chapter 3

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CHAPTER 3: HARTHMOOR’S JUDGMENT

> “The world preaches light as salvation. But when the shadows come bearing judgment, they will pray for darkness instead.”

— Jin Ezra, The Eclipse Reborn

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🌆 Harthmoor – 3 Hours After the Breach

Panic had bloomed like wildfire across the eastern district.

The cathedral bell tolled twelve times—but not for a sermon. It was a warning. Citizens ran. Paladins rushed into formation. Airships buzzed overhead, casting searchlights over cracked rooftops.

At the center of the chaos stood Jin Ezra.

Calm.

Still.

Drenched in the divine light of a sun that dared to shine on him.

Beside him knelt Varik, his first shadow, now wrapped in crimson armor born from the Bone Knight’s remnants.

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⛪ The Church Responds

Within the marble heart of Harthmoor, Arch-Paladin Caelis Dawnwrath descended from the high tower. Gold trim shimmered on his pristine white armor. Behind him marched twenty elite Templars.

> [Elite Class: Heavenblade]

Level: 130

Weapon: Solarbrand – A holy greatsword kissed by the Sky God]

Caelis’ voice thundered across the plaza.

> “By decree of the Seven Thrones, surrender yourself, apostate! You walk as a corpse defying Heaven’s judgment!”

Jin didn’t flinch.

> “Judgment? Tell me, how does one judge a godkiller?”

A hush fell. Even the flames around the broken chapel flickered low, waiting.

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⚔ Battle Initiation: [HEAVENBLADE vs. GODLESS ONE]

> DING!

Boss Battle Triggered: Divine Strike Squad – Arch-Paladin Caelis (Lv. 130)

Rewards: +1 Divine Fragment | +Title: “The First Lightbreaker” | +Potential Weapon Drop: Solarbrand

Caelis lunged first, his blade radiant with burning golden runes. The air around Jin trembled from the holy force.

> Jin whispered: “Rule Breaker… Activate.”

A sphere of distortion bent around him. The holy attack slowed mid-air, reality choking on itself.

> CRACK!

Jin vanished.

Then reappeared behind Caelis in a flash of shadow.

He whispered:

> “Your light is counterfeit.”

With a wave of his hand, [Shadow Collapse] detonated beneath the Templars’ feet. Shadow tendrils erupted like black thorns, impaling ten of them instantly.

Varik leapt into battle, his dual axes tearing through golden armor like paper.

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💥 Power Surge: Jin Unlocks New Ability

> DING!

[Skill Gained: Soulbrand Absorption]

Allows the user to absorb energy from divine weapons temporarily and convert it into shadow mana.

As Caelis raised Solarbrand for a final Divine Judgment strike, Jin caught the blade with his bare hand.

> “You rely on borrowed strength,” he growled, “I AM MY OWN SOURCE.”

The Eclipse Core throbbed.

> CRACK!

Solarbrand shattered.

Caelis staggered backward, stunned.

Jin’s next move was brutal.

> [Skill Used: GOD PIERCER – Lvl 1]

He drove his hand straight through Caelis’ armored chest, pulling out a glowing orb.

> [You have acquired: Divine Heart Fragment (1/7)]

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🌒 The Aftermath

The battlefield lay in ruin. Paladin bodies were scattered across bloodstained cobblestones. The sun above flickered… dimmed… as if mourning the loss of its chosen.

The city of Harthmoor, once untouchable, had fallen silent.

In that silence, whispers began:

> “He’s back…”

“The Godless One…”

“He devoured Heaven’s Light…”

And in the shadow of the ruined chapel, Jin Ezra stood tall—one foot already set on his path to godhood.

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> DING!

Chapter Complete: Harthmoor’s Judgment

Rewards Unlocked:

– Title: Lightbreaker

– Ability Upgrade: [Rule Breaker – Tier 2]