Just as Kael and Riven returned from the Monument of Breaking and began gathering gear, a pulse of golden-red flame etched itself across Kael's status screen:
[Hidden Quest Unlocked – For Keal Only]
"Walk with Flame: The Dragon King's Invitation"
You are summoned to the Land of Dragons, not as an enemy… but as a guest. No battle. No trap. He simply wants to meet the one who has broken fate itself.
Time Limit: 24 Hours
Rewards: Unknown
Restrictions: Solo | No combat permitted | Entry only for Keal
Kael's screen flickered again.
"Come. Walk my scorched realm. Let me see the blade who defies me."
– Drak'thul, Dragon King of Worlds
Meanwhile…
Riven's own screen lit up with fire.
[Tier 3 Guild Quest: Trial of Wings – "Hunter of Flame"]
Face a wild corrupted flame dragon outside Stormbane's ring. Clear the skies while Kael walks the Dragon King's domain.
Recommended Party Size: 1-3
Level Requirement: 40
Reward: Rare Dragonhide Set, Enhanced Archer Art: Flamepiercer
Bonus Clear Reward: Guild Fame
Split Paths Begin
Kael: Enters a sealed portal opened only for him—an obsidian gateway surrounded by dragon statues. The moment he steps through, he's greeted not by war, but awe.
Mountains made of scales. Rivers of molten crystal. The skies darkened by wings.
At the center lies Drak'thul's Spire, and the King himself waits—his form immense, curled around the Heartflame Throne, eyes ancient and glowing.
Drak'thul Speaks
"I've burned countless worlds. I've crushed legends. But you… you're different."
"Why do you fight, Kael? Do you seek power… or purpose?"
"You're the first in a thousand years to break the seal. Perhaps you're not a threat. Perhaps… you're a choice."
Kael has a chance to respond. No lies. The Dragon King listens—genuinely.
Meanwhile, Riven's Trial
The skies outside Stormbane are lit with fire as Riven faces a winged inferno.
A Tier 3 Dragon—young, wild, blazing. She uses speed, precision, and her new Shadowmark powers to weave between flame bursts. She sets a trap midair, lands a flaming dagger, and finishes it with a skyshot that pierces the beast's heart as it dives.
Quest Rewards:
Keal:
• Unknown for now… but something awakened in the Dragon King's eyes
• Future Option Unlocked: ???
• Special Title Gained (Hidden): "Chosen Flame"
Riven:
• Level 41
• New Skill Gained: Flamepiercer Shot – Fires an armor-shattering flaming arrow
• Loot: Flame Dragonhide (used to craft Flamebound Cloak)
They meet back in Stormbane.
"So… what did he say to you?" Riven asked.
Kael looked toward the burning stars. "He didn't threaten me. He didn't challenge me. He asked me… why I fight."
The war is coming. But something else has begun.
The Dragon King doesn't just see Kael as an enemy… he sees him as fate's rival.