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 sprinted toward the Dark Elf, intent on finishing this duel. He had already spent far too long in this fight alone. He needed to kill more Defiled.

A hint of suppressed bloodlust escaped its seal.

Alden imbued himself with [Haste], his figure turning hazy within the thin mist.

As if sensing his desire to end the fight quickly, the Dark Elf's grin widened. The corrupted creature followed his lead. It dashed forward swiftly, wishing to meet Alden in the middle. And converge they did.

Alden circulated his mana and sent a burst to his feet, throwing a devastating punch. The Dark Elf nimbly evaded the strike, shifting its neck, before responding with a jab of its own.

Alden dodged the blow, turning his torso to deliver a violent kick. The Dark Elf blocked with its forearm, thrusting its other palm into his chest.

He immediately set up a [Shield].

Devious