The Day the Sky SplitThey called it The Searing.
The day the sky fractured and reality itself trembled. Out of nowhere, mysterious rifts—known now as Veils—appeared across the world, like silver tears in the fabric of existence. Each Veil was a portal, shimmering with a haunting, otherworldly glow, luring those who felt an undeniable pull.
Some say the Veils are the remnants of an ancient power. Others believe they're gifts from forgotten gods. But most of the world fears them, for no one who enters a Veil returns unchanged.
The SolboundThose who survive a journey through a Veil emerge transformed. They are marked by strange, glowing symbols on their bodies, forever connected to the Veil's power. They call them Sol Marks, and those who bear them are known as Solbound.
Through the Sol Marks, Solbound can access extraordinary abilities by drawing on their Sol Energy. But power comes at a cost: every time a Solbound uses their abilities, they expend a part of their own essence—their "sol." Too much use, and they risk Fading away, their spirit lost to the Veil forever.
Solbinding Comes at a PriceThe Solbound possess abilities unlike anything seen before. With a touch, they can wield reality itself—bend it, shape it, manipulate it. But with every use, their sol weakens. The strongest abilities demand the greatest sacrifice, and for those who overuse their powers, Fading is inevitable.
To use Sol Energy is to walk a razor's edge. Too much, and you'll lose yourself entirely.
The Power System of Solbinding1. Sol Marks: These symbols appear when a person becomes Solbound, forever linking them to the Veil. Sol Marks grant access to powers beyond human ability, but they drain the user's sol with each use, risking their very existence.
2. Veilwalkers: Experienced Solbound known as Veilwalkers have survived numerous ventures into the Veils. They manipulate Sol Energy to achieve feats that defy logic and reality. But every journey into the Veil brings them closer to the brink, binding them tighter to the Veil's energy.
3. Sol Flares: Deep within the Veils, there are rare shards of pure energy called Sol Flares. They're the only known way to restore sol lost from using Sol Energy, making them precious and highly sought-after. But Sol Flares are incredibly rare and guarded by dangerous creatures, making them almost impossible to obtain.
4. Fading: The ultimate danger. If a Solbound overuses their powers or loses too much sol, they begin Fading—a slow, irreversible process of losing memories, emotions, and their sense of self. Eventually, all that's left is an empty shell, a Sol Mark flickering in place of the person they once were.
The Solbound GuildsAs more people ventured into the Veils and returned, factions began to form, each with its own view on how to handle this newfound power. Some sought to use the Veils for control; others, for enlightenment. The most notable guilds are:
The Veiled Order: The most respected of the guilds, the Veiled Order believes the Veils are sacred and should be handled with care. They train Solbound with discipline, guiding them to prevent reckless use of Sol Energy and Fading.
The Sunseekers: This faction views the Veils as challenges to conquer. The Sunseekers are relentless, seeking Sol Flares to push their powers to the limit. They're ambitious, often clashing with other guilds over rare Veil resources.
The Eclipse Syndicate: The most feared and mysterious guild, the Eclipse Syndicate believes the Veils hold the keys to a new world. They're willing to cross any line, even delving into forbidden practices to unlock the Veils' darkest secrets.
The Call of the VeilOnly certain people can hear it—the Call of the Veil. A soft, haunting whisper that resonates deep within, stirring something raw and restless inside. Those who feel it are drawn to the Veils, unable to ignore the pull.
Kai was one of them. And he wasn't alone.
When he was young, his sister heard the Call and left him behind, promising she'd return. But she never did. Now, years later, Kai feels the same Call echoing within him, and he knows he must enter the Veil to find her, to understand the Veils, and to uncover the truth of the Solbound—no matter the cost