Awakening the Spirit's Core Volume 1: Awakening the Spirit's Core, #1

By Zero

In a world where humans evolved to be able to gain abilities through a new organ called a "Core". This core is a manifestation of the host's soul and their abilities are based on what their soul truly desires. Our story is seen through a boy named Ren. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zero
• Release date: Jan 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224938230

Book preview

Awakening the Spirit's Core

Chapter 1: Whispers of Whitefire

Ren Arashi stood stiff as a board in the cavernous examination hall, a thousand hopefuls buzzing around him like cicadas on a summer night. The air crackled with nervous energy, thicker than the humidity clinging to Tokyo in August. This was it, the Gateway Exams, the only key to unlocking the doors of Zenith Academy – the most prestigious soulbound school in the nation.

For generations, children gifted with powerful soul cores, manifesting as luminous orbs within their chests, had flocked to Zenith, honing their unique abilities within its hallowed halls. Yet, Ren stood amidst them, an anomaly. While whispers of whitefire and unseen potential had trailed him since childhood, his core stubbornly remained dormant, a pale ember refusing to ignite.

He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the whitefire to spark, to validate his dreams of soaring with the skyhawks, masters of wind manipulation, or wielding thunderblades like the stormcallers. But silence greeted him, a hollow echo mocking his aspirations. Disheartened, he glanced at the looming clock, each tick another nail in his coffin of mediocrity.

Suddenly, a tremor shook the hall, rattling chandeliers and sending tremors of panic through the crowd. A colossal shadow engulfed the windows, blotting out the afternoon sun. A grotesque amalgamation of claws and teeth, stitched together by pulsating veins of corruption, leered through the glass, its maw dripping with obsidian drool.

Screams filled the air as the creature ripped through the reinforced glass, raining shards upon the terrified students. Ren's heart hammered against his ribs, fear an icy fist squeezing his lungs. Yet, amidst the chaos, a strange clarity settled over him. This couldn't be the end. Not here, not now.

Shadowblight:

Tier 6/10, 12 foot tall humanoid figure, skill: Death Claw, a red razor sharp attack able to pierce durable things.

As the Shadowblight lunged, claws outstretched, Ren stepped forward. A raw, desperate cry tore from his throat.