The villagers of Elderspire fell to their knees, terror gripping their hearts as the skies raged above. Jagged bolts of crimson lightning forked across the heavens, illuminating the monstrous figure hurtling toward the earth—Lucifer, cast from the celestial plane. His fall ignited a blazing inferno that scorched the air and shattered the land's fragile peace.
Jackeal, still reeling from the surge of cosmic energy coursing through his veins, struggled to rise. His vision swam with symbols and ancient prophecies he couldn't yet comprehend. The disembodied voice that commanded him still echoed faintly in his mind, urging him forward.
The villagers' shouts pulled him back to reality. They scrambled for cover as fiery debris rained from the sky. Elder Kaelen staggered back, fear contorting his face. His belief in Jackeal's guilt shattered, replaced by cold, undeniable truth—this was no trick.
---
Far Below, in the Abyssal Rift...
Lucifer crashed into a jagged, hellish chasm of molten rock and searing darkness. His wings, broken and scorched, lay limp against the jagged ground. He roared in defiance, rising despite his wounds, a malevolent flame burning in his hollow eyes.
"You think this prison can hold me?" he snarled, summoning dark mana in his clawed hands. He began to chant forbidden spells, ancient incantations he had hoarded for millennia. His voice reverberated across dimensions—until it was met with something far older.
A low, resonating chuckle echoed from the depths of the abyss. It wasn't mockery—it was amusement.
Lucifer hesitated. "Who dares—"
Before he could finish, unseen chains forged from primal darkness snapped into place, locking his limbs. His defiance twisted into rage, but his struggle only tightened the restraints.
---
Back on the Surface...
The ground erupted near Jackeal, forming a gaping fissure that seemed to tear reality itself. From its molten depths emerged twisted, monstrous shapes—Beasts, their flesh seething with infernal power. Horns like molten stone jutted from their grotesque heads, and their jagged claws shimmered with corrupt mana.
The villagers screamed in panic. Elder Kaelen roared commands, rallying what little remained of their fighting spirit. But against these demonic titans, mere steel was useless.
Jackeal stood his ground as three Beasts charged, their roars splitting the air. He raised his hand on instinct, and radiant energy exploded from within him, forming a protective barrier of celestial light. The Beasts' claws raked harmlessly across the shimmering shield.
"You are not ready... but you must fight."
The voice thundered again, its tone relentless. Jackeal's breath hitched as power surged once more, burning brighter than before. He clenched his fists, feeling strength he had never known—but he knew this was only the beginning.