Chapter 2527: Story 2528: The Flame of Sacrifice

A deep crack spread through the crystal core of the Eternal Flame.

The sound echoed across the Heart Forge like breaking glass.

Golden fire flickered violently.

The warmth that had filled the chamber began to fade, replaced by an icy darkness that carried the Hollow King’s corruption into every corner of the forge.

Victoria Kane tightened her grip on the Dawnblade.

The Crown of the Black Star shone brilliantly upon her head, yet even its sacred light struggled against the growing shadow.

Dr. Evelyn Brooks stared at the fractured crystal.

"The crack is spreading!"

"If the core shatters..."

"...the Forge will collapse."

Gideon Black looked toward the dying flame with sorrow in his eyes.

"The Eternal Flame is more than a source of power."

"It is the heart of every seal imprisoning the Hollow King."

"If it dies..."

"...the ancient prison dies with it."

Far above the mountain, the Hollow King threw back his head and laughed.

His terrible voice rolled across the land.

"Yes..."

"Let the last light fade."

"Then the world shall belong to darkness once more."

Outside Blackstone Ridge, every Abyss Walker raised its weapon toward the heavens.

The Hollow Guard struck their black shields in perfect rhythm.

Thousands of undead voices joined together in one dreadful chant.

"The King..."

"The King..."

"The King..."

Inside the Heart Forge, Roland Thorne charged once again.

Black flames erupted around his transformed body as he swung his corrupted fists toward Victoria with unstoppable fury.

The Dawnblade met his attack.

Steel and darkness collided.

The impact sent another shockwave across the chamber, shattering crystal bridges and hurling molten fire high into the air.

Lucas Reed loosed a volley of arrows.

Each shaft struck Roland’s armored back, but the corruption swallowed them without slowing him.

Cole Mercer arrived through the forge entrance with a squad of surviving defenders.

He fired repeatedly.

Ancient silver rounds sparked harmlessly against Roland’s crystal armor.

"It isn’t enough!" Cole shouted.

Father Gabriel raised his cross.

"There must be another way."

Suddenly, Elias Crow stepped forward.

His pale face remained calm despite the blood soaking his marshal’s coat.

He looked toward Gideon.

"We both know what must be done."

Gideon’s expression filled with grief.

"There has to be another choice."

"There isn’t."

Elias slowly approached the cracked Eternal Flame.

"The corruption recognizes me."

"I helped create this nightmare."

"Perhaps I can delay it."

Victoria shook her head.

"You’ve already sacrificed enough."

Elias smiled sadly.

"No."

"I’ve only begun to repay my debt."

Without another word, he removed the Badge of the Crimson Rider from his armor.

The black metal dissolved into ash within his hand.

Then he placed both palms against the cracked crystal.

Golden fire surged through his body.

Crimson corruption flowed out of him and into the Eternal Flame.

For one terrifying moment, the two powers battled inside the ancient crystal.

Elias cried out in agony.

His armor began breaking apart.

The corruption covering the Eternal Flame slowly retreated.

The spreading crack stopped growing.

Dr. Evelyn watched in disbelief.

"He’s sealing it with his own life!"

Roland roared with rage.

"No!"

He rushed toward Elias.

Victoria intercepted him.

The Dawnblade blazed with pure white fire as she blocked Roland’s attack.

"I won’t let you touch him!"

The Crown answered her resolve.

Thirteen beams of golden light burst from the jewels once more, surrounding Roland in a circle of radiant energy.

The corrupted marshal struggled against the prison of light, but each movement weakened him.

Meanwhile, the Eternal Flame burned brighter.

Elias looked back at Victoria one last time.

A peaceful smile crossed his scarred face.

"Tell the world..."

"...that Marshal Elias Crow finally came home."

As golden light engulfed him, the Heart Forge released a powerful pulse that surged through Blackstone Ridge.

Far above, the Hollow King’s triumphant smile slowly disappeared.

For the first time in centuries...

One of his newly freed arms began turning back into solid stone.