Chapter 161: The Lava That Defies
Some years later...
On a distant world bathed in flame, the planet Kronyx turned slowly beneath the weight of its triple suns. The sky was a blazing orange canvas, streaked with molten clouds, and hanging above the jagged peaks of obsidian mountains were three suns, their reflections shimmering over rivers of lava that flowed like veins through the land.
This was a planet where oceans burned instead of surged. Where lava lakes gurgled with soft, rhythmic hisses. Where humanoids of fire, the Krovekans, lived in a harmony only those born of flame could understand.
In the molten city of Zal’Torrah, spires made of blackrock towered high. On narrow bridges suspended above the lava, the Krovekans walked—fiery red and orange skin glistening, two antennae rising from their heads, sensing every heat shift in the air. The smell of sulfur and embers filled the streets like perfume.
Children with gleaming copper eyes dashed playfully between magma vents.
"Look at the sky," one of the Krovekan women said softly, lifting her head. Her eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"The third sun is fully visible today... It’s rare."
She stood still, mesmerized by the celestial alignment. The other Krovekans glanced upward, smiles forming. It was considered a good omen.
Then—
A shadow fell over the square.
Children stopped mid-play. Conversations broke. The air—hot and dry—suddenly felt heavier, darker.
Hovering above them, cloaked in a dark aura, was a man. His presence didn’t belong. His skin wasn’t born of flame, nor his soul. A dark general descended with a slow flap of blackened, ash-forged wings, his armor adorned with symbols none recognized—symbols of Zorwath, the World-Ender.