Eclipse of the Azure Flame

Chapter 1: The Escape and the First Battle

The Birth of Betrayal

The moon loomed over the Kingdom of Veldris, its silver glow washing over the grand capital of Solmara. The city, known for its towering walls and pristine golden spires, stood as the heart of the Six Flames Order, the ruling power of the world.

Inside the sacred Hall of Ember, a young warrior knelt, his hands chained, his once-proud armor now tattered. Riven Kaelstrade, heir to the Kaelstrade lineage, felt the cold stone beneath his knees as the High Elders of the Order looked down upon him.

"Riven Kaelstrade, you have committed the ultimate sin. You have awakened the Azure Flame—a power long forbidden!"

Riven gritted his teeth, his sky-blue eyes burning with defiance. The Azure Flame, the rarest of all the Six Flames, had ignited within him days ago, during a battle against invading raiders. Instead of being celebrated for his victory, he had been branded a heretic.

His closest friend, Rael Obsidian, stood among the Elders, his crimson armor gleaming under the torches. His expression was unreadable, but his silence cut deeper than any sword.

"You know I didn't choose this!" Riven's voice echoed in the chamber. "The Azure Flame chose me!"

The Elders did not listen.

"You are hereby sentenced to exile. The Flame Hunters will ensure you do not return."

As the verdict was given, Riven's heart pounded. Exile? That was a death sentence. The Flame Hunters, the Order's elite assassins, would track him down and ensure he never set foot in Veldris again.

"Rael!" he turned to his old friend, desperation creeping into his voice. "You know this isn't right! Say something!"

Rael met his gaze—but instead of the warmth of friendship, there was cold determination.

"You should have accepted your fate, Riven."

And with those final words, Rael turned his back on him.

Riven's rage boiled over.

Then, without warning, the chains shattered.

A blazing blue aura erupted from his body, wild and untamed. The very air around him crackled as flames of unnatural cerulean energy swirled around his arms.

The Azure Flame—a power that defied the natural balance of the Six Flames.

The Elders gasped. "Control it! He's unstable!"

But it was too late.

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Power Explanation: The Six Flames

The world of Varethos is ruled by six elemental Flames, each wielded by powerful warriors:

1. Crimson Flame – The most common, wielded by warriors like Rael Obsidian. It grants immense offensive firepower, increasing heat intensity and speed.

2. Silver Flame – A mystical healing flame that can regenerate wounds and purify curses.

3. Verdant Flame – A defensive flame used to manipulate nature, create barriers, and increase physical endurance.

4. Onyx Flame – The flame of shadow and deception, wielded by assassins. It allows teleportation and silent attacks.

5. Celestial Flame – A rare flame used by seers and sages. It grants precognition and enhances magical abilities.

6. Azure Flame – The rarest and most unstable of all. It burns hotter than any other flame and is impossible to extinguish once ignited. However, it is considered a curse, as it slowly corrupts the user's soul.

Each warrior is born with one of these flames, and mastering them takes years.

But Riven? He awakened the Azure Flame on his own.

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The moment Riven's flames ignited, the Elders reacted.

"Seize him!"

The temple guards lunged, their swords glowing with Crimson and Verdant Flames. But Riven's body moved on its own. The Azure Flame pulsed through his veins, and his instincts sharpened.

The first guard slashed at him—but before the blade could land, Riven's hand burst into blue fire, and he countered with a burning fist to the chest.

The soldier was sent flying, his armor melting from the sheer heat.

Another warrior summoned a Verdant Barrier, a green flame-like shield meant to block attacks. Riven's flames burned right through it, leaving the warrior defenseless as he struck him down with a spinning kick engulfed in fire.

"He's too strong!" a guard shouted.

Rael finally stepped forward.

"Enough."

In a flash, Crimson Flames roared around his sword, the intense red glow making the air shimmer.

"You won't leave this place alive, Riven."

The two locked eyes—one last time.

Then Rael charged, and their first true battle began.

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End of Chapter 1