The Scarlet Shadow Chronicles

Kaelen, a disgraced scout haunted by the whispers of a forgotten war and the loss of his unit, ekes out a meager existence in the desolate Ashfall Wastes. His only companion is a sentient, shadow-bound grimoire, 'Umbra,' which grants him forbidden knowledge and the power to manipulate ephemeral darkness. When a tyrannical Crimson Empire, fueled by soul-devouring artifacts, begins its ruthless expansion, Kaelen finds himself at a crossroads. He can either remain hidden, succumbing to his guilt, or wield Umbra's terrifying power to protect the innocent. But every shadow he commands inches him closer to a monstrous transformation, forcing him to confront not only the Empire's might but the encroaching darkness within himself. Can he save the world without losing his soul?