Chapter 17: Whispers of the Hollow Grove
The flames from Vael's parting attack still flickered behind them as Alex, Lyra, and Brann pushed deeper into the wilderness. Ash rained like snow from the sky. The nearby ridgeline was scorched black, a burning scar that would be seen from miles away.
"We can't stay on open ground," Lyra said between breaths. "The Order's scouts will be drawn to that display."
Brann nodded grimly. "They'll sniff out the mana signature. We need a place the flames can't reach."
Lyra's gaze shifted to the east—toward the dark fringe of a forest that seemed untouched by fire. Its trees were ancient, towering things with bark the color of bone and leaves that shimmered silver-green under the moonlight.
"The Hollow Grove," she murmured.
Alex frowned. "That sounds...friendly."
Brann laughed once, humorless. "That place eats flame. Literally. The old spirits there hate fire."
"Perfect," Lyra said. "They won't sense Alex's flame aura inside. It's the only place the Inquisition won't follow."
Alex hesitated.
"Anything I should know?" he asked.
Lyra gave him a tired smile. "Just... don't light anything."
---
They crossed the threshold of the Hollow Grove just before midnight.
It was like entering another world.
The temperature dropped instantly. The air turned still, and the noise of the world beyond—the crackling fire, the cries of birds, even the whispering wind—vanished entirely.
Inside, the forest glowed faintly. Tiny motes of pale green light floated between the trees. Every leaf rustled without wind, and Alex could swear some of them turned to face him as they passed.
The deeper they went, the more the sensation grew—of being watched.
Brann kept one hand on his sword. Lyra walked calmly but cautiously. Alex, on the other hand, felt his flame curl inward. Like it was trying to hide.
He stopped beside a massive tree with roots like coiled snakes and placed a hand on its bark.
It was cold. But alive. Ancient.
And then—
A voice spoke.
Not aloud. Inside.
> "Child of Flame. Why do you come to the grove of ashes?"
Alex tensed. Lyra spun toward him. "What is it?"
Alex's eyes widened. "Something's talking to me. In my head."
The voice spoke again, this time stronger.
> "You bear a flame not born of this world. A Sovereign seed. It burns loud. Too loud."
> "It draws ruin. And war."
Alex stepped forward, instinctively. "I didn't ask for this power."
> "None ever do. But now that it burns within you… it must be balanced. Or it will consume more than just you."
From the mist ahead, a figure emerged.
Not human.
A dryad, draped in vines and shimmering bark. Her eyes glowed with the same pale green light as the forest itself. She was beautiful—but not in a mortal way. She was the forest.
Lyra bowed low. Brann took a knee.
Alex remained standing.
"I don't want to bring destruction," he said. "I want to protect. To control it."
The dryad's head tilted slightly.
> "Then you must pass the Grove's trial. Enter the heartwood. Face your Echo. Survive it."
Alex glanced at Lyra. "Another trial?"
Lyra nodded. "This one's older than the Soulheart. You'll be alone. Even I can't follow."
Brann muttered, "You're collecting death trials like badges, kid."
Alex took a breath. "Let's get it over with."
---
At the center of the Grove stood a massive tree—wider than a fortress tower, its bark covered in living runes. The dryad opened a hollow in its trunk, revealing a dark passage.
Alex stepped inside.
The tree closed behind him.
And then—silence.
> [Entering Trial of Reflection: Echo Chamber]
Objective: Defeat Your Mirror
Warning: Emotional and Mental Feedback is Lethal if Not Managed
The darkness swirled.
And from it stepped—himself.
But not who he was now.
The old Alex. The one from Earth. Small. Pale. Hollow-eyed. Weak.
"You think you've changed?" the Echo whispered. "You're still that scared boy in a dorm, crying over rejection letters. Still worthless."
Alex clenched his fists. "No. I'm stronger now."
The Echo laughed. "You just got lucky. Power dropped into your lap. That's not strength."
They circled each other. Flame lit in Alex's hands. Shadow clung to the Echo's fingers.
"You're scared of becoming someone," the Echo said. "Because that means leaving me behind."
Alex stepped forward. "Then let me show you how far I've come."
They clashed.
Flame versus memory. Strength versus doubt.
It wasn't just a fight—it was a reckoning.
And when the light finally faded—
Only Alex remained.
Breathing hard.
But whole.
---
The tree opened.
Alex emerged.
Eyes clearer.
Heart lighter.
The dryad bowed slightly. "The Grove accepts you."
Then, from the shadows—
> New Companion Trait Unlocked: Spiritbond - Sylvalis
The forest spirit Sylvalis watches over you. Grants resistance to spiritual attacks, mild healing while resting in nature, and dream-sense of approaching malice.
---
Status Window — Alex (Lv. 18)
Name: Alex
Race: Human (Transmigrated Soul)
Age: 15 (Chronologically 25)
Class: Crimson Sovereign (Rare – Rank I)
Health: 341 / 370
Mana: 201 / 230
Strength: 22
Agility: 18
Endurance: 20
Magic Affinity: 23
Soul Resonance: 31
Charisma: 15
Flame Affinity: +40%
Bonded Partner: Lyra [Soulflame Link – Active]
Spiritbond: Sylvalis [Passive – Nature Guardian]
Traits:
Soulbrand Embers
Burning Aura
Ash Rebirth
Soulbrand Pulse
Spiritbond – Sylvalis
Combat Techniques:
Crimson Lance
Ember Surge
Heatstep
Flame Lash
Echo Reversal (New – Anti-illusion passive)
Equipment:
Flameforged Blade
Soulbrand Cloak
Reinforced Armor
Sylvalis Token (Passive Nature Charm – Rare)