The Soul's Crossing

Power has a price. In this world, it might be your soul. Taren Vael grew up on a chunk of rock the maps still called an island, but really, it was just a graveyard with saltwater. The sea took everything from him: food, family, hope. Nets came up empty, storms came down hard, and solitude was the only thing that stuck around. So when the Earth Kingdom’s ships showed up, Taren made his choice. Duskmire was just a slow-motion execution anyway. The Soul’s Crossing was a faster one, and his only way out. They called it a trial, like that made it noble. In reality, it was just ancient spirits looking for their next snack. Survive, and you get to be Eonbound—one of the lucky few who can bend the world with their powers. And if you fail? Your soul is burned as fuel for the very spirits you tried to impress. Taren should have died like the others. Instead, he carries something he was never meant to have. What to expect: Weak to Strong progression; Hard magic system (Cores, Nodes, elemental affinities); No power of friendship; Slow-burn romance (later) ( No Harem) Writing this as a passion project. Updates when possible. Earlier chapters may be revised for quality and consistency.