Chapter 2525: Story 2526: The Rise of the Last Marshal

A pillar of golden light erupted from the Heart Forge, piercing the storm-filled heavens above Blackstone Ridge.

Every warrior upon the battlefield stopped.

The defenders lowered their weapons.

The Hollow Guard turned their masked faces toward the mountain.

Even the monstrous Abyss Walkers stood motionless as the brilliant light illuminated the ruined fortress.

Deep beneath the earth, the Crown of the Black Star rested upon Victoria Kane’s head.

The thirteen jeweled points blazed like living stars, and a warm current of ancient power flowed through every part of her body.

It was unlike anything she had ever felt.

Not power born from anger.

Not strength fueled by vengeance.

It was hope.

The Last Sentinel slowly rose from one knee.

His deep voice echoed throughout the Heart Forge.

"The Crown has accepted its bearer."

"The Last Marshal has awakened."

Around the chamber, the spirits of the Thirteen Marshals appeared once more.

Marshal Isabella Ashcroft smiled with quiet pride.

"The legacy lives."

Gideon Black looked at Victoria with tears in his weathered eyes.

"For one hundred and twenty-seven years..."

"...I prayed someone worthy would come."

"My watch is finally ending."

Victoria looked down at the glowing sword in her hand.

"I don’t feel like a queen."

"I still feel like myself."

Gideon smiled.

"That is why the Crown chose you."

Before another word could be spoken, Roland Thorne let out a furious roar.

Dark flames burst from his corrupted armor, wrapping around his body like living serpents.

The Hollow King’s voice echoed from the crimson darkness.

"Rise..."

"...my forgotten marshal."

Roland screamed as black crystal spread across his skin.

His armor fused into his flesh.

Great jagged spikes erupted from his shoulders.

His remaining human eye disappeared beneath a crimson blaze.

When the transformation ended, very little of the proud marshal remained.

Only hatred survived.

"I am no one’s servant!" Roland thundered.

"I am destiny itself!"

He raised both hands.

The corrupted energy infecting the Heart Forge answered his command.

Golden rivers turned black.

Crystal pillars cracked apart.

The chamber shook violently.

Dr. Evelyn Brooks stared in horror.

"The corruption is consuming the Forge!"

"If it reaches the Eternal Flame..."

"...everything protecting the Hollow King’s prison will collapse."

Father Gabriel tightened his grip on his cross.

"Then this battle cannot wait."

Victoria stepped forward.

The Crown shimmered softly.

Without raising her sword, she stretched out one hand.

The Crown answered.

Thirteen beams of golden light burst from its jeweled points, each connecting to the spirit of one of the original Marshals.

One after another, the ancient heroes raised their weapons.

Their strength flowed into Victoria.

The Marshal’s sword transformed.

Its golden blade lengthened, glowing with pure white fire.

New runes appeared along its edge.

Lucas Reed stared in amazement.

"The sword..."

"It changed."

The Last Sentinel nodded.

"It has become the Dawnblade."

"The weapon destined to end the Hollow King’s reign."

Roland laughed with cruel confidence.

"A new sword changes nothing."

At that very moment, the Heart Forge trembled more violently than ever before.

Far above the mountain, a deafening explosion split the sky.

Outside Blackstone Ridge, the earth burst open.

The Hollow King’s colossal shoulders emerged from the shattered prison.

Though much of his body remained bound beneath ancient golden chains, his burning crimson eyes now gazed freely across the world.

Every undead creature knelt.

Every corrupted warrior bowed.

His voice rolled across the land like the end of time.

"Come, Last Marshal."

"Bring me the Dawnblade."

"I have waited centuries..."

"...for our final battle."