Chapter 1 – Abandoned by His Girlfriend
The world of Palm had once known peace. That peace shattered the day mysterious gates—called dungeons—tore open across the land. From those gates spilled endless monsters, devouring everything in their path.
Yet from despair came hope. Some humans awakened powers through the System, rising as Players—warriors who fought back against the darkness. For a thousand years, they defended humanity.
But not everyone awakened strength.
In the year 2125, in the great city of Bonzia, lived a boy who would be remembered not for his power, but for his weakness—Sam. He had no talent, no respect, no future. And yet, he believed he was blessed. Because at his side was the one thing he thought could never betray him—his girlfriend, Mary.
Or so he thought.
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The Grand Guild Hall roared with laughter and applause. Awakeners their powers, showing off to the crowd. Sam stood nervously at the edge, clinging to Mary's hand.
But then, his world cracked apart.
"Mary… why?" Sam fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face. "I thought you loved me…" His voice shook as he crawled toward her.
Mary's lips curled into a cruel smirk. With a sharp kick, she sent him sprawling to the floor. Gasps echoed through the hall.
"Love you? Don't make me laugh. I never loved you, Sam. Not once."
Sam froze, staring in disbelief. "Y-you're joking… right?"
Mary leaned closer, her words cutting deeper than any blade. "I only pretended to date you. People praised me for being the 'kind girl who supports the weak.' But in truth? You're nothing but a burden. A useless parasite clinging to me."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
A tall figure stepped forward, his presence radiating dominance. Victor—the guild's rising star. His smirk widened as he slid an arm around Mary, pulling her close.
"Oh, allow me to introduce myself properly," Mary said sweetly, pressing against him. "This is my real boyfriend. Victor. An A-rank adventurer."
The hall erupted in whispers. Sam's face drained of color.
Victor leaned down, his voice dripping contempt. "Pathetic. Trash like you thought you could keep a woman like her?" He kicked Sam across the floor, blood spilling from his lips.
Sam gasped, his chest burning, his vision spinning. The crowd's jeers cut worse than Victor's blows.
Mary tilted her head, feigning pity though her smile betrayed her delight. "Don't be too sad, Sam. I'm sure you'll become famous one day… as the weakest loser who thought he could stand with us."
Victor's boot came down again, grinding into Sam's ribs. Pain flared through his body.
"Remember this lesson, scum. Know your place."
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Sam coughed, blood mixing with his tears. He could barely breathe, yet something inside him refused to break. His humiliation twisted into something hotter.
Anger.
Betrayal.
A fire so faint it could barely be called a flame… but it was there.
As the hall roared with laughter at his misery, Sam's eyes glimmered with something new.
Something waiting to awaken.
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