Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 20: The Flames of Rebellion

Kael stood before the gathered warriors of the Hollow Bastion, their eyes filled with something he had not seen in a long time—hope. His words had struck a chord, and now they looked at him not as an outsider, but as a leader. Yet, words were only the beginning. If they were to challenge the gods, they needed action.

Darius stepped forward, his arms crossed over his massive chest. "You have their loyalty for now, but loyalty is a fragile thing. To keep it, you must prove that you are more than just a man with ambition."

Kael nodded. "Then what is our first move?"

A warrior, lean and scarred, spoke up. "The gods' enforcers roam these lands, crushing any sign of rebellion. If we are to grow, we must make our presence known—not as scattered outcasts, but as a force to be feared."

Varian smirked from the shadows. "An excellent idea. The best way to start a fire is with a spark. There's a supply convoy heading to a temple stronghold not far from here. The temple serves as a hub for the gods' forces in this region. If we strike, not only will we cripple their supply lines, but we will send a message."

Selene, who had been watching silently, finally spoke. "A message is meaningless if we lack the strength to follow through. The gods will retaliate."

Kael turned to her. "And when they do, we will be ready."

Selene studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. "Then let us prepare for war."

---

The night was cold, the sky draped in darkness as Kael and his warriors moved through the dense forest. The convoy was heavily guarded, as expected, with armored sentries and divine wardens patrolling the path. Their torches flickered in the night, casting long shadows over the dirt road.

Kael crouched beside Darius on a rocky overlook, surveying their target. "How many?"

Darius stroked his beard. "Two dozen guards. A handful of them are wardens—those blessed with divine power. They will be our biggest threat."

Kael's eyes flickered toward the large wooden wagons carrying supplies. "Then we strike hard and fast. No drawn-out battle. We overwhelm them before they can call for reinforcements."

Darius grinned. "My kind of fight."

Kael turned to the gathered warriors. "Stay low, move quickly. Strike to kill."

A chorus of nods followed. The moment was upon them.

With a silent gesture, Kael led the charge.

---

The first attack came swift and brutal. Arrows rained down from the trees, striking unsuspecting guards. Before the enemy could react, Kael and his warriors surged forward like a tidal wave.

Steel clashed against steel, the cries of battle ringing through the night. Kael's blade cut through the first guard with ease, his movements fueled by raw determination. A warden lunged at him, divine energy crackling around his fists, but Kael sidestepped, driving his sword into the man's chest before he could unleash his power.

Selene fought beside him, her strikes precise and deadly. Varian moved through the battlefield like a phantom, his daggers finding their marks with unnatural speed. Darius, a force of nature, swung his massive axe, tearing through enemy lines with sheer brute strength.

The battle was chaotic, but Kael had fought enough to know that they had the upper hand. Within minutes, the last of the enemy fell, their bodies littering the road. The supply wagons were theirs.

Darius wiped blood from his blade, surveying the battlefield. "A clean victory."

Varian smirked. "The first of many."

Kael stepped forward, placing a hand on the side of one of the wagons. "This is only the beginning."

He turned to the gathered warriors, their eyes filled with triumph. "Tonight, we have struck at the gods' hold on this land. But this is only a single battle. The war has just begun."

As the warriors cheered, Kael clenched his fist. The flames of rebellion had been lit. There was no turning back now.

To be continued—