[Ashraya – Gate of the Deep]
The massive divine gates trembled open as Ash stood before them. Behind him, Akarshan and the others readied for battle, their weapons glowing with divine blessings granted by the goddesses.
But Ash raised a hand.
> "This time… I go alone."
Akarshan stepped forward. "You don't have to."
Ash turned, his voice calm—but colder than ever.
> "If Reyansh has truly become Vaikraas's vessel, then this is no longer your battle."
> "It's mine."
The earth shook. A pillar of flame rose from the depths, visible even from the skies of distant kingdoms.
Ash stepped into the Gate.
And vanished into the abyss.
---
[The Deep Flame Caverns – Throne of the Burning Heart]
The realm beneath the world pulsed with fire that ate light itself.
There, sitting on a throne of molten obsidian, was Reyansh, no longer mortal.
His skin shimmered with dragon-scale runes. Horns curved from his head. Flames danced from his eyes like they were alive.
And beside him, coiled around a throne of bone and time, was the true form of Vaikraas.
> "So, Father returns," Reyansh whispered.
Ash emerged from the smoke, calm, his eyes glowing white.
> "That body is not yours. Nor is the flame you bear."
Reyansh smiled.
> "But you gave me no other way. You left us behind. We were nothing but pieces on your board."
> "I took what I needed to change that."
Ash stepped forward. Every movement bent the cavern around him.
> "Then I will show you what happens when you steal from the stars."
The cavern ignited with divine light.
The battle had begun.
---
[Meanwhile – Akarshan's Decision]
Back in Ashraya, the others stood in silence.
Then Akarshan tightened his grip on his blade.
> "We're going after him."
Shiv blinked. "He told us not to—"
> "He always does," Akarshan said. "And every time, we still follow."
> "This time, we won't let him carry the weight alone."
And so, the march began—heroes descending after the god they once called friend.
---