The bridge of golden light rose through the heart of the mountain like a stairway to the heavens.
Its radiant path wound upward through ancient stone, passing forgotten chambers and crystal caverns untouched for centuries. Warm light flowed beneath every step, carrying the living power of the Eternal Flame toward the surface.
Victoria Kane stood at its entrance.
The Crown of the Black Star shimmered upon her head.
The Dawnblade rested in her hand, its white flames burning with calm determination instead of rage.
She looked at her companions.
"This is where the war changes."
Cole Mercer checked the ammunition in his rifle before giving a confident nod.
"Then let’s make sure we’re the ones who change it."
Lucas Reed smiled as he tightened the string of his bow.
"I’ve climbed worse mountains."
Dr. Evelyn Brooks carefully packed the journals of Elias Crow inside her satchel.
"If Roland was telling the truth, these records may be the only clue to what existed before the Hollow King."
Father Gabriel lifted his silver cross.
"Then history will guide us where fear cannot."
Together, they stepped onto the bridge.
Behind them, the Last Sentinel remained beside the Eternal Flame.
His mighty hammer rested against the crystal floor.
"I shall guard the Forge."
"As long as this flame burns..."
"...hope shall endure."
The spirits of the Thirteen Marshals slowly raised their weapons in salute as the heroes disappeared into the glowing passage.
Far above, the summit of Blackstone Ridge had become a battlefield unlike anything the survivors had imagined.
The fortress walls lay in ruins.
Ancient towers leaned dangerously over shattered cliffs.
Cracks split the mountaintop, glowing with rivers of crimson fire pouring upward from the Hollow King’s broken prison.
Every defender stood ready.
Thousands of survivors lined the remaining battlements beside soldiers, hunters, and scouts who had gathered from settlements across the frontier after witnessing the pillar of golden light.
Hope had called them together.
Cole emerged first from the bridge, staring across the summit.
"We’re not alone."
Victoria stepped onto the mountaintop beside him.
Dozens of unfamiliar banners fluttered in the wind.
Men and women wearing weathered armor stood waiting with drawn weapons.
At their head stood an elderly woman carrying twin curved swords.
Silver streaks crossed her dark hair, and a deep scar ran across one cheek.
She stepped forward.
"We saw the light."
"And we answered."
Victoria studied the strangers cautiously.
"Who are you?"
The woman struck a fist against her chest.
"I am Commander Selene Voss."
"Leader of the Iron Frontier."
"For generations, we’ve guarded the northern passes against the undead."
She looked toward the awakening Hollow King.
"It seems our enemy has finally shown himself."
Gideon Black smiled faintly.
"The old alliances live after all."
Before anyone could continue, the ground exploded.
A gigantic hand burst through the summit, scattering stone in every direction.
The Hollow King’s chains snapped tight as he pulled himself higher from the abyss.
His towering body cast a shadow across the entire fortress.
His burning eyes settled upon Victoria.
"So..."
"The Last Marshal comes to meet her king."
Victoria raised the Dawnblade.
A pillar of white light shot into the sky, pushing back the crimson storm clouds.
"I came to end your reign."
The Hollow King laughed, his voice shaking every mountain within sight.
"You still believe I am your final enemy."
His smile slowly faded.
"Very well."
"Earn the truth."
With one colossal sweep of his arm, he tore the last walls of Blackstone Ridge apart.
From the smoking chasm beneath the fortress rose an enormous black gate covered in symbols older than the Black Star itself.
As the ancient gate slowly opened, a cold, unnatural whisper echoed across the world.
Something inside had begun to awaken.
The Hollow King did not smile.
For the first time, the King of Darkness looked afraid.