Fifth Gate of Hell – Surface
Dragos stood tall before Aria, flames crackling faintly around him.
"I look forward to learning from you," Aria said with a hopeful smile.
He didn't respond right away. Then, in a calm voice, he said,
"You already know how to produce and control your flames. Now, I'll teach you flame compression—ignition core."
"Flame compression... ignition core?" Aria repeated, tilting her head.
"It's the ability to compress your flames into one single point—your heart, your hands, anywhere," he explained.
"Whoa, that's cool!" she said, eyes shining.
"Don't get carried away," he warned.
"Yes, sir," she replied quickly.
"Watch closely," Dragos said.
He took a slow breath in and out. A surge of energy pulsed from him. Wind gusted outward, pushing Aria back. Flames circled his body, swirling tighter and tighter until they vanished—replaced by a glowing core on the right side of his chest.
"This is the core," he said. "It all lies in compression."
