Chapter 72: Throne of Ruin
The obsidian wind tore across the shattered plains as Valerian stood tall, his cloak snapping violently behind him. The ground beneath his feet was scorched glass, the aftershock of his last spell—a catastrophic burst of Abyssal Flame—still spiraling across the sky like writhing black dragons.
Bodies lay broken and burned in a jagged circle around him. Blood steamed against the heat, boiling on impact. From the ruptured horizon, more shadows began to rise—twenty... thirty... an entire battalion of Voidmarked Knights wearing the sigil of the Obsidian Conclave. Their armor was etched with runes of nullification. Their swords shimmered with anti-magic.
"Valerian," Kael growled from behind, stumbling as he caught his breath, armor torn open across the chest. "They keep coming."
Valerian’s crimson eyes narrowed. "Let them."
With a flick of his wrist, his System interface bled into view.
> [SYSTEM BOOST: WRATH UNCHAINED – 89% CORRUPTION]
Warning: Activation beyond this point may result in irreversible identity fracture.
He smiled bitterly. "Noted."
The Voidmarked came at him like a tidal wave—shields raised, formation perfect. Seraphina danced to his left, lightning arcing through her veins as her spear split the ground. She roared, eyes golden with rage, slicing into three at once, each blow charged with divine fury.
Selene descended from the air, her wings darkened by shadows, her silver-bladed staff spiraling through the necks of two captains. She landed beside Valerian, face pale but resolute.
"We’re outnumbered ten to one," she hissed, flicking ichor from her blade. "Your call, Valerian."