The Ashen Alchemist's Wrath

The story opens in a shadowed bazaar, where a disguised Zakhur strikes a deadly deal for forbidden alchemical catalysts. In his past life, his fierce loyalty earned him nothing: he died a forgotten meat shield while the 'heroes' fled an abyssal breach. Now regressed to his days at the elite Marakand Schola, Zakhur hides his grandmaster alchemy behind the guise of a failing student, plotting a cold, clever revenge. Told through the alternating perspectives of Zakhur and Nahid - a brilliant swordswoman and his central love interest who senses his hidden depths - the tension mounts. Zakhur bides his time alongside his charismatic best friend Tariq, unaware this trusted ally is the secret mastermind behind his past death. Zakhur intends to remain undercover, but Instructor Vahram, a sadistic teacher who tortures commoners for the amusement of the rich, pushes him too far. Annoyed, Zakhur's notorious temper flares, and he drops his heavy suppression ring. In a heartbeat, the training hall is transmuted into molten glass. With his devastating power exposed, can Zakhur protect Nahid and burn away his enemies before Tariq strikes?