---
The moment my fingers brushed the surface of the crimson cube, it shattered—not into shards, but into light. The chamber exploded in a wave of scarlet energy, throwing me back against the cold obsidian wall. Runes raced across my vision, far faster than any normal system prompt.
> [Soul Resonance Initiated...]
[Analyzing compatibility...]
[You have inherited the legacy of Ashborn, the Flame-Walker.]
[WARNING: Ashborn's Will is fragmented. Host may experience memory bleeding, emotional instability, and unshackled wrath.]
I screamed—not in pain, but in rage. It wasn't mine. It belonged to him—Ashborn. His memories poured into me, chaotic and overwhelming. I saw visions of wars waged against celestial tyrants, of cities swallowed in volcanic fire, of a man standing alone atop a world of ashes.
Then silence.
The light dimmed. My breath slowed. I looked at my hands, now glowing faintly with crimson glyphs beneath the skin. A final system prompt hovered in front of me:
> [You have obtained: Ashborn's Core]
Grade: Relic (Bound)
Effect 1: +100% Fire Resistance
Effect 2: Fire-based attacks convert 25% of damage to True Damage
Effect 3: Awakened Flame (Dormant)
Curse: The longer the Core remains bound, the closer your thoughts align with Ashborn's will.
Passive: The world remembers Ashborn. Your presence will now draw ancient enemies—and forgotten allies.
---
I staggered out of the vault hours later. The pickaxe on my back felt like a toy now. My eyes adjusted to the flickering torches of the upper dungeon... but I wasn't alone.
Waiting near the shattered throne of Hellshade was a group of five.
Elite guild colors. Tier 6 gear. One had a familiar name: Nestra, ranked #31 global. A summoner famous for controlling obsidian dragons.
"Took your time," she said. "We detected an anomaly. Looks like you triggered it."
I stepped forward. "You're here for the vault."
"No," she smiled. "We're here for the Core." She pointed to the crimson glow in my chest. "And we're not leaving without it."
---