Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 15: The Path of No Return

Kael walked beside Varian, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. The battle with Selene had taken everything out of him, but there was no time for rest. The gods would not ignore his victory, and Varian's words only confirmed what he already knew. He needed an army—war was inevitable.

Selene, still injured, walked a few steps behind them. Despite her wounds, her pride remained unshaken. She had accepted her defeat, but it was clear she was not content to remain idle. She had seen Kael's strength firsthand, and now she would see if his ambition matched it.

Varian led them deeper into the ruined city, his dark robes blending with the shadows. "There is a place where warriors gather, those who have been cast aside by the heavens, those who seek vengeance against the gods. If you wish to challenge them, you will find your first recruits there."

Kael narrowed his eyes. "Where is this place?"

Varian stopped at the edge of a broken archway, the remnants of an ancient structure looming over them. He turned, his smirk ever-present. "The Hollow Bastion. A fortress built by exiled warriors, a sanctuary for those who have defied divine rule. But be warned, Kael—they will not follow you willingly. You will have to prove yourself."

Kael exhaled sharply. He had expected no less. Strength ruled the world, and those who had lost everything would not bow to empty words. "Then take me there."

Varian nodded and stepped forward, leading them beyond the ruins. The journey was long, the landscape shifting from crumbling stone to wild, untamed terrain. The deeper they traveled, the heavier the air became, as if the very land resented the gods themselves.

As night fell, they reached a towering structure hidden within the mountains—a massive fortress carved into the rock. Fires burned along its walls, and figures moved in the shadows, eyes watching them closely.

"The Hollow Bastion," Varian announced. "Beyond these gates lie warriors who have fought against the gods and survived. But do not mistake them for friends—they trust no one, least of all a man who has yet to prove his worth."

Kael stepped forward, his body still aching from battle, but his resolve unwavering. He had come too far to turn back now.

A deep voice called from above. "Who comes to the Bastion? State your purpose or be cut down where you stand!"

Kael met the speaker's gaze without fear. "I am Kael, the one who defeated Selene Voidclaw. I seek those willing to stand against the heavens. If you would challenge me, step forward and face me."

A murmur spread through the fortress. The name of Selene carried weight, and claiming victory over her was no small feat.

A heavy gate began to rise, and from the darkness, a towering figure emerged. Clad in worn yet formidable armor, his scars told stories of countless battles. His presence alone radiated power.

"I am Darius, Warlord of the Hollow Bastion," the man declared. "You claim to have defeated Selene? Prove it. Show me the strength that would challenge the gods themselves."

Kael clenched his fists, feeling the fire of battle reignite within him. The path ahead would not be easy, but he had already decided—there was no turning back.

To be continued—