Nova_Verse

In the world of NOVA, death is not the end. Beneath the mortal realm lies the Soul Land, where the spirits of the departed linger, sustained by the memories of the living. But once the last person who remembers you is gone, so are you.

For most, this is an inevitable fate. For a rare few, it is a chance to rise.

Those who leave behind a lasting impact—be it through legend, power, or sheer will—gain the ability to defy the boundaries of life and death. These beings, the Soulbound, can forge bonds with the living, exchanging power for emotion. The greater their influence, the stronger they become, even gaining the ability to walk between worlds.

But not all spirits wait to be remembered. Some claw their way back through sheer hatred. Some carve their names into history through blood and fire.

This is the story of one such soul.

A man betrayed. A warrior forgotten. A legend reborn.

And now, Rael Noctis will forge his own destiny—one soul at a time.

The masochists

The moment Kalen spoke, the figures surrounding Elara shifted. Some cracked their knuckles, others flexed their fingers, the air around them humming with restrained power. This wasn't an invitation—it was a proving ground.

Elara met Kalen's gaze. "And what happens if I win?"

Kalen chuckled. "Then you walk out of here as one of us."

The smirk didn't leave his face. "Then you don't walk out at all."

Elara rolled her shoulders. "Good to know."

Kalen flicked his fingers, and three of the figures stepped forward. They moved with the confidence of warriors who had done this before, their presences pressing against her like a tidal wave.

Rael remained still at her side. He wouldn't interfere. This was her fight.

The first opponent struck with terrifying speed, their shadow tendrils lashing toward Elara like whips. She dodged, twisting her body as her own shadows rose in response. The impact cracked the concrete floor, sending dust spiraling into the air.

The second came next, hands glowing with raw energy as they lunged. Elara countered with a sweep of her arm, darkness coiling around her fingers like living chains. She caught the attacker mid-strike, siphoning just enough energy to throw them off balance before slamming them into the ground.

The third wasn't as reckless. They circled her, watching, waiting for an opening.

The moment they moved, Elara let go. She reached into the hunger within her, pulling just enough to amplify her reflexes, her strength. Shadows surged from her like a living storm, meeting the attacker head-on. The impact sent them skidding backward, their breath ragged as they scrambled to stand.

Kalen watched her, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable. Then, slowly, he clapped.

Elara exhaled, letting the last of the energy settle within her. Her hands still trembled from the rush, but she had won.

Kalen stepped forward, his presence overwhelming. "You're strong. But strength alone won't be enough."

He reached into his coat and pulled out a small, silver insignia—a crescent moon split by a jagged line. The same symbol that had been on the coin Vera had given her.

He held it out. "Take this, and you'll have your first step into the Eclipse Syndicate."

Elara stared at the insignia, her mind racing. This was more than just a fight. It was a choice.

She reached out, fingers hovering over the cold metal.

Rael's voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "Think carefully."

Elara clenched her jaw. She had thought about it.

The room seemed to exhale. Kalen's smirk widened. "Welcome to the beginning, Elara."

She didn't smile back. Because she knew the moment she accepted this, the real game had begun.

TRIAL BY SHADOW