The citadel's grand hall stretched into shadow. Flickering torches painted the stone walls gold and crimson, reflecting off the ancient sigil carved into the floor — the same mark that glowed faintly on Hayate's right hand.
He stood at the center, feeling the faint hum of energy beneath his boots. It pulsed like a heartbeat — slow, steady, ancient.
Lyria looked uneasy. "This place… it feels alive."
The pale-eyed man from before — their unexpected ally — smirked. "That's because it is. The citadel was built over the body of a fallen god. The Order draws power from what remains of his divinity."
Hayate glanced at the sigil again. "You mean… this mark isn't just mine?"
"No," the man said, stepping closer. "Every Revenant bears it. We are the rejects of Elythra's system — those deemed unworthy or disposable."
He paused, then removed his helmet. His face was scarred, but his eyes burned with quiet determination.
"Name's Kael. Captain of the Revenant Order."
Kael led them through the citadel's corridors, past rooms filled with relics, weapons, and maps etched into steel. Everywhere Hayate looked, he saw traces of struggle — broken blades, scorched walls, old bloodstains.
"How long have you been fighting her?" Hayate asked.
Kael's expression hardened. "Hundreds of years. The goddess doesn't let time flow naturally here. Every time we defy her, she resets the world — rewrites the era — and starts again."
Lyria's eyes widened. "So… we could be living in a loop?"
Kael nodded grimly. "You're starting to understand."
Hayate clenched his fists. "And my classmates? The ones summoned with me…?"
Kael looked away. "Some will join her crusade. Others will die trying to resist. The goddess always turns the chosen against the fallen."
The truth hit Hayate like a dagger. The ones who abandoned him… they weren't just victims of fear. They were tools — puppets for her divine game.
Later that night, Kael gathered them around a large circular table. A single lantern burned between them.
He unrolled an old parchment, its surface marked with symbols that pulsed faintly with red light.
"This," Kael said, "is the map of the Thirteen Dungeons of Origin. Each one holds fragments of power stolen from the old gods. Collect them… and you'll have enough strength to challenge her."
Hayate's gaze sharpened. "So that's how we fight back."
Lyria frowned. "You mean… you want him to dive back into those places?"
Kael met her eyes without hesitation. "If he doesn't, she wins."
Hayate exhaled slowly, then looked down at his glowing hand. The mark pulsed — once, twice — as if answering his resolve.
"Then tell me where to start."
Kael smiled faintly. "You already have. The first dungeon was your trial. The next one waits in the Ruins of Elarion — the City of Lost Saints."
[Quest Added: Path of the Revenant – Awaken the First Fragment.][Location Unlocked: Ruins of Elarion.][Party Formed: Rengoku Hayate, Lyria Valeheart, Kael Draven.]
Hayate stood from the table, his cloak brushing the floor. The faint echo of determination filled the hall.
"If this is war…" he said quietly, "then I'll make her remember the name she tried to erase."
The sigil on the floor glowed brighter — as if the citadel itself acknowledged his vow.
[Quest Updated: Path of the Revenant – Allies of the Forgotten.]