Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 13:- Echoes of the Aftermath

Kael stood amidst the battlefield, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. The dust had yet to settle, and the scent of blood still lingered in the air. His wounds throbbed, a reminder of the ferocious battle he had just endured. The clash with Selene had pushed him beyond his limits, and even now, he could feel the aftereffects of their intense confrontation.

Selene lay motionless a few feet away, her armor cracked and her blade resting beside her. Despite her injuries, there was an undeniable sense of dignity in her expression. Kael took a step forward but hesitated. He had won, but at what cost? He had barely managed to stand, and every muscle in his body screamed for rest.

The silence was broken by a faint sound—the slow clap of hands echoing across the ruins. Kael turned his gaze toward the source, his grip tightening around his sword. A figure emerged from the shadows, draped in dark robes, their face obscured beneath a deep hood.

"Impressive," the stranger mused. "To think a mere mortal could stand against Selene Voidclaw and emerge victorious."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

The figure chuckled, stepping closer. "Names are meaningless in the grand scheme of things, but for now, you may call me Varian. I have been watching your battle, and I must say, you have potential."

Kael didn't lower his guard. He had fought too many battles to trust a stranger who appeared at such a convenient time. "What do you want?"

Varian smirked. "The same thing you do. Power. But unlike you, I know the path to obtaining it."

Kael remained silent, watching him closely. His mind raced through possibilities—was this another trick? Another test? He had barely survived his battle with Selene. Could he afford another confrontation?

Varian glanced at Selene's unconscious form before turning back to Kael. "She fought well, but you were stronger. The gods will not ignore this battle. They will come for you."

Kael clenched his fists. He already knew this. Defeating Selene had not just been a personal victory—it had been a declaration of war. The heavens would not sit idly by.

Varian continued. "You need allies. You need an army. I can offer you both."

Kael's gaze flickered to Selene before meeting Varian's hidden eyes. "And what's the cost?"

Varian's smirk deepened. "Nothing more than your willingness to take what is rightfully yours."

Kael exhaled sharply. He had expected a hidden catch, some form of deception, but instead, Varian spoke to the very fire burning within him.

A groan from Selene pulled Kael's attention away. She stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her golden eyes met his, and for a moment, there was no animosity—just silent understanding.

"You won," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "But you are not done."

Kael nodded, stepping closer to her. "No. This is just the beginning."

Selene struggled to sit up, wincing as pain shot through her body. She studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "You have the strength to challenge the heavens, but strength alone won't be enough."

Varian folded his arms. "Which is why he needs guidance."

Selene scoffed, her gaze shifting to Varian. "And you believe you can provide that?"

Varian chuckled. "More than you think."

Kael glanced between the two of them. The tension was palpable, but he sensed no immediate hostility.

Selene took a deep breath before nodding slightly. "If you truly wish to challenge the gods, you will need more than brute force. You will need knowledge, strategy, and allies willing to die for your cause."

Kael nodded. "Then I will find them."

Varian's smirk widened. "Good. Because I know exactly where to start."

Kael glanced at Selene once more before turning his full attention to Varian. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—he could not face the heavens alone. And if Varian spoke the truth, then his next challenge would be finding those willing to stand beside him in the war to come.

To be continued-