Power has a steep cost. One often paid in regret. In blood. In a world where gods walk among mortals and technology rivals magic, five superhuman individuals are forged into weapons. But the forging is brutal. Ed Burnhelt carries an inferno in his blood that could consume him before he ever learns to wield it. His training under his legendary mother isn't nurturing. It's lethal. He's not the only one running the gauntlet. A god of invention, a reality-warping brawler in silver armor, and two inheritors of impossible skill each face their own crucible. Mastery demands sacrifice. Power demands more. These origin stories reveal what the New Players lost before they ever stepped onto the battlefield. And the nightmares their good intentions unleashed. Because power's price is not paid once. The tally comes due again. And again. Perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie, Andrzej Sapkowski, and the darker side of Brandon Sanderson. Step into the crucible.