Khing_Khellvin

In a world where power determines survival, Kairo Voss is nothing but a weak human, struggling to get by in a society ruled by the strong. Without abilities, without status, and without hope, he is treated as an outcast in his own school and ignored by the world around him.

But everything changes when he awakens the Nightborn System—a mysterious power that grants him the ability to evolve beyond human limits. With Relic Arms, Void Artifacts, and newfound abilities at his disposal, Kairo is thrust into a brutal world of vampires, military conflicts, and an impending alien invasion.

Hunted by powerful factions, drafted into a war he never wanted, and forced to make impossible choices, Kairo must rise from the bottom to become something more than human. But evolution comes with a price… and the deeper he delves into his power, the more he realizes he may not be the only one chosen by the system.

In a world where the strong prey on the weak—will Kairo become the predator or the prey?"

Nightborn Evolution

Kairo felt the weight of Varian's words settle in his chest like a stone.

The name resonated deep within him, stirring something that had always been buried—an instinct, a connection to something ancient and forgotten.

Lena crossed her arms, her gaze flicking between Kairo and Varian. "Alright, let's assume this is true. That still doesn't explain why Kairo doesn't know anything about this."

Varian exhaled, his pale eyes locked onto Kairo. "Because your kind was erased. Purged from history, hunted to extinction."

Kairo clenched his fists. "By the Ancient Ones."

Varian nodded. "They feared you. Feared what your bloodline could become." He traced a thin scar on his wrist, his expression distant. "The Nightborn were the first to walk the path of evolution. Before vampires, before enhanced humans… your ancestors were something else entirely."

[New Knowledge Unlocked: The Nightborn Lineage.]

The notification only raised more questions. "If my people were so strong, how did they lose?"

Varian's voice was laced with bitterness. "Because they were betrayed. They fought a war in the shadows—against the Ancient Ones, against the Forsaken, even against humanity itself. And when they were at their weakest… their own turned against them."

A cold sensation ran through Kairo. Betrayed by their own?

Lena leaned against the wall, frowning. "So if Kairo is Nightborn, what does that mean for him now?"

Varian studied Kairo carefully before speaking. "It means the Ancient Ones will come for him."

Kairo exhaled sharply. "Let them."

Varian gave a dry chuckle. "You are bold, but reckless. Do not mistake courage for power. The Ancient Ones have ruled from the shadows for centuries. Even the strongest vampires bow to them."

Lena scoffed. "So what do you suggest? That we hide?"

Varian shook his head. "No. You must prepare." His gaze darkened. "Because the moment the Ancient Ones confirm what you are, they will not send assassins."

He paused, his next words sending a chill down Kairo's spine.

Silence filled the underground chamber.

Kairo finally spoke. "Then I'll be ready."

Varian tilted his head. "Will you?" He stood up slowly, his frail frame seeming heavier under the dim light. "Power alone will not save you. You must understand what you are… and what you can become."

Lena shifted uncomfortably. "And how exactly does he do that?"

Varian motioned toward a worn-out data terminal in the corner. The screen flickered weakly as it powered on. "There are ruins beyond this city. Places where the Nightborn made their last stand. If you seek the truth, you must start there."

[New Quest Unlocked: Ruins of the Nightborn.]

[Objective: Locate the lost sanctuary.]

Kairo exchanged a glance with Lena. "Looks like we have our next destination."

Lena sighed. "Just once, I'd like to go somewhere that doesn't involve nearly getting killed."

Varian smirked faintly. "Then you have chosen the wrong path."

As Kairo and Lena prepared to leave, Varian spoke again.

Varian's expression darkened. "You are not the only one searching for the past."

Varian exhaled. "The Eclipse Syndicate hunts for the same ruins. And they are not alone."

Lena tensed. "Great. More problems."

Varian's gaze bore into Kairo. "Be careful, Nightborn. The deeper you dig… the more enemies you awaken."

Kairo nodded. "Then I'll be ready for them."

As he and Lena stepped back into the ruins, the cold night air biting against their skin, one thing was clear—

Shadows of the Past