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 couldn't believe what he had just heard.

Shock, confusion and a hint of fear flashed through his crimson pupils.

The Keeper of the End wanted him to become the next Keeper…?

What qualifications did Alden have that separated him from the others in the Sanctuary?

How did the Keeper of the End know he wouldn't crumble under the responsibility?

No matter how he looked at it, Alden found the situation extremely bizarre. His mind couldn't comprehend the logic behind the Keeper's decision.

He was startled to find that she was an old woman. Not that that was a bad thing. Alden had subconsciously expected the Keeper to be someone in their prime. However, the stress and burden of such an important position seemed like it had taken its toll on her.

He sensed her gentle stare, patiently waiting for his answer.

First and Only...