noos3

Ethan, a college student struggling to make ends meet. He found solace in the familiar routines of campus life, but beneath the surface, a restless energy simmered within him, a yearning for something more.  He felt a tug towards the hidden corners of the city, the places where shadows danced and secrets whispered in the wind. One night, drawn by an inexplicable urge, he found himself venturing into a dimly lit alleyway, a place most people avoided. It was there, amid the dim lights and silence that clung to the air like a shroud, that he stumbled upon a gruesome discovery. A murder. As Ethan approached, a chill ran down his spine. The victim’s eyes, wide with terror even in death, stared back at him, their gaze filled with a spectral intensity. This was no ordinary murder. This was a doorway into a world Ethan never knew existed, a world where shadows held power and the dead could whisper their secrets.

Soulbound: Fate of the Fallen

An electric wave of emotions hit Ethan like a flood, and for a moment, he stood in awe, absorbing the atmosphere. Kai made a sound that snapped him back to reality, just in time to notice a man at the door—likely a guard—striding toward him with a menacing air. Ethan pretended not to see him until the man was right in front of him. Standing at 184 cm, Ethan towered over the man, making the attempted intimidation seem almost comical.

The guard cleared his throat, trying to maintain his tough demeanor. "Who are you? I haven't seen you here before. What are you doing here?" he demanded, attempting to project authority.

Ethan couldn't help but notice that the guard had a hand resting on his weapon, which was far from concealed. He took a moment to compose himself, channeling his nerves into a facade of confidence. "I was directed here if I wanted to join White Tiger," he replied, his voice steady. "And here I am. I want to fight."

The guard's expression shifted slightly, a mix of surprise and curiosity flickering across his face. Ethan could sense the shift in the atmosphere around him, a part of the crowd's attention subtly turning toward them.

Feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny of both the guard and the crowd, Ethan could sense their judgment as they assessed whether he was worth their time. Fortunately, his moderate athletic build, despite not working out regularly, seemed to work in his favor.

The guard finally nodded and led him to a spot to register for a new fight. The spectators who overheard their conversation buzzed with excitement; they rarely saw new faces. It didn't matter to them whether Ethan would perform well or not—what mattered was the promise of entertainment.

As they reached the registration area, the guard shouted, "Reg! We have new meat!" It was clear he intended to draw attention, as many eyes immediately turned toward them. Ethan felt a wave of discomfort wash over him; he didn't like the spotlight, but there was nothing he could do to escape it.

Reg's eyes gleamed with a predatory excitement, an expression that sent a chill down Ethan's spine. At first, it seemed like everyone else was accustomed to this dynamic, but a second glance revealed the truth: they were all watching him not as a person, but as prey. The realization made Ethan's heart race, and he began to feel jumpy under their collective gaze.

Just then, Kai moved closer, his presence a reassuring anchor amidst the tension. "Hey, relax, remember I'm right here" he said, his voice low and steady. "Just breathe and try to get used to this. It's all part of the game."

Ethan nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He focused on Kai's words, trying to block out the hungry stares of the crowd. Reg approached, a smirk playing on his lips as he eyed Ethan up and down. "So, you think you can handle yourself in the ring?" he asked, his tone dripping with challenge.

Ethan met Reg's gaze, determination igniting within him. "I'm here to fight. That's all that matters."

The crowd murmured in response, their interest piqued. Ethan could feel the energy shift, a mix of anticipation and excitement filling the air. He was no longer just a newcomer; he was stepping into the arena, ready to prove himself. With Kai by his side, he felt a flicker of confidence ignite, almost pushing back against the unease that threatened to overwhelm him.

Registering