In a world where every soul manifests a unique power known as a Veyra, strength defines existence. Magicians bend the unseen current of Histinak, swordsmen bind their wills to living weapons called Conduits, and academies across the world shape warriors into legends.

But Kael Ardyn was born with nothing. No power, no brilliance — only a strange emptiness where his Veyra should be.

Until the day he stumbled into a forgotten dungeon beneath Valenforge, where something ancient awakened within him — a cursed power long erased from history:
the Hollow Veyra, a void that devours the very Flow it touches.

Now labeled unstable and dangerous, Kael is forced into the lowest ranks of Valenforge Academy, a training ground for the gifted.
Under the unyielding eye of Professor Veyra Dathis — a woman as brilliant as she is ruthless — Kael must learn to control his curse before it consumes him entirely.

But power comes at a cost.
As Kael’s Hollow Veyra begins to stir, the academy’s peace fractures.
Whispers of the Hollowborn resurface. Forbidden research reawakens. And three women — Lyra, the kindhearted friend who sees the good in him; Seren, the cold prodigy drawn to his danger; and Veyra Dathis herself, the mentor he both admires and despises — find themselves caught in his orbit as the lines between loyalty, obsession, and fate blur.

For Kael Ardyn, survival means mastering the void that should not exist.
But the deeper he delves into the Hollow Veyra’s secrets, the clearer it becomes—
it’s not just a curse.

It’s a remnant of the first world.
And it remembers him.

The morning sun glinted off the academy's spire, reflecting in the glass walls of the central courtyard. Kael stood with Rienne and Marin, receiving an official scroll embossed with the academy seal.


"Elite Trial Assignment: The Crucible of Resonance. Participants will face synchronized combat simulations, elemental constructs, and Hollow resonance challenges. Full participation is mandatory. Outcomes affect ranking and advancement."


Rienne's gray eyes narrowed. "Kael… this is serious. The Crucible isn't for beginners."


Marin tilted her head, worry evident. "You're not going to be able to do this alone."


Kael smirked faintly, holding the scroll. "I don't plan to. But I need to see how far the Hollow can stretch. This is the real test."


From the shadows, Talyssa stepped forward, voice dripping with mockery. "You? Stretching the Hollow? Don't embarrass yourself before everyone. The Crucible isn't a game."


Kael met her gaze calmly. "I'm not here to impress you."


Her smirk faltered slightly, curiosity and challenge sparking in her eyes.


Chapter 23 - Chapter 26 — Part 1 The Elite Trials Begin