route of raw strength and combat prowess. Warriors could tear through their enemies with sheer force, but their reliance on physical power left them vulnerable in other areas.
Adonis only knew bits and pieces about other paths. The Beastmaster Path granted control over animals and creatures, bending them to the will of the ascendant, while the Elemental Titan Path focused on wielding the raw elements, summoning storms, flames, and the earth itself as weapons. These paths required deep, ritualistic knowledge, and their advancement rituals were often shrouded in secrecy.
But like most in the lower ranks, much of the higher sequences were classified. Only those who had climbed beyond the Initiate and Adept stages could understand the full scope of what each path offered. Even the rituals and requirements to advance from one rank to the next were often hidden, passed down through secretive means.
Adonis sipped his coffee, savoring the warmth as he pondered his own journey. He was still just an Initiate in the Chain Path, but he had already started unlocking its potential—using invisible chains to manipulate fate, control others, and ensure his survival in dangerous situations. The path ahead, however, was steep. The requirements to advance to Adept were unclear, and the higher ranks were an enigma.
He thought back to what little knowledge he had acquired about ascension. Humans could become ascendants by bonding with otherworldly forces, gaining power through rituals, deals, and sometimes ancient relics. But the journey was fraught with danger, and even a slight misstep could lead to madness or death.
As the train continued speeding toward the capital, the once-burning city slowly disappeared from view, replaced by the vast and open landscape of the Empire. The peaceful countryside stood in stark contrast to the turmoil he had left behind.
Adonis shook off the lingering regrets. What was done was done. Now, he needed to focus on surviving the capital, advancing his rank, and continuing his quest for power. The Heart of Nox, now in his possession, pulsed faintly within his coat pocket. It was a key to something greater, but for now, its mysteries remained locked away.
He looked out the window, the sun dipping low on the horizon. The capital, and his next challenge, awaited.