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The skies above Meras shifted unnaturally. Clouds churned in a spiral as crimson lightning crackled across the firmament. At the heart of the Flamevault, deep beneath the volcanic chasm, something ancient stirred—Vulkran, the Infernal Core, no longer dormant.
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Whispers of the Deep
In a chamber lit by lava falls and emberstones, the Council of Sparks assembled in panic. Scrolls of prophecy, long dismissed, were now reread by trembling hands.
> "When the Earthheart breaks its seal, the forge-born flame shall rise, devouring flesh and stone alike."
High Archanist Kelthiran turned to his aides. "The runes are unstable. The containment lines are fracturing."
A scribe ran in, pale. "Abyssal runes have begun etching themselves across the outer wall."
The council chamber trembled. A deep sound rumbled beneath their feet—like something breathing.
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AshenZero's Vision
Miles away, AshenZero meditated within the Hall of Iron Echoes. Runes flared on his skin, and for a moment, he saw through Vulkran's eyes: firestorms, melting towers, shadows incinerated mid-scream.
He gasped and stood, grabbing the blade Riven reforged with embersteel. "The Earthheart's seal has shattered."
Riven entered. "You felt it too?"
AshenZero nodded. "We're out of time."
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A Plan of Desperation
The alliance met under cover of night. Halcyon Watch's envoy unfurled a forbidden map—a chart of leyline fractures and volcanic flows.
Stormwrought's mage traced a trembling line. "If Vulkran awakens fully, the city won't survive a day."
AshenZero pointed to a forgotten glyph: a binding forge, ancient and dangerous. "If we rebuild the forge of the First Smiths and channel our combined runes, we might trap the essence before it takes form."
Riven frowned. "You mean trap a god."
AshenZero: "No. I mean forge a prison that gods fear."
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Vulkran Awakens
At that moment, the Flamevault burst open. A pillar of fire surged into the heavens. Lava poured down the mountainside like a molten river. In the distance, the form of Vulkran—part molten giant, part living rune—began to rise.
Its voice cracked the sky:
> "You chained the flame. Now burn with it."
AshenZero drew his blade. "It begins."
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End of Chapter 10
The true antagonist—Vulkran—has awakened. The council is panicking. Alliances are scrambling to respond. And AshenZero leads the only path forward: forging a legendary prison to contain the infernal god.
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