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 setting, and the air smelled of burnt something.

Varek sat at the wooden table, clutching his stomach. His expression was a mix of betrayal and regret. Across from him, Dicio had his head against the table, groaning softly, while Vikas sat still, his face pale.

Knox Cthul, however, looked proud.

"Well?" Knox leaned forward, waiting for praise. "Did you enjoy the meal?"

Varek opened his mouth to speak but immediately closed it, his stomach twisting in protest. He could still taste the overly charred, questionably seasoned dish Knox had insisted on making.

Dicio finally lifted his head. "Knox…" He paused, trying to find the right words. "Are you sure that was food?"

Knox crossed his arms. "Of course! I followed the recipe—"

Vikas cut him off. "What recipe?" His voice was strained.

Knox hesitated. "Okay… maybe I added my own twist to it."

Dicio groaned, slamming his forehead back onto the table. "We're going to die."

Suddenly, Vikas stood up fast. Too fast. He wobbled, gripping his stomach, before making a mad dash toward the house.

Seeing this, Dicio's eyes widened. He jumped up, sprinting right behind him.

"Oh no, you don't! I'm going first!" Dicio shouted.

"Like hell you are!" Vikas shot back.

The two shoved past each other, trying to reach the only available bathroom first.

Varek watched the chaos unfold, still holding his stomach, his face blank with suffering. "I… hate this."

Knox, oblivious, simply shrugged. "Maybe I should've added less spice."

Varek slowly turned his head toward him. His eyes burned with silent fury.

Varek took a deep breath. One day, he swore to himself, Knox Cthul would pay for this.

Flashback (9)