Chapter 40: The Crown, The Church, and the Curse
Velmora was no longer calm.
The battle in the Academy's courtyard had shaken more than just walls—it shattered illusions. Whispers filled the streets. Some claimed Andrew had summoned the beast himself. Others believed it was a punishment from the gods.
But all agreed on one thing:
Andrew Caelum was no longer just a contestant.
- The Royal Council Convenes -
Inside the Ivory Hall, the king of Velmora stood at the head of a long table. His son—bruised and silent—sat to his left. Nobles, generals, and robed magi filled the seats, all facing the man who had defeated their prince.
"He's dangerous," growled Lord Elvain, one of the old guard."A commoner with a cursed blade and too many eyes watching him."
"He saved the Academy," replied Commander Alira, tapping the hilt of her sword."Without him, that creature would've slaughtered us all."
"He carries a sword that predates our recorded history," said the High Magus. "And that magic… it bent realms."
The king said nothing for a while, his fingers drumming on the marble.
"Keep him close," he finally ordered."But watched. If he becomes the storm… I want to be the first to know."
- The Church Moves -
Far from the palace, in the High Temple of Celestia, the priests had seen visions.
The Arch-Priestess stood before the sacred flame, her eyes glowing with starlight.
"He bears the soul of the devourer," she whispered."But the heart of the chosen."
"Then is he the shadow we feared?" asked one acolyte.
"Or the blade that will cut the gods free of their chains?" she replied.
- Andrew Watches the City Burn with Questions -
Mihai leaned against the balcony as Andrew sat sharpening Ashren in silence.
"They're starting to fear you," Mihai said.
Andrew didn't look up.
"They should."
"That sword doesn't just carry your past. It broadcasts it. They see you and wonder—which Andrew are they speaking to?"
Andrew finished honing the blade and stood.
"I'm both. And neither. And until I figure that out…"
He looked out at the distant horizon, where storm clouds were gathering.
"I'll keep walking the line."
- Meanwhile… Beyond the Continent -
In the shattered lands of the Frostborne Exile, an obsidian tower trembled.
From its core, a woman emerged—her eyes silver, her skin carved with runes of flame and ice.
She opened a black book bound in shadow-wrapped leather and whispered:
"He awakens."
Around her, frozen statues of past warriors cracked—and began to move.