To most, Death is the end—a merciless enemy that tears you away from everything you fought to protect.

But for Auren, Death is a friend. The only one who refused to abandon him when the world did.

And worse still? In his case, death only makes him stronger.

Auren was a prodigy—the pride of the Western State of Lysendral. Graduating combat school at twelve, his mental fortitude unmatched, he was hailed as the star of a generation. All eyes turned to him, awaiting the moment he would receive a Divine Blessing from the Archons and begin his destined rise as the strongest Blessed in history.

But when the day came, Auren awakened not a Blessing—but a Curse.

"Such a thing has never been heard of!"

"An abomination! Kill him! Sacrifice him to the Archons!"

In a single breath, the world that once adored him cast him aside. Labeled a national criminal, he was imprisoned and executed by guillotine at the age of sixteen—offered as a sacrifice to stave off doom.

And the people cheered as the blade fell.

But death was not the end for Auren.

[You have died by execution.]

[Conditions Have Been Met] 

[You have entered the Curse Realm]

[You have found a Fester] 

[You shall begin your first trial]

Torn from death’s grip, Auren rises—stronger, darker, and filled with vengeance. No longer content to merely destroy the nation that betrayed him, he sets his sights on the Archons themselves.

Yet, in a world built on hidden truths and ancient lies, Auren must ask:

“Is he truly cursed... or was he chosen?”

Auren stared at her, blank. A beat passed before he sighed.  


"Your humor is impeccable as always."  


"What's that? I know not such trivialities."  


His gaze sharpened, pinning her in place.  


She danced around every question like a leaf on the wind—playful, evasive. 


The pieces didn't fit. Whatever she was hiding, it was big.  


Then, a sound cut through the silence—Meredith's breath, sharp and ragged. It was loudest she had been since collapsing.  


"Lady Merr, Lady Merr, are you alright?"  


"Let the girl be. That's a sign of recovery." 


She shot Auren a sidelong glance and shifted her gaze to Jasper — with disdain. 


Auren dragged a hand down his face and turned away, refusing to indulge the ageless, beautiful hag.  


Chapter 93 - Not Cool