Acki stood in front of the dungeon entrance, his hand raised as black flames began to gather around his fingers. He paused for a moment, considering his options.

Acki: “Alright, I need a spell thats not too strong don’t wanna blow up the whole place.”

With a focused gesture, he unleashed a torrent of black fire. It erupted in a massive explosion, shaking the very foundation of the dungeon.

Acki: “Maybe I went a little overboard…”

He sighed but quickly wiped the thought from his mind. Without wasting another second, he vanished, using Infernal Step to cover the ground quickly. Guards didn’t stand a chance as he moved past them, his strikes swift and silent.

In less than five minutes, Acki had searched most of the dungeon. He came to the slave chamber, and the sight that greeted him was more horrific than he had imagined.

Acki’s thoughts: This place stinks of misery…

The room was filled with cages—human beings in various states of ruin. Their bodies were bruised, bloodied, and many of them looked like they had given up on life. Some couldn’t even scream anymore; all that escaped them was the sound of air from their lungs. Acki clenched his fists, his body shaking with barely contained rage.

Acki: “I’m going to free you all… and make those responsible pay.”

Without hesitation, he started unlocking the cages. The slaves didn’t wait—one by one, they staggered out, desperate for the taste of freedom. As the last cage was opened, Acki shouted.

Acki: “Asha! Where is she?”

A weak voice answered.

Slave: “She’s not here. She’s deeper underground.”

Acki: “Underground? Where exactly?”

The slave pointed to the corner of the room, and Acki quickly walked over. There, hidden in the dirt, was a small trapdoor.

Slave: “She’s down there. The door is right under you.”

Acki pulled up the door with ease and found Asha, bound and blindfolded, a rag stuffed in her mouth. His heart twisted at the sight, but he wasted no time. He pulled her from the hole, his hands gentle despite the storm of emotions inside him.

Acki: “Asha… are you alright? Please… talk to me.”

Her eyelids fluttered open, and she whispered through the rag.

Asha: “Acki… is that really you?”

Acki’s chest tightened as he nodded, barely able to keep his composure.

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Acki: “Yes, it’s me. I’m here.”

Asha’s eyes closed once more, her body giving out from exhaustion. Acki cursed under his breath, then quickly turned to the freed slaves.

Acki: “Everyone, get out now!”

He moved swiftly, guiding them with his Infernal Step, ensuring no guards could interfere. The exit was clear, and once outside, he turned to the group.

Acki: “Go through the exit and gather around me.”

The former slaves, still shaken and confused, obeyed silently. Acki’s voice was calm, but there was urgency in his words.

Acki: “Stay close. Don’t get separated. We’re not out of danger yet.”

Acki took a deep breath and focused. He envisioned a spell—a shield of flames large enough to protect them all. He combined the basic elements of Infernal Step with it, trying something new. With a sharp exhale, the spell took form. In an instant, the group was teleported out of the dungeon and into the outskirts of the Whispering Forest.

Acki: “We’ll stay here for the night. Tomorrow, you’ll decide whether you want to leave or join me. But let me warn you—if you want to stay with me, you’ll face intense training. I’m not asking you to follow me like slaves. You’ll be my subordinates, helping me with my cause. That’s all.”

The former slaves exchanged glances, too tired and dazed to respond. Acki didn’t wait for an answer. He moved quickly, using his power to create small shelters from the earth.

Acki: “This should do for tonight. If you need more, let me know.”

The group remained silent, most of them too exhausted to speak. Acki, however, turned his attention to Asha, still resting by the fire. He moved over to her, checking her condition.

Acki: “Will she be alright?”

A slave who had been tending to her nodded.

Slave: “She’ll be fine. Just a bit cold and passed out from the shock. She’ll wake up soon.”

Acki let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

Acki: “Thank you. I… I can’t tell you how much that helps.”

The slave gave him a curious look.

Slave: “Why do you care so much about her? She’s just another slave. And why help all of us? You don’t owe us anything.”

Acki looked the man dead in the eye, his voice steady but filled with conviction.

Acki: “She’s special. There’s something about her eyes… I can’t explain it. As for the rest of you, I’m not just freeing you. I’m fighting against the system that enslaves people for things they can’t control. I believe in equality. I believe no one should be treated like property. I’ll fight for you all, and I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The slave considered his words, then let out a slow, thoughtful breath.

Slave: “You’re ambitious. But with the power you’ve shown, you might actually make it happen.”

Acki didn’t respond right away. Instead, he turned his gaze to the horizon.

Acki: “This isn’t just some dream. It’s a promise. I’ll make everyone equal. No one will be above anyone else.”

The slave chuckled softly.

Slave: “You’re confident, for someone so young.”

Acki: “You can’t make big promises like that if you’re weak.”

The slave grinned.

Slave: “Fair enough. By the way, what’s your name?”

Acki: “I’m Acki. And you?”

Slave: “Thorin.”

Acki: “Nice to meet you, Thorin.”

As the camp settled into a quiet night, Acki’s mind was far from at ease. He knew that this was only the beginning of something bigger. The night was fading, and soon, he would have to make the next move. But for tonight, he allowed himself to believe in the possibility of a future where no one had to live in fear of the chains that had bound them.

The next morning, Acki gathered the former slaves around him, their faces worn and uncertain.

Acki: “For those who don’t know me, I’m Acki. You’re all free now. No more chains, no more masters. I’ve done what I could, but the choice is yours—stay with me and help me with my mission, or go wherever you wish. But know this—if you stay, you’ll face hard training. You’ll be part of my cause, not my property. You’ll have a purpose. Make your choice now.”

They stared at him, their eyes tired but filled with something else: hope. The silence lasted for only a moment before one voice rang out, then another, until the entire group began to chant in unison.

Slaves: “PRAISE TO OUR NEW MASTER!”

Acki stood, momentarily stunned by their response. He hadn’t expected it, but he wouldn’t turn back now.

Acki: “Great. Pack up, we’re setting out.”

The group cheered, a new fire ignited in their hearts. Acki looked to the horizon, knowing the hardest part of his journey was yet to come. But with this new beginning, he was more certain than ever that his promise would become a reality.