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

Alden sized up the Dark Elf from afar.

They were tall, almost to the point they towered over him. They were also lean, doubtless possessing a physique fit for combat.

The strange markings on their skin glowed with a pale light, appearing as little specks within the thin fog.

Alden would have been a little mesmerised if it wasn't for the grim nature of the situation.

For he did not doubt that the Dark Elf was stronger than him. An air, similar to that of an [Adept] Mage swirled around their figure.

Alden's expression quickly turned sombre. There was still some lingering bloodlust, but it was being suppressed by the need to keep a level head.

The young man repeated the phrase in his mind. While he was doing that, the Dark Elf also appeared to be assessing him.

Stunned