by Gudaro
The world does not pity the weak. It crushes them. A devastating war is on the horizon, and with it comes a horrifying Pestilent Rot creeping toward the borders of the oldest kingdoms. For Melantius - a young man struggling to survive in a cruel and indifferent world - the choice is simple: prevail or end up in a mass grave. Consumed by envy for those who live in comfort and driven by a burning thirst for vengeance, he takes his first steps down the bloodstained path of a mercenary. Once, he feared the dark. Once, all he wanted was a quiet and peaceful life - the warmth of a home that was taken from him. But in a world where monsters may wear human faces just as easily as scales, weakness is a death sentence. To survive the slaughter that lies ahead, Melantius must confront the forbidden forces crawling out from the darkest corners of the world. Step by step, contract by contract, he comes to understand a terrifying truth: to destroy monsters, one must first abandon their own humanity. This is not the story of a hero who will save the world. It is the chronicle of a descent. The journey of a desperate boy hiding in the dirt, destined to become the very nightmare the world will one day fear. What to expect: Grimdark & Progression Fantasy: Slow, detailed, and realistic character growth, where every gain in power comes at a steep cost. Psychological Decline: Throughout the story, the protagonist grows and evolves mentally, but gradually loses his empathy, descends into madness, and corrupts his own mind in pursuit of survival and revenge. Tactical & Gritty Combat: No system. No plot armor. Only cold steel, realistic combat, brutal injuries, and dangerous forbidden magic. Rich Worldbuilding: Forgotten gods, ancient cults, aristocratic intrigue, and perilous expeditions across a vast and dangerous world. Anti-Hero Lead: A cold, cynical, and calculating protagonist driven by ambition and revenge. Author's note: English is not my native language. I write the story myself and use AI tools solely for translation assistance, grammar, and punctuation checks to ensure the best reading experience.
