Origin Flames: A Tale Of Flame To Divinity

Chapter 1: Reincarnated As A Flame! System Activated!

"Wait... Did I actually transmigrate?"

Lucifer slowly regained consciousness.

Before he could figure out where he was, a flood of unfamiliar memories rushed into his mind. Images, knowledge, and information poured into his consciousness, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Several seconds later, he finally understood what had happened.

He had transmigrated into another world.

And judging by the information he had received, this wasn't an ordinary world.

It was a place where gods walked above mortals, where countless kingdoms competed for territory, and where faith itself could become a source of divine power.

The inhabitants called it the Continent of the Gods.

Here, the deities weren't merely legends passed down through ancient stories. They were real beings who commanded extraordinary powers.

Each god possessed followers, established churches, and influenced mortal civilizations through their representatives. Some controlled entire kingdoms, while others maintained their influence through scattered temples and devoted believers.

Faith was their nourishment.

The greater their followers' devotion, the greater their potential divine power.

Naturally, this resulted in endless competition.

Gods fought for believers. Churches struggled for influence. Kingdoms expanded their territories, sometimes under divine protection and sometimes through their own military strength.

Humanity wasn't the only intelligent race inhabiting this vast continent, either.

Dwarves crafted weapons and armor, elves lived among ancient forests, goblins gathered in dangerous territories, and orcs established their own settlements. There were also gnomes, underground civilizations, and countless other strange creatures.

Beyond these familiar races existed beings that most ordinary people could only imagine.

Dragons.

Giants.

And creatures whose existence was enough to inspire fear in entire kingdoms.

Yet humans remained one of the most influential races on the continent. Their widespread settlements, expanding kingdoms, and enormous population made them important targets for the competing gods.

After absorbing these memories, Lucifer couldn't help smiling.

"What an interesting world."

Before his transmigration, Lucifer had been an orphan who relied entirely on himself.

Despite his circumstances, he had managed to become a billionaire before graduating from college. He possessed considerable intelligence, a sharp business sense, and an unusual ability to recognize opportunities.

However, wealth had never completely satisfied him.

An ordinary life filled with predictable routines had always seemed dull.

Now, he had unexpectedly arrived in a world where gods existed, civilizations competed for supremacy, and possibilities seemed endless.

If he could survive here, perhaps he could experience something genuinely exciting.

Unfortunately, reality had other plans.

As Lucifer began examining his surroundings, he noticed something terribly wrong.

He couldn't feel his arms.

He couldn't move his legs.

In fact, he couldn't even feel a proper human body.

"What's going on?"

He attempted to move, only to discover that his entire field of vision flickered.

Orange.

Red.

Yellow.

His surroundings shimmered with dancing light.

A terrible realization struck him.

"No way..."

He looked down.

Or, more accurately, he tried to look down at himself.

What he discovered nearly made him lose his mind.

He was a flame.

Not a human standing inside a burning building.

Not a magician controlling fire.

He was literally a small patch of fire burning on a few pieces of charred wood.

Lucifer fell silent.

For several seconds, he couldn't think of anything to say.

Then—

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!"

If he still possessed a human throat, he would probably have screamed until his voice gave out.

He had been a self-made billionaire. He had possessed intelligence, wealth, and the freedom to pursue almost anything he wanted.

And now?

He had become a tiny wildfire.

Worse, the wood beneath him was almost completely consumed.

The remaining flames flickered weakly, threatening to disappear at any moment.

Lucifer hurriedly examined the surrounding area.

Green grass stretched across the wilderness. Trees stood at a distance, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The nearby vegetation appeared healthy and abundant.

Unfortunately, none of it was close enough to save him immediately.

His current body was burning on a handful of nearly exhausted branches.

Once the remaining fuel disappeared, what would happen to him?

Would he die?

Would his consciousness vanish along with the flames?

Lucifer didn't particularly want to discover the answer.

"Of all the possible bodies in this world, why did I have to get this one?"

He wanted to become powerful.

He wanted to explore this extraordinary continent.

If possible, he even wanted to stand above the gods themselves one day.

But first, he needed to solve a much more urgent problem.

Survival.

"Other transmigrators usually get some kind of advantage, don't they? A mysterious inheritance, an overpowered ability, or at least a decent body!"

Lucifer's flames flickered irritably.

"Where's mine?"

Ding!

A compatible system has been detected. Initiating activation...

Lucifer froze.

For a moment, he wondered whether his imagination had finally started malfunctioning.

Then the voice sounded again.

Ding! System activation successful.

A transparent interface materialized within his perception.

[Host: Lucifer]

[Flame Core Level: Rank 1 Wildfire]

[Flame Layers: Three Layers]

[Maximum Temperature: 500 Degrees]

[Evolution Points: 0]

[Energy Points: 20]

[Current Income: 2 Points/Second]

[Current Consumption: 1 Point/Second]

[Skills: Berserk Burn, Eye of Appraisal]

[Resistance: None]

[Items: None]

[Other Information: None]

Lucifer stared at the panel.

Then, for the first time since discovering his new body, he felt genuine relief.

"A system!"

He had actually received a system!

Although he had transmigrated into a body that could be extinguished by an unfortunate gust of wind, at least he wasn't completely helpless.

Lucifer immediately examined the information provided by the system.

According to its explanation, the system had formed during his transmigration. His consciousness had fused with a mysterious energy, creating a unique system that belonged exclusively to him.

There was no system spirit to offer advice, nor was there an administrator waiting to answer his questions.

Everything operated through a straightforward interface.

And its primary function was remarkably simple.

Burn things. Obtain energy. Evolve.

Different materials provided different amounts of Energy Points when consumed by his flames.

Energy Points represented the resources available to Lucifer. He could use them to sustain his fire, increase its intensity, and continue burning even when ordinary fuel became scarce.

At present, his tiny wildfire was consuming the dead branches beneath it.

Those branches provided two Energy Points per second, while maintaining his current flames required only one point per second.

Consequently, he was gaining one Energy Point every second.

That was good news.

Even better, the system prevented him from immediately disappearing when his current fuel was exhausted, provided he still possessed Energy Points.

However, this protection wasn't unlimited.

Every second he remained active consumed energy, and once his reserves ran dry, his survival would once again become a serious problem.

Lucifer understood the implication immediately.

He couldn't simply remain where he was and hope for the best.

He needed more fuel.

A lot more fuel.

Energy Points weren't the only resource available to him, either.

The system also possessed something called Evolution Points.

These points could be obtained by burning certain special materials. Consuming other flames was another way to acquire them, and the system allowed him to exchange Energy Points for Evolution Points as well.

However, the exchange rate would become increasingly expensive as his Flame Core grew stronger.

Evolution Points were essential for advancement.

By spending them, Lucifer could raise his Flame Core's level and evolve into a more powerful form.

There appeared to be no fixed limit to this process.

As long as he could gather sufficient Evolution Points, he could continue evolving.

Lucifer's flames brightened slightly.

"An evolution system..."

That was considerably better than he had expected.

Before he could investigate further, another notification appeared.

Ding! Beginner's Gift Pack is being distributed.

Ding! Distribution complete!

Congratulations! You have received the following rewards:

- 1,000 Energy Points

- 50 Evolution Points

- 30% Water Resistance

- Virtual Divinity

- Exclusive Storage Space: 100 Cubic Meters

Lucifer nearly wanted to laugh.

The system had arrived just in time.

His original twenty Energy Points had been barely enough to keep him alive. Now, he possessed an additional thousand points, along with a substantial supply of Evolution Points.

The gift pack had also provided something called Water Resistance.

[Resistance: Water Resistance 30%]

According to the system, this ability reduced the additional energy consumption caused by rain by thirty percent.

That didn't mean water was harmless.

Rain could still consume his energy at an alarming rate, especially if he maintained powerful flames during a heavy downpour.

Nevertheless, having some protection was certainly better than having none.

Then there was the final reward that caught his attention.

"Virtual Divinity?"

Lucifer concentrated on the item.

A strange, transparent object appeared in his perception. It resembled a miniature pyramid, positioned above his Flame Core.

Its appearance was unlike anything he had seen before.

However, the object remained completely motionless.

No information appeared to explain its current state beyond a simple label.

[Item: Virtual Divinity]

[Status: Unactivated]

Lucifer examined it for a while but found no way to activate it.

"Fine. I'll investigate you later."

For now, becoming stronger took priority.

He had fifty Evolution Points available.

According to the system, advancing his Flame Core to Level 2 required ten Evolution Points.

The next level would cost twenty.

Lucifer immediately made his decision.

"Upgrade!"

Ding! Flame Core advancement successful!

Evolution Points consumed: 10.

Current Level: Level 2 Wildfire.

"Again!"

Ding! Flame Core advancement successful!

Evolution Points consumed: 20.

Current Level: Level 3 Wildfire.

The remaining thirty Evolution Points weren't enough for his next advancement, which required thirty points by itself.

Lucifer couldn't help feeling slightly disappointed.

Still, two consecutive upgrades were a considerable improvement.

He opened his status panel again.

[Host: Lucifer]

[Flame Core Level: Level 3 Wildfire]

[Flame Layers: Three Layers]

[Maximum Temperature: 700 Degrees]

[Evolution Points: 20]

[Energy Points: 1,026]

[Current Income: 1 Point/Second]

[Current Consumption: 2 Points/Second]

[Skills: Berserk Burn, Eye of Appraisal]

[Resistance: Water Resistance 30%]

[Items: Virtual Divinity (Unactivated)]

[Others: None]

Lucifer's expression changed.

"Hold on. Why is my consumption higher than my income?"

His original flames had consumed one Energy Point per second while generating two.

Now, he was consuming two points every second but earning only one.

In other words, he was losing one point per second.

That was a terrible situation.

Fortunately, the explanation was straightforward.

Increasing his Flame Core's level had raised his temperature from 500 degrees to 700 degrees.

His flames were now considerably stronger, but the remaining dead branches couldn't provide enough energy to sustain them.

The fuel was nearly exhausted.

Lucifer quickly considered his options.

He could continue burning at full strength and waste his reserves, or he could reduce the intensity of his flames to conserve energy.

The choice was obvious.

With a thought, he suppressed his flames.

The fire contracted until it became a small, concentrated flicker.

His energy consumption decreased accordingly.

Lucifer finally relaxed.

Although he possessed more than a thousand Energy Points, that amount wasn't enough to make him careless. If he continued consuming energy without obtaining more fuel, his reserves would eventually disappear.

Even with his flames reduced to a minimum, he couldn't survive indefinitely.

He needed a reliable source of energy.

Preferably one that wouldn't disappear after a few minutes.

"Time to see what this place actually looks like."

Lucifer activated one of his skills.

Eye of Appraisal!

His perception expanded.

The surrounding landscape became much clearer, revealing details that had previously escaped his attention.

He was in an enormous wilderness.

Dense vegetation covered the ground, while trees grew in every direction. The area appeared untouched by civilization, with no roads, buildings, or obvious signs of human activity.

Venomous insects crawled through the undergrowth, and snakes slithered between the plants.

Whatever this place was, it certainly wasn't a safe environment for a tiny flame.

Lucifer carefully surveyed the nearby terrain.

Then he noticed something useful.

Several dozen meters away lay a collection of dry branches.

They weren't much, but they represented additional fuel.

Unfortunately, he quickly rejected the idea of relying on them.

Even if he managed to reach those branches, burning them would only prolong his survival for a short time.

What would he do afterward?

Search for another handful of branches?

Repeat the process until something finally killed him?

That wasn't a sustainable strategy.

Lucifer had always preferred solving problems at their source rather than repeatedly dealing with their consequences.

His current predicament was no exception.

He examined the environment again.

Grass.

Bushes.

Trees.

Dry vegetation scattered across the wilderness.

Suddenly, an idea came to him.

A rather outrageous idea.

"Why should I waste my time burning one little branch at a time?"

His flames flickered as he considered the possibilities.

The vegetation surrounding him was abundant. The weather appeared suitable for a fire to spread, and the wilderness contained plenty of potential fuel.

If he could ignite a large area, he might obtain far more energy than he could ever acquire by burning individual branches.

Of course, there was a problem.

Starting a large fire in an unfamiliar wilderness was dangerous.

But remaining a tiny wildfire until his energy ran out was hardly a brilliant alternative.

Lucifer examined the skill listed on his panel.

Berserk Burn.

The skill allowed him to increase his temperature dramatically, causing his flames to burn with much greater intensity.

Naturally, this consumed additional energy.

However, the increased consumption might be worthwhile if it allowed him to spread his flames across a much larger area.

Once the fire began spreading, the additional fuel could potentially generate enough Energy Points to offset the initial expenditure.

Lucifer's thoughts accelerated.

He didn't need to remain a helpless little flame.

He simply needed to find the right opportunity to grow.

"All right..."

His gaze settled on the surrounding vegetation.

"If I'm going to do this, I might as well make it worthwhile."

Just as Lucifer was preparing to put his plan into action, a rustling sound came from nearby.

Something was approaching.

A moment later, a black-furred animal emerged from the vegetation.

It resembled a wolf, although its appearance was somewhat unfamiliar.

The creature wandered toward the spot where Lucifer was burning.

Then it stopped.

The animal raised one hind leg.

Lucifer immediately understood what it intended to do.

"Seriously?"

The wolf was about to urinate on him.

Lucifer was speechless.

He had crossed worlds, received a system, and discovered the possibility of unlimited evolution.

Yet here he was, facing the humiliating prospect of being extinguished by a wild animal's urine.

He had more important matters to attend to.

His energy reserves were limited, and he needed to save as much energy as possible before attempting his plan.

Consequently, Lucifer moved away from the wolf.

Yes, he could move.

His current body wasn't human, but that didn't mean he was completely stationary. He could shift his flames across suitable surfaces, allowing him to move like a tiny living fire.

The wolf noticed the movement.

Its ears twitched.

It lowered its head and stared at the retreating flame.

Confusion filled its eyes.

Perhaps it had never encountered a fire that could move independently.

For several seconds, the animal simply watched.

Lucifer remained still.

Eventually, the wolf seemed to lose interest.

It shifted its position, approached the little flame again, and raised its hind leg for a second time.

Lucifer stared at it.

The wolf stared back.

Then the animal began to urinate.

"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"

Lucifer's patience finally snapped.

He had already moved aside once.

He had tried to avoid unnecessary trouble.

He had even been willing to ignore the creature's ridiculous behavior because he needed to conserve energy.

But apparently, the wolf had mistaken his restraint for weakness.

"Fine. You asked for it!"

Lucifer immediately activated his skill.

Berserk Burn!

BOOM!

His tiny flame erupted with astonishing intensity.

A surge of heat swept through the surrounding air as the fire expanded violently, transforming from a weak flicker into a roaring blaze.

The wolf barely had time to react.

In the next instant, flames engulfed its body.

"Awoooo!"

The animal howled in pain.

It jumped backward, rolled across the ground, and desperately tried to escape the burning heat.

But Lucifer had already attached himself to its fur.

Every movement carried the flames along with it.

The wolf raced through the vegetation, hoping to escape its attacker, but its frantic struggles only spread the fire farther.

As it stumbled through the wilderness, the flames caught scattered pieces of dry wood and dead vegetation.

Small fires began appearing in its wake.

Unfortunately for the wolf, running only made its situation worse.

Lucifer concentrated on maintaining his flames.

The system's Energy Points decreased rapidly, but the burning animal provided an abundant source of fuel.

Before long, the wolf's desperate movements slowed.

Its howls faded.

Eventually, the creature collapsed.

The flames continued burning until nothing remained but a pile of ashes.

A notification sounded in Lucifer's mind.

Ding! You have successfully burned a wild wolf to death.

Evolution Points +2.

Lucifer immediately checked his status.

The Berserk Burn skill had consumed more than a hundred Energy Points.

However, the energy obtained from burning the wolf had exceeded two hundred points.

He had made a net profit of approximately one hundred Energy Points.

More importantly, he had gained two Evolution Points.

Lucifer examined the results carefully.

A smile gradually appeared across his tiny, flickering flames.

"So that's how it works."

He had spent energy to increase his burning power, but the additional fuel had more than compensated for the cost.

The wolf had also provided Evolution Points, bringing him closer to his next advancement.

This was precisely the kind of result he wanted.

He didn't need to remain confined to burning dead branches.

He could hunt for fuel, spread his flames, and exploit the environment to accelerate his growth.

The wilderness was no longer merely a dangerous place where he might perish.

It was also a source of resources.

And Lucifer intended to make full use of it.

"Continuous burning really is the key to evolution."

His flames danced excitedly.

He had no idea how powerful he could eventually become, nor did he know what awaited him beyond this wilderness.

But one thing was certain.

He wasn't going to spend his second life waiting for death.

Lucifer turned his attention toward the vast expanse of green vegetation surrounding him.

The first step was to secure enough energy to survive.

The second was to evolve.

After that?

He would see how far his flames could reach.

"All right, then."

His fire began to grow brighter.

"Let's get this prairie fire started