Chapter 5 - chapter 5

📘 Chapter 5: Sparks on the Wind

The wind howled across the ruined cliffs surrounding Caelora Hall, scattering loose ash and old leaves into the sky. But one thing stood tall against it—

—a banner.

Torn, faded, stitched from scraps… but unmistakably alive.

---

Eron stood on the parapet wall, watching the banner flap proudly in the wind. Below him, Rurik and Lyra worked silently. For the first time, the hall didn't feel abandoned. It felt like a heartbeat.

> "How far can a name travel?" Eron asked.

Eric's voice answered softly inside his mind.

> "Far enough to shake the right ones.

Broadcast initialized."

---

🛰️ [System Transmission Sent]

Type: Identity Ping

Target: Nearby Ruins, AI Cores, System Nodes

Message:

> "House Caelora has returned.

The Flame lives."

> Broadcast Strength: Low

Visibility: Regional Only

Consequences: Unpredictable

---

Eron narrowed his eyes.

> "Let them come."

---

⚒️ Later That Day…

In the hidden forge, Rurik pounded metal with new purpose. Using fragments of old Caelora weaponry, he shaped a Soulsteel Blade—infused with Eric's spark-based imprint.

Lyra practiced flame-coating herbs—experimenting with Caelora's medicinal-tech hybrid techniques.

And Eron? He was training. Hard.

Eric's simulations projected ancient fighting styles used by Caeloran warriors: twin-blade techniques, counter-movement footwork, flame-timing bursts.

He failed. A lot.

But he learned faster than even Eric expected.

---

> [Skill Progression: 38% – Sword Style: Twin Flame Step]

[Passive Trait Evolved: Soul Adaptation +1]

---

That night, a storm rolled in from the west. Thunder cracked the skies, and lightning flashed across the highland cliffs.

And with it—came visitors.

Three cloaked figures appeared at the main gate, weapons sheathed, expressions unreadable.

Rurik tensed at the sight of them. Lyra disappeared into shadow with a dagger.

Eron stepped forward, barehanded.

> "You came because of the banner."

One of the strangers removed their hood. A woman—late twenties, single gold eye, burn scar across her jaw.

> "You carry a name I buried," she said.

"But the flame called. And I followed."

---

📌 [System Alert]

New Characters Introduced: Status Unknown

Clan Recognition Status: Spreading…

Eric Core Sync: 22%

Danger Level: Rising

---

Far away, in a fortress of polished obsidian, a cloaked man stepped into a glowing map room. He pointed at a blinking signal on the Caelora Highlands.

> "There it is."

"The first ember."

A blade hissed as it left its sheath behind him.

> "Shall I extinguish it?"

The man smiled.

> "No."

"Let it burn.

Then we'll take the fire for ourselves."