WARRIOR OF LIBERATION

The broken temple shook.

Outside, flames raged as Karosh, the Flame General, stood smiling—arms folded, glowing with soul fire.

Across from him stood Sei, barely recovered, surrounded by the very people he saved.

Warning: Oppression Aura — Burning Field Activated

Effect: -30% Soul Energy Recovery | -20% Movement Speed

Enemy Skill Detected: Devourer's Heat (Passive) — Absorbs soul strength from nearby fear.

Taro whispered, trembling behind cover.

"Kid… this guy once turned a rebellion into ash in under an hour."

Sei's fists trembled—but not from fear.

From focus.

He couldn't run.

He wouldn't.

Not when people were watching. Not when belief had already taken root.

Karosh cracked his knuckles.

"I'm feeling generous today. You get the first shot."

He smiled mockingly, flames licking his shoulders.

"Go on. Impress me, 'Liberator'."

Sei's system flared.

Liberation Burst — 28% Charged

Soul Energy: 9/30

Fireborn Soul Bonus: +180% Strength/Speed/Focus

WHOOSH!!

Sei vanished—Ash Step!

He reappeared mid-air, foot swinging toward Karosh's head—

CLANG!

The kick landed.

Karosh didn't move.

Sei gritted his teeth and flipped back, landing in a crouch.

Karosh tapped his cheek.

"Solid. But shallow."

Then he vanished.

BOOM!

Sei was sent flying through a stone pillar.

Cracked ribs. Blood sprayed from his mouth.

Karosh reappeared, already in front of him, hand glowing.

"I burn weakness."

He slammed his palm into Sei's chest—

Emergency Defense Triggered: Soul Shield (F)

Soul Energy -6

Damage Mitigated: 50%

CRASH!!

Sei hit the ground, coughing, but alive.

Karosh tilted his head.

"Interesting. You've got the System eating itself to protect you."

Sei wiped the blood off his mouth.

He stood again—barely.

Liberation Burst — 61%

"You don't get it," he said, voice cracking.

"I'm not fighting to win."

He looked at Mina behind him.

"I'm fighting so they don't have to."

Karosh rolled his eyes.

"Save the speech. This city's been burning since before you were born."

"Revolutions don't work. Power's the only truth."

He raised both hands—and the ground erupted.

🔥 Flame Chains burst up, wrapping around Sei's legs and arms.

Skill Detected: Hellbind Chains (C) – Soul Burn Variant

Escape Rate: 0% without external intervention

Sei screamed as the flames burned into his soul—his vision flickered.

The air warped. Even time slowed.

Liberation Burst — 91%

He was dying.

But in that moment… the voices came back.

Not from the people.

From deep inside.

From the system's hidden root.

"The Flame you wield is not theirs."

"You were never meant to bow to power. You were born to unchain it."

System Core Awakened: CLASS PATH UNLOCKED

Choose Class:

🔥 Liberator (Rare) – Every chain broken strengthens you.

🔥 Ashbound Fist (Rare) – Soul strikes ignore armor, fueled by flame.

🔥 Heir of Embers (Epic) – Inherit the Will of the Flamebringer. Burn all systems. Free all worlds.

Sei's eyes snapped open—gold and blue fire spiraled inside them.

Class Chosen: Heir of Embers (EPIC)

Liberation Burst: 100%

CLASS INITIATION: FLAME ASCENT

The flame chains shattered.

The ground cracked.

Sei rose—hovering inches off the ground.

Fire wrapped his arms, his legs, his spine—no longer wild, but controlled.

Karosh stepped back for the first time.

"That's not system fire…"

Sei's voice echoed—not loud, but unshakable.

"No."

"This fire is mine."

New Skill: Ember Will (Active)

For 20 seconds, become immune to soul-based control. Gain 3x Strength. Your strikes burn through any oppression.

Trait Unlocked: Worldflame Resistor – Cannot be suppressed by fear-based auras.

Sei stepped forward.

The people gasped.

Karosh snarled—and charged.

🔥 BATTLE ENGAGED 🔥

Sei (Level 4, Heir of Embers) vs. Karosh (Level 35, Flame General)

TO BE CONTINUED…