oharazetsu

In a world where the gods are long gone, only their cursed relics remain—twisting anyone desperate enough to use them.

Vael never wanted power. He only wanted to survive. But when his village is destroyed by a warlord wielding a relic of the old gods, he’s left with nothing… except a choice: die broken, or take up the artifact that calls to him by name.

The moment he touches it, everything changes. The gods didn’t vanish—they were betrayed. And something older, something worse, is beginning to stir beneath the ruins they left behind.

As the power eats away at his mind, Vael must decide what he's becoming. Because in a world like this, monsters aren’t born.

They’re made.

NETHRYN

The Echo Guardian's armor creaked as it stepped forward, silver light pulsing from the cracks in its chest. Vael gripped his blade. The air felt different. Heavier. Older.

Vael ducked under its swing, the crown's voice rising.Take more. Break it.

The last time he gave in, his veins burned for hours. The crown had dug in deeper. He wasn't sure how much more he could take.

Before he could act, an arrow sliced through the air and slammed into the Guardian's head. The impact made it stagger.

Up on the ridge stood a woman in a torn cloak. Silver hair, one eye pale blue, the other cloudy and blind. Her bow was still raised.

Another arrow flew, hitting the Guardian's joint. It roared, darkness spilling from the wound.

He dashed in, shadows wrapping around his blade, and drove it deep into the gap. The Guardian let out a low cry and then collapsed into ash.

Vael breathed hard, staring at the dust. Then turned toward the ridge.

The woman was already making her way down the rocks, bow slung over her shoulder.

"Didn't think anyone was dumb enough to fight a Guardian alone," she said.

Vael kept his grip on the blade. "Who are you?"

"Lira." She nodded at the ashes. "You're welcome."

The crown stirred.She's touched by them. Not like you… but close.

Vael studied her. Something about her felt off. Not just the scars or the eyes—but the way she stood. Like someone who'd seen too much and kept walking anyway.

Before he could reply, the ground rumbled.

Lira's face tightened. "More Wraithbound. We can't stay here."

Vael looked toward the horizon. The Shattered Vale was still far.

"Follow me," Lira said, already running. "Unless you'd rather end up like the rest."

They ran through ruins and shattered stone. At one point, he saw a mark on her wrist—faint, twisted, half-burned.

The crown hissed again.She's dangerous. But she knows.

But either way, he wasn't turning back.

The Stranger