Sogo_Adeniyi

Soulbrand: The Astral Scar – 

In a world where power is etched into the very soul, warriors known as Soulbrand Fighters shape history. Their Soulbrands—manifestations of their inner strength—grant them abilities beyond imagination. But not all Soulbrands bring glory.

Born in the desolate wastelands, Rei was branded with a scar, a mark of rejection. Unlike others, his Soulbrand refuses to grant him a weapon, leaving him to fight with nothing but his fists. Mocked, outcast, and seen as unworthy, Rei refuses to accept his fate.

When fate leads him to Aiden the Unchained, a rogue warrior with a past shrouded in legend, Rei learns that true strength isn’t in the weapon, but in the will to be free. With enemies lurking in the shadows—powerful rulers, warlords, and the gods themselves—Rei sets out on a journey to challenge the system that binds the world.

But as he fights to break the chains of destiny, an ancient force awakens within him… one that even the gods fear.

In a world ruled by might, can a warrior with nothing forge his own legend?

soulcrest: the astral scar

The wind howled through the wasteland, carrying the scent of dust and blood. Rei wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart pounding with excitement as he stood before the massive beast. Its body loomed over him like a shadow of death, muscles rippling beneath its obsidian hide. Jagged fangs protruded from its snarling maw, and its piercing crimson eyes locked onto him, sizing him up like prey.

Aiden stood a few feet away, his arms crossed, watching in silence.

Rei tightened his fists, his breathing steady. "I've survived in this wasteland all my life," he said, stepping forward. "I've fought beasts, scrounged for food, and lived through things people in the cities couldn't even imagine. You think I need to be protected? I'm strong because I had to be!"

Aiden didn't respond. He simply exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable.

Rei cracked his knuckles. "I'll prove it."

The beast snarled, lunging forward in an explosion of movement. Rei reacted instantly, dodging to the side and slamming his fist into its hide. The impact sent a shockwave through his arm, but the monster barely flinched.

Its tail whipped toward him. He raised his arm to block, but the sheer force sent him flying backward, crashing into the ground. Pain exploded through his ribs, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself up.

He rushed forward again, ducking under the monster's claw swipe and aiming a punch at its jaw. He struck true, but it was like hitting solid rock. The beast barely staggered before whipping its tail around again. This time, it caught him square in the chest.

The air was knocked from Rei's lungs as he was sent flying once more, crashing hard against the dirt. His vision blurred, and he coughed violently, blood splattering the ground beneath him.

The monster stomped toward him, slow and deliberate.

Aiden's voice finally rang out, low and calm. "You fought well."

Rei gritted his teeth, trying to push himself up. His arms trembled, refusing to cooperate. His vision swam as the monster loomed over him, its fangs gleaming in the dim light.

Rei barely registered the movement before a streak of silver cut through the air. The next thing he knew, the monster's massive body stopped mid-motion. A fine line appeared across its neck—then its head tumbled to the ground with a sickening thud.

Aiden stood between him and the monster, his sword dripping with black blood. His stance was relaxed, his face calm, as if he had simply swatted away an insect.

He turned to Rei and knelt beside him. "Rest up," he said, his voice even. "We start training tomorrow."

Rei wanted to protest, to say that he wasn't done, that he could still fight. But his body betrayed him. His vision darkened, exhaustion overtaking him.

The last thing he saw was Aiden standing over him, watching in silence as the wasteland wind carried away the dust and blood.

THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE