Chapter 9 — The Flame over the Heart
After the events on the 49th floor, Hulk's reputation grew to become a legend.
Many did not believe in the existence of the "Dungeon Heart", but the members of the Loki family confirmed that something was deeper than walls and stone. Something was alive.
And some of them wanted it for themselves.
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At the meeting of the gods, in the Hall of the Eternal Tower, a question arose.
"A force capable of controlling the Dungeon core... is a threat. Odin said, clutching his staff. "We need to step in.
— And if it's not a threat, but a chance? Loki retorted. "He's not evil. He just chose freedom.
"He was a slave. We don't know what his real identity is.
"But I do. Hermes' voice rang out. "And someone's already gone after him."
"Who?" Hestia asked.
Hermes slowly turned around.
— The Flaming Seals faction. They are descendants of ancient enchanters. Their goal is to take over the core and..." he paused. — Rewrite the Dungeon itself.
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Meanwhile, Hulk, Gray, and Ais were training in the family's courtyard. The Hulk fought Ais, trying to contain the force.
He was still getting used to level 7. His body was stronger, faster, but most importantly, his mind was calmer. Rage no longer possessed him. He owned her.
Riveria came out of the tower.
— The Hulk. There is a visit. Unexpected.
There were two people standing on the landing: a man in a black robe and a woman with her face hidden behind a mask.
—We are Toriel and Verax. The Flaming Seals faction. We have come with an offer.
Gray gripped his sword.
"What other suggestion?"
— Hulk, you are the chosen one of the Heart. You can open the gate below the 60th floor. We propose an alliance. Together we will change the whole world. Let's create a new order — without gods, without cruelty. The power is in your hands. We'll just guide you.
The Hulk came over. He looked into the eyes through the mask.
"You sound like my old master." First, the choice. Then the chains.
- no. We…
"I've seen your dreams. They're like my rage. Without control, they will destroy everyone.
He turned around.
"I'm not with you."
Then Verax raised her hand.
—It's a pity. Then you will become an obstacle.
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Loki's last name was attacked at night.
Lightning, fire, seals, forbidden runes, everything they could. Their target was the Heart Key, an artifact created after Hulk touched the core. He opened a path below the 50th.
Finn and Ais fought like lions. Riveria stopped the three mages.
And the Hulk... fought with Verax.
"You will become a seal. We will turn you into a vessel!
He activated the forbidden seal. Hundreds of enchantments entwined the Hulk, binding his body, mind, and soul.
He fell to his knees for a second.
"You don't... understand."
The rage flared up, but now it's clear.
He activated the Anti-Magic.
The runes began to fade.
The seals cracked.
He stood up, glowing green.
"You tied me up with chains when I was a child. But I've grown up. And now I'm tearing them up myself.
With the force of the blow, he broke through the magic barrier, crumpling it like paper. The ground shook, and the magicians of the "Flame Seals" retreated.
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After the victory, the Hulk stood in front of everyone.
"I'm not just a warrior. I am a node of the past and the future. I don't want to destroy. But if necessary, I will protect you. Even from those who call it "good."
Loki's last name, exhausted but proud, stood next to him.
"We're a family. And you're one of us.