Hell’s Gate is a dark fantasy novel set in a medieval-inspired world where mystical forces known as Aura grant individuals powerful supernatural abilities. The story follows Sakuchi, a young man who survives the Hell Trial—a brutal and transformative test that awakens his dangerous Flame Aura. Though it grants him incredible power, it also thrusts him into a violent world of intrigue, where alliances shift and deadly creatures lurk in every shadow.

In this world, Aura is the dormant energy within every living being, hidden deep inside until it is awakened through a harrowing trial known as the Hell Trial. The amount of Aura a person possesses depends on their bloodline, natural talent, and spirit. Nobles typically have greater reserves, but every human has the potential to awaken it. The Hell Trial forces its participants to face their deepest fears and darkest regrets, reshaping them both physically and mentally. Those who survive become the Awakened, capable of using their Aura for spellcasting, enhancing physical abilities, or creating weapons. However, failure often leads to permanent damage, both mental and physical.

Once awakened, these individuals gain immense power but are feared and respected by others, living in a separate society from the common folk. Some seek to enhance their abilities further through the Reawakening Trial, though few dare to attempt it due to its dangers.

The story begins with Sakuchi, a boy born into poverty, haunted by tragedy and a traumatic past. Five years prior, his family was destroyed by a nobleman’s cruelty. His father was killed, and his siblings were taken as slaves. This traumatic event shaped Sakuchi into someone driven by rage and grief. His life takes a dark turn when, at fourteen, he is struck by a noble’s spell. This injury triggers memories of his father’s death and his family’s fate, pushing him toward the Hell Trial.

As Sakuchi Begins the trial, his past looms large, and he must confront his deepest fears. In the trial itself, he faces his own guilt and pain in the form of twisted, monstrous versions of his family. But through the power of his newly awakened Flame Aura, Sakuchi conquers his past, rises from the ashes, and claims his newfound power.

Three years swallowed by the cursed temple—a nightmare from which Sakuchi had clawed his way free.


The moment the cold stone of the Great Temple faded behind him, he fell to his knees, gasping for the air of the world he had almost forgotten. Sunlight streaked through the trees, warm and cruel in its contrast to the dark he'd escaped.


He wanted nothing more than to run—run until he was home.


His legs carried him with inhuman speed, each stride fueled by a desperate hope he barely dared to believe in.


The village lay ahead: quiet, worn by time, but unmistakably home.


He reached the familiar dirt road, heart pounding so hard it nearly tore free from his chest.


He stopped in front of the small wooden house where he had lived before everything fell apart.


His hand hesitated on the cracked doorframe, voice dry and raw as he called out:


There stood his mother—her hair streaked with gray, eyes tired and guarded.


A little boy stepped forward—a child with dark hair and wide eyes, clutching a worn toy.


The word echoed in his mind, louder than any roar he'd faced in the temple: Papa.


She met his gaze, pain and hesitation flickering across her face.


"I told him he didn't have a father," she said softly, "the world thinks your dead. I raised him alone while you were gone."


Sakuchi's mind raced, struggling to catch up.


The boy took another step forward, eyes bright with hope and fear.


The name felt strange, foreign—yet it somehow belonged.


Sakuchi's chest tightened. The years lost, the battles fought, the loneliness—it all crashed down in that moment.


He sank slowly to his knees, voice breaking:


Tears welled, blurring his vision as Sakuto stepped closer, reaching out with small hands.


Sakuchi wrapped his arms around him, holding on as if to anchor himself to this new reality.


Days turned into weeks, filled with quiet moments of discovery.


Sakuchi learned how to be present—how to listen, how to heal.


Sakuto's laughter was a balm, fragile but growing stronger.


And slowly, Sakuchi found a new strength—not in fire or battle, but in the small, unyielding hope of family.


But the path forward—toward forgiveness, love, and rebuilding—had only just begun.


Chapter 13 - ending