The storm rolled in with a whisper.
Liam stood at the head of his growing camp, the winds lashing through tents and banners. The Temple of Shattered Echoes loomed behind him—now turned into a base for his followers, a sanctuary reforged in golden runes. But the air was uneasy. The divine flame that usually hovered above the camp was flickering—dim, erratic.
Rune hovered near his shoulder, silent for the first time in hours.
"You feel it too," Liam murmured.
She gave a slow nod. "Something ancient stirs. This storm carries more than wind."
Behind him, Elira approached, her robes now woven with both cultic symbols and divine runes—a strange fusion of her past and present. Her face bore a tension he hadn't seen since their bond was formed.
"We need to talk," she said, glancing at Rune. "Alone."
Liam followed her into the temple's inner chamber. A divine circle shimmered on the ground—part ward, part communication sigil.
"There's something I haven't told you," Elira said. "About the cult. About their god."
"I thought they worship demons," Liam said, arms crossed.
"They do. But not just any demon." She took a breath. "They're preparing to summon something old—Varkareth, the Black God of Chains."
---
[STATS UPDATED]
Name: Liam Carson
Level: 13
Faith Points: 1,850
Followers: 264
Divine Rank: Lesser Divinity
Stats:
Strength: 40
Speed: 47
Endurance: 45
Intelligence: 51
Charisma: 34
Divine Energy: 660/660
Bonded Ally: Elira [Divine Link Active]
Shared Ability: Twin Judgment – Cast synchronized divine attack.
Synchronicity Bonus: +5% to all divine skills when fighting together.
New Skill Unlocked:
Divine Barrier (Lv. 1): Create a protective shield for up to 3 allies. Cost: 60 Divine Energy.
---
"The cult's rituals," Elira continued, pacing, "are sacrifices meant to break Varkareth's chains. He was bound by the old gods before they died—before belief faded."
"And now they're trying to bring him back?" Liam's eyes glowed gold with restrained fury.
"To enslave the world under darkness," she said. "Once he's free, the God System won't matter. He'll devour all divinity."
Rune's glow dimmed. "If that happens… even I won't be able to protect you."
Liam turned to the circle. "Where is the summoning site?"
Elira pointed to a mark on the edge of the map Rune projected—a ruined mountain fortress named Kareth's Spine.
"That's three days east," Liam said. "We march at first light."
"No," Elira whispered. "They'll finish the binding in two."
---
March of the Faithful
Liam gathered his followers—nearly three hundred strong now. Warriors. Healers. Farmers turned into blade-bearers. They gathered under banners of red and gold, each blessed by Liam's hand.
He stood atop a high rock, voice amplified by divine energy.
"The cult thinks it can chain our future. That it can summon a god of cruelty and fear. But we—we will show them that faith is fire, and that we are not afraid."
The people erupted in cheers.
Talia stepped beside him, still bruised but determined. "I've scouted ahead. The valley before the fortress is crawling with demonspawn. You'll need more than swords."
Liam turned to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Then I'll give you wings."
---
[SYSTEM UPDATE – ANGELIC ASCENSION]
> Do you wish to elevate follower [Talia] to Angel Class I?
Cost: 800 Faith Points
Confirm?
Liam didn't hesitate. "Confirm."
> [Faith Points -800]
Follower [Talia] has ascended to Angelic Vanguard.
Wings unlocked.
Divine Weapon created: Spear of Radiant Wrath
Talia gasped as golden light engulfed her body. Feathers of burning gold burst from her back, forming radiant wings. Her armor reforged itself—sleek, divine, inlaid with runes. The Spear of Radiant Wrath materialized in her hand.
When the light faded, she knelt. "I will burn them all, my god."
Elira blinked. "You gave her… angelhood."
Liam nodded. "She's earned it."
---
The Assault on Kareth's Spine
Lightning forked across the sky as Liam's army marched up the cliffs toward the dark mountain. On its peak stood Kareth's Spine, shrouded in unholy mist.
Demonspawn howled from the crags—twisted creatures of horns and broken flesh, servants of the cult. Their shrieks echoed like rusted bells.
Liam raised his staff of light. "No mercy. No fear. Go."
Talia led the charge, a golden comet crashing into the first wave of demons. Her spear sang with fury as she cut down creature after creature.
Liam followed, casting Divine Barrier over clusters of his warriors, shielding them from hellfire. Elira fought beside him, launching black-gold blasts of energy from her hands.
"More coming from the east ridge!" someone shouted.
Rune whispered, "Liam—use Twin Judgment. Now!"
He locked eyes with Elira. "Together."
They lifted their arms, palms glowing, and shouted as one:
> "Twin Judgment!"
A massive double helix of divine energy spiraled skyward before crashing down into the enemy ranks. The explosion vaporized an entire squad of demons, carving a path through the chaos.
---
Inside the Fortress
By nightfall, the outer battle was won. But inside the fortress, the summoning ritual had begun. Blood runes glowed across the walls. Chained priests chanted in a forgotten tongue.
At the center of the chamber floated a pulsing black orb. From it, whispers crawled into Liam's ears.
> Liam... chosen child of wrath... you are not so different from me...
He stepped forward. "Varkareth," he growled.
A form took shape within the orb—vague, monstrous, with a crown of shadow and a thousand eyes.
> Kill me, and become me...
Rune's voice trembled. "Don't listen. That's how it begins."
Liam raised his staff, light blinding.
But Elira stopped him. "Wait. Listen."
He hesitated.
Elira closed her eyes. "There's something inside the orb... trapped..."
She touched it.
A wave of pain lashed through the chamber—and suddenly, her eyes rolled back.
"Elira!" Liam shouted.
She collapsed.
The orb cracked.
And a figure stepped out—not a demon, but a young man with silver eyes and black chains wrapped around his limbs.
"I… am Auron," the boy whispered. "The first god."
---
End of Chapter 26