NOVEL WEB Chapter 37: Chapter 37: The Third Flame
[Scene 1 – Conversations in the Dark]
The mountain winds howled through the hollow ruins of Ashlock, but Kun barely noticed them. He sat cross-legged before the cold starforge, eyes closed. Behind him, the others rested—Elira close enough to leap in if needed, Rhea watching from the shadows, and Orlan recording runes at a distance.
But Kun wasn't in the ruins.
He was in his own mind.
Or somewhere worse.
The shadow stood before him, humanoid but flickering like a broken reflection on dark water. Its form was made of flame—one not bright or hot, but remembered.
> "You seek answers," it said, voice like his but… older. Tired.
> "Then listen, and forget nothing."
---
[Scene 2 – The Flame of Memory]
The shadow extended its hand, and images exploded around them—constellations twisting, faces dissolving, moments replaying like cracks in time.
> "The Eidolon Flame is not like the others," it said.
> "It doesn't burn the enemy. It burns your truth."
> "It reaches back into what was, and makes it bleed into now."
A child cried in a ruined temple—Kun didn't recognize the memory.
Then a voice—his mother's—speaking a lullaby from Earth. His real Earth. His childhood.
> "This is not a gift," the shadow whispered. "It's a key. And once you turn it, you can never unsee what lies behind the door."
Kun opened his eyes.
And the shadow stepped into him.
---
[Scene 3 – Awakening]
Kun gasped and clutched his chest.
For a moment, everything slowed.
His flame didn't erupt.
It folded—folded inward, deep into his spine, his bones, his breath.
Then—
A soft pulse.
Golden.
Silver.
And now… Blue.
The air around him shimmered like old film. Runes on the walls of the forge lit up. Elira looked over, stunned.
"Your fire just changed," she said.
Kun nodded, sweat running down his jaw.
"I can feel everything. Not just now. Before."
Orlan's eyes widened.
"You've awakened the Third Flame."
---
[Scene 4 – Kael's Second Strike]
Far away, Kael stood before a massive star-map made of living crystal.
He reached into it—and pulled free a line of fire.
His mirror-Kun stood at his side now, fully formed, though faceless.
Kael spoke to his generals:
> "The Eidolon has awakened."
> "We move to the Second Vault."
Maelis stepped forward. "Shall I assemble the Disciples?"
Kael turned to her.
"No. I want the boy to come willingly."
He pressed his hand to the mirror.
> "Release the echo of Vault Xeros."
> "Let him see what the memory truly costs."
---
[Scene 5 – First Use of Eidolon Flame]
That night, while meditating alone, Kun felt something… pulling.
Not inside.
But under the world.
He placed his hand against the ground—and saw a flash:
An image of Lirian, centuries ago, in this same chamber, arguing with a Celestora council. Her voice rose:
> "We should not seal the flames in minds! They will fracture!"
Then—flames, screaming, betrayal.
Kun snapped back to the present.
Elira, hearing his gasp, ran over.
"What was that?"
He looked at her.
"I think I just… remembered a memory that wasn't mine."
She nodded slowly.
"You're using the Third Flame."
He whispered, "I don't know how to stop."