The wealthy cheered and lights flashed as the party finally started. Kaelthar wasn't much for parties, he always felt a bit awkward in such a setting.
"What's the matter bro, we're living the life here!"
Aelthys, the Eternal Flame patted his shoulder.
Aelthys had a body made of red hot coals, but he had learned to hold back the heat enough to not burn Kaelthar anymore.
"C'mon man, we've been together for fifteen years now. You should know I'm not a party kind of guy."
Aelthys let out a chuckle.
"You should tell that to our guild. Those guys go nuts for you."
Kaelthar laughed in return.
He was the leader of the Eternal Flame's guild. A posse of Minor God's that had no interest in claiming a throne, and instead work for the Eternal Flame to make a living.
He always felt a bit off at parties, but something today made him feel especially strange.
He looked to mirror close by. His tusks were a vibrant contrast to the tuxedo he currently wore.
More than just humans, creatures of all realms were selected by gods to represent them. It was hard to believe he was fifteen years younger when Aelthys first scouted him.
He use to be a soldier in an army, a general at that. One night his brigade got raided, and he fell to an elf's magic. Even now he has the scar from that battle.
When he lost consciousness, he awoke in a forest in a foreign world greeted by the much weaker Aelthys.
"I'm gonna step out for some fresh air, Ael."
Aelthys sat down on a couch and threw up his arms.
"You kiddin, Kael? You're gonna miss the main event!"
Just as he spoke, a group of beautiful dancers dispersed into the room, a few sitting down next to Aelthys.
Kaelthar waved.
"I won't be long."
He stepped out of the room into the hallway. As soon as he crossed the archway, the illusionary magic dispersed, and he returned back to his black and gold armor.
'Much better'
There had been many attempts on Kaelthar's life at parties like this one, it was a necessary precaution to keep his armor on.
He closed his eyes and began to relax.
'Take me to… Aetherion."
Aetherion was the starting point for all gods entering and re-entering the game, and it was also where he held the strongest influence.
Within a few seconds he felt his body flow through a magical gateway, and when he opened his eyes he saw his bedroom in the king's castle.
"Master Kaelthar, you're back early."
The Eternal Flame's personally assigned butler.
"I just needed to get some fresh air. I'm gonna take a walk."
"Very well, Master Kaelthar. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask."
Kaelthar nodded.
"Thank you, Finnian."
Leaning against his bed was his trusty weapon, the Soulfire Axe. Forged at the top of the hottest volcano in all the realms, and infused with parts of his and Aelthys' soul. He grabbed his weapon and lodged it on his back.
Kaelthar move through the castle, greeting and being greeted by many citizens. The same happened as he roamed the streets.
Many citizens feared him, others rejoiced that he protected them, but all could admire his strength and loyalty to the members of his guild.
Kaelthar stopped when something was amiss by the prison.
"Cedric! What happened to Darian? Why is there one less guard here?"
Cedric, the lazy man guarding the prison shot up instantly.
"Guild Master Kaelthar! You're back already? Darian lost an arm and was taken to the infirmary."
Kaelthar's brows furled.
"How did he lose an arm?"
"One of your higher ranks came by. He must've masked his aura pretty well, I thought he was a Lesser Champion when he showed up. But we second guessed him and Darian lost an arm cause of my mistake, I apologize, Guild Master."
"Who was it?"
"Dunno, didn't say a name. But his sword was coated with fire, awfully quick bastard he is. Real young fellow, wore a fancy red and black armor piece."
The more Cedric spoke, the more Kaelthar grew angry.
"Cedric… what are the two ways a Champion can get fire items like that?"
Cedric leaned back a little.
"Being given it as a gift by the Eternal Flame, or taking it from the corpse of a member of the guild."
The air was still for a moment as the only sound to be heard was silence.
"What's the status on the team by the gate?"
"Haven't heard from them in a while. Figured they're bored out of their minds."
Kaelthar was furious.
"Cedric! Do your goddamned job!"
Kaelthar threw his fist at the wall behind Cedric, demolishing it completely.
Cedric jumped out of the way to avoid being crushed by the rubble.
The other guard had become obvious frightened by Kaelthar's rage.
"My apologies, Gwyn. You're doing a fine job, lass."
He patted her on the shoulder, attempting to calm himself.
He turned back to Cedric.
"Get the carpenter brothers to fix that. Now!"
Cedric scurried off into the distant and around a corner.
Someone fighting back against his men at the gate was to be expected, but not only to win, but to get a rare drop of a flaming sword and then empty the prison is unheard of.
There was only one person who had done something like that previously, and now they're a Major Champion.
It's unlikely to be them again, his men would know their face. Whoever did this is either stupid, or planning something against the Eternal Flame.
Kaelthar rushed to the city gates. Two guards stood at their post, both of which seemed oddly nervous.
"Garrick, Eldrin. Where are my men?"
Garrick responded very quietly.
"T-they were killed, Guild Master."
Kaelthar's suspicions were confirmed.
"Damnit! Who did it?"
"It was a young man with long black hair. He had a strange sword with him, and a strong piece of armor."
If several of the guilds Champion's were slaughtered, two regular guards wouldn't have stood a chance.
"Thank you."
He took out a notebook, and flipped to an empty page within.
"Alaric, Abram, Caelum, Jacob, Randal, Haldrin, Ragnar… you will not be forgotten."
He closed the book, and turned back to the castle.
"You will be avenged."