Codex Wars: Judgment of the Forsaken
Laws exist to protect—this is an undeniable fact.
But they protect only interests.
And when interests collide?
The answer is simple: they always serve those who wield them best.
Ezra Ashenguard was an ordinary man in a world of the extraordinary. A noble without power, a scholar without amazing gifts. He was a genius incapable of grasping what even the simplest fools could understand.
And because of that, he clung to the old ideals:
That justice was blind
That effort would be rewarded
That his time would come
Until the day the Gate of Order revealed the raw truth:
Laws aren’t principles—they're weapons.
And every one of them was aimed at his chest.
Betrayed by those he called brothers, abandoned by his own blood,
Ezra was left on the edge of the abyss—until the darkness offered him a pact:
"If you can't find the laws..."
"Usurp them… make your own."
The price? His soul.
Ezra smiled bitterly. "My soul? I’ve never had much use for it anyway."
Now, he carries a new truth: in a world ruled by rigid laws,
the only freedom lies in breaking them—letter by letter, blood by blood.
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Having read all 18 released chapters, I’d say this story has its ups and downs, but overall, it’s compelling and refreshingly unique. The worldbuilding is interesting, a place where reality itself bends under the weight of Laws. While the power system hasn’t been fully explored yet, the glimpses we get are intriguing and unlike anything I’ve seen before. The concept of Laws as the foundation for abilities holds serious potential. Ezra stands out as a human protagonist. Across these chapters, we see him swing between arrogance, desperation, intelligence, vulnerability, and even naivety, sometimes all within the same scene. His emotional rawness makes him relatable, especially as the story pushes him toward a breaking point. The betrayal that shatters him feels abrupt, but not unrealistic. It’s not a slow unraveling, more of a brutal snap. It leaves you wondering: Will he break completely, or will this force him to adapt in unexpected ways? The supporting characters each have their own personalities, distinct ways of thinking, and believable interactions. Their presence helps ground the story, adding layers to Ezra’s journey. And then we have the demon. For that, I’ll refrain from saying too much, he’s best discovered through the story itself. As for pacing, it leans toward mid-to-slow, though there are moments, like the betrayal, where the story surges forward with intensity. This contrast actually works in its favor, keeping the tension sharp and unpredictable. Overall, I believe it has some potential.
Author's Honest Take: (Just Kidding, it's only my shameless review) This story is based on me trying to blend Lord of the Mysteries' intricate worldbuilding with Berserk's raw intensity and Dark Souls' oppressive atmosphere, at the same time I introduce elements of dark humor and comedy. With a protagonist who defies the usual 'chosen one' trope. Ezra is a brilliant mind trapped in a powerless body, forced to navigate a world where cosmic Laws dictate reality, and those laws form the power system. But as you’ve already guessed he can't manipulate those laws. The setting is a post-apocalyptic blend of sci-fi and fantasy, where the remnants of a broken world are governed by ruthless systems of power. The magic is unforgiving, the betrayals cut deep, and every victory comes at a cost. So Here's the question: Can he overcome his limitations and unlock true power? Or will he remain the brilliant but physically weak underdog? Guess what? You'll have to read to find out. Therefore, If you enjoy: Clever underdogs fighting against impossible odds Demons who trade in harsh truths rather than lies Betrayals that make you gasp out loud Magic systems with real stakes and consequences . ..then this might just hook you. Fair warning: it’s going to be the kind of story that lingers in your thoughts long as you read.