Chapter 18: The Ember's Invitation
Morning in the Hollow Grove felt unreal.
Birdsong drifted gently through the glowing trees, though no birds could be seen. The air was soft, rich with scents of moss and magic. Resting beneath an ancient root system, Alex felt lighter—not just in body, but in soul. The Grove's blessing was more than protection. It was peace.
He hadn't known how heavy he'd been carrying his old self—until the Echo trial stripped it away.
Lyra approached quietly, carrying a bowl of pale green fruit. "You look different."
Alex looked up from sharpening his blade. "Do I?"
"Yeah," Brann called from nearby. "Less broody. Slightly less haunted."
"Still hot, though," Lyra added casually.
Alex flushed and coughed. "Thanks."
Before the moment could settle, a gust of wind cut through the trees—unnatural, cold.
Lyra's smile vanished. "Someone's here."
The forest reacted before they did.
Leaves twisted. Roots shifted. A canopy of silver-green shadows tightened above. The dryad's voice echoed faintly through the grove:
"A visitor comes, bearing flame not hostile… but not welcome."
From between the trees emerged a tall figure clad in robes of scorched red and black. His hair was silver, and flame tattoos glowed faintly across his brow and neck. A symbol—a broken sun—was stitched over his chest.
He bowed, eyes lingering on Alex.
"I come not as foe," he said. "I bring word from the Ember Accord."
Brann's hand hovered near his weapon. "The rebel Flamebound?"
The man nodded. "We prefer the term Sovereign Remnants."
Alex stood. "What do you want?"
"Only to speak," the emissary said, voice smooth. "You've awakened a Soulbrand. A Crimson one. That hasn't happened in five centuries. The Obsidian Inquisition will burn the world to stop you."
He stepped forward slightly, ignoring the shifting roots under his feet.
"But we will not."
Lyra narrowed her eyes. "Why should we trust you?"
"Because your enemy is ours. And because the Accord knows where the next Soulheart lies."
Silence.
Then Alex said, "Where?"
The emissary smiled faintly. "That's not a gift freely given. It must be earned. The Accord has issued a challenge: if you can withstand the Trial of Emberveil, you will earn our allegiance—and the next piece of the Sovereign Legacy."
Alex studied the man. His voice held no deceit. But there was weight in his gaze. Like he was measuring him.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then you'll walk into the storm alone," the emissary said. "The Inquisition grows bolder. And not all of their soldiers are human anymore."
Alex exchanged a glance with Lyra and Brann.
He already knew the answer.
"I'll take the trial."
Later that night, under silver moonlight, Alex sat alone at the grove's edge.
His thoughts swirled—faster than even his flame.
He had power now. He had allies. But everything was escalating. The Inquisition wouldn't stop. And if more Soulhearts existed, he needed to find them before the Order did.
He clenched his fist, Soulbrand markings glowing faintly.
"I won't run," he whispered. "Not again."
Behind him, Lyra's voice was soft. "You're not alone."
He looked back.
She smiled—gentle, but fierce. "And you're not the boy who woke up in the forest anymore."
He reached for her hand—and this time, she didn't pull away.
Status Window — Alex (Lv. 19)
Name: Alex
Race: Human (Transmigrated Soul)
Age: 15 (Chronologically 25)
Class: Crimson Sovereign (Rare – Rank I)
Health: 374 / 390
Mana: 224 / 240
Strength: 24
Agility: 20
Endurance: 21
Magic Affinity: 25
Soul Resonance: 34
Charisma: 16
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
Echo Reversal (Passive defense vs illusions/emotional attacks)
Combat Techniques:
Crimson Lance
Ember Surge
Flame Lash
Heatstep
Spirit Barrier (New — grants minor resistance to mental debuffs in nature zones)
Equipment:
Flameforged Blade
Soulbrand Cloak
Reinforced Armor
Sylvalis Token
Ember Accord Emissary's Medallion (Quest Item)