Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 14: The First Step Toward War

The wind howled through the ruins, carrying the scent of blood and dust. Kael wiped the sweat from his brow, his muscles still aching from the battle with Selene. Though he had emerged victorious, his body felt heavy, burdened not just by exhaustion but by the weight of what lay ahead.

Selene sat on a broken pillar, her injuries evident but her spirit unbroken. She regarded Kael with a new sense of understanding, a silent acknowledgment of his strength. Meanwhile, Varian remained as enigmatic as ever, his dark robes fluttering slightly in the wind. His smirk hadn't faded since his arrival, and Kael knew better than to trust a man who spoke so easily of power.

"You say you can provide guidance," Kael said, his voice steady despite the pain coursing through him. "Then prove it. Where do we begin?"

Varian chuckled, taking a few measured steps forward. "Eager, are we? Good. That drive will serve you well. The gods will not wait idly for you to prepare, so we must move swiftly. There is a faction—scattered warriors, outcasts, and rebels—all of them carrying a grudge against the heavens. They are our first step."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "And where do we find them?"

Varian turned his gaze toward the horizon, where the sky darkened with the approaching night. "In the Ashen Wastes, beyond the Valley of Echoes. There, a warlord named Darius Blackthorn rules over the forsaken. If we can sway him to our cause, others will follow."

Selene scoffed. "Darius Blackthorn is a monster. He doesn't follow—he conquers. If you think he'll simply join us, you're more of a fool than I thought."

Varian's smirk remained unfazed. "Perhaps. But even monsters know when to choose the right side. He desires power, and Kael has proven himself a force worth acknowledging."

Kael remained silent, considering their words. He had heard of Darius Blackthorn—an infamous warlord whose strength was rivaled only by his cruelty. If he could be swayed, an army could be formed, but if not… another battle awaited.

Selene stood, wincing slightly but regaining her composure. "You'll need more than words to convince him. You'll need a show of strength."

Kael met her gaze. "Then that's exactly what I'll give him."

Varian chuckled. "I like your confidence. But be warned, Kael—this is only the beginning. Blackthorn is dangerous, and he will not be the last warlord we face. The gods will hear of your victory over Selene soon enough. We are on borrowed time."

Kael tightened his grip around his sword. He knew the weight of his actions would only grow heavier, but he had already chosen his path. The gods had betrayed him, cast him aside, and now he would rise—not just for revenge, but for something greater. A war was coming, and he would not stand alone.

Selene sighed, shaking her head. "I never thought I'd find myself following a man mad enough to challenge the heavens."

Kael offered a small, knowing smirk. "Then why are you still here?"

She hesitated, then crossed her arms. "Because someone needs to keep you alive."

Varian grinned. "Then it's settled. We head for the Ashen Wastes at first light. Darius Blackthorn awaits, and with him, the first pieces of our army."

Kael exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of destiny settle upon his shoulders. The battle with Selene had been one step on his journey, but the war was only beginning.

And he would make sure the heavens trembled before him.

To be continued…