NOVEL NEXT Chapter 0: Shadows of the Sanctuary
The world was not always like this. Once, it was a place of peace and order, where the cities thrived and the lands between them were fertile and safe. But all of that changed when the Void Entity awoke from its ancient slumber. With its awakening came the cursed zones—twisted, nightmarish areas where the void's influence seeped into the very fabric of reality, warping everything it touched. These cursed zones began small at first, little pockets of madness, but they grew with time. And as they spread, so did the creatures that dwelled within them, beasts born of the void, their existence sustained by fear, hatred, and despair.
The Sanctuary was built in response to this ever-growing threat. It became the last bastion of humanity, a fortress dedicated to fighting the darkness. From within its ancient walls, those blessed with the Spark, a rare and powerful energy source that connected its bearer to the light, trained to become the world's defenders.
The Hunters, Dolls, and Nokorii
The Hunters were the vanguard of the Sanctuary, warriors who faced the void head-on. Each Hunter was trained to harness their Spark to enhance their physical abilities, making them faster, stronger, and more deadly than any normal human. Their weapons were forged with void-resistant metals, each one a unique extension of the Hunter's skill and Spark. In combat, Hunters were unmatched, striking down void entities with precision and skill.
The Dolls were the Sanctuary's mystics, warriors who channeled their Spark into powerful magic that protected and enhanced their team. Their abilities varied from casting illusions to confuse their enemies, to raising protective wards that could deflect even the deadliest of void attacks. Dolls were just as important to a team as the Hunters, for without their magical defenses and strategic insight, even the strongest Hunter could fall.
Accompanying each team was their Nokorii, spirit cats that acted as their third member. These creatures, small and nimble, were immune to curses and void energy. Their role was crucial—they tracked enemies, healed minor wounds, and provided crucial information through their heightened senses. More than that, they were bonded to the team emotionally and spiritually, often guiding their comrades out of danger with an unspoken understanding.
The Advisors and the Sanctuary's Leadership
At the heart of the Sanctuary's decision-making were the Advisors, eight powerful individuals who guided the Sanctuary's every move. The Advisors were paired into four teams, each tasked with overseeing different aspects of the Sanctuary's operations. Their robes were marked with the colors of white, black, and gold, and a silver banner adorned their left arms, signifying their high rank and responsibility. Though they no longer ventured into the cursed zones themselves, their vast knowledge of the void and strategic expertise made them invaluable.
Each Advisor had once been a formidable Hunter or Doll, but with age and experience, they now used their wisdom to guide the next generation of warriors. Their role was crucial in coordinating the Sanctuary's defenses, planning missions, and studying the ever-growing void and its cursed zones.
Above the Advisors was Renji, the Guild Master of the Sanctuary. Once a legendary Hunter himself, Renji now oversaw all operations within the Sanctuary. His wisdom and experience made him the ideal leader, and his presence alone commanded respect. Renji was known for his calm demeanor, but his concern for the growing void threat had been growing heavier with each passing day. It was Renji who made the hard choices, sending teams into cursed zones, knowing that not all would return.
The Cursed Zones and the Void Entity
The cursed zones were the front lines of the war against the void. These places, corrupted by the influence of the Void Entity, were twisted reflections of the world they had once been. Landscapes that had once been beautiful were now desolate wastelands, filled with fog, broken structures, and strange, monstrous creatures that fed off the fear of those who dared to enter.
The cursed zones were not all the same. Some were small, barely detectable, while others spanned entire regions, their borders ever-expanding. The larger the zone, the stronger the void entity that resided at its heart. These entities were powerful, often ancient beings that had been corrupted by the void. They ranged from lesser creatures like the Shadow Wraiths, to more dangerous entities like Siren Head, who manipulated sound to disorient and destroy its enemies.
At the center of it all was the Void Entity, an ancient and malevolent force that had spread its influence across the world. Its true form was unknown, but its presence was felt everywhere. It was the source of all cursed zones and the creatures that inhabited them. Some believed the Void Entity was a god-like being, while others thought it was a remnant of something far older and darker.
What was certain was that the Void Entity was responsible for unleashing the Titans upon the world, three monstrous beings that served as its annihilators. These Titans were Grief, Pain, and Suffering. Grief had been slain fifteen years ago by the legendary Hunter Kenrith and his partner Rena. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Pain and Suffering were still unknown, but their presence was felt, an ever looming threat that could rise at any moment.
Team 1: The Voidbreakers
Of all the teams within the Sanctuary, none were more revered than Team 1: The Voidbreakers. This elite group of S-Rank Hunters and Dolls had achieved legendary status for their victories against the void's most dangerous creatures. Their names were known across the world, their deeds retold in stories passed down by survivors of the cursed zones.
At the head of Team 1 was Cain, a Hunter known for his unmatched speed and precision. His weapon of choice, Valkyrie, was a void-resistant blade forged from the remnants of a fallen Entity. Cain's movements in battle were so swift and deadly that he was often compared to a storm, striking with the force of lightning. But despite his formidable strength, Cain was calm and introspective, always carrying the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
His partner was Alice, a Doll whose illusions and tactical brilliance had saved their team more times than anyone could count. Alice's mastery over illusion magic made her a terrifying opponent, often leaving her enemies disoriented and vulnerable to Cain's attacks. But outside of battle, Alice was playful, with a smirk always ready on her lips. She often teased Cain for his seriousness, but beneath the banter was a deep respect for her partner's abilities.
And then there was Felvion, their Nokorii, a sleek black spirit cat with glowing eyes that seemed to see through the very fabric of the void. Felvion was fiercely loyal to Cain and Alice, always by their side in battle, tracking enemies, and healing wounds with its mysterious power.
Together, the three had faced down the infamous Jack the Ripper, an ancient cursed entity that had terrorized the world for decades. Their victory over Jack had solidified their status as legends, and the Sanctuary had never been the same since.
The Rising Threat of the Void
Despite their victories, the void was growing stronger. Cursed zones were spreading at an alarming rate, and the void entities within them were becoming more dangerous and unpredictable. The Sanctuary's forces were being stretched thin, with even the most experienced teams struggling to keep the void at bay.
There were whispers among the Advisors of a coming storm, something darker than anything they had faced before. The Void Entity was stirring, its influence growing with each passing day. And with the whereabouts of the Titans Pain and Suffering still unknown, there was a growing sense of dread within the Sanctuary's walls.
The Sanctuary at Dusk: Cain and Alice
The halls of the Sanctuary were quiet as Cain and Alice walked through them, their footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the ancient walls, and the faint hum of void energy could be felt just beyond the Sanctuary's protective wards.
Cain walked with his usual purposeful stride, his hand resting on the hilt of Valkyrie. His sharp eyes scanned the halls, always alert, always ready for whatever threat might arise. He wore his usual black battle gear, the armor fitted to his lean frame, a stark contrast to Alice's more relaxed attire.
Alice walked beside him, her arms crossed behind her head as she glanced around the halls with a lazy smile. Her black hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders, and her piercing eyes glinted with amusement. She was always the one to break the silence, always the one to lighten the mood, even in the darkest of times.
"You know, Cain," Alice said, her voice light and teasing, "you really should relax more. You're going to turn into stone one of these days if you keep walking around all serious like that."
Cain glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I don't have time to relax."
Alice rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, yeah. I know. Always the serious one."
Despite her teasing, there was a deeper bond between them—a trust forged in countless battles, a partnership that had saved their lives more times than either could count. They were more than just a team—they were family.
As they approached the main hall, a faint glow of light caught their attention. Standing at the entrance were two of the Advisors, their faces shadowed by their hoods, but their presence unmistakable.
"Cain, Alice," one of the Advisors called out, their voice low and commanding. "The Guild Master wishes to speak with you."
Cain and Alice exchanged a glance. Whatever this was, it was serious.
"Looks like we're being summoned," Alice said, her smirk returning.
Cain nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Let's go."
Together, they walked into the hall, the weight of the world already pressing down on their shoulders. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.
And so, the next chapter of their journey began.