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

As he entered his home, Alden steeled himself.

He was prepared to accept the worst.

…That Ignia had not yet awoken.

However, no sooner had he placed a foot inside the door…

He instinctively wrapped his arms around it.

Sensing a familiar and comforting heat, Alden froze.

He snapped his neck down, gazing at his pet familiar.

A boisterous laugh escaped Alden's throat.

Tears of relief welled in his eyes.

Alden spun, lifting the little bird through the air as he hugged her close. Ignia nuzzled his chest, crying through their bond.

He scrutinised his familiar more closely and discovered she had grown bigger.

Was the way to expedite her growth through depleting her reserves of fire essence?

Spark