The chamber blazed with heat. Ethan stood before the molten heart of the forge, its core pulsating with living flame. A crimson sigil shimmered above it the ancient emblem of the Flameborn.
Step forward, the Flame Matron said. And offer your essence.
Ethan closed his eyes, channeling his spiritual energy into his palm. He pressed it against the forge stone. Instantly, the fire roared to life, rising like a serpent.
The world tilted.
He found himself transported into an infernal plane. Lava rivers flowed between blackened mountains. Red lightning slashed across the sky. Before him stood three flame guardians beasts born of fire and spirit a molten lion, a phoenix of ash, and a blazing dragon wyrm.
Each beast snarled, challenging his worth.
The lion charged first. Ethan raised his Dragon Slayer Sword, now resonating with the ember forge's power. Their clash sent shockwaves rippling across the molten plain. Ethan ducked under a flaming paw and countered with a powerful frost-infused slash. Steam exploded on impact, slowing the beast enough for Ethan to pierce its fiery core.
The phoenix soared next, wings slicing through air like flame-blades. Ethan darted through the inferno using Frostwind Steps, launching cold bursts to force it downward. He then unleashed a frost tornado that trapped the phoenix long enough for him to land a clean strike.
Only the wyrm remained.
It rose from a lava pit, colossal and menacing. Its roar shook the sky.
Ethan knew he couldn't match it in strength. He took a deep breath and drew out a Blade Pill, swallowing it. His sword glowed with golden flame, the aura merging frost with forge heat.
He leapt.
The two clashed in a fierce midair collision. The wyrm's breath singed his cloak, but Ethan drove the fused blade deep into its chest. A blinding burst of light followed.
When the smoke cleared, Ethan stood alone.
The infernal plane dissolved. He awoke back in the forge chamber, breath ragged.
The Flame Matron smiled,
You have passed. The Emberheart Core is yours.
A glowing ember floated into Ethan's chest. Heat filled his meridians, and a fiery rune branded itself over his heart.
His strength surged.
Foundation Phase Level 6 stabilized.
Elena rushed in
You did it.
He smiled faintly
Barely.
But even as the flame calmed, he sensed something else buried within the Emberheart a memory not his own.
A vision of war.
Armies clashing.
A celestial battlefield.
And a figure wielding the very same blade he now held.
It wasn't just a trial.
It was a prelude.