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

He gripped his bedsheets tightly, his entire being radiating a flood of angst and worry.

He tried to call out through their shared bond. However, there was no response.

There was no way his precious familiar had died, right?

Heartbroken wouldn't even begin to describe what would happen to him if it was true.

Did he fall in the battle against the three Dark Elves?

Alden gritted his teeth, refusing to assume the worst. He forced himself to take a deep breath and wait for Cece's explanation.

Alden sensed a 'but' in her tone.

Sure enough, a moment later, Celeste's next words proved him right.

"She seems to be in a deep coma. She is still breathing. However, she doesn't respond to any stimulus. I think this may be her body's way of recovering the flame essence it expended."

Summoned