Chapter 16: The Inquisitor's Judgement
The wind shifted.
The flames in the distance parted like curtains, and through the red smoke, he came.
Inquisitor Vael.
He walked with the precision of a blade already in motion—unhurried, but unstoppable. His cloak billowed behind him, the deep red of sanctioned blood. His mask, carved from the bleached skull of a flamebeast, stared with hollow, glowing eyes.
Alex felt the weight of his presence hit like a tidal wave.
It wasn't just power—it was a declaration.
[Enemy Class Identified: Flame Executioner - Rank III]
Threat Level: Severe
Estimated Victory Probability (Solo): 18%
Recommended: Bonded Combat or Evasion
Lyra stepped in front of Alex, hand already wrapped in flame. "He's not here to talk."
Brann unsheathed his curved blade. "I'll flank. You two hit him hard and fast."
Alex clenched his fists. The Soulbrand markings pulsed, heat radiating from his skin. "Let's see how far I've come."
Vael raised one hand.
The ground beneath them erupted.
A line of flame tore through the earth, shooting toward them like a dragon's roar. Brann rolled aside, narrowly dodging the inferno. Lyra launched forward, meeting fire with fire—her blade colliding with Vael's with a screech of searing metal.
Alex followed, leaping high, channeling the Soulbrand into his palm. Mid-air, his flame erupted into a lance, striking downward.
Vael didn't even move.
He raised his gauntlet—sigils flared—and Alex's lance shattered like glass.
Then—
Vael vanished.
Reappeared behind Alex.
A fist slammed into his spine, launching him forward like a meteor.
He hit the ground hard, pain lancing through him.
[HP -43]
[Burning Aura: Holding]
[Ash Rebirth: Not Available]
Blood in his mouth, Alex rose, staggering—but smiling.
Because Lyra caught Vael mid-step, pinning him down with a burst of pure, golden-red soulflame.
"NOW!" she screamed.
Alex roared, soulfire igniting completely—his eyes two crimson stars.
He rushed forward, both hands engulfed in flame, and struck.
Once. Twice. Three times.
Vael reeled back, his mask cracking.
"You've touched the Sovereign's Path," he said, voice metallic and cold. "You should not exist."
"I do," Alex growled. "And I'm just getting started."
Then—he unleashed his new trait.
[Soulbrand Embers: Activated]
Each strike leaves residual heat signatures—accumulated over time into a burst of force.
The ground cracked beneath them as Alex exploded with burning pressure, forcing Vael back several steps. Brann darted in, his blade finding the Inquisitor's ribs.
Lyra struck again.
And this time, Alex felt it—they were pushing him back.
Until—
Vael raised a black crystal.
"Enough," he spat.
A surge of forbidden flame swallowed the field.
"FALL BACK!" Lyra screamed.
They barely escaped—leaping from the collapsing ridgeline as the world behind them burned. The flames roared into the sky, but they survived. Barely.
Alex coughed hard as Lyra helped him up. "He retreated?"
"No," she said. "He marked you."
Brann cursed. "That means more of them are coming."
Alex wiped blood from his lip, eyes still glowing.
"Let them."
Status Window — Alex (Lv. 17)
Name: Alex
Race: Human (Transmigrated Soul)
Age: 15 (Chronologically 25)
Class: Crimson Sovereign (Rare – Rank I)
Health: 312 / 356
Mana: 185 / 215
Strength: 21
Agility: 17
Endurance: 18
Magic Affinity: 22
Soul Resonance: 29
Charisma: 14
Flame Affinity: +40%
Bonded Partner: Lyra [Soulflame Link – Active]
Traits:
Soulbrand Embers: Each consecutive strike builds residual flame damage
Burning Aura: Debuffs enemy morale and reflexes within 10m
Ash Rebirth: Revives with 30% HP once daily near a bonded ally
Soulbrand Pulse: Buffs allies' flame resistance and synergy
Combat Techniques:
Flame Lash (Basic)
Ember Surge (Mid-tier)
Crimson Lance (Evolved Spell)
Heatstep (Mobility skill)
Equipment:
Flameforged Blade (Uncommon)
Soulbrand Cloak (Rare – Bonded Artifact)
Reinforced Leather Armor (Enhanced)