The air here felt wrong. Thicker somehow, as though reality itself had been compressed. Every shadow seemed deeper, every sound slightly distorted. Atlas stayed close, his sensors constantly scanning their surroundings.
Within five minutes, they reached an intersection guarded by a trio of skeletons in rust-pitted armor. The undead sentinels wielded curved scimitars and dented round shields, an aura of blackish-violet Death Magic surrounding them. His monocle identified them all as Level 8 Skeletal Warriors.
“Ready, Atlas,” Justin said, his voice unnaturally muted.
The construct whirred in acknowledgment, drills extending as it positioned itself at Justin’s side.
The skeletons lurched forward in unison. Justin dodged the first attack with Gentleman’s Sidestep, bringing his cane down hard on a skeleton’s collarbone, causing it to crumple. Atlas’s drills made short work of the second warrior, boring through ribcage and spine alike. The third skeleton managed to score a glancing blow against Justin’s arm, only hitting his Founder’s Regalia, which was effective enough to repel the attack.
He pivoted and struck its skull from its shoulders with a precise strike. The skull continued to gnash its teeth even as it rolled away.
[You have gained 300 experience. Your experience stands at 8,775/22,000]
The yellow flames veered right at the intersection, flowing down a darkened corridor. Justin and Atlas continued to follow the fiery path, now more cautious of their surroundings.
“Stick close, Atlas,” Justin said.
After a few minutes of walking, they rounded a bend, where a gargoyle-like creature crouched atop a fallen pillar, its stone skin cracked to reveal molten veins beneath, wings half-unfurled. Justin’s monocle registered it as a Level 15 Magmagoyle with an elite rank.
“This one’s going to be trouble,” Justin said. “Ready?”
Atlas chirped, his drills spinning up.
The creature launched itself forward with surprising speed, jaws agape. Its claws left trails of fire in the air.
Atlas reacted instantly, executing a Drill Charge. The full-body slam caught the Magmagoyle mid-leap, driving it backward. The impact was enough to stun the creature, but Justin noticed that Atlas’s carapace glowed red where it had contacted the monster.
Justin didn’t waste the opportunity. He pointed his cane, unleashing a blast of icy air before striking the monster. The creature’s molten veins hissed and steamed as ice met fire. Justin followed with a rapid series of strikes, targeting the freezing cracks that spread across its body.
When the elite’s movements slowed and its inner light dimmed, Justin took a step back and readied his final attack.
“A pathetic display,” he said, lacing its defenses with Poison Barb before activating A Proper Sendoff.
His cane became a blur, striking the weakened guardian between its red-glowing eyes. The creature shattered, fragments of stone and cooling magma scattering across the floor.
[You have gained 300 experience. Your experience stands at 9,075/22,000]
They continued following the mysterious flame path. Over the next thirty minutes, they encountered more guardians—weathered skeletons with ancient weapons and a pair of zombies with pustulant green skin that reeked of sulfur. Each progressively higher-level enemy presented a unique challenge, from reanimating limbs to toxic clouds that forced Justin to take the hit and rely on his Ring of Hygiene to purify him. It wasn’t as effective as Lathalon’s Grace, and the pain was extreme, but it worked enough for him to down a proper antidote and healing potion. He would have switched to Lathalon’s Grace, but he knew he’d have to go back through the volcano and the fire baths soon.
Finally, the flames led them into a vast chamber dominated by broken columns that stretched toward the open ceiling, where purplish and brown whorls eddied. The temperature dropped several degrees despite the flames that continued to guide them.
The flame path wound between the fallen pillars, leading to a raised altar at the chamber’s center. Above it towered a massive stone statue that Justin immediately recognized: Ashralok herself. Her features were carved with exquisite detail, her body human below the neck, the Fyrspawn face above, with empty eye sockets that may have once held precious gems.
“Some sort of temple,” Justin murmured. “Hidden away in the Nether Realm.”
For good measure, Justin retrieved an ether crystal from his pack to top Atlas off. About half its light was extinguished before he was replenished. Atlas gave an appreciative chirp.
“Right. Let’s see what this is about.”
He and Atlas followed the flames as they led to a pedestal just before the statue. There rested a crystal the size of Justin’s fist. Unlike the vibrant, energy-filled crystals he had encountered before, this one was lifeless, a dull gray shell etched with complex runes that glowed faintly when Justin approached. They looked like the runes from Zanthera. Enchanted, then.
As Justin approached, the Sapphire Star beneath his shirt began to pulse with increased intensity. The dead crystal responded, vibrating as though it were awakening from a long slumber.
The closer Justin stepped, the stronger the crystal hummed.
“Something’s happening,” Justin murmured to Atlas, who chirped warily in response. “We should back up.”
He took a cautious step backward, but the Sapphire Star flared with blinding light, yanking him forward toward the crystal with an irresistible force.
Justin cried out as he was dragged forward, unable to resist the pull. Atlas scuttled after him, drills extended protectively.
The Star collided with the dead crystal, and upon contact, a blinding flash of yellow light erupted between them. The runes cracked and shattered as energy surged through the crystal, returning it to life as veins of golden radiance spread throughout its structure.
“That can’t be good,” Justin said, stepping back.
A low rumble filled the chamber. Before them, the massive statue of Ashralok began to shift. Thin fractures webbed along the stone surface, spreading like lightning. Chunks of stone cracked and fell away, revealing a blazing core of yellow flame within.
Justin stumbled backward as the transformation accelerated. The statue’s face split apart, releasing a column of intense yellow fire that spiraled upward. The remaining stone exploded outward, fragments turning to ash before they hit the ground. Atlas positioned himself between Justin and the flying debris, his metal body absorbing impacts that would have seriously injured his master.
Justin looked up, shielding his eyes from the brilliant light. Where the statue had stood moments before, a being of pure flame hovered above the altar, over seven feet tall. She had the perfect form of a woman, but with a head wreathed in dancing flames, eyes of swirling golden fire, and a mane of yellow flame cascading down her back. She was exactly as the statue had depicted her, but alive with energy that made the air itself vibrate with power.
Justin’s monocle supplied the information:
Ashralok, Demon Goddess of the Amber Flame
Level: 70
Rank: Ascendant
“Holy shit,” Justin breathed.
When Emberlyn had said “may she walk among us once more” in her prayers, it hadn’t been a mere devotional phrase. It had been a literal hope for the goddess’s return.
And it seemed like Justin had done just that. Somehow, this powerful entity had been imprisoned in the Nether Realm, bound by magic that only an Ascendant artifact like the Sapphire Star could break. It was perhaps even the reason why he had been drawn here in the first place.
The goddess’s burning gaze settled on him, and he felt a wave of heat wash over him that made Vorthak’s Flame seem like a candle in comparison.
“Bearer of the Sapphire Star,” she said, her voice like the crackling of a wildfire yet speaking English.
That was strange and required an explanation. Justin decided to simply listen for now.
The demon goddess continued, “Yours is a key I have waited millennia for, something powerful enough to override the binding enchantments placed by the Seven Founders.”
Seven Founders? Justin’s mind raced to comprehend the implications. “I... I didn’t know,” he managed. “The flames led me here.”
“My flames,” she corrected, her form growing brighter. “I sensed the Star’s presence the moment you entered the Karedos, a holy place blessed by me, where I could still reach with a fraction of my power. It was I who led you here to free me from this prison, and I would not have let you leave until you accomplished this sacred task.”
She descended from the altar, her feet touching the ground without a sound. Each step she took left smoldering footprints on the stone floor.
“You wear the flames of my husband,” Ashralok observed, moving closer. “I will forgive this slight, if only because of how well you have served me. Is it he who sent you to me? Is Vorthak finally ready to beg forgiveness for his betrayal?”
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Atlas positioned himself between Justin and the goddess, drills extended and spinning rapidly.
The goddess paused, tilting her flaming head as she regarded the construct. “A loyal guardian. But unnecessary. With a mere thought, I can reduce this spider to slag.”
For his part, Atlas did not back down, ready to defend Justin despite the overwhelming odds.
“Easy,” Justin said, stepping forward to place a hand on Atlas. “There’s no need for hostilities.” He needed to distract her, to find some angle that would keep them both alive. “So, you and Vorthak don’t get along, I take it? You mentioned betrayal.”
Her flames flickered bitterly, the heat in the chamber intensifying. “It seems you don’t know the tale. Strange.” The flames around her head formed patterns Justin recognized as signifying suspicion.
“You speak…” He’d been about to say English but decided against it. “The language of the Founders.”
“And why would I not?” she asked. “You are a Founder, and your kind can’t be bothered to learn our Fyrspawn tongue. Nor are you capable.”
“I see,” Justin said, filing this information away. “About Vorthak?”
“Ah. Well, I won’t bore you with that. Suffice it to say, it was Vorthak who led the Seven Founders in binding me here, cutting me off from my worshippers, from the very sources of my power.” Her voice dropped to a deadly whisper. “My own husband, conspiring with your kind. All because I sought to elevate my kind to their rightful place in the cosmos.”
“I see,” Justin said carefully. “Well, Atlas and I were glad to assist in your freedom, unwitting though we were. We’ve done our part, so I think now is a good time for me to—”
“Not yet,” Ashralok commanded. “Would you leave without being properly rewarded? You are weaker than I expected. A basic class still. You must be esteemed little in the courts of Zanthera to have come this far.” Her eyes narrowed. “That is where you’re from, no? Your manner of dress is like theirs."
Justin recognized the dangerous turn in the conversation. “Err... as for where I’m from, that’s a complicated story. And Zanthera... well, it’s not exactly around anymore.”
Her flames stilled completely. That stillness was somehow more frightening than her previous anger. “Not around? Explain.”
“Zanthera fell thousands of years ago,” Justin said with a frown. “I guess I’m technically a Founder, but it’s hard to explain.”
“Thousands...” Ashralok’s eyes burned with genuine surprise, her flames receding slightly. “Then Vorthak and the others succeeded in their plans? The Seven remade the worlds without me!”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, to be honest. I know Vorthak sided with Morvath, Nyriss, and Terridan in the Godswar. I don’t know about this remaking of the worlds, though.”
“The Godswar. Is that what they call it these days?” She drifted backward, seemingly lost in thought. “The Aetherion has changed, I take it.” Her piercing gaze returned to Justin. “I can see that you’re not lying about any of this. This is a strange development. It may create opportunities I had not foreseen..."
“Oh, I’m sure,” Justin said, hoping to get on her good side. “I’d be happy to introduce you to the Fyrspawn. I’m sure they’ll be pleased to see you. They still worship you, after all.”
“Yes, my people,” Ashralok said, her flames rekindling. “Their prayers have sustained me through my imprisonment, keeping my flames from extinguishing entirely. But over time, there have been... fewer. Of course, I will rectify this.”
Amenably, Justin hoped. “If I might be so bold... you mentioned something about a reward?”
Ashralok’s attention snapped back to him. “Ah. You likely think I have some loot or treasure for you. That’s what humans are good for: looting and despoiling.” Her flames formed what Justin took to be an ironic smile. “I am not bound to give you anything, of course, but I wish to show my gratitude. Yes, I think this will suffice...”
A tendril of flame reached out from her, touching Justin’s forehead. He felt a surge of heat that didn’t burn, but instead flowed through him, reshaping something fundamental in his being.
[You have gained Elemental Mastery, an Ascendant Boon! This is an upgrade of Elemental Affinity. All effects remain the same, except the cooldown between Affinity switches has been reduced to 30 minutes.]
Justin processed this. Elemental Affinity had been powerful before, but it was greatly limited by the twenty-four-hour cooldown. This removed much of that limitation, allowing him to switch between immunities more freely. He still had to be careful in what he locked himself into, but the tactical possibilities were enormous.
“Thank you,” Justin said with a noble bow. “This is incredibly generous.”
“And now,” Ashralok said, her voice deepening, “I must ask that you finish what you started. What you were destined to do.”
Justin frowned. “Sorry? I don’t know anything about destiny.”
She held out her hand. “The Sapphire Star, mortal. It is not meant for one as weak as you. I require it to complete my restoration.”
She extended a hand wreathed in golden flame toward Justin, waiting, fully expecting him to comply.
He laughed nervously, mind racing. “Well, I’m grateful for the upgraded boon, truly. Pretty big game changer. But to be perfectly frank, the Sapphire Star is bound to my core already. It would be useless to you unless I...” He frowned. “Oh, dear.”
Ashralok’s flames flickered in amusement. “Fear not, human. I am a goddess, an Ascendant. Small things like core-binding don’t apply to beings like me. Your life is not necessarily forfeit... yet. Why would I waste my magic upgrading your boon if I plan on killing you immediately?”
“A fair point,” Justin said weakly, but he wasn’t reassured. “That said, I freed you after thousands of years of imprisonment. Shouldn’t that be... ahem... enough payment?”
Ashralok leered down at him, her flames intensifying. “You dare refuse me?” The temperature in the chamber rose sharply. “I have lived since before the Aetherion existed. I have watched civilizations rise and fall. I have granted you a boon that few mortals could dream of receiving. And still you want more?”
Justin weighed his options, panic rising. He could run, but keeping ahead of Ashralok would be impossible. Sapphire Aegis would only give him ten seconds of immunity. His dodges from his skills would eventually run out.
If he wanted to keep the Star, there was only one way out: to stand his ground. But fighting directly against a Level 70 Ascendant Demon Goddess was suicide.
But maybe he could try something different.
“I’m sorry,” he said, adjusting his top hat while channeling every ounce of his Charisma. “But I earned this fair and square. I had to deal with ice drakes, maddened Barons, past trauma... I could go on. That said, I would be open to a trade. Something even better than the Sapphire Star.”
"A trade?" Ashralok scoffed, flames dancing skeptically. "What could you possibly possess that would rival the power of an Ascendant Artifact like the Sapphire Star of Eyrth?"
Justin, projecting a confidence he didn't feel, smiled while activating Dazzling Display. He called to mind the legendary actor Laurence Olivier, adopting his poise and conviction. His posture straightened, chin lifting with aristocratic dignity. When he spoke, his voice emerged deeper, more resonant, each syllable carrying the weight of absolute certainty, almost Shakespearean.
"Madam, I possess knowledge most rare and precious," he said with measured grace, each word given its full weight. "I know the whereabouts of a Prismatic Core. This treasure I offer freely. In exchange for safe passage."
It was the first thing that came to mind. And so long as she took the bait, it would work.
The effect was immediate. Through his upgraded Insightful Gaze, he could see Ashralok's flames shift to patterns indicating intense interest.
"The whereabouts of a Prismatic Core," she said, her voice hushed with reverence. "Yes... as impossible as it sounds, I can tell you're not lying." Her flames flickered with skepticism. "If you know about it, then why not claim it yourself?"
"Alas," Justin intoned with theatrical melancholy, "what fate gives with one hand, it withholds with the other. The circumstances render it impossible for me to claim this prize myself. But that doesn't mean you can't."
Not an outright lie—he couldn't claim something he had already claimed, after all.
Ashralok studied him intensely, and Justin felt a pressure in his mind. Again, he had the uncanny sense she could detect a lie. One false step would mean disaster.
"Yes," Ashralok said finally. "As long as it's not too far away or impossible to reach, then I'm interested in this bargain."
"It isn't far," Justin said. "It's in the Nether Realm."
Her eyes lit with this revelation. "Is it? Well, that settles it. How does this work? What assurance do I have that you won't simply lie once I agree to let you go?"
"I propose," Justin said, once again channeling Laurence Olivier, "a Gentleman's Agreement. It’s a covenant by the Creator Himself. You shall neither harm, imprison, restrain, nor violate me or Atlas in any manner. Neither shall you attempt to seize the Sapphire Star by any means, direct or otherwise. In return, I shall reveal the precise location of the Prismatic Core, without equivocation."
She leaned forward, her flames dancing with calculation. "That simple? What's the catch?"
Justin bowed with courtly grace. "No catch, no deception. The Prismatic Core awaits your discovery. This agreement merely ensures honor between us."
She considered for a long moment. "And you said the Creator Himself enforces this. Neither of us can break this agreement. And the consequences for doing so?”
It was at this moment that the gravitas of Laurence Olivier left him. Whatever he said next would have to be by his own power.
“We can set consequences,” he said carefully, “but it’s not really necessary. You will be forced to follow the terms, as will I.”
Ashralok's flames dimmed slightly at this. She thought for a good thirty seconds, running all the possibilities through her mind. She knew he wasn’t lying, and she knew she would get the location of the Prismatic Core if she agreed.
At last, she seemed to relax a bit. “A Prismatic Core is the only thing in all Creation that will allow me to continue gaining power,. The only way I can ensure myself ascendant over the likes of my enemies, of which there are many.” She regarded him seriously. "Very well. I accept your terms."
Justin activated his Gentleman's Agreement skill.
[A Gentleman's Agreement has been proposed!]
[Terms: Justin Talemaker will reveal the known location of a Prismatic Core to the Demon Goddess Ashralok. In return, the Demon Goddess Ashralok will not harm, imprison, restrain, or violate Justin Talemaker in any way, nor attempt to take the Sapphire Star from him by any means, directly or indirectly. This agreement is vouchsafed by the Creator Himself.]
"I agree," Justin said, his heart pounding.
"I also agree," Ashralok said, flames burning brightly with anticipation.
[Gentleman's Agreement is active!]
“Now, Talemaker,” Ashralok said, floating closer. “Tell me the location of the Prismatic Core, or your agreement is forfeit.”
Justin smiled faintly. “I have it.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You... what?”
“I have the Prismatic Core,” Justin repeated, tapping his chest. “It’s right here. And now, I have fulfilled my end of the bargain. You can’t hurt me nor take the Sapphire Star. Nor can you imprison me or send others to do your dirty work. Tough luck, Ashralok.”
The goddess’s flames exploded outward in fury. “YOU DARE DECEIVE ME?”
Her hand thrust forward, a lance of golden fire streaking toward Justin’s heart, only to curve harmlessly around him at the last moment, dissipating into the air.
She roared in frustration, the entire chamber shaking with her rage. Stone columns cracked and fell as she unleashed her power, but none of the debris touched Justin, deflected by the invisible barrier of the Agreement.
“TREACHEROUS MORTAL!” she shrieked.
She tried to reach for Atlas, fingers of flame extending toward the construct, but the attack was similarly diverted.
“I fulfilled my part of the bargain exactly as promised,” Justin said, backing slowly toward the exit. “I revealed the location of the Prismatic Core. It’s not my fault if you didn’t ask the right questions.”
Ashralok’s form stabilized, her rage cooling to something more calculating. “Clever. Very clever. You are more capable than I initially believed, Justin Talemaker. After dealing with the Founders, I should have known better. But my greed blinded me.”
It was at this moment that Justin received a notification.
[You have gained 2,500 experience for successfully negotiating with an Ascendant Goddess and not dying...immediately. Your experience stands at 11,575/22,000]
Justin blinked at the message. It had a bit more personality than what he was used to. Was the Creator taking notice of his predicament? A slight, cosmic wink? Hell if he knew.
"It's about time I left," Justin said, continuing to back away while maintaining eye contact.
"Me, too," Ashralok said, a fiery smile stretching across her demonic face.
She took one step toward him. Then another.
"What are you doing?" Justin asked.
"The agreement prevents me from harming you," she said with a cold smile. "But it doesn't require me to stay here. I've been imprisoned for millennia. Do you really think I'd remain in this chamber a moment longer than necessary?"
Justin's heart sank. Of course she would follow him back to Solanis. And while she couldn't harm him directly, there was nothing stopping her from unleashing her power on everyone else who mattered to him.
The minute he stepped through that gate, he would be bringing an angry goddess with him. One who would unleash untold destruction until she got what she wanted.
One who controlled the passage back to the Karedos.
Justin sighed. He may not have thought this one through.