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 morning sun was high, casting a warm glow over the road as Knox, Vikas, and Varek stood at a crossroads.

For the first time since they had started their journey together, they were about to part ways.

Knox adjusted the bag on his shoulder, stretching. "Well, this is it."

Vikas glanced at him. "You sure about this?"

Knox gave a small smile. "Yeah. I just want to live quietly now. Find a place far from all this and… exist until I don't anymore."

His voice was calm, accepting. There was no regret.

Varek looked at him carefully. "That's not like you."

Knox chuckled. "Maybe. But I hope you two manage to make your wish come true."

Vikas and Varek paused for a moment before nodding.

"Thank you, Knox," Vikas said sincerely.

Varek didn't say anything at first, just looked at him, then finally said, "We'll meet again."

Knox waved lazily. "Maybe. Or maybe not. Either way… stay alive, idiots."

And with that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the trees.

Vikas and Varek continued forward.

The road stretched far, dust kicking up beneath their boots. Neither spoke for a while.

Then, in the distance, they saw something.

A figure standing at the center of the road.

Golden light reflected off his robe, flowing behind him like a king's mantle. A sword of pure light rested in his hand.

Even from afar, they could hear the murmurs.

"The battlefield's commander—the demon slayer."

Vikas and Varek exchanged a look before stepping forward.

As they approached, Keiran turned.

He walked past them without a word.

Varek and Vikas followed Keiran through the bustling streets, their footsteps light but determined.

His golden robe flowed with each step, his presence undeniable. A war hero. A commander. A Gold Ranker.

Yet, to them, he was still Keiran.

But as they moved closer, two figures blocked their path.

The first was a woman with silver-white hair, her golden armor adorned with spear engravings.

A long, glowing spear rested on her back.

She stepped forward, her voice sharp.

"Keiran doesn't need people like you following him."

Silvana—The Spear Mana User.

She could form spears at will, adjusting their size and shape instantly.

Beside her stood a man dressed in black and gold, his expression unreadable.

He raised his hand, and a glowing golden cage materialized around Varek and Vikas in an instant.

"No need to make this difficult," he said, his voice deep and calm.

Prim—The Cage Mana User.

He could trap anything within an indestructible cage.

Silvana smirked. "You don't understand, do you? Keiran is on a different path now."

Vikas frowned. "We're not here to fight."

Prim sighed, lowering his hand slightly. "Then turn back."

"Keiran doesn't look back at people he's left behind."

Varek's eyes darkened, his jaw tightening.

Yet, he wouldn't even acknowledge them.

Silvana pointed her spear at them. "This is your only warning. Leave."

The golden cage remained unbreakable.

Paths That No Longer Cross