Wraith_Weaver

In a world where the strong reign and the weak perish, Azrael was never meant to survive.

Born into nothing, hunted by forces beyond his understanding, he has spent his life running—from his past, from his enemies, and from an inevitable fate lurking in the shadows.

But when an enigmatic system binds itself to his soul, everything changes.

☠ Complete the missions. Grow stronger. Or face the unknown penalties. ☠

This isn’t a gift. It’s a gamble. Every failure has consequences.
Some take away his strength. Some take away his freedom.
And some... take away his life.

Now, trapped in a brutal world teeming with nightmarish creatures, warring factions, and hidden truths, Azrael must defy the system itself—before it consumes him.

⚔ Monsters lurk in the abyss.
⚔ Factions wage war for power.
⚔ A forgotten truth waits to be unearthed.

To ascend, he must embrace the shadows.
To survive, he must defy the system.
To rule, he must carve his name into the darkness.

[A Dark Fantasy | Level-Up System | High Stakes Survival].

Nightbound Legacy

Azrael followed the two figures through the ruins, his steps careful as he took in the eerie surroundings. The sky above was a dull, starless void, and the only illumination came from the bioluminescent fungi clinging to the broken walls. The oppressive silence of the place was unsettling, only broken by the occasional distant howl of some unknown creature.

Maya led the way with quiet confidence, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp, scanning every shadow as if expecting an ambush. Kain, on the other hand, moved with a restless energy, fingers twitching near the hilt of his weapon.

Azrael wasn't sure if he could trust them yet, but he had no choice but to follow.

"You're surprisingly calm for someone who just woke up in a nightmare," Kain said, his voice low.

Azrael smirked. "What's the point of panicking? Won't change anything."

Maya glanced back at him, an approving glint in her eye. "Smart answer. But being cautious is different from being reckless."

Azrael didn't reply. He had already decided—he would play along for now, but the moment they showed any signs of betrayal, he'd make sure they regretted it.

As they moved deeper, the ruins gave way to an underground passage, its entrance hidden beneath a collapsed building. The air grew colder, and the scent of damp stone filled his nostrils. Maya motioned for silence, and the three of them descended carefully.

It wasn't long before Azrael noticed something—carvings along the tunnel walls, depicting monstrous figures locked in battle. Some looked vaguely human, while others were twisted abominations with too many limbs and empty eyes.

"This place… what is it?" he finally asked.

Maya hesitated before answering. "A remnant of the old world. Before everything fell apart."

Kain snorted. "Before the Nightbound took over."

Azrael frowned but said nothing. He had too many questions, and he wasn't sure he wanted the answers just yet.

The deeper they went, the stronger the sense of unease grew. And then, without warning, a low, guttural growl echoed through the tunnel.

Something was waiting for them.

Maya led them deeper into the settlement, weaving through narrow alleys formed by makeshift tents and crude wooden huts. The place was alive with movement—children darting between structures, traders haggling over supplies, and weary survivors tending to their meager belongings.

Azrael kept his head low, absorbing every detail. The people here were hardened, their eyes filled with suspicion and exhaustion. This was no ordinary refugee camp; it was a community built on desperation.

Kain walked beside him, whispering under his breath. "This place... it's barely holding together."

Maya didn't respond. Instead, she stopped in front of a larger tent, its entrance flanked by two armed guards. They eyed Azrael with silent scrutiny before stepping aside.

Inside, a man sat behind a rough wooden table, his expression unreadable. He was older, with streaks of gray in his hair, and wore a patched military jacket. His presence commanded attention.

"You brought strangers," the man said, his voice gruff.

Maya nodded. "They survived the hunt. Thought you'd want to meet them."

The man's gaze settled on Azrael. "Name?"

Azrael hesitated before answering, "Azrael."

"You're lucky to be alive, Azrael. But luck doesn't last long here."

Azrael met his gaze without flinching. "I don't rely on luck."

A smirk flickered across the man's face. "Good. Then let's see if you can survive what comes next."

Chapter 12:Into The Depths