Chapter 15: The Final Threshold
The air grew thin as Drakar, Taronis, and Kaelen stepped onto the summit of the Cradle of Embers. The rocky path led to a massive archway carved into the side of the mountain—a doorway forged of obsidian and ancient silver, pulsing faintly with white-blue veins of light.
Kaelen's eyes narrowed. "Another door... do we ever get to just walk away after a battle?"
Taronis's expression remained calm, but a trace of unease flickered across his face. "This is the Threshold of Ascendance. Beyond this door lies the final trial."
Drakar's heart thrummed in his chest. The power of the Ember Titan's Core Fragment still pulsed faintly at his side, a comforting hum that steadied his nerves.
"Are we ready for this?" Drakar asked.
Taronis nodded slowly. "The question isn't whether you're ready, Drakar. It's whether you can trust yourself to rise."
The ancient archway began to glow as they approached. Runes etched into the stone spiraled outward, forming intricate patterns that shimmered like constellations.
A voice filled the air—deep and resonant, ancient yet alive. You who have endured flame and shadow, step forward and be judged.
Drakar exchanged a glance with Kaelen, who gave him a small nod. "Well, no turning back now."
Taronis placed a hand on Drakar's shoulder. "Remember, this trial will not test your body alone, but your soul."
Drakar took a steadying breath and stepped through the archway.
The Hall of Mirrors and Flames
The world shifted as Drakar crossed the threshold. The air grew still, and a vast chamber unfolded before him. The floor was smooth as glass, reflecting the sky above—a swirling void filled with stars. Flames flickered along the walls, casting long, shifting shadows.
Kaelen and Taronis followed close behind. As they stepped forward, the reflections in the floor began to move independently, forming silhouettes of towering warriors, shadowy beasts, and familiar faces.
Drakar's breath caught in his throat. Among the reflections stood a figure clad in ceremonial armor—his father.
"Father...?" Drakar whispered.
The figure's golden eyes blazed as it stepped forward, drawing a massive greatsword etched with glowing runes.
Taronis's voice was quiet but firm. "It's not truly him."
The reflection raised its blade and pointed it toward Drakar. "Show me your worth."
The Trial of Inheritance
The reflection surged forward, the greatsword cleaving through the air with terrifying speed. Drakar barely raised his dagger in time to deflect the blow. Sparks flew as the impact sent him skidding backward.
Kaelen nocked an arrow, but the string refused to pull. He frowned. "I can't fire!"
Taronis stepped forward, his blade drawn. "Only Drakar can face this trial."
Drakar gritted his teeth and steadied his stance. His father's form was stronger, faster—but Drakar wasn't the same orc he had been.
The reflection's strikes came in rapid succession, each blow heavier than the last. Drakar ducked and weaved, the lessons from his training sharpening his movements. He lunged forward, aiming for the shadow's side, but the reflection caught his arm mid-strike and flung him across the chamber.
Pain shot through Drakar's shoulder as he rolled to a stop. He's too strong.
No, a voice echoed in his mind. You are stronger.
The Core Fragment at Drakar's side pulsed, and warmth spread through his veins. His breath slowed, and the world seemed to still.
Remember who you are.
Drakar rose to his feet, his eyes narrowing. His reflection raised its sword again, but this time, Drakar didn't hesitate. He focused his will, channeling the ember's hum through his body.
"Ignis Aegis." The words left his lips instinctively, and flames erupted around his arms, forming protective barriers of searing light.
The reflection's blade struck the shield of flames, but the force was absorbed and dispersed in a brilliant flash. Drakar stepped forward, his dagger burning with emberlight.
The reflection swung again, but Drakar was faster. He sidestepped, the heat of his shield blazing as he drove his dagger toward the reflection's chest. The blade pierced through the center, and the reflection let out a guttural cry as it dissolved into light.
The chamber grew quiet.
A New Flame
As the last of the light faded, a new form appeared—a flickering orb of flame, its glow soft yet powerful.
Taronis stepped forward. "The Flame of Ascendance... it chooses only those who have conquered their past."
The orb drifted toward Drakar and hovered before him. He reached out, and as his fingers brushed its surface, warmth filled his entire being. The Core Fragment fused with the flame, glowing brighter.
Kaelen shielded his eyes. "By the stars... you're glowing."
Drakar clenched his fists, feeling the flame's pulse align with his own heartbeat. It was not a burden but a part of him—his inheritance, his resolve.
The chamber began to dissolve, and the stars above spiraled into a new path. The archway reappeared, leading back into the forest.
Taronis nodded with quiet pride. "You've passed the final trial."
Drakar's gaze was steady. "Then it's time to move forward."
Kaelen grinned. "I hope the next path has fewer fire spirits."
The trio stepped through the archway, the echoes of the past left behind. But Drakar knew the flame within him was just the beginning of something far greater.