"Don’t go! It’s definitely a trap!"
Darulunina instantly clutched Orson’s arm, glaring warily at the captain of the Wolf Empire’s guards.
Orson gave her a flat look—then at the handful of playing cards she still held. He was starting to wonder if his "Earth culture lessons" had been a mistake.
Darulunina gave him a sheepish grin. He flicked her forehead, ordering the kids to stay put in the room and wait.
The captain bowed, keeping a very cautious distance from the man who had erased one of his comrades with a gesture.
"Tell me something," Orson said casually as they walked. "What kind of man is this Godmaster, really?"
"A miracle given flesh," the captain said at once, eyes shining. "He shattered our chains! A legend from another world. His very presence is the brightest light in the Sunforge World!"
The moment the name was mentioned, the man grew feverish, pouring out tale after tale of the so-called Godmaster’s miracles.
"From another world?" Orson’s brows rose slightly. "And I assume those relics hiding the twins’ attributes... those came from him?"
"You know? Of course you would know—your eyes are sharper than fire itself, my lord Godson!" the man said, trembling with excitement.
Orson gave a small nod. His suspicion was right.
So. To use relics here, the items couldn’t originate from the Sunforge World itself. That explained why his own Earth gear had been crippled by Riley’s seal, yet outsiders like the Godmaster could wield items freely.
When they arrived, the twins were waiting in a lavishly decorated chamber.
Estrella gave a delicate laugh, peach-blossom cheeks glowing. She had a beauty that could stir anyone’s blood. But when Caelum’s shadowed face leaned into view beside hers, his violet twin pupils gleaming, even her charms couldn’t mask the strangeness of their shared body.
A table had been set with wine and food. Orson’s eyes softened at the sight. Not monster meat this time, but grains, rice cakes, and roasted corn.
He sat without hesitation, tearing into a crisp rice cake. Sweet, crunchy—surprisingly good. The twins exchanged a look, pleased that he approved.
They didn’t rush to speak, waiting as he drank and ate at his own pace.
"Well?" Orson said at last, voice calm and unshaken.
Estrella leaned forward. "We wish for your aid. Once our awakening ritual is complete, we intend to enter the temple at the Sacred Mountain. Will you lend us your strength?"
"To pay homage to our ancestor," she replied smoothly. "To pray for the Sunforge’s blessing."
Orson chuckled. The lie was written all over her face. "Just prayers? Nothing else?"
Estrella flushed under his gaze, fumbling for words.
Caelum spoke instead, voice rasping: "We want to witness the Sunforge’s history for ourselves. To be among the first adventurers to leave the Exile Domain."
"You really think the outside is paradise?" Orson sighed, a wry smile tugging his lips.
The twins stared, startled. He waved them off before they could ask. Compared to the hellish Infinite Dimensions realms devoured by demonic swarms, this cursed world was practically a haven. At least here, people could still eat. Elsewhere, adventurers were nothing but fodder.
"What you should do is stay," Orson said softly. "Live as prince and princess. It’s the best ending you could hope for."
He stood to leave, a wry smile flickering across his face.
"We can pay you!" Caelum blurted, eyes hard.
"Oh?" Orson arched a brow. "I do enjoy a good trade. What’s your price?"
The boy drew out two shimmering pink crystals.
"Take us to the temple. One now, one when it’s done. And beyond that—a full set of the Wolf Empire’s level-90 Forbidden Magic schematics. Surely even you would value them."
Effect: When HP falls below 20%, instantly heal 100,000 per second for 15s. Max HP +30% for 30 minutes.
Orson rolled the gem in his hand, lips twitching. To these two, priceless treasures. To him? Trash. Fifteen seconds of healing wouldn’t even cover a scratch. As for level-90 gear blueprints—his pack already overflowed with stronger equipment.
Still, he didn’t refuse outright. Instead, he tilted his head. "If you’re so desperate, why not just go to your precious Godmaster? Surely he could do what you ask."
The twins stiffened. Estrella opened her mouth, only for Caelum’s hand to clamp over it. Then, predictably, their other hand yanked his away again. The awkward struggle almost made Orson laugh.
"There’s nothing to hide from a pure-blooded Godson," Estrella snapped, glaring at her brother. "That man is no saint. He’s a butcher."
Her tone rang with conviction.
"The rebels have been seizing youths of awakening age," she said bitterly. "Their reasons are murky, but we believe it’s to carve a path through the Sacred Mountain. To join him is suicide."
"Mm. That makes more sense."
Orson nodded. She didn’t seem to be lying.
Caelum exhaled sharply. "Here. The mountain’s map."
A data transfer pinged. Orson accepted—and his eyes widened.
The Sacred Mountain was divided into ninety-nine heavenly domains, each a pocket world. To enter was to face the baptism of the Fire God’s laws. Pass the trial, earn EXP, stats, and skill points. Advance to the next.
The chart, though, blurred past the eightieth tier. Clearly even the Wolf Empire’s greatest had never gone further. Only that legendary Sunforge Executor might have glimpsed the summit.
"This," Orson murmured, "is useful."
He pocketed the map, tucking the dragonblood stone away as well. "Fine. Be ready. We climb at dawn."
That night, he returned to the inn. The Firevenom kids were strewn all over the floor, snoring like thunder. Shaking his head, he draped blankets over them.
On the rooftop, he gazed up at the towering Sacred Mountain. Its presence pressed against his chest like a living god’s breath.
Could he, one day, truly stand against those who wrote the laws of worlds themselves?
He shook the doubt away, sitting cross-legged beneath the stars. Breath slowed. The meditation began.
"You still cling to this...?"
A voice. Thin, unreal, whispering in his ear.
"I have already suffered what I deserve. Must you still pursue me?"
Orson’s eyes flew open. His pulse thundered. "Who’s there?!"
Only the mountain, vast and eternal, looming in the distance.