Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 19: The Oath of the Hollow Bastion

Kael followed Darius through the stone corridors of the Hollow Bastion, his body aching from the battles he had endured. The fortress carried the scent of burning torches and steel, a place forged through hardship and war. Warriors stood at attention as he passed, their gazes filled with curiosity, some with admiration, others with skepticism.

Selene and Varian walked behind him, their presence a silent reminder that he wasn't alone.

Finally, they reached a massive chamber, the walls lined with ancient banners torn from forgotten wars. A grand fire pit sat in the center, illuminating the worn faces of battle-hardened warriors seated around it.

Darius turned to Kael, his expression unreadable. "You've proven your strength in battle, but here in the Hollow Bastion, power alone won't earn loyalty. Strength fades, but conviction—that is what turns men into legends."

Kael met his gaze. "Then what must I do?"

Darius smirked and gestured to the gathered warriors. "These men and women have bled for their cause, lost everything to the gods' tyranny. They follow no man blindly. If you want them to stand beside you, you must give them a reason."

The warlord stepped closer, his presence imposing. "Tell them, Kael. Why do you fight?"

The room fell silent. Dozens of eyes bore into him, waiting for an answer.

Kael took a deep breath. He had fought for survival, for revenge, for power. But now, standing here, he realized it was more than that.

"I fight because I refuse to be a pawn in the gods' game," he said, his voice steady. "They shape the world as they see fit, crushing those who do not kneel. I have seen villages burned, families torn apart, warriors cast aside like broken tools. And for what? Because the gods will it?"

He clenched his fists. "I will not accept that. I will carve my own fate, and I will shatter the chains they have placed upon this world."

A murmur spread through the chamber. Some warriors nodded, others studied him with newfound interest.

Darius crossed his arms. "Bold words. But words alone do not build armies."

Kael met his gaze without hesitation. "Then tell me what will."

Darius chuckled. "A warrior's oath. Swear it, and you will have your first followers."

A younger warrior stood up, stepping forward. His armor was battered, his face scarred, but his eyes burned with intensity. "If you mean what you say, then swear it before us all. Swear that you will not falter, that you will lead us not as a king, but as a warrior standing at our side."

Kael didn't hesitate. He stepped forward, placing his hand over his heart.

"I swear," he declared, his voice unwavering. "I will not kneel. I will not waver. I will stand against the heavens, and I will fight until the chains are broken."

Silence followed. Then, slowly, one warrior slammed his fist against his chest in salute. Another followed. Then another.

Within moments, the chamber echoed with the sound of warriors pledging their loyalty.

Darius nodded in approval. "Then from this day forth, you are no longer an outsider. You are a warrior of the Hollow Bastion, and we march to war."

Kael exhaled, the weight of his new responsibility settling upon him. This was just the beginning.

To be continued—