Chapter 01 | Simon, The South Districts One And Only

Simon had never been the type to visit Lumenale. To him, it was always "the rich people's town"—a place for nobles, merchants, and people who never had to worry about things like ration lines or water cuts.

But tonight was different.

Like a whisper in the dark, someone slipped a letter through Simon's front door. No knock. No sound.

Simon jolted awake, as if something tugged him from sleep. He hurried downstairs, his heart racing—robberies had become far too common in the South District lately. But instead of a thief, he found only a letter lying on the floor.

He picked it up, fingers trembling, and tore it open.

Dear Simon,

The time has come. The Hollow Sovereign has chosen you. Whether you accept it or not, it will find you.

If you wish to come willingly, meet me at the Hollowsphere in Lumenale. The trials must be completed to prove your worth.

—Stranger

Simon blinked at the page."What the hell...?" was all he could muster.

The Hollow Sovereign? That was something out of stories—legends whispered by drunken prophets and old war veterans. And him? Chosen? He was just a lousy woodcutter trying to get by in the slums of the South District.

"Why me?" he muttered, still staring at the letter.

Power. The thought slithered its way into his mind. For a brief moment, Simon imagined what it would feel like to wield real power. To be feared. Respected. Capable of changing everything.

But then came the other part—fame. Eyes watching you. People talking. Waiting for you to fail. Simon had never wanted that. Fame brought enemies, and enemies brought danger.

Still... he couldn't just forget the letter. Something deep inside wouldn't let him.

He dropped the note and turned, bolting upstairs. He threw on a white T-shirt and a pair of worn joggers before racing back down. At the door, he paused. His hand trembled on the handle.

Was this really the right call?

He looked up through the cracked window, gazing at the night sky."If I'm really the vessel... I'll bring you back first, Mom."He smiled, though a tear betrayed the storm in his chest.

With a final breath, he opened the door.

Next stop, Lumenale.