Key_cracker

In a world where magic reigns and darkness lurks, Kazuki Takashi endures a nightmarish cycle of abuse after losing his real parents. Adopted by a cruel family, his rage simmers until a field trip thrusts him and his classmates into a mystical realm, where a king asks for their help to save his kingdom from monstrous hordes. When Kazuki’s latent dark and electric powers emerge, he becomes the target of scorn, even from his closest friend.

Banished and battered, he confronts his painful past, training relentlessly to surpass his limits. As he evolves from a broken boy into a powerful warrior, Kazuki seeks vengeance against those who wronged him. With the threat of gods looming and alternate realities colliding, Kazuki’s journey becomes a race against fate itself. Will he rise from the shadows to claim his destiny, or will he succumb to the darkness within? Discover his tumultuous tale of revenge and self-discovery in "The Dark Ascendance."

Cursed Hero of Another World

Stepping out of the strange shop, I glanced down at the daggers in my hands. Duskpiercers... A weapon designed to kill vampires. Useful, maybe. Or just a waste of gold? I sighed and tucked them away. My gaze wandered around the streets of Aurelith, scanning the glow of the Sunshard Crystals that lit up the city like a golden dream. But I needed one more thing.

I walked through the bustling streets, my eyes searching. Then, I saw it—a small vendor stand displaying an assortment of masks. Some plain, some ornate, some that seemed to stare right back at me. My fingers traced over a black and silver mask with intricate engravings. Simple, but enough to hide my face. Tossing a few gold coins to the vendor, I took it and slipped it on.

Then, a murmur in the air caught my attention. A small crowd had gathered in a dark alley, whispering amongst themselves. Something was off. My curiosity got the best of me, so I approached.

As I neared, the first thing I saw was the body.

A man lay sprawled on the ground, his head severed from his neck. A carriage stood behind him, still and silent. The people turned as I stepped closer.

"You're an adventurer, right?" one of them asked.

Check the neck? Strange request, but I crouched down and rolled the body slightly. My breath hitched as I noticed it—two small, precise puncture wounds on the man's neck.

"A vampire," someone whispered. "It was a vampire."

A vampire? I frowned. Aurelith was supposed to be peaceful, free from this kind of horror. Yet, here I was, staring at proof that the peace was about to be shattered.

One of the men bolted. "I'm telling the mayor!"

I watched him go, then turned away from the scene. This wasn't my problem. Not yet. But deep inside, something gnawed at me.

Memories flooded back—memories I wished I could forget. My time on Earth, before all of this. When I was just a kid, shuffled from one home to another. The couple that adopted me had been the worst. The woman's sharp slap, the man's harsh words. The way they tossed me aside like I was nothing.

Maybe I was the problem. Maybe danger followed me. Maybe Aurelith was next.

8 Months Ago – ???'s POV:

I woke to the feeling of cold metal biting into my wrists and ankles. Chains. My vision blurred, adjusting to the dim candlelight. Voices murmured around me.

A man stepped closer, his grin twisted and cruel. "Look at you, princess. Fresh meat."

I tensed. I knew where I was. I knew what they were planning. My captors had dragged me from the Abyssal Realm to this wretched human land, thinking they could own me. Control me.

"Before we sell her, let's use her first," one of them sneered.

I stayed silent, my expression blank. No fear. No weakness.

A hand grabbed my jaw, forcing me to look into his disgusting face. "What's your name, princess?" he asked, his breath reeking of alcohol and filth.

I ripped my head away, but he gripped tighter. "Tch. Playing hard to get?" He chuckled. "I don't know you yet, but I'll call you mine."

His friends laughed, clinking their beer mugs together. "I'll buy her for 200 gold!" one of them cheered.

Without hesitation, I sank my fangs into the man's forearm.

He screamed. Blood filled my mouth, warm and sweet. Strength surged through me. With one sharp movement, I snapped the chains binding my wrists, then my ankles.

I lunged. My claws tore through flesh, my fangs sinking into throats. The room filled with the scent of blood and the sounds of dying men.

When the last body hit the ground, I licked my lips and exhaled.

Vampire 2