THE FORSAKEN CHOSEN

Chapter 1 The Day the Earth Trembled In a world where magic flows through every soul and powers choose their human masters to serve, there still exist a few untouched by divinity — ordinary people, forgotten by fate. Among them was Rowan, the only son of two powerless parents, Jaxon and Mira. They lived quietly, away from glory and magic, content with their simple lives. But destiny had been waiting — silent, patient — for the day everything would change. The sun burned low on the horizon as seven powerful heroes strode back from their monster hunt, their armor gleaming and their laughter echoing through the fields. Behind them trudged Rowan, his back bent beneath a heavy sack filled with the gems and treasures they had gathered. He was not a hero — just their helper, a powerless boy forced to carry their spoils. “Rowan!” one of the heroes barked, his voice dripping with contempt. “You useless thing! Why are you so slow? Hurry up already!” Rowan gritted his teeth, forcing his legs to move faster. The dust rose beneath his worn boots as the others walked ahead without even glancing back. At the Heroes’ Association Bureau, the seven heroes emerged from the grand marble hall, laughing as they pocketed their earnings from the treasures Rowan had carried. One of them flicked two dull silver coins toward him with a smirk. “That’s your share, worthless boy.” Rowan stared at the coins in disbelief. “Two silver coins? That’s all I’m worth to you?” The hero turned, his eyes cold. “Be grateful we gave you anything.” A harsh kick to Rowan’s chest sent him stumbling backward. The heroes laughed as they walked away, leaving him on the ground, breathless and humiliated. He was used to it — used to being treated as less than human. But the pain never got easier. He picked up the coins, dusted himself off, and whispered bitterly, “One day… I’ll show them.” --- At home, the small house felt colder than usual. Rowan threw the coins onto the table and sank into a chair, his fists trembling. His parents watched quietly — Jaxon’s weathered face filled with quiet worry, Mira’s eyes soft with love. Rowan’s voice cracked as he yelled, “Why, God? Why did you make us powerless? Why are we the only ones with nothing in this world?” Mira stepped forward, her voice trembling. “Rowan, my son—” But before she could finish, Rowan stormed into his room and slammed the door shut. --- Then, the world itself roared. The earth quaked violently, shaking the walls, and a deafening crack tore through the city. From the heart of the land, the ground split open — and monstrous shapes began to rise. Beasts of nightmare, their roars echoing like thunder, swept through the streets, tearing apart everything in sight. Rowan rushed out, shouting for his parents. “Mom! Dad!” The house crumbled behind them as they ran, barely escaping the falling debris. Around them, chaos reigned — screams, fire, collapsing buildings. The Heroes’ Association quickly arrived, the same heroes who had mocked Rowan earlier, unleashing their powers against the tide of monsters. But even their might wasn’t enough. --- While the heroes struggled, Rowan and his family began helping the injured toward a safe zone. Blood and dust painted his face, but he didn’t stop. He carried a wounded child when a commanding voice rang out from above: “Rescue the families with abilities! The rest are expendable! Retreat!” Rowan froze. His mother, Mira, was just steps away from safety when two monsters charged at one of the top heroes — a red-haired man known for his cruelty and power. The red-haired hero’s eyes met Mira’s for a brief second. Then, with a cold smirk, he grabbed her and threw her toward the monsters. “MOM!” Rowan screamed. The monsters tore into her before his eyes. Blood splattered across the ground as her screams were swallowed by their growls. “NO!” Rowan and his father ran toward her, but it was too late. The red-haired hero laughed. “I’ve always wanted to rid this world of your kind — the powerless.” --- Another monster lunged, and Jaxon pushed Rowan aside. “Run, son!” He threw himself into the beast’s claws, sacrificing his life in an instant. The heroes raised an ice wall, separating those with powers from the helpless ordinary people. The powerless pounded on the barrier as monsters closed in. Rowan’s fists slammed against the frozen wall until they bled. “Please!” he shouted. “Let them through!” Behind the wall, the powered families watched coldly — some even laughing. The red-haired hero leaned closer to the barrier and sneered, “Do you remember how your sister died, Rowan? It was a day like this. We sacrificed her so those with powers could escape. I was the one who threw her to the monsters that day. Your kind only exists to shield the worthy.” Rowan’s screams filled the air, his fists shattering against the ice. His blood smeared across the cold surface as he shouted with all his pain and fury. “ONE DAY… I’LL MAKE YOU ALL PAY!”