Chapter 89 - Trial of the Eternal Flame
The seven pillars of black smoke climbed into the crimson sky.
Each one marked the advance of the Eclipse Court.
The silence of the Ashen Cradle was broken by distant explosions.
Kai tightened his grip on the Star-forged Spear.
"We're out of time."
---
Solara remained perfectly calm.
The white-maned Solar Flame Lion stood beside her, its golden eyes fixed on the horizon.
"It has already begun."
She looked at Kai.
"The Eclipse Court is not here for me."
"They are here for the Flame Heart."
---
The Book of Infinite Beasts materialised.
Mission Updated
Primary Objective
Protect the Flame Heart.
Failure Condition:
The Sixth Star Fragment falls into enemy hands.
Estimated Time Remaining:
6 Hours 41 Minutes
---
Selene frowned.
"What exactly is the Flame Heart?"
Solara placed her hand on the silent volcano.
The mountain responded immediately.
Ancient crimson runes spread across its surface.
The earth trembled.
A hidden passage slowly opened beneath their feet.
"It is the source of every sacred flame in the Ember Wastes."
"If it is corrupted..."
"The entire continent will burn for a thousand years."
---
The group entered the underground passage.
The air became strangely cool.
Walls of black obsidian reflected rivers of molten gold flowing beneath transparent crystal.
Ancient murals covered the tunnel.
They depicted the Six Guardians standing beside the First Beast Sovereign.
But Kai noticed something strange.
A tenth figure had once stood beside them.
Its face had been deliberately scratched away.
---
The Book reacted.
Historical Record
Evidence of intentional erasure detected.
Estimated Age:
8,000–10,000 years.
---
Ignis narrowed his eyes.
"Someone has been rewriting history for a very long time."
---
After nearly an hour of walking...
The tunnel opened into an enormous underground chamber.
At its centre floated a sphere of brilliant white fire.
It did not burn the stone around it.
Instead...
Flowers of living flame bloomed beneath it.
The entire cavern radiated peaceful warmth.
The Book glowed brightly.
Sacred Object Identified
The Flame Heart
Status:
Pure
Linked Guardian:
Solara
Linked Star Fragment:
Sixth
---
Before anyone could approach—
The chamber shook violently.
A section of the ceiling collapsed.
Dark-armoured Beast Tamers landed one after another.
More than fifty elite warriors surrounded the chamber.
At their head stood a woman dressed in crimson-black armour.
Unlike Lucien...
She carried no weapon.
Instead, six rings of black fire floated around her.
The Book analysed her.
Enemy Analysis
Name: Lady Vesper
Title:
Second Commander of the Eclipse Court
Contract Beast:
Abyssal Fire Serpent
Threat Level:
★★★★★★
---
Lady Vesper smiled politely.
"So this is where the Beast Sovereign has been hiding."
Kai stepped forward.
"I was wondering when you'd arrive."
She laughed softly.
"You're mistaken."
"I arrived yesterday."
"I've simply been waiting..."
"...for the Guardian to gather everyone in one place."
---
The Book flashed red.
Warning
Enemy Formation Complete.
Escape Routes:
Blocked
---
The Solar Flame Lion growled.
White fire erupted around its paws.
The temperature inside the cavern rose sharply.
Lady Vesper remained completely unfazed.
She gently snapped her fingers.
The six rings of black fire expanded into a massive hexagonal seal.
The Flame Heart trembled.
Its white flames flickered for the first time in thousands of years.
Solara's expression changed.
"No..."
"She's not trying to steal it."
"She's trying to extinguish it."
---
The Book displayed a new notification.
Hidden Trial Available
Trial of the Eternal Flame
Requirement:
Enter the Flame Heart.
Protect its spirit from corruption.
Warning:
Time flows differently within the sacred flame.
---
Kai looked at Solara.
"If I enter..."
"Can I still fight outside?"
She shook her head.
"No."
"Your body will remain here."
"Only your spirit can enter the Flame Heart."
Selene stepped beside him.
"We'll protect you."
Ignis spread his wings.
"No one will touch you."
The Crimson Flame Fox climbed onto Kai's shoulder.
"Where you go..."
"I go."
Kai smiled.
"Then let's save another Guardian."
He placed his hand upon the Flame Heart.
The white fire surrounded him.
The cavern vanished.
His spirit was drawn into an endless world made entirely of light and flame.
The Book of Infinite Beasts opened before him.
Hidden Trial Initiated
Trial of the Eternal Flame
Difficulty:
★★★★★★★
Objective:
Find the Spirit of Fire before the Eternal Flame is extinguished.
Outside the trial...
Lady Vesper's six black fire rings closed around Kai's motionless body.
She smiled.
"Let's see..."
"...whether your friends can protect you long enough."