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

Elara clenched the insignia in her fist, its cold metal pressing into her skin. The weight of her choice settled deep within her bones. She had taken the first step into the Eclipse Syndicate's world, and there was no turning back.

Kalen studied her reaction, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim warehouse light. "You've made your decision."

Elara met his gaze. "What happens now?"

A smirk tugged at the corner of Kalen's lips. "Now, we see if you can survive it."

The figures surrounding them began to move, some dispersing into the shadows, others murmuring amongst themselves. The air was still thick with tension, but Elara sensed a shift. She was no longer just an outsider.

Kalen turned sharply and gestured for her to follow. Rael stayed close by her side, his expression unreadable. She could feel his hesitation, but he didn't say a word.

They exited the warehouse and stepped into the cold night air. The city hummed beyond them, unaware of the storm brewing beneath its surface.

Kalen led them through winding alleys until they reached an iron door, rusted but sturdy. He knocked twice in a specific rhythm, and after a brief pause, it swung open.

Inside was a stairwell descending into darkness.

"Welcome to the Abyss," Kalen said, stepping inside.

The underground chamber they entered was unlike anything Elara had seen before. The walls pulsed with strange markings, shifting in the dim candlelight. The air carried a metallic tang, thick with something unnatural.

Dozens of figures stood along the edges of the cavernous space, their faces hidden behind masks and veils. Some watched her with curiosity. Others with hunger.

A circular pit lay in the center, its surface covered in ancient symbols. The moment Elara stepped inside, she felt it—the unmistakable hum of power. It crawled against her skin, demanding recognition.

Kalen turned to face her. "This is your real initiation."

Elara's fingers twitched at her side. "What do I have to do?"

Kalen's smirk deepened. "Survive."

Before she could react, the symbols beneath her feet ignited, and the ground trembled. The figures around the pit stepped back as the air grew heavy with energy.

Then, the darkness in the pit moved.

Rael tensed beside her, his voice low. "Elara—"

A monstrous wraith burst forth from the pit, its form writhing, its hollow eyes locked onto her. It was unlike the Wraithborn she had faced before—this one carried intelligence. Purpose.

It was feeding on the pit's power. And it wanted her next.

Elara gritted her teeth, her shadows coiling instinctively. She had come this far.

INTO THE ABYSS