The sky over Sky Spire Citadel burned violet.
Eve stood on the obsidian balcony, cloak snapping in the poisoned wind.
The Silver Core pulsed in her chest — Shadow's gift.
A reminder.
A burden.
"They fear me," she said aloud.
Behind her, General Korrin stepped forward.
"They fear what's coming.And they want you to lead them."
Eve turned slowly.
"You mean fight the boy."
"He's not a boy, ma'am.He's the next extinction event."
The Mireclaw Massacre spread fast.
Ashblood was seen burning through an entire rebel convoy in 22 seconds.
His voice echoed across hacked networks:
"Tell Shadow... the world needs a new Reaper."
The world listened.
And panicked.
The Flamefront Begins
Eve activated the Lightforged Protocols — ancient mechs powered by Corelight.
She reformed the Silver Guard.
And she declared war.
Not just on Ashblood…But on anyone who worshiped him.
Worshipers like:
The Hollowborn
The Flame Priests
And the Abyss-Scars — who claimed Ashblood was the true god, and Shadow was the false one.
The Meeting
Shadow emerged from the Ashrift.
He walked into Eve's camp without disguise.
Everyone aimed their weapons.
Eve stepped forward.
"You shouldn't be here."
Shadow looked tired.
"He's not just power, Eve.He's what I left behind."
"Then how do we kill him?"
Shadow looked up at the burning sky.
"We don't.We show him what he could become."
A pause.
"Or we end him before he chooses."