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Arcbound: Tale of The Guardians

Prînx_Austin
7
chs / week
The average realized release rate over the past 30 days is 7 chs / week.
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Synopsis
At the edge of Elmspire Valley, nestled within towering spires and marble halls, lies Hillstead University—a place known for prestige, secrecy, and power older than history itself. At Hillstead University, nothing is ever as it seems. Beneath the ancient stone and silver halls lies a power long forgotten… waiting to awaken. Five strangers arrive from different worlds—each carrying secrets, scars, and no idea what binds them together. Until the arc calls to them. An elemental force, older than them. A legacy buried beneath silence. And a destiny none of them asked for. As strange events unfold and danger closes in, they begin to change—each touched by a different force of nature. But power never comes without a cost. Enemies lurk in shadows. The past begins to stir. And if they don’t unite in time, the arc may tear them apart. This is the rise of something ancient. This is Arcbound.
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Chapter 1 - Hillstead

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Hillstead University — a name whispered in the corridors of power and prestige. Set high upon the cliffs of Elmspire Valley, the university was an institution wrapped in old stone and rich history. Its towering spires touched the sky, while ivy-wrapped walls and dark marble floors carried the weight of forgotten legacies.

The gates stood open today — welcoming a new wave of ambitious minds.

The sun pierced through the fog as the morning buzzed to life. Cars, packed to the brim with luggage and dreams, rolled up the winding drive. Students filed in, a vibrant mix of fresh faces, eager and uncertain. Some walked in groups, laughing; others moved with the quiet focus of those who didn't belong to this world — yet.

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Near the west entrance, a black motorcycle hummed to a stop. It wasn't flashy, but it purred like it had something to prove.

Natasha Rayne stepped off it with effortless ease. Red curls pulled into a bun, leather jacket zipped halfway, expression unreadable behind mirrored sunglasses.

She surveyed the crowd, lips tightening slightly. Her duffel was already slung across one shoulder as she strode past the newer students—some pointing at her ride, others backing out of her path.

No one came with her. No one needed to.

She tossed her bag over her shoulder and walked toward the dorms like she didn't care where she was — but every part of her noticed everything. Doors. Exits. Windows. Shadows.

She was used to watching her own back. And in Hillstead, that would be a smart move.

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A sleek, obsidian-black Rolls-Royce Cullinan pulled up the drive, its tires making no sound against the cobblestone. Even before the driver stepped out, people stared.

From the back emerged Carl Valentine — crisp suit jacket over a designer shirt, shades hanging from his collar, posture like he'd just walked off a private jet (which he had). Tall, sculpted, the kind of guy who didn't chase attention but got it anyway.

He glanced around Hillstead like he owned it — like he'd been here before in another life.

He stepped out with effortless grace, his assistant trailing behind, holding his bag as if it were a rare artifact. Carl barely looked around as he made his way toward the registration building — his mind already set on what was next, as if everything around him was a backdrop to his own story.

As Carl walked past, he gave a slight glance at the other students — a mix of curiosity and indifference. His presence commanded attention, and he was fully aware of it.

---

Meanwhile, across the student square, a beat-up station wagon rolled in, its exhaust pipe sputtering like it had asthma.

Kai Wilder hopped out of the passenger side before the engine even stopped. Wavy brown hair, open denim jacket over a band tee, guitar case bouncing against his back — he radiated energy like someone who never stayed still for long.

"Smells like destiny," he said dramatically, breathing in the mountain air.

His sister groaned as she climbed out after him.

Nora Wilder, his younger sister by just a year, tugged her hoodie tighter and adjusted the strap of her duffel bag. Quiet, calm, observant — the type of person who said more with a look than others did with ten words.

"Smells like bird poop and overhype," she replied flatly.

They were close — always had been — but couldn't be more different. Where Kai danced through life, Nora measured every step. Where Kai saw a game, Nora saw the rules beneath it.

She paused, eyes drifting to the tallest spire of the school. A wind brushed her face — light, but oddly familiar.

She followed Kai into the building, already a step behind in everything but appearance.

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Last, but not least, Henry Dane arrived. A sleek motorcycle purred to a stop in front of the gates. Henry dismounted with a casual grace, pulling off his helmet and shaking out his dark hair. Dressed in a dark hoodie, faded jeans, and worn sneakers, he stood apart from the others — not out of place, but distant.

He took in the grandness of the campus, the weight of its history hanging in the air. But Henry was no stranger to grand places. He'd always been a spectator in the high-society circles — just never the one who belonged.

With a quick glance at the open gates, Henry walked toward the registration hall, his steps steady, his mind lost in quiet contemplation.

---

Inside Hillstead's grand Hall of Registration, everything felt like a mix between ancient magic and high-tech precision. Stained glass filtered sunlight into shifting colors across smooth marble floors. Students lined up in designated queues, filling out holographic forms or scanning their palm prints across glowing platforms.

At the center of it all, towering pillars held carvings of creatures most people assumed were just myth — phoenixes, sea serpents, thunderbirds, and beasts with eyes made of stone and flame.

A quiet tension hung in the air.

Suddenly, an intercom buzzed overhead with a chime.

> "Welcome to Hillstead. Dorm placements are now active. New students, please proceed to your assigned housing zones after registration. And remember… only the worthy rise."

The message faded, but the words hung heavy.

---

Henry was first to step up to the desk. He approached the biometric scanner with an air of quiet focus, tapping his name into the holographic display.

"Full name?" the attendant asked politely.

"Henry Dane," he replied.

The scanner beeped, flashing briefly before confirming his placement. "You've been assigned to Dorm D-Seven. Cliffside Ring. Welcome to Hillstead."

Henry gave a small nod. He didn't smile. There was no need to.

---

Moments later, Carl Valentine approached the desk, his assistant following behind him like a shadow. He didn't hurry. He didn't need to.

"Carl Valentine," he said, his voice smooth and composed.

The clerk looked up, surprised. "Ah, Mr. Valentine. Your suite in East Tower has been prepared. Your family has ensured your accommodations are handled personally. You've been assigned Dorm D-Seven as well, but your personal lounge awaits you in the East Tower."

Carl's lips curled into a small smile. "I'm aware."

The clerk nodded, typing the adjustments. "Everything is in order."

Without waiting for a reply, Carl turned and walked away, his steps echoing on the polished floors.

---

Kai Wilder was up next. He grinned widely, like this was all one big game.

"Name's Kai Wilder," he said, his voice loud and full of energy.

The clerk looked up, eyes slightly wider. "You're in Dorm D-Seven."

Kai threw his arms wide, grinning. "Well, well. Looks like fate's already on my side."

Beside him, Nora Wilder stood quietly, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, waiting for her turn. She was less enthusiastic about the entire process.

---

Finally, it was Nora's turn. She stood tall, calm, and collected, her presence quiet but firm.

"Nora Wilder," she said softly when the clerk looked at her.

"Dorm G-Four for you. Girls' wing, East Side of the Quad," the clerk confirmed.

Nora nodded and turned to Kai, who was still talking to the clerk with that usual grin.

"I'll meet you in the quad later," she said, her voice almost a whisper.

---

As the four of them left the registration area, Henry and Carl crossed paths near the exit. Their eyes met briefly — two forces, equally magnetic yet completely opposite.

Carl smirked, not bothering to stop.

Henry didn't flinch. He turned away as Carl walked past, heading toward his private lounge.

Kai, noticing the subtle tension, grinned and waved Henry over. "Hey, Henry, look who I found!"

Henry followed Kai's gesture and turned to find Nora standing a few steps away, her arms crossed, waiting patiently.

"This is my sister, Nora," Kai said, his voice light and carefree. "Nora, this is Henry."

They exchanged polite nods — no immediate warmth, just recognition. Something about the moment felt like a collision of two worlds.

Carl, already heading toward the East Tower, didn't seem to notice or care. He was already gone.

---

As the crowd moved around them, Hillstead felt more alive — a place where paths would cross and change, where secrets would unfold, and where lives would shift, all under the watchful gaze of an ancient institution.

And none of them had any idea what was waiting for them next.

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