WARRIOR OF LIBERATION

"Flame is memory. Flame is voice. And not all who burn are dead."

— Inscription, Zone III: Hall of Whispering Heat

📍 Location: Sublevel Zeta — Zone III: Ember Echo Chamber

The path ahead was broken.

Stone walkways cracked and dangled over glowing pits of blue flame.

Chains swayed in silence.

But the most haunting part wasn't the heat…

It was the voices.

Sei and Mina moved slowly, cautious. Their footsteps echoed in ways that didn't feel natural—like something was listening… and repeating them back.

System Notification:

You are entering a Flame Archive. Spiritual echoes may manifest. Perception anomalies possible.

Mina shivered.

"Feels like we're walking through someone's memory."

Sei nodded.

"This whole forge is alive with regrets."

Suddenly, a whisper rose from the flame:

"Sei…"

He froze.

Mina turned sharply. "You heard that too, right?"

Before he could answer, a figure appeared—standing inside the flame ahead.

A girl.

Young. Pale skin. Long black hair. Glowing white eyes.

Wearing a cloak made of living fire.

But her presence didn't trigger a threat warning.

Analyzing…

Entity: Not hostile.

Flame Type: Pre-System Soulfire Detected.

Designation: Unknown.

Codename: "Ghost of the Flame."

The girl stared at Sei.

Then spoke:

"You don't belong here."

He stepped forward, slowly.

"I carry the Ember Heart. I passed the trial."

Her eyes flickered.

"I know. I felt it."

She looked down.

"And I remember you. Even if you don't remember me."

Sei froze.

"…What do you mean?"

But before she could answer—

🔥 The forge trembled.

A massive heat wave burst through the tunnel, knocking both Mina and Sei back.

Flame Surge Detected: Beast Awakening in Lower Zone IV

Oathcore activity detected nearby — Foreign presence tampering with the Forge.

The girl's cloak burned brighter.

"Someone is trying to corrupt the First Flame."

Sei stood, fists igniting.

"Then we stop them."

The girl looked at him—almost sorrowfully.

"You're not ready."

"I don't care."

"You will."

She raised one hand—and a flicker of flame leapt from her fingers to his chest.

You have received a Flame Mark from the Ghost of the Flame.

Temporary Trait Gained: Echofire Instinct – Grants +30% dodge rate and insight into pre-System attacks.

"I'll guide you to the door," she said. "But after that… it's your soul that pays the price."

Mina stepped forward. "Who are you?"

The girl looked at her—and for the first time, smiled.

"Someone who tried to carry what he carries… and broke."

Then she turned—and walked straight into the blue fire, vanishing.

The tunnel ahead split.

Sei looked back.

Then whispered:

"I remember her voice."

Mina asked, "From where?"

"…From my dreams."

New Subquest Unlocked: Ghost of the First Flame

Optional: Discover the identity of the Pre-System Flamebearer

Reward: ???

Sei took a breath, eyes glowing.

"I'm done dreaming."

He walked forward.

"Let's find whoever's corrupting the forge… and unmake them."

TO BE CONTINUED…