Chapter 1: PLAYERS
In ancient times, demons and angels fought a long and brutal war. The angels emerged victorious, casting the demons into the shadows. Among the defeated demons were various treasures, the most notable being the power of the First Demon King, an otherworldly being of immense strength. However, the demons had no way to harness this power, as they were unable to make contact with it.
To prevent the power from falling into enemy hands, the demons decided to hide it. They concealed it deep within the earth, inside a cave that existed within a dimensional storage room. This cave was protected by ancient runes and guarded by fearsome creatures loyal to the demon kin. The essence of the First Demon King lay dormant there, encased in a crystalline vessel, waiting for the day it could be unleashed once more. Generations passed, and the location of the hidden cave was forgotten, buried beneath layers of time and myth.
The Emergence of Players:
The year was 2001, and the world changed forever. Monsters invaded Earth, and dungeons appeared in every corner of the globe. Humanity faced extinction as the relentless onslaught of these otherworldly creatures pushed them to the brink. Meanwhile, animals began mutating, turning into formidable beasts themselves.
In this era of chaos and despair, humanity discovered a glimmer of hope within the dungeons. By exploring these treacherous environments and slaying the monsters within, people began to unlock extraordinary powers. They could grow stronger, gain levels, and acquire unique skills, transforming into what would come to be known as "Players."
As more individuals harnessed these newfound abilities, the balance of power shifted. Humans started to fight back against the monstrous invasion, reclaiming their world bit by bit. In time, an organization was established to support and regulate these empowered individuals, ensuring their abilities were used for the survival and betterment of humanity. This organization became known simply as the "Player Organization."
In a world where humanity struggles against monstrous invaders and dungeons, Azaroth is a young man burdened by the weight of his perceived inadequacy. Born as an F-class player with the ability "Legacy Search," Azaroth finds himself on the lowest rung of the ability ranks. His ability, deemed useless by others, allows him to locate ancient legacies and hidden treasures, but it hasn't proven useful in combat or monster tracking.
Azaroth lives in a society where one's worth is determined by their ability rank, categorized from F to SS. Those with higher ranks are revered and entrusted with the most critical missions, while those like Azaroth are often overlooked and scorned as dead weight.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Azaroth harbors a deep determination to prove himself. His father, burdened with bills and responsibilities, relies on Azaroth's meager earnings from odd jobs. The weight of his family's expectations and the constant mockery from peers only fuel Azaroth's resolve to rise above his limitations.