The Great Valley is humanity's last bastion, its defenses held by the rare Awakened who wield the powers of mind, body, or heart against monstrous Beasts. For Alaric, an overlooked orphan trapped by poverty and the rigid expectations of his society, becoming a Strider—a protector of humanity—is an impossible dream. Yet, after a bizarre incident leaves him unscathed and a mathematical feat defies explanation, a power stirs within him, one that defies his humble origins and the valley's harsh realities. It's a mysterious encounter with a shadowy figure named Kage that truly changes the course of his life, hinting at a destiny far grander—and more dangerous—than he could ever imagine. As Alaric grapples with his burgeoning abilities, he'll not only face cunning foes and forge unlikely bonds but also confront the societal pressures that threaten to crush his extraordinary potential. Can a boy with nothing become humanity's greatest hope?

Chapter 1 - - A strange sensation