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

It all started when Knox Cthul, self-proclaimed mastermind of entertainment, stood up one evening and slammed his hand on the table.

"Tonight," he declared, grinning, "we settle it once and for all. Who is the funniest among us?"

Varek, leaning back in his chair, sighed. "Do we have to?"

Dicio smirked. "Afraid of losing?"

Vikas, arms crossed, raised a brow. "I don't see how this proves anything."

Knox ignored their complaints. "The rules are simple! We take turns telling jokes. If someone laughs, they're out! Last one standing wins."

Dicio stretched his arms. "Easy win for me."

Vikas sighed. "Let's just get this over with."

Knox clapped his hands. "Alright! I'll start."

He cleared his throat. "Why did the mage bring a ladder to the bar?"

Knox grinned. "Because he heard the drinks were on the house!"

Knox huffed. "Fine, fine. Your turn, Dicio."

Dicio leaned forward. "Why don't skeletons fight each other?"

Dicio grinned. "Because they don't have the guts!"

Knox pointed immediately. "He laughed!"

Knox smirked. "You breathed out too hard!"

Varek rubbed his temples. "This is the dumbest game."

Knox ignored him. "Your turn, Vikas."

Vikas sighed. "Fine." He stared at them dead serious. "A fire mage walked into an ice shop. He left disappointed."

Dicio, still laughing, wiped a tear from his eye. "That—was—so bad—"

He looked them in the eye and simply said, "Knox's cooking."

Then, Dicio fell off his chair laughing.

Knox's eye twitched. "That—doesn't count."

Knox crossed his arms. "Fine. New rule—no targeting the judge."

Varek leaned back. "I thought this was a fair game?"

Knox grumbled. "Let's just—move on."

The night continued with joke after joke, but in the end…

Looking Knox in the eyes and saying, "Your chances of getting a girlfriend."

Flashback (10)