JustABoy

Fifty years ago, the gods issued a warning—the Underworld will be unbound in two centuries, unleashing an apocalyptic catastrophe upon both Earth and Elysium. To prepare, humanity was granted access to Elysium, a realm of magic, monsters, and ancient power. Through the Soulweave System, humans could grow stronger, their abilities transferring between worlds. But death in Elysium was absolute, and the struggle for survival was merciless.

Now, with only 150 years remaining, Earth has fractured into a dystopia ruled by factions that control access to Elysium’s resources. The Nightspires lead brutal expeditions, the Dawnbuilders refine Aether to sustain Earth, and the Bridgers maintain a delicate balance between the two realms. Meanwhile, the rogue faction known as The Unbound seeks to force the apocalypse forward, wielding forbidden magic to accelerate the collapse of reality itself.

Elias Varian, a chemist and alchemist, has spent his life studying Aether, bridging the logic of science with the chaos of magic. But when an experiment with Void energy mutates him, he loses the ability to return to Earth through sleep—physically stranded in Elysium with a body unraveling under an unknown affliction. Hunted by those who fear what he is becoming, Elias must navigate a world that no longer sees him as human.

As the countdown to the Unbinding continues, forgotten truths resurface, ancient forces stir, and the gods remain silent. But something else is watching—waiting.

When the Underworld breaks free, will humanity rise… or shatter?

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I am writing this novel purely for fun and a curiousity of wanting to try something new. I will not be asking you guys to donate to or motivate me by anything that costs real money as that is not my aim or goal. I will do my best to make as many readers satisfied with my work but i need your support and honest reviews about my book. If you believe there is anything lacking in this novel please coment it as I am doing this without any prior experience. I sincerely thank you for spending your time on my work.
-JustABoy

Dual Eternity: Fractured Dawn

Elias Varian adjusted the calibration on his spectrometer, watching the pale blue light of the Aether Core flicker inside the glass containment field. The Tier 2 specimen, pulled from an Elysian Warg, pulsed with weak energy, its fractured surface proof of overuse.

He frowned, jotting down the latest readings.

"Seventeen percent degradation in two weeks… not bad, considering the extraction was rushed," he muttered.

His lab was a mess—half-scavenged gear, half-built projects, and stacks of old notebooks spread across every available surface. The walls were lined with reinforced insulation, shielding his work from outside interference. This wasn't just about avoiding Guild Syndicate inspections—it was about control. His work, his rules.

A chime from the security panel broke his focus. Visitor identified.

Elias sighed, powered down his tools, and unlocked the door.

Orin stepped inside, shrugging off the cold night air. Dressed in his usual high-collared coat, the faint glow of Aether circuitry ran along the lining—expensive tech, probably stolen. He moved with the ease of someone who knew exactly how dangerous he was.

"You're late," Elias said, shutting the door behind him.

Orin tossed a reinforced case onto the worktable and crossed his arms. "Courier got jumped near Haven District. Guild Syndicate hit them before they reached us."

"No survivors." Orin exhaled. "That's three shipments gone this month. The Guild's tightening their grip—if they even think you're running unauthorized trades…"

Elias waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. I get it. Don't make myself a target."

Orin smirked. "See, you say that—but you suck at staying out of trouble."

Elias rolled his eyes and unlatched the case. Inside, nestled in protective padding, was something wrong.

It wasn't Aether-blue, nor the corrupt red of a shattered shard. It was black—a swirling void with faint streaks of violet. Even through the containment, the air around it felt off.

Elias narrowed his eyes. "Orin, what the fuck is this?"

Orin leaned against the table, watching him like a cat watching a trapped bird. "A birthday present."

"Not even a little. Voidspawn Core."

Elias inhaled sharply, glancing at the black orb again. "This came from a Voidspawn?"

Orin shrugged. "Near one of the unstable gateways. Figured you'd appreciate something rare."

Elias didn't answer immediately. Voidspawn were anomalies. Their cores were useless in magi-tech, rejected by Aether itself. No one could refine them, no one could wield them.

He carefully lifted the core with gloved hands. Even with the barrier, his fingers tingled, like static crawling under his skin.

"And you have no idea what it does?" he asked, rotating the orb under the lab lights. The surface absorbed the glow instead of reflecting it.

"No clue. The last guy who tried messing with one collapsed in an hour. Aether sickness. Neural degradation. The works." Orin grinned. "But if anyone can crack it, it's you."

Elias exhaled slowly. The Void Orb felt heavier than it should. "And if I say no?"

Orin pushed off the table, already heading for the door. "Then you'll spend the rest of your life wondering what you just passed up."

Elias stared at the orb, its void-like essence still shifting in his grip.

He wasn't one to ignore a challenge.

He was going to find out what made this thing different—even if it killed him.

Chapter 1 - The Bridger's Trade