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

As Ethan followed the tall man through the bustling crowd, that was still occupied with their thoughts of the fight, making the atmosphere filled with a mix excitement and tension. He was lead down a narrow corridor that felt almost like a hidden passageway.

The dimly lit corridor was lined with graffiti-covered walls. Ethan could hear the muffled sounds of cheers and jeers from other arenas, a cacophony that seemed to pulse with the rhythm of the fight club.

But he couldn't focus on anything else other than the figure walking in front of him, his steps echoed against the concrete floor as he walked with authority, while Ethan trailed behind, his heart racing with anticipation and anxiety.

As they reached the curators office, Ethan was taken aback by the luxuriousness. The door was heavy, crafted from dark wood with intricate carvings that hinted at a level of sophistication not found in the rest of the building.

The man pushed it open and gestured at Ethan to enter, he was immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of luxury. You could tell at a glance that the curator was a very materialistic man.

Rich deep colors adorned the walls, with velvet drapes framing the large window that overlooked the arenas. The lighting was soft and warm, casting a golden hue over the room. A large mahogany desk sat at the center of the office, polished to a high shine, it made one wonder if the desk was ever used for anything other than showing off.

The curator was seated in a leather chair that was intimidating in its own right with its deep burgundy color.

"My, my, I suppose congratulations are in order," the curator finally said, a predatory grin spreading across his face as he addressed Ethan. The smile sent a shiver down Ethan's spine, drawing him toward the man and away from the lavish office. "That was a spectacular display you put on out there, kid."

Ethan swallowed subtly, trying to maintain his composure. "Thanks," he managed to reply, his voice barely above a whisper. The curator's gaze felt like a spotlight, scrutinizing him.

"You've got potential," the curator continued, leaning in slightly, his eyes glinting with interest. "I can't quite put my finger on what happened mid-fight, but that doesn't matter. We always welcome good fighters into our 'family' as long as they have a good head on their shoulders."

The last remark felt like a threat, and Ethan heard it loud and clear. He was well aware of what he was dealing with, and although some complications had arisen during the fight that he needed to discuss with Kai, he had no intention of throwing his life away.

"Yes, I understand, sir," he replied, still unsure of what to call the curator. Seemingly noticing his hesitation, the curator chuckled. "Gillian, that's what they call me. I'm in charge of this area." Ethan's eyes widened in surprise; he hadn't realized he was speaking with the boss of the territory. Given his timid nature, this revelation added another layer of pressure on him.

"That's all I needed; I just wanted to take a look at you. Now that I have, you can leave. Eric at the door will hand you a jacket, and you'll leave your contact information with him. There will be an initiation for new members in a few days, and we'll reach out to you then."

He practically told Ethan to leave as he turned his chair around to continue watching the arena, ignoring him completely. Ethan was more than happy to exit the office; the pressure of being there was overwhelming.

Joining the gang