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 sun was relentless, beating down on the open training ground. Dicio wiped the sweat from his forehead, already regretting his decision to train outside today. His shirt was sticking to his skin, and every breath felt like inhaling fire.

Vikas, meanwhile, stood in the shade, perfectly calm. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a small orb of ice, rolling it between his fingers as he focused on his training.

Dicio staggered toward him, dramatically fanning himself. "Vikas… my best friend."

Vikas didn't even look at him. "No."

Dicio blinked. "What? I didn't even say anything yet."

"You're going to ask me to make ice water for you."

Dicio gasped, placing a hand over his chest. "I am offended. I would never—" He hesitated. "Okay, maybe I would."

Vikas sighed. "You can get your own water."

"But it won't be cold," Dicio whined. "C'mon, just one small cup."

Vikas ignored him, focusing on his ice magic training.

Dicio took a different approach. "Alright, fine. I get it. You're busy." He turned away, stumbling like a dying man in a desert. "I'll just go… suffer in the heat… dehydrate… collapse… and then—"

Vikas snapped his fingers, and a small ball of ice flew at Dicio's forehead.

Dicio yelped, rubbing the spot. "OW! What was that for?!"

"You wanted ice," Vikas said flatly.

Dicio glared at him. "I meant in a cup."

Vikas exhaled, clearly trying to remain patient. With a lazy flick of his hand, he conjured a perfectly chilled glass of ice water and handed it over.

Dicio grabbed it immediately, gulping it down. "Ahh… Now this is friendship."

Vikas shook his head. "This is me getting tired of your whining."

Flashback (6)