Prologue - The Eve of the Netherwraith

"Do you hear that?"

A voice, sharp and urgent, cut through the void. No source. Just sound.

"It's breaking apart. Why is it breaking apart?"

"Breaking? No... it's changing. Corrupting."

Dark. Deep.

"This hasn't happened since the Reckoning... Since the last millennial."

A bright light, not the kind that brings warmth or clarity, but a searing radiance that burned through the fabric of existence.

"Do you see it? It's clawing through!"

A monstrous roar. The ground shattered. The sky folded. Flux, the lifeblood of Azheinn, shifted.

"Kaze... Kaze... Kaze..."

The name repeated.

"It's too late. The guardians."

"What, guardians? What is happening!"

"They're gone now. All of them."

The whispers escalated, and shadows collided with streaks of light. Figures emerged, blurred, wielding weapons.

"This is no battle. It's a reckoning."

Another scream. The ground beneath Azheinn splintered like glass, revealing nothingness below.

"Kaze... Kaze... KAZE!"

[Author's Note: Mid-Dream]

Welcome to Chronicles of Flux: Shadowbound Saga.This isn't just a story. It's a journey. A chaotic, mystical, and dangerous plunge into the heart of Azheinn.

This tale unfolds in the third person, a perspective that lets you witness the chaos, the victories, and the losses from every angle. You'll see the world through the eyes of warriors, survivors, and even those who've lost everything. You'll get close to the action.

And trust me, you'll want to stay updated. If you're as hooked as I hope you are, make sure to check the link in my About Me. It has everything, an overview of the world, character profiles, and sneak peeks of what's to come. That way, you'll always know what's happening in the saga, and you won't miss any of the twists.

This is more than a story. It's a world, a living, breathing universe full of danger, mystery, and raw power. Every chapter peels back another layer of Azheinn, and every character you meet will pull you deeper into the fray.

Now, it's a little transparency because honesty matters. I'm not going to pretend I do this alone. I use AI to write most of the upcoming chapters, but let me make one thing clear: everything in this story is built brick by brick by me. The world, the characters, and the arcs, it's all crafted from the depths of my imagination. AI just helps me shape it faster.

Buckle up.

Now... back to the chaos.

[Dream Sequence Resumes]

A flash of imagery, blood staining pure snow. A bell ringing, tolling for the dead. And then, silence.

"Do you think he knows yet?"

"Knows? No one knows. Not even him."

Another voice, calm, cutting through. "He will. When it's too late."

A scream pierced the silence. The world shattered again, and for a moment, everything froze. The air grew still. Heavy. Pregnant with dread.

"Kaze... a new dawn is coming..."

The name repeated one last time.

Then, all went dark.

[Prologue Transition]

Azheinn, Sundawn Village, December 31st, 998.

The village of Sundawn Falls, nestled near the fringes of Azheinn's peaceful side, was alive with celebration as the year 999 approached. Snow blanketed the ground, reflecting the warm glow of lanterns strung across homes and trees. Children threw snowballs at each other, their laughter echoing. Snowmen of various shapes and sizes adorned the village square, some with crooked hats and others missing noses, thanks to the mischief of playful hands. Families gathered around bonfires, sharing stories and mugs of spiced cider. Parents watched their children with content smiles, their cheeks flushed from both the cold and the occasional sip of something stronger.

As the final moments of the year ticked away, the village bell tower began to toll. Each chime marked a step closer to the arrival of a new millennium. Cheers erupted as the bell struck midnight, ushering in the year 999. The villagers embraced one another, raising their glasses in celebration.

But then, the ground began to shudder.

At first, it was subtle, a faint tremor beneath their feet. The laughter faded as people glanced around uneasily. The vibrations grew stronger, rattling windows and causing snow to slide from rooftops.

In the distance, something moved, knuckles digging against the ground like a gorilla. The figure was small at first, a shadow against the horizon. But as it approached, it grew, towering higher and higher until it stood a staggering 30 meters tall. Its form loomed over the village, its body an amalgamation. Bloodshot red eyes glared down at the terrified villagers, and its gaping mouth dripped with thick saliva that sizzled as it hit the snow.

It let out a guttural scream that shook the area, the villagers closed their ears, eyes filled with pure terror. Then, it attacked.

The first to fall was an elderly man who had been standing near the square's bonfire. With a single swipe of its massive claw, the creature sent him hurtling into a nearby building. The impact reduced both man and structure to splinters, a cloud of debris marking his violent end. Screams erupted as villagers scattered, their festive joy replaced with raw panic.

A mother clutching her young son tried to flee, but the beast was faster. Its claw slammed into the ground behind them, sending a shockwave that knocked them off their feet. The mother shielded her child as best she could, but the creature's massive hand descended, crushing her beneath its weight. The boy's piercing cry cut through the chaos as he watched her lifeless body lifted and tossed into the creature's mouth. The sound of crunching bones was drowned out by the boy's screams, which were silenced moments later by a stray piece of falling rubble.

A group of villagers armed with farming tools tried to fight back. They rushed the beast, pitchforks, and axes raised, but their courage was in vain. One man managed to sink his axe into the creature's shin, only for it to grab him by the torso and rip him in half with horrifying ease. Blood sprayed across the snow as the halves of his body were discarded like broken toys.

Another villager, a young woman, tried to run but slipped on the icy ground. The beast's massive claw caught her mid-scream, lifting her high into the air. With a brutal flick of its wrist, it slammed her into the bell tower. The tower's structure gave way, collapsing in a shower of wood and stone. Her broken body lay motionless among the wreckage.

A father desperately searched for his daughter amidst the chaos, calling her name. He spotted her near a snowman, frozen in fear. Relief washed over his face as he reached her, only for the beast's claw to sweep through them both, sending their mangled bodies tumbling into a nearby bonfire. The flames hissed and roared, the acrid smell of burning flesh filling the air.

The creature rampaged through the village, each step crushing homes and lives beneath its immense weight. A teenager tried to hide behind a cart of firewood, but the beast's bloodshot eyes found him. It grabbed the cart and hurled it, the splintered wood impaling the boy where he stood.

By the time the creature finished its gruesome work, the once-lively village was a graveyard of shattered buildings and lifeless bodies. Out of the original thirty villagers, only fifteen remained. The beast stood in the centre of the square, its bloodied claws dripping with the remnants of its slaughter.

The survivors could do nothing but stare at the devastation around them, the echoes of their loved ones' screams still ringing in their ears. The joyous dawn of the year 999 had become a nightmare

The villagers, panic-stricken, had scattered in every direction, most fleeing into the surrounding forest, but the beast's bloodlust was far from sated. With a single, swift motion, it lunged toward the group, its claws slashing through the air like knives.

As the chaos wrought reached its satanic peak, the village trembled once more, not with violence this time, but with a chilling calm that seemed to mute the night itself. From the depths of the newly formed chasm, a figure emerged, cloaked not in shadows but in an ominous aura of power. This was no mere beast but a humanlike demon, holding a staff that pulsed. Its appearance was that of a normal person, zombie-like. As it stepped forward, the snow beneath its feet seemed to recoil. The villagers, driven by an instinctive fear of a force far beyond their understanding, scattered into the snowy forest, desperate to escape the unfolding doom. The Beast, sensing the presence of its alpha, ceased its rampage and followed the fleeing villagers. The demon, with soft steps, walked through the snow, leaving behind a trail of eerie silence.

A scream cut through the cold night as the first of the five was dragged to the ground. His body was thrown aside like a ragdoll, the sound of snapping bones mingling with the sickening splat of his body being torn apart. Another villager, a woman, tried to flee, but the beast was faster, its clawed hand wrapping around her throat, lifting her off the ground like a mere insect. She struggled, her body kicking helplessly, but in the end, it was no use. With a brutal twist, her neck snapped with an audible crack, and her body went limp.

The remaining villagers were now in full flight, but their pursuer was relentless. The third, a middle-aged man, attempted to defend himself with a pitchfork, but his weapon shattered against the beast's thick hide. The monster slammed him to the ground, one claw sinking deep into his chest. The beast's strength was beyond comprehension as it lifted the man with ease, his body wracked with pain. It slammed him down once more, breaking his back, and with one final swipe, it tore him in half, blood spilling across the snow.

There were only two left now, the teenager boy and the little girl. They huddled behind a nearby tree, eyes wide with terror. The boy held his sister close, whispering something, but the words were lost in the cacophony of violence around them. The beast loomed over them, savouring the moment. Its breath came in slow, heavy pants as it raised a clawed hand to strike.

But then, a sound. A distinct, mechanical whirring. The air seemed to shift, and the boy's heart skipped a beat. From the trees, a flash of metal caught the moonlight. A snowy-clad figure stepped out of the darkness, a long, sleek railgun slung across his back. His cold eyes gleamed as he revved the weapon, his gloved fingers dancing over the trigger.

"Move!" the man barked, his voice a low growl.

The boy didn't hesitate. He grabbed the little girl's hand and pulled her toward the safety of the deeper woods, his legs burning with desperation. But before they could get far, the sound of a thunderous crack rang through the air, and the beast let out an agonizing roar. Its massive head exploded in a burst of red and grey matter, the shockwave knocking the survivors off their feet.

The beast's body collapsed forward, lifeless. Its blood pooled in the snow.

The man stood silently, his railgun smoking in his hands. He didn't say a word, merely nodded toward the two survivors, making sure they were still alive. His eyes, however, never left the horizon.

"Get out of here now," he ordered, his voice sharp with authority, "Go. Before it's too late."

The little girl, her face streaked with tears, whimpered but followed her brother's lead. They ran deeper into the woods, desperate for escape, the weight of the carnage weighing on their young minds.

The man, however, wasn't done. As he turned back toward the fallen beast, the air grew unnaturally still, like a predator stalking its prey. From the shadows, a presence stirred. A cold wind swept through the trees.

The air trembled as the beast, the demon-like creature that had arrived earlier, appeared in front of him, a shadow cloaked in an aura.

The man gritted his teeth, his body tensing. His hand went to his side, fingers brushing against his knife. He wasn't afraid, no, this was the fight he had been waiting for.

The demon's laugh was low. It stepped forward, the air around it warping with an unnatural presence. It tilted its head slightly, observing the man with an eerie sense of amusement, its empty, hollow eyes gleaming with a malice far beyond mortal comprehension.

The creature smirked, chilling the air even more than before. It raised its staff, the charm jingling louder now, and the surrounding forest seemed to hold its breath.

Without a word, the man lunged forward, his knife held steady in his hands as he braced for the inevitable clash. The creature's staff glowed brighter.

And the forest around them held its breath.

The man, knife in hand, lunged toward the demon-like creature. But just as the gap between them closed, and in an instant, it shifted, unfolding with a metallic hiss into a railgun. Without missing a beat, he tossed smoke grenades around the demon's feet, engulfing the clearing.

Tapping the side of his temple, his vision adjusted to the swirling haze, showing him the shadowy figure within. Crouching low, he revved up the railgun, its hum rising. The tension built, his finger tightening on the trigger. The railgun unleashed its shot.

But the demon reacted unnaturally fast. Its staff swung around. The shot ricocheted off the staff, redirecting back toward the man.

"Shit!" he growled, leaping sideways with inhuman reflexes. The railgun's shot tore past him, exploding into a nearby tree, splintering it into shards. Clambering up into the branches of another tree, the man perched himself high, scanning the clearing below.

"What the fuck is this thing?" he muttered, his voice low. "How the hell is it so fast?"

The demon let out a slow, haunting laugh, its hollow eyes gleaming even through the smoke.

Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed through the forest. A projectile slammed into the demon's back, staggering it. The man's head whipped around, spotting a figure stepping out of the shadows.

"About damn time," he grumbled.

The woman, clad in a sleek black combat outfit, strode into the clearing. Her hair, tied back, swayed as she walked, and her piercing gaze locked onto the demon. Behind her, ten floating muskets hovered, each one aiming squarely at the creature.

"Miss me?" she teased, smirking.

"Took you long enough," the man snapped, resting his railgun against his shoulder.

"Sorry. Had to deal with a couple of your messes first," she replied casually.

The demon, now on its knees, clawed at the ground in an attempt to crawl away. The woman approached it slowly, her footsteps deliberate. She pressed her boot against the back of its head with an unforgiving force, grinding its face into the dirt.

"You're not going anywhere," she said coldly. The muskets hovered closer, their barrels prepared to fire. "Any final words?"

The demon remained silent, but its staff pulsed. Before the woman could act, the creature vanished in a flash of dark energy, leaving behind only the lingering scent of ozone and decay.

"awww!" she huffed, stomping the ground in frustration. "Do you know how hard it is to line up ten muskets perfectly? Ugh!" She crossed her arms, pouting slightly before brushing a stray hair back into place. "Next time, I'm shooting first and asking questions never!"

With a click, the man's lighter fired up. He lit his cigarette, taking a slow drag before letting the smoke curl out from his lips, dissipating into the air.

He glanced at the spot where the demon had disappeared, then he muttered to himself, "telekinesis, teleporting, creepy-auras... What the hell else is next? Flying ones? Exploding ones? A damn choir that sings me to death?" he shook his head. "This shit's getting ridiculous."

Pausing to take another drag, he glanced toward the woman on the ground. "You done ranting down there?"

She shot him a glare, hands on her hips. "Yeah, Let's keep moving. These Netherwraiths are getting out of hand. We don't even know how many types there are."

Looking out into the forest, The man let out a long sigh, the smoke rising around him. "Long night ahead," He kept talking "Alright. Let's see what else we are going to see tonight." He tossed the cigarette into the darkness, jumped down, and his railgun shifting back into its knife form with a snap.

The woman stood there. "You always this dramatic, South?" she teased.

South glanced at her. "Let's go, Zofia. We've wasted enough time already," he said, starting to move forward, He adjusted his coat and Together, they disappeared into the depths of the forest, ready for whatever horror lay ahead.

End of Prologue

Azheinn's Era Secrets

What is this? Why are we doing this?

Welcome to Azheinn's Era Secrets-a quirky section you'll find at the end of certain chapters! Think of it as a quick explanation of newly introduced characters, places, abilities, or lore that popped up in the story. Why does this exist? Good question. Do you need it? if you understand the story well enough, yes, but no. But since this is your first encounter with it, here's the deal:

Purpose? To help you make sense of the intricate (and occasionally insane) world of Azheinn.

Style? Fun, casual, and semi serious. Think bloopers, inside jokes, or moments where we break the fourth wall.

Expectations? You'll get mini recaps of new stuff, embarrassing tidbits about your favorite characters, and maybe even some exclusive moments we couldn't squeeze into the main story.

Let's dive into the first-ever Shadow Secrets!

Netherwraiths: Creepy Energy Leeches

What Are They? Shadowy monsters created by corrupted Flux during the Great Convergence. They are basically the ultimate party crashers.

Special Note: Legend says they used to be guardians of Flux, but something went horribly wrong. Now, they're more "nightmare fuel" than "helpful protector."

Flux: Azheinn's Magic Energy Juice

What Is Flux?

Flux is the universal energy that flows through everything, kind of like a Wi-Fi, but way cooler. Everyone uses it differently, and it's tied to their personality, emotions, and inner essence.

Special Features:

It regenerates (slowly, depending on the person), so don't go spamming your powers too much. Overusing it is like eating too much at a buffet, you'll regret it.

Key Features:

Balance: Using Flux requires harmony between mind, body, and spirit.

Regeneration: Flux regenerates naturally but is depleted when used in combat.

Personalization: The power of Flux manifests uniquely in each individual.

South Volgenov

Alias: Agent Snezhnaya Pantera, God's Chosen Emperor (self-proclaimed)

Role: Wraith Exorcist Assassin

Age: 20

Nationality: Russian

Personality: South is a stoic and cold-hearted individual. He dislikes everything, save for one exception-his sister, North. His humor is dry and cutting, often laced with sarcasm. To him, the world is black and white: there are his objectives, and then there is everything else. Despite his icy demeanor, South is deeply loyal to those he respects, but that list is very, very short.

Likes: North, silence, and winning. That's it. Don't ask for other things.

Dislikes: Everything else. If it exists, South probably hates it. You? Depends, but probably yes, also inefficiency and unnecessary conversations .

Notable Quote: "If it doesn't concern North or my mission, don't waste my time."

Fun Fact: South once burned his dinner, glared at the stove, and said, "If I didn't need you to cook, I'd destroy you right now."

Weapon: South wields a Flux-infused tactical knife capable of seamlessly transforming into any gun. His signature weapon, however, is the railgun, an advanced weapon he uses.

Abilities:

Apex Acceleration: South's passive ability enables him to move at superhuman speeds, maxing out at nearly 200 mph when focused. This rapid movement puts immense strain on his body and Flux reserves, forcing him to use it sparingly.

Apex Arsenal: South can manifest an array of Flux-based weapons, including railguns, grappling hooks, plasma cannons, and sniper rifles. Each weapon drains his Flux reserves, making resource management critical in prolonged battles.

Zofia Kowalska

Alias: The Musketeer

Role: First Division Assassin

Age: 24

Nationality: Polish

Personality: Zofia is the polar opposite of South-warm, compassionate, and deeply empathetic. Despite her killer instincts on the battlefield, she possesses a natural kindness that shines through in her words and actions. She loves life and has an insatiable appetite for food, which she enjoys even during missions. However, her disdain for Netherwraiths runs deep, stemming from personal loss.

Likes: Everything. Especially food. Zofia would probably adopt a stray cat mid-battle if she had the time.

Dislikes: Netherwraiths, wasted food and cruelty. Maybe South when he gets too grumpy.

Notable Quote: "A full stomach and a clear shot, that's all I need to be happy."

Fun Fact: Zofia once tried to teach South how to bake bread. It ended with the kitchen covered in flour and South shouting at her, "Why can't we just use a railgun to toast it instantly?" She never tried again.

Weapon:Zofia wields a Flux-infused musket that can summon additional muskets to float around her. Her main musket has the strongest firepower and is her trusted companion in every battle.

Abilities:

Subterranean Arsenal: Zofia summons up to three floating muskets, each capable of firing Flux-infused bullets in various modes. She can also channel her Flux into underground attacks, catching enemies off-guard.

Modes of Attack:

Standby Mode: Muskets remain passive until commanded.

Rapid Fire Mode: Unleashes a barrage of bullets to overwhelm enemies.

Sniper Mode: Converts muskets into precision long-range weapons.

Guardian Mode: Creates a defensive perimeter to intercept enemy attacks and shield Zofia from harm.

Bonus Scene

"The Worst Curse Ever"

Setting: An ancient temple, the kind that screams "DO NOT ENTER" but also "There's probably treasure in here." The walls are covered in weird glowing symbols. South and Zofia step inside, completely unaware that they're about to experience the worst day of their lives.

South: arms crossed. "Alright, listen, these temples always have the same deal. You step inside, some spooky shit happens, and then we fight our way out. Easy."

Zofia: Tilting her head. "Maybe we should actually read the inscriptions first?"

South: already walking ahead. "Pfft, reading is for people with time to waste—"

ZAP!

A sudden surge of magic pulses through the room, and the temple shakes violently. South stops mid-step as the floor beneath them glows ominously.

South: slowly turning back ....Okay. That felt important."

Zofia: crossing her arms. "You think?"

South: cracking his knuckles. "Eh, whatever it is, we'll deal with it—"

He steps forward, just barely out of Zofia's reach.

ZAP!

A Netherwraith emerges from the shadows, its hollow eyes glowing as it looms over Zofia.

Zofia: instantly pissed "Oh, hell no."

She immediately summons her muskets and starts firing, but before a single bullet lands—

South: stepping back into range "Wait, what the fuck is—"

ZAP!

The Netherwraith vanishes.

Zofia: freezing mid-shot "...Oh."

She looks at her now-empty line of fire, then slowly turns to South, who just ruined her fun.

Zofia: squinting "You bitch."

South: offended "EXCUSE ME?"

Zofia: holstering her guns aggressively "I was about to kill it. Do you know how satisfying that would've been?"

South: "You're mad because I accidentally saved you?"

Zofia: rolling her eyes "Saved? No. Cockblocked? Yes."

South: grumbling "Oh, so sorry for making your amusement disappear."

Before Zofia can respond, South, in all his infinite wisdom, takes another step back.

ZAP!

A massive feast appears in front of Zofia, roasted meats, steaming soups, buttery rolls, but before she can even blink, the entire thing rots instantly, turning into moldy sludge.

Zofia: screaming "NOOOOOO!"

She drops to her knees like she just witnessed a war crime.

Zofia: sobbing "I—I was going to eat that! I could smell it!"

South: pinching his nose "Why the fuck would you step away?!"

Zofia: wiping her tears "You stepped away first, asshole!"

South: scoffing "Oh, please, what's a little food compared to—"

South shifts his weight.

He accidentally falls backward into the endless pits of the temple.

"AHHHHHHHH"

ZAP!

(South's personal hell)

South drops like a stone into the void, the temple floor vanishing beneath him. He crashes into a chair that materializes out of nowhere, his arms and legs instantly strapped down. Before he can even process what's happening

Boring Man: clears throat "And so, the thing about paper production is that while most people assume it's just cutting down trees, it actually involves a complex chemical pulping process that—"

South: eyes widening in horror "…Oh no."

Boring Man: adjusting glasses "Now, if you really want to get into the details of historical paper mills, we have to go back to the early 1800s, when—"

South: struggling violently "NO. FUCK. NO."

The straps hold firm. The lecture continues.

Boring Man: excitedly "—and that's why bamboo pulp is such a fascinating alternative to traditional wood pulp! But that brings me to my next point…"

South: head thrown back, screaming at the ceiling "MAKE IT STOP!"

Meanwhile, Back in the Temple…

Zofia, still crying over her lost meal, suddenly hears South's bloodcurdling scream echo from the void.

Zofia: sniffles "...Oh."

She tilts her head, listening as he keeps screaming.

South: distantly "I CAN'T FUCKING TAKE THIS! I WILL LITERALLY KILL EVERYONE HERE!"

Zofia: wiping her eyes "...Maybe he got something worse than me."

After a beat, she sighs, gets up, and casually steps back within range.

ZAP!

South reappears beside her, gasping for air, looking like he just fought in three wars and lost all of them.

South: panting "...I saw Hell."

Zofia: rubbing her eyes "Mhm. What was it?"

South: haunted "Some guy... just talking."

Zofia: blinking "...What?"

South: gripping her shoulders "He wouldn't shut the fuck up, Zofia. It was like being paralyzed and forced to listen to a Wikipedia article about tree farming."

Zofia: "...That's it?"

South: "THAT'S IT?!"

He grabs her by the collar.

South: "I was TRAPPED. I could not move. I could not ESCAPE. He just KEPT. TALKING."

Zofia: shaking "O-Okay, okay, let's just—"

South: still furious "DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY FACTS ABOUT PAPER I KNOW NOW?!"

One Hour Later…

South and Zofia walk cautiously through the temple, stuck together. Neither of them dares to step apart again.

Zofia: muttering "I still think mine was worse."

South: side-eyeing her "You lost some food. I lost a piece of my fucking sanity."

They continue in tense silence, both traumatized in very different ways, as the worst day of their lives drags on.

END