BearBrush

Varek Solin was born into a world where power is given at birth. On his 10th birthday, every child opens their Vault, a source of mana that will shape their future. In a society divided by wealth and rank, those born into riches are granted Diamond Vaults, while the poor settle for Bronze Vaults, their strength bound by fate.

But Varek’s path was never meant to follow the ordinary. With a Bronze Vault in his chest, his future seems set—until a war between humans and demons turns his world upside down. Amidst the chaos of battle, Varek encounters a force beyond his understanding—a mysterious power that will alter the course of his life.

As his powers awaken and the world around him shifts, Varek must face the truth of what lies within him. A boy from the lowest ranks, with a vault like no other. What is this power that calls to him from the shadows? And how far will he go to understand it?

In a world where strength determines your fate, Varek Solin will soon learn that the greatest power lies not in the vaults of wealth, but in the mysteries buried beneath the surface.

The Shadow's Beneath

The night air was warm, the faint crackling of a campfire filling the quiet. Varek, Vikas, Knox, and Dicio sat around it, their plates nearly empty, only scraps of food left from their meal.

Dicio leaned back, resting his hands behind his head. "You guys are slow eaters," he said with a smirk. "If this were a real battle, I'd be the only one left standing because you'd all still be chewing."

Vikas shot him a glare, chewing even slower just to be annoying. "I take my time to enjoy food, unlike you, who inhales it like a beast."

Knox chuckled, sipping his drink. "At least he eats. Varek's barely touched his plate."

All eyes turned to Varek, who was absentmindedly poking his food with a fork, lost in thought.

Dicio nudged him with his elbow. "What, planning your next training routine in your head again?"

Varek blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Huh? No, just... thinking about tomorrow's training."

Dicio sighed dramatically. "See? Exactly what I said."

Vikas shook his head. "You're the one always complaining about training, yet you're the one who pushes himself the hardest."

Dicio grinned. "Yeah, and yet, I still end up being the best. You guys should learn from me."

Knox scoffed. "Oh really? Last time, you nearly passed out after sparring with me."

Dicio groaned. "Okay, okay. That was one time. But I did land a hit!"

Varek smirked. "You hit my shoulder, and then I threw you into the river."

Dicio crossed his arms. "Details, details."

The group laughed, the warmth of their friendship filling the night.

Later, as they sat in comfortable silence, staring at the fire, Dicio spoke again, softer this time.

"You know… I like this. Just us. Even if the world is against us, at least we have this."

Varek looked at him, taking in the rare moment of sincerity.

Vikas nodded. "Yeah. No matter what happens, we stick together."

Knox raised his drink. "To our reckless little group."

Flashback (1)