KRAVEN_x

In a world where the strong reign and the weak are left behind, Riven is nothing more than an afterthought—a boy overshadowed by his powerful allies, mocked for his insignificance. Yet, beneath his seemingly ordinary exterior lies a strength he dares not unleash.

When a devastating battle sends him plummeting into a forbidden land where no one survives, his allies mourn his death, believing their weakest link is gone forever. But Riven’s fall is only the beginning. Rescued by a mysterious figure, he endures a year of relentless training, forced to confront the truth about himself, his power, and the unseen forces shaping his destiny.

Now, when his friends stand on the brink of destruction, Riven returns—not as the weakling they once knew, but as a force beyond their comprehension. The world will soon learn that the boy they overlooked is the one who will burn through the shadows and reshape their fate.

But will his newfound strength be enough to stand against the unseen forces pulling the strings from the dark?

The battle for survival has begun. And in the end, only ashes will remain.

"Ashes of the Unseen."

The streets of Virestia were restless that night, a constant hum of voices blending with the distant clang of metal and the rhythmic footsteps of city guards. Lanterns flickered against the cold stone walls, casting elongated shadows of passing figures. The city never truly slept, yet for Riven Thorne, it was always too quiet.

He moved through the narrow alleys, avoiding the main roads. His presence was a whisper in the wind, unseen, unnoticed—just the way he preferred it. The encounter at the tavern had left a lingering unease, but he buried it deep. He had learned long ago that drawing attention only led to trouble.

As he reached a secluded rooftop, he sat down, letting his gaze drift toward the moonlit horizon. His thoughts wandered back to Orin, the man who had taken an interest in him. Why had he spoken up? Was it mere curiosity, or did he see something in Riven that others had overlooked?

A faint breeze carried distant laughter from the marketplace below. He closed his eyes, allowing the sounds to fade. Memories threatened to surface—ones he had buried for years. But before they could consume him, a presence stirred behind him.

"You move well for someone who pretends to be invisible."

Riven's fingers instinctively curled toward the hidden blade strapped to his thigh. He didn't turn around immediately. The voice was familiar.

"Not pretending," Riven replied without emotion. "Just being."

Orin chuckled and stepped forward, standing at the edge of the rooftop with his arms crossed. "That's a lonely way to live, kid."

Riven said nothing. He wasn't interested in conversation.

Orin exhaled, shaking his head. "You don't strike me as someone who enjoys wasting time, so I'll get to the point." He turned to Riven, his gaze sharper now. "I know potential when I see it. And you? You're not ordinary."

A muscle in Riven's jaw tensed, but he kept his face unreadable. "You're mistaken."

"Am I?" Orin smirked. "You carry yourself like a fighter, yet you avoid fights. You listen more than you speak. And you disappear before people can remember your face." He paused. "You're hiding something."

Riven finally met Orin's gaze. "If I was, why would I tell you?"

Orin laughed. "Smart answer. I like that." He turned away, looking at the city. "This place is falling apart, you know. It's not just about power anymore. It's about survival."

Riven stayed quiet. He already knew this.

Orin glanced at him again. "There's a group—people like you. Fighters, survivors. You might fit in."

Riven's eyes narrowed. "I work alone."

"Suit yourself." Orin stretched, then tossed something toward him. Riven caught it effortlessly. A small metal emblem, engraved with a symbol he didn't recognize.

"If you change your mind," Orin said, stepping away. "Find me."

Riven turned the emblem in his fingers, feeling the weight of the choice before him. He had spent years staying in the background, avoiding attachments, avoiding risk.

But something told him that this moment was a turning point.

And for the first time in a long while…

He wasn't sure if he wanted to remain unseen anymore.

"Echoes of the Unseen"