Ashes of the Heart

Silence hung heavy in the Hollow Woods Realm. Nero’s body dangled in the beast’s grip—blood dripping steadily from his chest. The demon wolf snarled, its eyes burning like molten coals as it twisted the claw deeper.

Yet… Nero’s lips curled into a faint, defiant smile.

“You think… this is enough to kill me?”

A low growl vibrated from the beast’s throat, but Nero’s black blade shimmered faintly in the mist. The runes carved deep into its hilt began to glow—a remnant of his past life. The power of the Valtore bloodline stirred.

The beast sensed it too late.

With his last ounce of strength, Nero gripped the blade still lodged in the creature’s side. His voice, hoarse and weak, cut through the darkness.

“Fall with me… monster.”

A sudden explosion of cursed energy erupted, hurling the beast back—its claw tearing free from Nero’s chest. Both collapsed to the forest floor.

---

Meanwhile, Kain, Lena, and Arden stumbled through the woods, hearts racing, guilt heavy in their chests.

“I should’ve stayed! Damn it!” Kain’s fist struck a tree, splintering bark.

“We couldn’t… he told us to run,” Lena whispered, wiping blood from her face.

Arden, pale, muttered, “Still… Nero…”

A faint tremor rumbled beneath their feet.

Kain’s eyes widened. “He’s still fighting.”

Without a word, they turned back.

---

Back at the clearing, Nero lay on his back, vision blurred, breathing shallow. The demon wolf snarled, barely alive but rising once more.

“Persistent… bastard…” Nero coughed blood.

The beast lunged—its final desperate attack.

But a bolt of searing energy tore through the mist, slamming the beast aside. Kain appeared, fists glowing bright. “GET OFF HIM!”

Lena’s chains shot forward, binding the demon’s neck. “You… die now.”

Arden struck from behind, sword piercing the beast’s spine.

Together, they unleashed hell.

The demon wolf screeched, its body torn apart—until it finally fell, crumbling into black ash.

---

Kain rushed to Nero’s side, hands trembling. “Stay with me, Nero… stay…”

Lena knelt beside him, tears streaking down her face. “We’re here… you’re not dying, dammit.”

Arden’s voice shook, “We… we need to get him to the infirmary—now.”

“No…,” Nero groaned, eyes fluttering open. “I won’t… die here. Take me… to the Sanctum Ward… not the infirmary.”

Kain nodded quickly. “Right. Hang on, brother.”

They lifted him gently and ran.

---

Hours later, within the Sanctum Ward, ancient healers worked to mend the torn flesh and shattered bone. The air smelled of herbs and old blood.

Nero drifted between life and death, visions of his past flashing—of the Valtore clan, of the wars, of Beru.

---

Three days passed.

Kain sat beside him, eyes sunken, fists clenched. “If you die… I’ll drag you back myself, you idiot.”

At last, Nero’s eyes opened slowly.

“I… survived,” he whispered.

Lena gasped, rushing forward. “You stubborn bastard.”

Arden smirked faintly. “Welcome back… Nero.”

---

Later that evening, the team stood before the academy’s grand hall. The rankings were posted, glowing letters floating mid-air.

Their Instructor’s voice echoed: “Your ranks… will determine your placement within the academy, as well as the privileges you receive.”

Kain read aloud, “Team Black Fang—Ranked 1st in performance. Despite… injuries.”

A hush fell.

Nero stood tall, his hand over his bandaged chest. “From this day… we climb. No matter the cost.”

And so, their legend began

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