SungJinKim3

In a world where humanity is on the brink of collapse, society is governed by the Awakened—humans who have unlocked supernatural abilities and rise through ranks of power by defeating monsters in dungeons. The dungeons appeared mysteriously decades ago, bringing with them dangerous creatures that now threaten the survival of the world. The Awakened are society's only line of defense, but the system of power is corrupt, and the strongest hoard their abilities, controlling the flow of resources and status.

At the center of this world is Jin Woo, an 18-year-old boy who, unlike his peers, never manifested any powers. Growing up in the slums, Jin Woo struggles to survive, enduring both the hardships of poverty and the scorn of a society that places value only on power. His one solace is his strong sense of justice, instilled in him by his late father, a former Awakened hero who mysteriously disappeared after a major battle. Jin Woo has spent his life studying the dungeons and training his body, in hopes that one day he could stand among the Awakened, despite being ordinary.

Jin Woo’s life changes when he is killed in a surprise attack by a monster swarm in an illegal dungeon. In his final moments, Jin Woo curses the world’s unfairness, wishing for a chance to change his fate. His wish is granted when a mysterious entity known as The System offers him the chance to be “reborn.” The System gives him the unique ability to break free of the traditional leveling system, allowing him to surpass the limits of ordinary Awakened by continuously evolving without restrictions.

Resurrected with newfound power, Jin Woo sets out on a quest to not only rise through the ranks of the Awakened but to challenge the very foundation of the corrupted system that controls them. Along the way, he forms bonds with a group of unlikely allies: Hana, a brilliant but mysterious mage whose magical potential was stunted by a hidden curse; Kaito, a former elite fighter who turned rogue after discovering the dark secrets of the Awakened; and Lina, an archer from a noble family who rebels against her own kin to fight for what’s right. Together, they uncover a deeper conspiracy involving the origin of the dungeons and the true purpose of the monsters.

As Jin Woo pushes past the boundaries of strength and ability, he must contend not only with increasingly powerful enemies but also with the dangerous effects of The System on his mind and body. The more power he gains, the more he risks losing his humanity. Torn between his desire to protect those he loves and the temptation to wield absolute power, Jin Woo faces the ultimate choice: Will he become the hero the world needs, or will he fall victim to the very forces he seeks to destroy?

In Ascendant Hero: Rebirth of the Limitbreaker, themes of power, corruption, and the human spirit intertwine in an epic tale of survival and self-discovery in a world where the greatest danger may not be the monsters, but the very system built to fight them.

Table of Ascendant Hero: Rebirth of the Limitbreaker

Table of contents

Volume 1