Ash_Monarch

The Apocalypse is in full swing. 

Defiled - powerful creatures corrupted by the Great Collision - prowled the lands in search of prey. Unfortunately for them, the human race had long since retreated behind the secure walls of the Sanctuary of Everlast. 

During one of his regular excursions outside the Sanctuary, Alden is separated from Celeste. - his childhood friend and crush. In that moment, he came to regret never summoning the courage to confess. 

Somehow managing to survive thanks to some trickery, Alden awakens as a mage. 

Instead of receiving a normal power, he gains the ability to decay. What's more, during his ascension, he received a vision from his future self advising him not to trust the Asterons - celestial beings who had saved his race from inescapable doom.  

Normally... such a revelation wouldn’t faze Alden. 

However, there was only one major problem with the declaration, though. 

Celeste was bound with an Asteron. 

And not just any normal Asteron... 

She had made a pact with one of the Divine Sovereigns.
________ 

Cover is not mine. I found it on Pinterest.

The Inner Odyssey

Was Alden a fool to throw himself so willingly into the jaws of death?

After all, it wasn't like he had lost all reason and was blindly attacking the vast horde.

And while it wasn't the most trustworthy, it was better than nothing.

Furthermore, he had Celeste back there too.

She was much more effective when given enough distance to show off her impressive prowess with the bow. Alden, however, was the opposite - he was much more dangerous up close and personal, where his insidious ability shone.

He was glad that his precious love had listened to him. This way, he didn't have to worry about her safety while fighting. And the decision had the bonus of also playing to her strengths!

It was a win-win. With this, both parties should be happy.

Kill