A solitary flame spiraled around a man’s body, revolving in slow motion.0

This man was the Flame King, master of Ignium, and the mightiest among the Usurpers. The flame around his body was the essence of fire, Ignium. It was born in the hottest depths of the Deep Realm and was said to burn everything it touched.0

The Flame King frowned as he watched the slow trickle of sand in the hourglass. Beside the hourglass lay two spirit stones, now drained of color, lying hollow. They indicated the deaths of the Titan, Malanuh, and the Deep Realm Assassin, Aduntath.0

“I shall go myself,” the Flame King declared.1

The knights of fire, who served under the Flame King, knelt to show respect for his departure. As they did so, they offered a silent farewell to Earth, which was soon to meet its end.1

***0

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting warmth onto the bed.0

Yoon-Hee woke up even before her alarm went off, stretching briefly. She looked out the window to see the cloudless sky as if the heavy downfall of the past two days was a lie. She glanced over at Yong-Yong, who was sprawled on top of Do-Jun, fast asleep, and couldn’t help but...0