The dawn stretched crimson across the eastern sky as Kaelen and Haran began their journey. The southern highlands were a harsh land of rocky peaks and deep valleys, home to fierce Lords whose allegiances could tip the scales of power.
Kaelen's horse thundered over cracked earth, his mind racing with the weight of the warning from the Crystal Lowlands.
"The Lord of Embers," he murmured, "Whoever he is… his awakening means the game changes."
Haran rode close beside him, gripping his hammer with a firm grip. "And the betrayal brewing at home?"
Kaelen's jaw tightened. "Worse than we feared. We must move fast."
Hours later, the land around them grew colder, and ash began to drift on the wind. The sky darkened not with clouds, but with smoke and fiery embers swirling like a malevolent storm.
"Look!" Haran pointed.
A massive winged silhouette blotted out the sun — a dragon with scales glowing like molten rock, trailing flames from its maw. It soared low over the mountain peaks, a harbinger of destruction.
Kaelen's system beeped, flashing a new alert:
WARNING: ENTITY DETECTED — DRACONIC LIFEFORM, HIGH THREAT LEVEL
"By the Ancients…" Kaelen whispered.
As they entered the highland capital, stone towers crowned with fireproof glass shimmered in the smoky air. Lords clad in heavy armor awaited them, their expressions guarded.
"Kaelen of the Flame Council," boomed Lord Draven, a towering man with scars tracing his face like battle maps. "Your summons have disturbed our peace. What brings you to the southern peaks?"
Kaelen bowed respectfully. "We seek alliance. A darkness stirs in the west — the Lord of Embers. The Crystal Lowlands have spoken. We cannot face this threat divided."
Murmurs rippled through the gathered Lords.
"Is this but rumor, or have you proof?" demanded Lady Morwen, her icy gaze piercing.
Kaelen stepped forward, pulling forth a shard of crystal pulsing with the ley-line energy they had claimed. "This message came to us from the Lowlands. We must unite our forces before the flames consume us all."
The Lords convened in the ancient Hall of Ember, where walls were etched with the history of volcanic eruptions and legendary battles.
Debates raged for hours. Some Lords feared the rise of another power disrupting their sovereignty. Others remembered the old wars and the devastation of unchecked dragons.
Kaelen listened, patience worn thin but tempered with diplomacy.
Finally, Lord Draven stood. "We will send scouts and soldiers to your aid. But know this — the South answers to no one but itself."
Kaelen nodded, accepting the fragile truce. "Together, we stand a chance. Divided, we fall."
Outside the hall, Haran approached a stone altar glowing with molten veins.
"You seek to join us," a booming voice echoed.
From the molten rock emerged a fiery elemental, blazing with intense heat.
"To fight alongside the Lords of the South, you must prove your worth in the Trial of Ash."
Without hesitation, Haran gripped his hammer and stepped forward.
The Trial tested his endurance and strength — battling searing flames, dodging fiery tendrils, and confronting visions of the destruction dragons had wrought centuries ago.
Hours passed until the elemental bowed, its flames dimming.
"You are worthy, warrior."
Haran returned to Kaelen, sweat and soot covering his armor, but eyes alight with pride.
Meanwhile, far from the southern peaks, Kaelen's sister, Lyra, traveled with her rare summon beasts and her own new companion — a young Lord from the Mistwood Plains named Corin, whose summoning class specialized in ethereal and spirit beasts.
Their arrival at the village marked the beginning of a bond that promised strength and harmony.
Lyra's summons evolved rapidly alongside Corin's spirits, their synergy growing as they learned each other's powers. The villagers whispered of their potential — a perfect match in both battle and heart.
Kaelen and Haran prepared their forces, forging new alliances and training recruits with the promise of evolution and power.
But beyond the mountains, ash fell like snow, and the sky was rent with the shadow of wings. The Lord of Embers was awakening.
A fiery roar echoed through the valleys.
The time of peace was ending.