The wastelands stretched endlessly before them, scorched and broken by centuries of war.
The Flamebound Citadel waited on the horizon—half-buried in ash, its spires leaning like the bones of a dead god. It was there that the Throne of Ashes waited… and where Yui's lost memories would either awaken—or be devoured by the Echo King.
Their group moved quickly, cloaked by Azarion's dark magic and Vera's battlefield instincts.
> "We'll reach the citadel by nightfall," Elion said. "Assuming we're not ambushed again."
Yui tightened the straps on her gauntlets, the mark on her hand glowing dimly.
> "Let them try."
---
Training Under Azarion
Before the sun dipped too low, Azarion pulled Yui aside.
They stood in the shadow of a ruined tower, alone.
> "You've unlocked Author's Echo," he said. "But it's still sleeping. You need to command it."
> "Command… what? Words?"
Azarion nodded.
> "Exactly. Say what you want, and will it to be."
He stepped back, raising a hand.
> "Strike me down. If you can."
Yui's brow furrowed. She extended her palm, focusing on the burning thread of system power humming within her chest.
> "Burn."
A flicker of fire sparked... then exploded.
Azarion blinked as a pillar of blue fire roared toward him.
He dispersed it with a wave—but even he looked surprised.
> "Well," he murmured, "You've improved."
> "I didn't say 'strike.' I said burn."
> "Yes," he said. "And your magic listened."
---
System Update
> 🔹 Skill Unlocked: Echo Command
Tier: Rare (Author-Linked)
Effect: Speak single-word imperatives based on story context. Magic adapts to your intent.
Limit: Cannot override system rules or major character free will… yet.
---
Ambush in the Ash Canyon
As they moved forward again, Vera signaled danger too late.
The earth cracked—and Flamebound Raiders rose, led by a hulking Echo-corrupted beast stitched from fallen warriors.
> "They were waiting," Elion hissed, drawing blades.
Yui stepped forward. Her body shook, but her eyes were clear.
> "You want to test a character's will?"
She raised her hand toward the stitched horror.
> "Sleep."
The air pulsed—and the creature paused. Its eyes flickered.
Then… its many limbs collapsed beneath it, crashing into the dirt like a felled mountain.
Silence.
Even Azazel stared at her.
> "She's controlling the world…"
Azarion smiled faintly. "Not controlling. Reclaiming."
---