NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: Chapter One: An Orphan’s Destiny
The sound of raindrops pattering against the stone orphanage walls was a familiar lullaby to Kael. It had been his home—or prison—for as long as he could remember. Nestled in the shadow of the great city of Everreach, the orphanage was a crumbling relic of a better time. Its halls echoed with the laughter of children too young to know their misfortune and the murmurs of those old enough to understand they were forgotten.
Kael lay on his thin mattress, staring at the cracks in the ceiling. His 17th birthday had come and gone without fanfare. Most of the other children had been adopted or apprenticed long before reaching his age. The few who remained whispered rumors about Kael. Some said he was cursed, others said he was too strange for a family to take in.
But Kael didn't care. Or so he told himself.
Late that night, the attic called to him. He often snuck up there when the weight of the orphanage walls became too much. It was a place of dusty trunks, forgotten trinkets, and silence. This time, however, something was different.
As Kael climbed the creaky ladder, he felt a strange pull, like invisible hands guiding him. The moment his head peeked above the attic floor, his eyes locked onto something impossible. In the center of the room floated a crystalline orb, glowing faintly with runes that seemed alive, shifting and rearranging themselves in hypnotic patterns.
His breath hitched as he stepped closer. The air around the orb was warm, tingling with energy. Against all better judgment, Kael reached out and touched it.
A surge of light engulfed him. His mind filled with voices—some chanting, others whispering. Then, one voice broke through the cacophony, calm and commanding:
"System Initiating. User: Kael. Designation: Seeker."
Kael stumbled back, clutching his head. The attic seemed darker now, the only light emanating from his hands. Golden symbols swirled around his fingers before vanishing into his skin.
"What… what is this?" he whispered.
The voice answered, echoing in his mind. "You have been chosen. Tasks and knowledge will guide you. Failure leads to erasure. Success… leads to the Nexus."