---
The Forge's inner chamber was alive with low rune-light, reflecting on polished obsidian floors. AshenZero sat at its center, the Phoenix Seed—still pulsing in amber-red—rested on the plinth before him. Riven and Seraphine stood a short distance away, their expressions tense.
---
Inner Turmoil
AshenZero strained his senses. The Codex-class power within him hummed in resonance with the Seed. He closed his eyes, recalling Mael's warning: "A fate to decide—renewal or ruin."
A vision splintered behind his eyelids: molten cities swallowed by cosmic flame, interspersed with new worlds forged from fire. He staggered, breathing heavily.
Riven stepped forward, concern etched across his face. "You okay?"
AshenZero swallowed. "It showed me… what the Seed can do." His voice trembled. "My power could rebuild Emberfall—could rewrite its destiny."
Seraphine placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Then we proceed carefully. We choose stability."
---
Guild Tensions
As plans took shape, murmurs emerged within the guild and council. Rumor spread that AshenZero's rise made him more than a forge-master—he might break the ruling by claiming lineage tied to Vulkran and the First Smiths.
Some whispered ambition, others betrayal. Seraphine intercepted a note at dinner: "The Heir seeks throne. Oppose him." It was unsigned, but the tone was clear.
Riven watched both AshenZero and Seraphine. He understood how power shifted so quickly. Amid the whispers, he approached AshenZero in the smithing yard, where molten ore smelted quietly.
"You're becoming legend," Riven said carefully.
AshenZero swung the hammer slowly. "Legend is unstable." He paused. "If this power is myth, it must stay myth—used responsibly, tied to the Seed."
Riven nodded. "We'll protect it. Keep it secret."
---
Council Decree
Later, at the Council Hall, Seraphine stood beside High Archanist Kelthiran as he delivered a decree: Class Change Items—like the Codex—would now be classified and tightly regulated. No more uncontrolled access. Heir-status would need proof of loyalty to the Crown.
AshenZero could no longer avoid notice. His Codex stood out as historic precedent. The Seed in the Forge became evidence of royalty—or rebellion.
Riven bristled, standing from his seat. "Such limitations will drive spell-forging underground—dangerous and ungovernable."
An icy hush followed.
Kelthiran reclaimed formality. "Argue your case with evidence and cooperation. But without transparency… this path has no future."
AshenZero's jaw clenched beneath the folds of his hood. He glimpsed Riven's warning glance: they would need subterfuge.
---
Clandestine Nullification
That evening, AshenZero and Riven met in a hidden antechamber beneath the guildhouse. Scrolls and shadow maps littered the table.
AshenZero began a low chant from the Codex. "It binds our path to the Forge. If I sever the Crown's claim… we keep what we built."
Riven assisted, adjusting glyphs in runic chalk. After a tense ritual, a faint glow passed through the chamber.
Riven exhaled heavily. "It's done?"
AshenZero nodded. "They'll have no legal hold on the Codex—unless they break the Forge itself."
They accepted the risk: to secure autonomy, they must sever ties legally and spiritually. Shadowed by politics, they chose caution—and danger.
---
The Seed's Whisper
That night, AshenZero lay at the Forge's core, gazing at the Phoenix Seed's pulsing light.
Mael's voice echoed: "Has the choice been made?"
AshenZero whispered back: "For better or worse… yes."
The Seed's ember-fire brightened.
---
End of Chapter 13
AshenZero's power grows, but so do politics and scrutiny. Between whispers of regulation and dark guild politics, he must conceal key truths and decide how far to go—a battle of cinders and secrets.
---