The cave swallowed the light behind Cassian as he stepped inside, the mouth of it hidden behind ancient roots and moss. A low hum pulsed from within, like a heartbeat buried in stone.
With each step, the air grew colder. The walls were etched with runes long faded, glowing faintly with dormant mana. At the end of the narrow passage, a chamber opened—quiet, still, forgotten by time.
At its center, lay a skeleton.
Cassian stopped.
The bones were slumped against the cavern wall, robed in rusted, time-worn armor. Yet despite the decay, Cassian recognized it immediately.
> "This armor…"
It was identical to the statue that stood in the center of the Academy's Grand Hall—the legendary hero Ardyn Flamewrought, who had vanished over a century ago during the Great Demon War.
But what chilled Cassian wasn't the corpse.
It was what lay beside it.
A golden book, pristine and glowing faintly with a divine light. And next to it—a rusty, broken sword, blackened with age.
Cassian knelt down. The sword looked worthless, but as he reached for it, a surge of energy jolted through his hand. The rust crumbled like ash.
The blade shone bright gold.
Alive.
Breathing.
> "You've been waiting… haven't you?"
He turned to the book. No title. Just pure, radiant energy pulsing beneath its cover. Cassian opened it slowly, half-expecting it to vanish into light.
But it remained.
The words inside shimmered with power, written in a script that shifted and reshaped itself until he could understand.
"Skill: [Heart of the Infinite Flame] — Class: ★★★★★"
Cassian's eyes widened.
> "A five-star skill…?"
He had only ever seen up to four-star skills—and those were considered legendary. Even his grandfather, the infamous 'Retard Hero' Alaric, had only wielded a three-star skill. And Cassian had already mastered that.
This… this was myth. A power thought to be lost to the world.
As he turned the pages, his breath caught.
Unlike normal skill books, this one had levels—ten in total. Each level required forming a Mana Circle directly in his heart. Each circle would multiply his strength, speed, and magical capacity.
The first instruction burned into his mind.
> "To begin, accept the flame into your soul. Form the first circle within your heart. Burn away weakness. Embrace the infinite."
Cassian closed the book, heart racing. A new fire burned inside him—not from fear, not from the demon.
But from hope.
> "If I master this… the demon inside me won't be able to take over anymore."
He left the cave and returned to his villa training grounds under the cloak of dawn. His blade gleamed with golden light. The book pulsed at his side like a second heartbeat.
And in the stillness, he sat cross-legged.
And began.
---
Meanwhile… in the Kingdom of Stoneheart
Trumpets blared across the capital. Citizens gathered in the plaza, anxious and afraid. The vision of Saint Elsera had shaken the realm, and now the king himself stood before his people.
King Halgron, robed in armor, raised his voice.
> "People of Stoneheart! The son of the Demon King walks among us. His name and face are unknown, but his power is great. To prevent the return of Azarith, we must act!"
He raised a scroll high for all to see.
> "I hereby decree a Grand Tournament! From across the realm, heroes will be chosen to compete. The top five shall be named Champions of the Crown!"
Cheers and fear echoed together.
> "These five shall face the Demon King's son… and the six remaining Generals of Sin… before they can complete the resurrection ritual that will plunge our world into ruin!"
Across the continent, warriors, mages, and monsters stirred.
Fate had chosen its battlefield.
---
Back at the Academy of the Silvermoon…
Cassian stood once more in the center of his training yard. Sweat dripped down his brow. But this time, it wasn't from exhaustion.
A faint, golden ring of energy spun in his chest—his first Mana Circle complete.
The book hovered beside him, waiting for the next level.
And within his soul…
The demon stirred.
But it did not speak.
Not this time.
Cassian looked up at the rising sun.
> "I don't care if the world calls me a monster."
> "I'll master this power… even if it kills me."