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The dawn came not gently, but with the thunder of steel and the blaze of banners. Ashfall, the fortress city carved into obsidian cliffs and fed by sulfur springs, awoke to a storm like no other.
From the north, rebel war drums pounded like a heartbeat. From the lake to the east, shadowy figures emerged on floating skiffs—mages from Elira's corps laced the water with illusions, cloaking their advance.
And from the center, where the sun broke the horizon, descended a figure wreathed in silver flame and draconic majesty—**Yuki**, the divine being once whispered of, now fully revealed.
"By the gods…" one of the Ashfall gate commanders muttered, eyes wide. "He's real?"
"No," muttered a soldier beside him. "He's worse. He's *here*."
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### **The Spearhead**
Lumi grinned from atop her mount—a war elk she'd "borrowed" from a stunned ranger unit. Her twin swords gleamed with energy as she led the Iron Flames. "Alright, boys! Let's show 'em how rebels throw a welcome party!"
Behind her, Seiris and Aeiris moved in unison. Aeiris had grown more confident with every battle—her control over wind-based spirit arts had earned her the nickname *Whisperblade*.
Seiris, silent as ever, danced between shadows. "There's a sniper on the east tower. I'm going."
"No flirting with him before you kill him," Lumi quipped.
Seiris didn't answer—she was already gone.
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### **Within the City Walls**
Inside the Ashfall temple, the High Clerics watched the battle unfold with grim expressions.
"The dragon appears," the lead priest said, wringing his hands. "Shall we send word to the Church?"
"No. The Church abandoned us the moment this rebellion gained divine favor," hissed another. "We must hold until reinforcements—"
A gust of emerald wind shattered the stained-glass windows.
Sylvaeria floated into the temple hall, staff glowing like a second sun. "You called that divine? This is divine."
With her came Elira, floating an inch off the ground, her aura laced with **Lunar Arcana**. She waved politely.
"Hi. This temple's under new management."
The priests screamed.
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### **The Heart of the Battle**
Yuki touched down at the front lines just as the city gates buckled.
He raised his clawed hand—and unleashed **Flamebound Genesis**, one of his newly awakened ultimate skills. Silver fire danced through the ground, purifying curses and turning enemy siege weapons to slag. The soldiers behind him didn't even cheer—they just *stared*, awestruck.
"Move!" Kael's voice boomed behind. "Push into the city! Secure the governor's quarters!"
Selene rode in beside him, golden crown blazing with divine light. Her voice rang out like a bell. "Lay down your weapons! We offer peace… or ash!"
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### **Victory and Ashes**
By twilight, Ashfall burned.
The temple had been seized, the governor arrested, and the remaining city guards surrendered after watching Yuki casually incinerate their last defense golem with a yawn.
The people of Ashfall gathered in the central square, trembling—expecting judgment.
Yuki stepped forward, surrounded by the five women who had led the charge.
"I am not your conqueror," he said. "I am your beginning. From today, Ashfall belongs not to tyrants or distant thrones, but to those who protect and build."
Sylvaeria's voice followed, warm and clear. "You will not be punished for survival. But you will be rewarded for loyalty."
Selene raised her hand, and the rebel banner replaced the imperial sigil.
And thus, the *first city of the new Calasthea Empire* was born.
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