Kael Voss

In the shadow realm, a vast and surreal dimension shrouded in eternal twilight, where shadows are alive and the laws of reality bend and twist.

The sky is a swirling expanse of gray and black, with no visible sun, moon, or stars. Occasionally, streaks of purple and deep blue lightning arc across the horizon. The land is barren and fragmented, covered in jagged cliffs, black sand, and rivers of viscous, glowing shadow energy.

The ruler of the realm dwells in a palace. He's seated on his throne with his blade next to him. His face is featureless, and he is dressed in full black armor with a hood on.

The man lets out a sigh and complains, "This is starting to be less fun. Have the humans finally decided to give up?"

{Alastair Voss: God of the Shadows and the Shadow Sovereign of the Abyssal Council}

"We're currently unsure. For the past five years, there hasn't been a report of them attacking. The gate that connects the two realms remains untouched."

{Keir: The Dark God of Space and Time and also a member of the Dark Triad of the Abyssal Council}

"This sucks, those damn humans who thought were powerful because they got their hands on Astral magic," Alastair added. "How is the gate connecting to the Celestial realm going?"

"It looks like it will take quite some time because the God of Cosmic order is preventing entry," Keir answered.

"Tch, that damn father of yours," Alastair complained.

"Lord Alastair, it seems the humans have returned. They've gathered outside the Gates with quite the army."

{Grey: The Dark God of Death and also a member of the Dark Triad of the Abyssal Council}

"My only interest is in the God they serve, neither of them but very," Alastair added as he got up from his throne. "If they prove to be entertaining then I'll engage them. Summon the rest of the Abyssal Council."

"Right away," Grey said as he turned into a shadow and disappeared.

Outside the shadow gate situated near a large sea known as the Azure Sea. A large army has gathered before the entrance each wielding different weapons and wearing white and black armor with a symbol of a stylized sun with twelve rays, each radiating outward. The rays alternate between solid lines and wave-like shapes. Surrounding the sun is a halo of silver stars arranged in a circular pattern.

Alastair comes walking out of the gates with his servants and creatures of the shadow realm behind him.

"You humans never learn and keep asking for more. If you want me to send you to the God of Cosmic order that eagerly then I'll gladly do it," Alastair said while summoning a condensed flame ball on his palm.

One of the members of the army dressed in golden armor, with two swords on each waist, has orange hair and is riding on a white horse steps forward to confront Alastair.

"Your reign of terror ends here, Lord of the Shadows, Alastair Voss," the golden knight said as he slowly drew out his blade.

"Huh? Who is that shining dude?" Alastair asked with a stupid expression (Though his face was featureless)

"The name's Sylvester Armstrong, one of the five leaders of the Twilight Empire and one who has been chosen by the Gods to be an Astral Guardian," Sylvester said, afterward swinging his blade to the side and sending out a mini wind wave.

"The humans call him an Astral Hero. The current strongest among those that possess Astral magic," Keir said.

"You seem to have intel on every single thing, Space God Keir. Did that intel tell you that this will be the last time you set foot on the human realm," Sylvester points his blade forward and emits a golden aura.

"You're right, I have gotten bored of this realm. That's why we'll be headed to the Celestial realm. So you're right about it being the last time we set foot," Alastair added as he drew out his blade. "Because we'll turn this filthy planet to dust."

He cloaks his blade in dark energy, blowing everything around him away and he and Sylvester both charge in for each other and begin to clash.

[This was the event that occurred a thousand years ago. The greatest battle humanity has ever faced - the battle between dark and light, which decides the fate of the world. A thousand years later after gaining victory in the great Celestial war, humanity's civilization grew and expanded vastly. Nations were built and humanity were divided.]

[During the one thousand-year timeline, due to greed and need for power, humanity engaged in continuous wars. Among all 20 nations that divided themselves, four nations stood in power and no kingdom could go against them. They were known as the Quad of powers.]

[Among the four is a nation that has given birth to great warriors who wield powerful Astral magic. The nation became the most successful nation in 200 years. They were known as the Kingdom of Nevan.]

[Another thing that occurred in the thousand years was a strict system that determines your role in society. The system is known as the Astral Benediction, or some may call the Celestial blessing.]

[The Astral Benediction is a blessing received from the cosmic realm that allows you to use supernatural abilities known as Astral magic.]

[The most blessed individuals, believed to have been chosen directly by the Gods are called the Divine Royals and are worshipped by the kingdom as they act as intermediaries between the cosmic realm and the mortal realm. Those with high blessings but not at the level of Divine Royals are called sanctioned nobles. Then the majority that receive smaller blessings are known as the common folk and are ridiculed, culled, and abused for receiving such small blessings as they are perceived to not have God's favor. But those without a blessing...]

In the City of Everglade, in the State of Ravenshade, Nevan. A middle-level academy known as Orangefield Middle School, where the protagonist of the story attends. In Class 3-F...

"That's the history of Nevan and the rest of the world. The Armstrong Family leading the nation led us to become the most successful nation, as they are Divine Royals," the teacher said.

The school bell rings and all the students rush to pack their belongings.

"Okay kids, make sure to prepare for your final paper. The graduation ceremony will be a month later so get ready," the teacher said.

"Right!" All students exclaimed.

At the back of the Orangefield schoolyard, three delinquents pin a young boy with a purple buzz-cut hairstyle against the wall.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the young boy without a single ounce of Astral magic," the lead delinquent said with a smug look on his face.

"What do you guys want, Ren?" The young boy asked with a subtle shudder and avoided gaze, conveying fear.

"You were supposed to be calling us master, you outcast. You who the Gods have not even looked at," the bully on the right said.

"You know what we came for right? Make it fast because some of us have plans."

{Ren: The Ring leader of his little mob. Society rank: Common. Blessing Rank: D Tier. Notable Skills: Orange flames (Active), Agility enhancement}

* Ren has white hair, ear piercings, and tattoos all over his body. (Seriously, how do they allow kids like this on school grounds)

"I'm sorry... I don't have it with me right now," the young boy said as he trembled in fear, avoiding eye contact with Ren.

"You see now you've messed. The only one chance that kept you from getting hurt," Ren added as a sinister smile emerged on his face. "It's people like you who deserve divine punishment."

The other two bullies grab the boy by both his arms. The boy tries to fight his way out but one of the bullies connects a knee to his abdomen, stopping his resistance. Now the young boy is rendered unable to move.

"Based on the Astral Benediction system, this isn't even considered bullying. The ones with Astral magic are always in the right!" Ren shouted as he summoned a small flare at the palm of his hand.

The young boy began pleading with Ren, "Please, stop... Please... Stop!!"

Ren burns the right side of the boy's face, and the boy starts screaming in agony while Ren and his goons let out evil chuckles.

An hour later, the young boy returns home, after dragging himself with the right side of his face burnt, clothes tattered, scars all over.

[The majority that receives smaller blessings are known as the common folk and are ridiculed, culled, and abused for receiving such small blessings as they are perceived not to have God's favor. But those without a blessing are shunned and called cursed or outcasts.]

[My name is Kael Voss, I'm the kid getting bullied an hour ago, I'm currently 17 years of age. In a world of the Astral Benediction system where everyone is blessed with Astral magic, I was born without an ounce of Astral magic.]

[I grew up in Everglade City, in the State of Ravenshade after I was shunned by my father. At age 12 after I retook the Blessing rites and still came out unblessed, I faced abuse at the hands of my older siblings. My father sent me away to my grandfather's home in Everglade which was about to face ruin and left me all on my own.]

[I managed to make money to sustain myself by working as a servant in noble households in the upper cities. Even there I faced abuse at the hands of the nobles.]

Kael enters his house only to find it vandalized and broken in. He heads to the living room and sits at his desk. He pulls out a slice of bread, takes a bite, and starts shedding tears.

"Why do the Gods hate me so much? What did my ancestors or family do for me to receive such treatment? ... I really hate this stupid life," Kael sobbed.

The next day at the school rooftop after the completion of the final examination. Kael is lying down on the roof ground, looking at the sky. He has an eye patch and is wearing a skull face mask.

"Man, I want to die. If I can reincarnate with Astral magic that will be cool, though I don't think I have what it takes to take my own life," Kael complained as he looked at the clouds.

He hears the rooftop door unlock. He looks and he sees a beautiful blonde girl with yellow pupils dressed in the orangefield uniform walks through.

"Ah, there you are. I finally found you," the blonde girl said with a smile on her face as she brushed her hair back.

"Eve..." Kael called out in surprise.

[This is Eve, she's the most popular girl in our school, scratch that, she's the most popular and most beautiful girl in the whole state. She's been scouted by model agencies in all states, called to entertain the Count, and has both genders falling for her, including me. She's also my childhood friend since both our parents are well acquainted.]

"I was wondering why you were not down there celebrating with the others. What are you doing up here on your own?"

{Eve Wilson: Orangefield student. Society rank: Common. Astral Rank: D Tier. Skill: ???}

"Nothing much, just contemplating how I'm planning to die," Kael replied.

"What?" Eve chuckled softly as she sat beside Kael.

The two began conversing for about 15 minutes straight.

"What?! You were bullied again!?" Eve questioned Kael with a concerned expression, her brows furrowed and a slight frown appeared on her face. She added, "I told that jerk to stop bullying you. Why didn't you fight back?"

"How do you expect me to fight against three Blessed?" Kael questioned.

"You're right... I'm sorry," Eve added. "Is that why you're wearing a face mask?"

Kael removes the mask and Eve sees the bruises near his mouth. Eve places her hands on her mouth and her eyes widened as she's shocked.

"I'm really sorry Kael," Eve said as she placed her hand on Kael's cheek.

"Don't be. It's not your fault," Kael said as he put on his mask.

A gyaru girl with red hair, and large earrings, dressed in the school uniform but wearing the jersey on her waist comes walking through.

"There you are. Weren't we going to karaoke with the boys?"

{Eris Wagner: Orangefield student and Eve's friend. Society rank: Common. Astral Rank: D Tier. Skill:???}

"My bad, I'll be there," Eve added. "If anything happens please let me know."

"Right," Kael replied with a flustered face and a smile.

As Eve gets to her feet, Eris looks at Kael with a pensive frown on her face.

"..." Kael looks back in confusion.

Eve walks up to Eris and waves back at Kael with a soft smile.

"You still hang out with that guy?"

"Please Eris, don't be so cruel towards him," Eve said as they both walked out the rooftop.

[Despite looking so innocent, Eve hangs around delinquents. I've tried so hard to get her out of that group but my efforts are always in vain. She even began dating my bully Ren in our second year. And because of my relationship with Eve, Ren's bullying only worsened, no matter how many times Eve begged. It's even getting hard to hide my bruises.]

Kael returns downstairs from the rooftop and all eyes are on him. He heads to his locker and opens it only to find sand in the locker.

"... They're at it again," Kael said with his eyelids lowered, with brows knitted, and a slightly open mouth expressing sorrow.

He takes his shoes out of the locker, dusts them off, and puts them on. He grabs his bag and walks out of the school premises. Kael is walking down the road, heading home while reading a webtoon on his phone and hand in his pocket.

As he's about to cross the road, he sees a truck loading a monster with everyone around taking pictures.

[Ashenfiends, these are creatures that appeared in our world 200 hundred years ago. They make their way through a metaphysical crack in unknown areas and wreak havoc. These creatures are what put a hold on the Quad War and forced humanity to come together and battle them. The Ashenfiends feed off spiritual energy to allow themselves to grow stronger and live longer.]

"What are you looking at freak?" One of the pass-bys recording the scene snarked at Kael.

"Sorry!" Kael squeaked as he tightened his grip on his bag and ran off. He arrives home, tosses his bag to the side, and sits on his Futon. After a few minutes, his room is a mess and he's reading a light novel.

[The ones fighting against these Ashenfiend Creatures are what the people call the Astral Magus. The Astral Magus are elite, awakened soldiers who channel the energy of the Astral Realm to wield extraordinary powers in service to the kingdom. Revered as protectors and enforcers of order, they are tasked with a wide range of critical duties, including battling monstrous threats, conducting reconnaissance missions, and defending the realm from external and internal dangers.]

[I too have once dreamed of becoming an Astral Magus, everyone's gotta dream. But with the way I am, that dream is far-fetched. I mean, the people of Everglade will beat me close to death if I ever spoke of them. So I prayed, If I ever had the chance and awakened, I'd use my powers to stop discrimination. But there's never been reports of someone who awakened after age 12, and I'm powerless against the Blessed.]

A few days later...

[It's been exactly four days since we finished our final exam and made it through. Graduation is just days away, good thing it's not the passing you. My plans were now for me to enter a high school to study medicine.]

Kael hears a knock on the door, he checks it out and sees Eve standing at his door with Eris and Ren behind her.

"Eve..."

"Kael... Can we talk?"

As Ren and Eris wait in Kael's front yard, Kael is seated with Eve in the living room and they converse.

"What?! Your friends want to hang out with me for this last day!?" Kael challenged.

"You've been a student with us for three whole years so they wanted to do something for you like we did the other students. I spoke to Ren about the burnt scar on your right face and he says he's sorry and would like to make up for it," Eve said.

"Huh? There's no way those bastards are sorry! They always claim what they do is righteous! I don't care if he's your boyfriend but I'm not accepting any of this!" Caturwauled Kael with an intense gaze.

"I understand that it's hard for you to take in, but if you don't believe me you may see for yourself," Eve said.

They head out to the front yard where Eris and Ren are. Ren approaches Kael...

"Oh, Voss. I'm sorry for burning the right side of your face, I just wanted to assert dominance. But after speaking with Eve, I'd like to make up for it," Ren said while rubbing the back of his head.

(Anyone can tell at first glance that something is wrong.) Kael thought to himself.

"Please forgive him, Kael. I promise to set him straight if he happens to repeat it," Eve pleaded.

(I don't like this feeling, but Eve has never lied to me before. Maybe I'll hold her to her word.) Kael added, "Alright... guess I'll do that."

"Thank Goodness. Now my best friend and boyfriend can finally get along. We should celebrate it with the ruined city visit that we've planned," Eve said while wrapping her arm around Kael with a smile.

"Are you sure, Eve? That area is considered restricted, and everyone is forbidden to set foot in it," Eris said.

"You don't have to worry about that. I know how to get us through," Eve replied.

"Fine, as long as we're doing it all together," Eris said.

"So get changed, Kael. We're heading out now," Eve said.

"Right..." Kael exclaimed in agreement.

After a few minutes, Kael leaves his house dressed in a baggy white t-shirt, black trousers, and white-grey sneakers.

"Now, let's all head out for the City of Lunaris!" Eve yelled in excitement.

(She's as energetic as ever.) Kael said to himself with a smile on his face.

They all climb Eris's mobile and head for the City of Lunaris. As they're driving to Lunaris, Kael is seated by the window with his hand on his cheek. Eve then looks back at him and smiles at him, relaxing him. After thirty minutes of driving, they arrive at the station that's the entrance to Lunaris.

"We've arrived," Eris said.

The car stops, and they all get off. They see red tape placed around the station's entrance.

(This area is restricted. Eve isn't the kind to do risky things like this.) Kael thought to himself.

"You kids!"

They all look and they see two Astral Magus walking up to them.* Astral Magus Uniform (Male): Symbol: An Astral Emblem over the left chest, resembling an open book encircled by an orbiting star. Tier badges are worn on the left shoulder (silver, gold, or platinum depending on the Magus's level.) Jacket: A fitted midnight blue blazer with a high mandarin collar, trimmed in silver. Constellation patterns embroidered on the back in subtle golden threads. Sleeves have thin silver lines running along the edges, giving a sleek, modern touch. Optional detachable cloak for formal events, flowing and lined with shimmering silver fabric. Shirt: Crisp white button-up with a faint starry pattern that becomes visible under specific lighting. A silver tie or scarf with a gold constellation design. Pants: Tailored midnight blue trousers with silver seams along the sides. A subtle, embossed emblem of the Astral Academy at the left hip pocket. Shoes: Black, polished ankle boots with silver soles and astral runes faintly glowing on the sides. Accessories: A silver brooch shaped like a crescent moon on the collar. Gloves with runic designs for handling magic-sensitive objects. (Their cloaks have a symbol of their respective company.)

"Those are...?" Kael hesitated.

"The Gatekeepers," Ren replied and added. "They weren't supposed to be on duty at this hour."

"What are you kids doing here? This was supposed to be a restricted area," the first Astral Magus questioned.

"And the cursed kid is here," the second Magus mumbled.

"We came to explore the city of ruin for our school projects. We're planning on becoming Astral Magus after all," Eve replied.

"This is the wrong area for that. The Zenith Sovereign has prevented entry after all," the Magus said.

"Come on, can't you let us through just for today?" Eve said while emitting a pink aura, which the Magus eventually perceived.

##Heart's Whispers Activated##*A skill used by Eve.

"Right, we understand. You may go through," the Magus said.

" Thank you, kind sir," Eve said with a smile.

They all return to the Car.

"What did you do? Was that your skill?" Kael questioned.

"Don't worry about it. Shall we head out," Eve said

They drive through the station and arrive at the highway. They see the ruined city through the windows.

"Welcome to Lunaris, once the largest city of Ravenshade. The City had the largest population until one day suffered an attack, turning the whole city into a graveyard. The few survivors were forced to live at the edge of Everglade. This is the sight Lunaris was left with," Eris said.

"Woah..." Kael exclaimed.

"You sure know your stuff," Ren said smugly.

"It was that or fail," Eris said.

They arrive at the entrance of the city's shopping district. They all get off the car and they're looking around the city.

"This city sure did fall hard," Ren said.

"Well I did say it suffered a large-scale Ashenfiend attack," Eris said.

Kael slowly walks towards the entrance of the shopping district.

(This place...) Kael jolts and says, (Shit! I sense bloodlust!)

He tries to react to the bloodlust but Ren knocks him out, dropping him to the floor.

"This Outcast would believe anything because he wants friends," Ren added.

"Everything went according to plan, Eve."

A sinister smile emerges on Eve's face and she says, "I thought he would stop attending school after you burnt his face but he still kept coming. This will keep a useless pig like him away forever."

Ren places a collar around Kael's neck and tosses Kael into the shopping district while Eris looks away with her arms folded.

"Let's leave the city before they come," Eve said.

They all head for the car, leaving Kael behind. As they're driving out of the city, Ren adds...

"There's only one reason this city hasn't been restored, and entry by the Astral Magus has been forbidden. That's because..."

As Kael regains consciousness and opens his eyes, he is surrounded by spider-like and wolf-like creatures.

"What?" Kael said with a tearful tremble.

"...The city is home to Ashenfiend creatures."

The wolf-like creature howls at Kael and leaps in for him, but Kael quickly reacts and avoids the attack. Kael quickly gets to his feet and runs for the district entrance.

(Those bastards! They abandoned me. So this was their plan from the beginning. Does that mean Eve...)

The Wolf-like appears behind Kael with a red glow coming from its eyes.

**Jolt**

The Wolf-like creature scars Kael's back, dropping him to the floor.

Kael is down on the ground panting and he thinks to himself, (Just what kind of creature is this? It looks like a wolf and yet not a wolf.)

The creature tries to take a bite off him but Kael manages to evade it. He gets up to his feet and resumes running.

(I need to get out of the city!)

The Spider-like creatures fire off web arrows at Kael and the arrows keep missing him. He's about to leave the district but a barrier has been erected, blocking exit.

"Huh?"

Kael gets pierced from behind with a web arrow. He coughs up blood and falls to a knee. The blood from his wound splatters on the floor.

(What's this? It's so scary. Is this... death?)

Kael thought to himself as two wolf-like creatures leaped in for a bite. He looks back and manages to evade them. Kael forces himself back to his feet and resumes running.

(Why am I struggling? I thought I'd always wanted to die. This is perfect.)
Kael turns the corner and the spider-like creatures are headed for him.
(Is it because death is scary, or--)

An image of Kael's grandfather flashes in Kael's head.

(I need to get out of here!)

As he turns the corner, a wolf-like creature tries to bite him but he falls to his butt.

Kael looks back and sees the wolf with an arm in its mouth. He then looks over at his right shoulder and sees his right arm missing.

(I'm going to die!)

Kael continues running while holding his right shoulder.

(I'm hurt in my abdomen and my right arm is gone. I'm losing blood in both.)

A Rhino-like creature strikes Kael, sending him flying to the other side of the street and crashing back-first against the wall. Kael drops to his knees and starts coughing up blood. As Kael drags himself toward the pole, he hears large footsteps approaching his way.

As he rests his back against the pole, he looks up and sees a ten-foot-tall black creature with large horns, and razor-sharp teeth with two large pairs looking down on him.

"That's... A Nethermoth. The most dangerous of all Ashenfiends. Why is it here?"

Kael said while trembling with his eyes widened and raised brows (A look of terror).

More Ashenfiends appear, all surrounding Kael.

"Heh heh, this is how I'm going to go out..." Kael clenched his fist and added. "Screw it all! Why does it have to be me!? I didn't ask for this. If only I had the power... then this wouldn't have happened to me."

The Ashenfiends close in on Kael and Kael forces himself to his feet. He pulls out the web arrow in his stomach.

"I'll die and take two of you bastards with me!"

The Ashenfiends all charge in for Kael.

"I'm sorry... Grandfather. But I'm going to join you," Kael said as he resolved himself but still trembled.

<Conditions have been met: Near encounter with death>

<Activating the return of the God of the Shadows>
======

The whole area is swallowed by a dark veil and all the Ashenfiends approaching Kael get pierced by dark spikes created from shadow energy.

Kael's hair turns jet black, silky, and shoulder length and obscures his eyes. A skull mask appears on his face, covering only his mouth, and he gains muscles, regenerates his arm, heals his wounds, and grows a pair of black wings. Kael releases dark energy which puts fear on the Ashenfiends.

With a deep voice, the being possessing Kael's body starts to chuckle and laughs out loud as he destroys the collar around his neck. He then says, "I'm finally out of that dark space. The plan was a success."

The being looks up at all the Ashenfiends surrounding the area.

"Shall we explore the new timeline," the being said with a white glow coming from his eyes