Prologue

Ten years ago, the world changed forever.

Portals—mysterious and otherworldly—began tearing through the fabric of reality, birthing dungeons across the globe. From these rifts, monsters of every nightmare imaginable spilled forth, bringing death and destruction in their wake.

Humanity was powerless.

Entire cities fell. Governments crumbled under the weight of the unknown. Civilization teetered on the brink of extinction, drowning in fear and despair. It seemed as though the end had come.

But then—

From the ashes of hopelessness, they emerged.

Individuals awakened to powers beyond human comprehension. These people, later known as STARS, became humanity's last hope. They stood against the darkness, wielding abilities that defied logic and fate itself. With their strength, the tides of war shifted, and humanity learned to survive in a world forever altered.

"My father wasn't just a scientist—he was a pioneer."

"In Korea, he was more than a man he was a symbol of resilience, a beacon of hope."

"While others cowered, he stood at the forefront, shaping technology that would turn the tide against the monsters."

His brilliance was undeniable. His vision, unmatched. He was respected, revered—and feared.

But such light casts long shadows.

And in those shadows, predators lurked.

Our family became a target. Not just for the monsters crawling out of dungeons, but for something far worse—

Humans.

People who wore the faces of friends. People who whispered promises of safety while sharpening their knives. People who betrayed us.

"And me?"

"I was nothing."

Helpless. Weak. Powerless to stop it. Powerless to protect him. Powerless to save my mother. Powerless to do anything but watch as my world was torn apart.

"Why didn't I awaken?"

"Why was I left with nothing?"

Those questions haunted me, burned through my mind like a curse—until the day I met HIM.

A voice, smooth as silk, deep as the abyss, and cold as death itself, slithered through the darkness.

"You seek revenge, brat?"

The words weren't a question. They were a promise.

"Embrace the darkness within, and I shall grant you the strength to make them pay."

And without hesitation, I answered.

"Yes."

"I didn't think. I didn't hesitate. I took his hand without knowing what I was truly accepting—without realizing the price."

That was my first mistake from many.

"But now?"

"Now, I understand."

"Now, I have awakened."

"Now, I know my purpose."

"And I will make them pay."