Chapter 2528: Story 2529: The Redemption of Elias Crow

Golden light swept across Blackstone Ridge like the dawn after an endless night.

The pulse released by the Heart Forge spread through every ruined wall, every broken tower, and every scar left by centuries of war. Wherever the light touched, the Hollow King’s corruption recoiled as though burned by the sun itself.

Inside the Heart Forge, silence followed.

Elias Crow stood before the Eternal Flame, surrounded by a pillar of shimmering gold.

His crimson armor had vanished.

The black corruption that had consumed him for generations dissolved into countless glowing fragments that drifted upward like fireflies.

Victoria Kane took a step forward.

"Elias..."

He looked back at her with clear blue eyes—the same eyes Gideon Black remembered from long before the first war.

For the first time in more than a century, there was no sorrow in his face.

Only peace.

"I can hear them," Elias whispered.

"The other Marshals."

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

Marshal Isabella Ashcroft smiled warmly.

"You have found your way home."

The spirit of a broad-shouldered marshal stepped forward and placed a glowing hand upon Elias’s shoulder.

"No soul is beyond redemption."

Gideon slowly approached his oldest friend.

For a long moment, neither man spoke.

Then Gideon extended his hand.

"Welcome back, brother."

Tears filled Elias’s eyes as he accepted it.

"I should have returned long ago."

"You returned when it mattered most," Gideon replied.

Before another word could be spoken, a furious roar shook the Heart Forge.

Roland Thorne shattered the circle of golden light imprisoning him.

Dark energy exploded outward, throwing broken crystal across the chamber.

His corrupted body had grown even larger.

Jagged black spikes covered his arms, and crimson fire poured from deep cracks in his armor.

"You would forgive a traitor..."

"...yet deny me everything!"

The Hollow King’s voice echoed through the mountain.

"Enough."

"Finish them."

Roland raised both hands.

The remaining corruption within the Forge rushed toward him.

Black flames twisted into the shape of a colossal spear.

Its point shimmered with enough dark energy to shatter mountains.

Dr. Evelyn Brooks stared in horror.

"If that strikes the Eternal Flame..."

"...the seals will never recover."

Cole Mercer stepped beside Victoria and loaded the last magazine into his rifle.

"Then we don’t let it happen."

Lucas Reed drew three arrows at once.

Father Gabriel raised his silver cross and began reciting an ancient prayer preserved by the Black Star Order.

The thirteen Marshal spirits answered together.

Golden symbols filled the air, surrounding every defender with a radiant shield.

The Last Sentinel lifted his mighty hammer toward the ceiling.

"The heirs of the Black Star..."

"...stand united once again."

Victoria felt the Crown grow warmer.

The Dawnblade blazed brighter than ever before.

Its white flames stretched into shining wings of light behind her.

She looked toward Roland.

"This ends today."

Roland smiled with terrifying confidence.

"No."

"This is only the beginning."

With a deafening roar, he hurled the colossal spear of corruption toward the Eternal Flame.

At that same instant, Victoria leaped into the air.

The Dawnblade met the spear in a blinding collision that lit the entire mountain.

The explosion split the heavens above Blackstone Ridge.

Far beyond the fortress, survivors shielded their eyes as a pillar of white and crimson light pierced the clouds.

High above the battlefield, the Hollow King’s burning eyes narrowed.

For the first time since his imprisonment, he spoke Victoria’s name.

"Victoria Kane..."

"You have become a greater threat than Gideon Black ever was."

The Last Marshal had finally earned the attention of the King of Darkness himself.