📘 Recap: Volume 1 – Blood of the Forgotten
Kael Virex and Zayen Thorne, once inseparable, are drawn back into the mystic halls of Vantaria Academy. As whispers of a looming darkness echo through the floating world of Astravalon, the brothers discover their unique Pulse abilities—Kael's Sketchstep, and Zayen's Burst Loop—hinting at powers far beyond what the Academy understands.
Their journey introduces Riven Korr, a fierce warrior hiding a life-altering secret—she's a girl disguised as a boy to escape her past. Alongside her, new friendships form, rivalries spark, and the mystery of the Crown Trials and the mythical Soulfruit begins to unravel.
The first volume closes with the Crown Trials commencing, a veil lifting from the Academy's truths, and the first fracture in their fates appearing under moonlight. But it's just the beginning...
Chapter 1: The Echo Beyond the Mask
Narrator:"In a world where stars fall like memories and crowns sit on broken thrones, two pulses beat louder than fate itself. The song begins again, not with glory... but with a whisper."
The Academy's amphitheater had never felt colder. Despite the sea of students and the glimmering banners announcing the Crown Trials, a chill lingered in the air—one not born from weather, but from truth.
Kael stood silent, hands clenched, eyes locked on the distant crowd. His mind wasn't on the tournament anymore. Not after what happened.Riven... was a girl.A lie? A secret? Or just survival?
Zayen nudged him lightly. "You're doing it again. Thinking too loud."
Kael smirked faintly. "She fooled all of us. And now she's out there, alone."
"Not alone," Zayen said, glancing toward the upper arena where Riven now stood in her real form—hair untied, eyes fierce, but softer than before.
Their reunion hadn't happened yet. Emotions were raw. The Academy buzzed with rumors.
🌀 Meanwhile, in the Hidden Hall...
Far below the surface, old gears turned. A masked figure gazed upon a crystal tablet—etched with glowing symbols.
"The Crown Trials are not trials. They are the key. Let them come. Let them awaken the gate."
Behind him, a strange fruit shimmered—half-silver, half-void, pulsing softly. The Soulfruit.
🎭 Back at the Arena
"Match Four: Kael Virex vs. Iroh Blayne!"
Cheers erupted. Kael took a breath, stepping forward. In the crowd, Riven's eyes didn't leave him.
The battle was short—but not easy. Iroh, a flame user, was brutal and relentless. But Kael's Sketchstep evolved subtly mid-fight—his drawings bled color... and reality bent slightly with it.He didn't just move through ideas now—he rewrote rules.
Later, as Kael walked off, someone grabbed his shoulder.Riven.No mask. No lies. Just her."Hey," she said softly.Kael froze."Why?" he asked.She smiled. "Because masks don't last forever."
⚡ Zayen's Scene
Elsewhere, Zayen sparred alone. His Burst Loop glitched—time paused mid-swing, but didn't return normally. A flicker appeared. A future version of himself stared at him, then vanished.
"What the hell…"
🌑 Final Scene
A girl hums near the Soulfruit chamber."Soon, your song will awaken the sleeping. And not all will survive the chorus."
The screen fades to black as a golden feather falls into the abyss.
End of Chapter 1
Volume 2 has begun. And it won't end quietly.