In a world where monsters pour through dimensional rifts and hunters are humanity’s last hope, Kael was just another weak scavenger—until the dungeon that should’ve killed him... gave him power.

Left for dead. Betrayed by his own guild. Revived by a System born from the shadows.

Now, Kael doesn’t hunt monsters. He controls them.

With undead guardians at his command and a growing army of souls, Kael will climb through the ranks, infiltrate the corrupt guilds, and face the secret overlords ruling the portals—those known only as the System Lords.

They thought he was dead.
They were right… but something else came back.

"Power is meaningless without the will to act."


📍 Vargun District – Outskirts of Juren


They were real—homes in flames, screams in the distance, civilians running.


Kael landed on the rooftop of a collapsing building, his cloak still flickering with residual heat. The Emberblade was sheathed. For now.


[Arconte Influence Detected – Unidentified Presence Nearby]


Below, shadows twisted through the streets like worms through flesh. Beasts formed from corruption—half-shadow, half-machine.


And at their center… stood a figure in flowing red armor, with a mask shaped like a split helm.


He hadn't said a word. He didn't need to.


Function: System Disruptor / Civilian Cleanser


Power Signature: Veiled by Arconte-level shielding


Kael dropped into the street with a thud that cracked the pavement.


A girl, barely ten, cried out: "It's the Shadowfire!"


Kael didn't hesitate. He raised his hand—


A wall of flame erupted in a perfect curve, shielding dozens from a creature's leap.


The corrupted beast slammed into it, howled, and burned to ash.


> [Skill Activated: Ember Dominion – Zone Level 1]


Effect: Creates a sanctuary field against corruption and Arconte influence. Allies inside regenerate stamina.


"You protect them… even when you know they'll forget you."


"Let them forget. Let them curse me. As long as they live."


The Scion moved—teleportation based on fragmented flame geometry. Instant and erratic.


They clashed. Fire against corrupted fire.


Each strike from the Scion tried to overwrite Kael's existence—his name, his will, his memory.


"I've faced myself. I've faced oblivion. You're just another test."


Kael unleashed the Flameborne Will—pure inner flame, not just burning, but purifying.


A hole opened in the armor—and a human eye blinked beneath it.


The figure hissed in pain and retreated into shadow.


Kael stood alone in the smoldering street, surrounded by civilians who slowly rose to their feet.


They just… stared. As if unsure whether to run or follow.


That night, Kael sat by the watchfire alone. Nara approached, quietly.


Kael didn't look up. "And I couldn't save the ones before that."


Nara sat beside him. "That's why they'll follow you. Because you don't forget."


For the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to feel the weight of his resolve.


> [New Trait Acquired: Commander of Ashes]


You can now lead shadowbound units with emotional imprint.


Limitless potential… bound only by your conscience.


Chapter 38 - Ashes of Resolve