Chapter 0:
Chapter 0: I Ruined My Life
Dragon King Endless System Of Rise
Prologue
Long ago, on Earth, humans and dragons lived in perfect harmony, sharing the continent of Anfang. Dragons soared across the skies, the lands, and the seas, while humans remained confined to the continent.
Mankind had inherited wisdom and craftsmanship from the gods, but in the face of the wealth, vitality, and power bestowed upon the dragons, jealousy began to consume them.
They launched a campaign of discrimination against the dragons, labeling them as demons and calling them by other vile names. From this hatred, a conflict was born: Dragons versus Humans.
The dragons, pacifists by nature, had no wish for the conflict to last. They attempted to negotiate peace, even going so far as to offer their riches. Faced with such a generous proposal, the humans accepted the pact.
But three years after this peace agreement, the dragons struck. Villages, herds, and farmlands were burned to ashes, plunging humanity into a famine that claimed countless lives. The humans then resolved to wage open war against the dragons.
They gathered warriors from across Anfang, the very best the continent could offer, to form the ultimate guild: The Purgatory Sun of Saints. Men, women, children, and the elderly alike joined the struggle alongside this guild.
Ten years passed—ten years of suffering and starvation. But in the end, humanity poured every last effort into battle and emerged victorious against the dragons.
The dragons vanished completely from the world, leaving behind only ruins of a lost civilization, ancient runes of magical knowledge, scattered bones to mark their existence, and treasures buried in silence.
This war between Dragons and Humans, which lasted ten years, came to be known as the Ten Year Earth War. The years that followed were filled with peace and prosperity. Humans, now capable of wielding rune magic, could sail beyond the seas.
They soon discovered that what they had once called a “continent” was merely one island among many. They rebuilt the archipelago, naming their world The Realm of Nine, while their kingdom retained the name Anfang.
So declared an old man, his voice tinged with nostalgia as he gazed up at the star-scattered black sky.
“Master, I don’t understand. If dragons were peaceful creatures, why would they attack humans?” asked the seventeen-year-old boy, sitting beside a campfire, eyes fixed on the old man across the flames.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t believe the dragons were the ones who started this war,” the elder replied, his eyes reflecting the firelight. “They were pure beings, desiring nothing but peace and harmonious coexistence. Creatures that pure could never have committed such atrocities.”
“I wish I could have met them…” the boy whispered, imagining a small dragon dancing in the campfire’s flames.
The old man laughed softly, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze as he watched the boy.
“Listen, Hisamaru. It’s been four years since you came to me—four years that I’ve shared my knowledge with you. You now understand our language perfectly. It’s time for us to return to the city, to rejoin our people. Tomorrow will be a long day. We must sleep.” He poured water over the fire, extinguishing the flames.
“Good night, Master!” the boy said as he lay down.
The old man’s eyes carried a quiet sadness, yet he smiled faintly as he looked at the boy.
“Sleep well, my dear Hisamaru,” the elder whispered.
Rising to his feet, he walked toward the cliff’s edge, lifting his gaze to the starry sky. A night breeze passed by, and he embraced it with gentle affection.
“Four years ago, Hisamaru arrived in our world. He was so fragile… and now he has grown into a man. How quickly time flies.”
“My time has come…” he murmured wistfully, just before letting himself fall from the top of the ravine.
竜王無限の上昇システム [ Ryūu Ō mugen no joūshō shisutemu ] Dragon King Endless System Of Rise
Chapter 0: I Ruined My Life
Dawn broke, a morning breeze carrying a few leaves along with it. In a bedroom, the alarm clock rang. A hand reached out to stop it, and a thirteen-year-old boy, Hisamaru, rose from his bed. He dressed in his school uniform and left the room.
As he descended the stairs, the sound of the television from the living room caught his attention.
There, he found his mother sprawled on the couch, the table cluttered with empty beer bottles. He picked up the remote and turned the TV off.
“She’s drunk again…” he muttered, gathering the bottles from the table.
He carried them to the kitchen trash, then stepped outside. The ground was covered in snow. With empty eyes and his hands buried in his pockets, Hisamaru walked through the frozen streets.
Further ahead, he noticed an elderly woman struggling to cross the road. He hurried to her side.
Taking her hand and carrying her bag, he said firmly:“Let me help you, ma’am.”
“Thank you, young man,” the old woman replied kindly.
Yagurei—Hisamaru’s other name—helped her across. Just as he turned to leave, she gripped his hand.
“You’re mistaken, Yagurei. Acting tough won’t change your mother. She won’t stop drinking if you just get yourself into trouble,” the old woman said.
Hisamaru’s eyes widened. Furious, he yanked his hand away.“What are you rambling about, you crazy old hag!”
“You’re a good boy, Yagurei. You have a bright future ahead of you. Don’t throw it away by walking the path of delinquency just to save your mother from alcohol. That’s not your destiny. You can still stop. You can start over. It’s not too late.”
“Crazy hag!” he snapped before storming off.
“Not only will you fail to save her, but you’ll ruin your own life if you keep this up!” she called after him.
At the entrance of the middle school, two students rose from a bench and joined Hisamaru.
“Did the little four-eyes bring what he owes us?” Hisamaru asked, already irritated.
“Nope, the coward’s hiding somewhere,” Daiki replied.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get him after school. He has to come out eventually,” Daimo added.
“Perfect,” Yagurei said with a grin.
Later, in class, while the teacher lectured, Yagurei was fast asleep. The teacher’s patience was wearing thin, and just as he moved to wake him, the door opened—and the principal entered.
The middle school principal was a large man who sweated profusely, never seen without a handkerchief in hand.
“Mr. Principal?!” the teacher exclaimed.
“Pay me no mind. I’m here for the rebel, Yagurei. Is he present?” the man asked, dabbing at his sweat.
The teacher stiffened in surprise, then pointed.“Yes, sir, he’s here… In fact, he’s asleep right now. I was about to wake him when you came in!”
“Do it,” the principal ordered, waiting by the door.
The teacher slammed his hand on the desk, jolting Yagurei awake. The boy looked up, calm and smug.
“Couldn’t you see I was sleeping?” he asked with an arrogant smile.
The teacher clenched his fist, holding back the urge to slap him.“The principal wants to speak with you. Get moving!”
Yagurei glanced toward the door, saw the principal, and stood up. His two friends watched him leave.
Inside the principal’s office, Yagurei averted his gaze.
“Yagurei, it’s been three months since we sent your mother a summons, and she still hasn’t shown up. We can’t wait forever. We are left with no choice but to expel you,” the principal declared, handing him a dismissal letter.
Silently, Yagurei took the letter and stepped out, pausing at the door.
“What am I supposed to do now that I’m expelled?” he thought, frustration twisting his face as he crumpled the paper in his fist.
Walking down the corridor, he remembered his very first day entering the school gates alongside the other students.
I’m not just going to walk home quietly… I’ve got one last score to settle, he thought, a grin spreading as he pictured the “four-eyes.”
The bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Students poured out, and behind the school, Daimo and Daiki cornered the trembling boy they called “four-eyes.”
“Did you really think we forgot about you?” Daimo sneered, a lollipop in his mouth.
The boy laughed nervously, clutching his bag to his chest.
“Of course not! You could never forget your best friend, right?”
Daiki slammed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing hard.
“First off, you’re not our friend—you’re just a suck-up. Second, where’s all the stuff you promised us?”
The boy forced a smile through the pain.“Look, Yagurei’s being expelled. There’s no reason for you to keep bullying me. Let’s just call it peace, okay?”
But as he finished, Yagurei appeared. The air turned cold. The boy’s body shook uncontrollably.
“Ya… Yagu… Yagurei?!” he stammered, choking on his saliva.
“So, you’re trying to turn my guys against me now? Didn’t know you were such a savior, four-eyes,” Yagurei said coldly, hands still in his pockets.
Despite his terror, the boy found himself in awe.He’s a tyrant, but… he’s so damn cool. Even if he hits me, I’ll feel cool too…
In a flash, Yagurei struck, knocking him to the ground. He crouched down, staring at him.
“We’re gonna play a little game, four-eyes. Rules are simple: you’ve got ten seconds to run. If we catch you, you’re done for. But if you escape… you’re free.” He snapped his fingers.
Daimo began counting. The boy scrambled, legs trembling too much to move. Then, his eyes caught a classmate—Hinare.
Please… stop him. Save me, he begged silently.
But the girl averted her gaze and walked away, pretending not to see him.
No… don’t go…
“Three seconds left!” Daiki shouted.
Desperate, the boy hurled his bag aside and ran.
“The hunt begins,” Yagurei smirked, picking his nose with a finger before joining the chase.
As Daimo and Daiki chased him down the streets, Yagurei paused at the school gates, looking back with nostalgia. Then he sprinted after them.
The chase led to the city’s frozen lake, where a young girl of about eight was trapped on cracking ice. Crowds gathered but dared not help, fearing the freezing water.
Yagurei stopped.That day, I don’t know why I stopped. I could’ve just kept walking. Maybe it was the old hag’s words…
“You’re a good boy, Yagurei. Don’t waste your future. It’s not too late to turn back.”
No matter the reason, he wanted to save the girl. Her terrified eyes begged him for help.
Sliding across the ice, he ignored the shouts behind him:“You’re insane! Get back! We already called the fire department!”
The girl clung to him when he reached her. He stroked her head gently.“Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you. I’ll save you.”
Carrying her, he took a deep breath and stepped forward. The ice cracked. He shut his eyes.
Now that I think about it… my life wasn’t so bad. Why did I keep saying it was worthless? I had two friends who always stood by me… I was stupid not to see it. The old hag was right. I could’ve changed things if I’d looked past my hate…
But the ice grew weaker. He set the girl down.
“Listen. You need to keep going alone. The ice won’t hold both of us. Get to the shore, and I’ll follow.” He smiled.
The girl nodded. As she turned, he caught her hand.“What’s your name?” he asked, eyes filled with tears.
“My name’s Aokira. And you?”
“I’m Yagurei,” he said with his brightest smile.
He let her go, watching her walk toward safety.
In the end… I ruined my own life. So many paths were open to me, and I never saw them… Why am I only realizing this now? Maybe… maybe it’s not too late after all.
The girl reached the shore. Yagurei took a step—and the ice collapsed beneath him. He sank into the freezing waters.
Elsewhere, Daimo and Daiki were still chasing four-eyes.
“Yagurei hasn’t caught up… Did something happen to him?” Daiki wondered, glancing back.
“Run faster, four-eyes! We’re right behind you!” Daimo yelled, grinning.
The boy looked back in panic, spotting the twins closing in.
Damn it! They’re catching up… I’ll cut through the highway! They won’t dare follow me there. I’ll finally shake them off for good!
He dashed onto the road—only to be struck by a truck the moment he stepped forward. Daimo and Daiki froze in shock.
⟩⟩⟩ TO BE CONTINUED ⟩⟩⟩
Long ago, on Earth, humans and dragons lived in perfect harmony, sharing the continent of Anfang. Dragons soared across the skies, the lands, and the seas, while humans remained confined to the continent.
Mankind had inherited wisdom and craftsmanship from the gods, but in the face of the wealth, vitality, and power bestowed upon the dragons, jealousy began to consume them.
They launched a campaign of discrimination against the dragons, labeling them as demons and calling them by other vile names. From this hatred, a conflict was born: Dragons versus Humans.
The dragons, pacifists by nature, had no wish for the conflict to last. They attempted to negotiate peace, even going so far as to offer their riches. Faced with such a generous proposal, the humans accepted the pact.
But three years after this peace agreement, the dragons struck. Villages, herds, and farmlands were burned to ashes, plunging humanity into a famine that claimed countless lives. The humans then resolved to wage open war against the dragons.
They gathered warriors from across Anfang, the very best the continent could offer, to form the ultimate guild: The Purgatory Sun of Saints. Men, women, children, and the elderly alike joined the struggle alongside this guild.
Ten years passed—ten years of suffering and starvation. But in the end, humanity poured every last effort into battle and emerged victorious against the dragons.
The dragons vanished completely from the world, leaving behind only ruins of a lost civilization, ancient runes of magical knowledge, scattered bones to mark their existence, and treasures buried in silence.
This war between Dragons and Humans, which lasted ten years, came to be known as the Ten Year Earth War. The years that followed were filled with peace and prosperity. Humans, now capable of wielding rune magic, could sail beyond the seas.
They soon discovered that what they had once called a “continent” was merely one island among many. They rebuilt the archipelago, naming their world The Realm of Nine, while their kingdom retained the name Anfang.
So declared an old man, his voice tinged with nostalgia as he gazed up at the star-scattered black sky.
“Master, I don’t understand. If dragons were peaceful creatures, why would they attack humans?” asked the seventeen-year-old boy, sitting beside a campfire, eyes fixed on the old man across the flames.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t believe the dragons were the ones who started this war,” the elder replied, his eyes reflecting the firelight. “They were pure beings, desiring nothing but peace and harmonious coexistence. Creatures that pure could never have committed such atrocities.”
“I wish I could have met them…” the boy whispered, imagining a small dragon dancing in the campfire’s flames.
The old man laughed softly, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze as he watched the boy.
“Listen, Hisamaru. It’s been four years since you came to me—four years that I’ve shared my knowledge with you. You now understand our language perfectly. It’s time for us to return to the city, to rejoin our people. Tomorrow will be a long day. We must sleep.” He poured water over the fire, extinguishing the flames.
“Good night, Master!” the boy said as he lay down.
The old man’s eyes carried a quiet sadness, yet he smiled faintly as he looked at the boy.
“Sleep well, my dear Hisamaru,” the elder whispered.
Rising to his feet, he walked toward the cliff’s edge, lifting his gaze to the starry sky. A night breeze passed by, and he embraced it with gentle affection.
“Four years ago, Hisamaru arrived in our world. He was so fragile… and now he has grown into a man. How quickly time flies.”
“My time has come…” he murmured wistfully, just before letting himself fall from the top of the ravine.
竜王無限の上昇システム [ Ryūu Ō mugen no joūshō shisutemu ] Dragon King Endless System Of Rise
Chapter 0: I Ruined My Life
Dawn broke, a morning breeze carrying a few leaves along with it. In a bedroom, the alarm clock rang. A hand reached out to stop it, and a thirteen-year-old boy, Hisamaru, rose from his bed. He dressed in his school uniform and left the room.
As he descended the stairs, the sound of the television from the living room caught his attention.
There, he found his mother sprawled on the couch, the table cluttered with empty beer bottles. He picked up the remote and turned the TV off.
“She’s drunk again…” he muttered, gathering the bottles from the table.
He carried them to the kitchen trash, then stepped outside. The ground was covered in snow. With empty eyes and his hands buried in his pockets, Hisamaru walked through the frozen streets.
Further ahead, he noticed an elderly woman struggling to cross the road. He hurried to her side.
Taking her hand and carrying her bag, he said firmly:“Let me help you, ma’am.”
“Thank you, young man,” the old woman replied kindly.
Yagurei—Hisamaru’s other name—helped her across. Just as he turned to leave, she gripped his hand.
“You’re mistaken, Yagurei. Acting tough won’t change your mother. She won’t stop drinking if you just get yourself into trouble,” the old woman said.
Hisamaru’s eyes widened. Furious, he yanked his hand away.“What are you rambling about, you crazy old hag!”
“You’re a good boy, Yagurei. You have a bright future ahead of you. Don’t throw it away by walking the path of delinquency just to save your mother from alcohol. That’s not your destiny. You can still stop. You can start over. It’s not too late.”
“Crazy hag!” he snapped before storming off.
“Not only will you fail to save her, but you’ll ruin your own life if you keep this up!” she called after him.
At the entrance of the middle school, two students rose from a bench and joined Hisamaru.
“Did the little four-eyes bring what he owes us?” Hisamaru asked, already irritated.
“Nope, the coward’s hiding somewhere,” Daiki replied.
“Don’t worry, we’ll get him after school. He has to come out eventually,” Daimo added.
“Perfect,” Yagurei said with a grin.
Later, in class, while the teacher lectured, Yagurei was fast asleep. The teacher’s patience was wearing thin, and just as he moved to wake him, the door opened—and the principal entered.
The middle school principal was a large man who sweated profusely, never seen without a handkerchief in hand.
“Mr. Principal?!” the teacher exclaimed.
“Pay me no mind. I’m here for the rebel, Yagurei. Is he present?” the man asked, dabbing at his sweat.
The teacher stiffened in surprise, then pointed.“Yes, sir, he’s here… In fact, he’s asleep right now. I was about to wake him when you came in!”
“Do it,” the principal ordered, waiting by the door.
The teacher slammed his hand on the desk, jolting Yagurei awake. The boy looked up, calm and smug.
“Couldn’t you see I was sleeping?” he asked with an arrogant smile.
The teacher clenched his fist, holding back the urge to slap him.“The principal wants to speak with you. Get moving!”
Yagurei glanced toward the door, saw the principal, and stood up. His two friends watched him leave.
Inside the principal’s office, Yagurei averted his gaze.
“Yagurei, it’s been three months since we sent your mother a summons, and she still hasn’t shown up. We can’t wait forever. We are left with no choice but to expel you,” the principal declared, handing him a dismissal letter.
Silently, Yagurei took the letter and stepped out, pausing at the door.
“What am I supposed to do now that I’m expelled?” he thought, frustration twisting his face as he crumpled the paper in his fist.
Walking down the corridor, he remembered his very first day entering the school gates alongside the other students.
I’m not just going to walk home quietly… I’ve got one last score to settle, he thought, a grin spreading as he pictured the “four-eyes.”
The bell rang, signaling the end of classes. Students poured out, and behind the school, Daimo and Daiki cornered the trembling boy they called “four-eyes.”
“Did you really think we forgot about you?” Daimo sneered, a lollipop in his mouth.
The boy laughed nervously, clutching his bag to his chest.
“Of course not! You could never forget your best friend, right?”
Daiki slammed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing hard.
“First off, you’re not our friend—you’re just a suck-up. Second, where’s all the stuff you promised us?”
The boy forced a smile through the pain.“Look, Yagurei’s being expelled. There’s no reason for you to keep bullying me. Let’s just call it peace, okay?”
But as he finished, Yagurei appeared. The air turned cold. The boy’s body shook uncontrollably.
“Ya… Yagu… Yagurei?!” he stammered, choking on his saliva.
“So, you’re trying to turn my guys against me now? Didn’t know you were such a savior, four-eyes,” Yagurei said coldly, hands still in his pockets.
Despite his terror, the boy found himself in awe.He’s a tyrant, but… he’s so damn cool. Even if he hits me, I’ll feel cool too…
In a flash, Yagurei struck, knocking him to the ground. He crouched down, staring at him.
“We’re gonna play a little game, four-eyes. Rules are simple: you’ve got ten seconds to run. If we catch you, you’re done for. But if you escape… you’re free.” He snapped his fingers.
Daimo began counting. The boy scrambled, legs trembling too much to move. Then, his eyes caught a classmate—Hinare.
Please… stop him. Save me, he begged silently.
But the girl averted her gaze and walked away, pretending not to see him.
No… don’t go…
“Three seconds left!” Daiki shouted.
Desperate, the boy hurled his bag aside and ran.
“The hunt begins,” Yagurei smirked, picking his nose with a finger before joining the chase.
As Daimo and Daiki chased him down the streets, Yagurei paused at the school gates, looking back with nostalgia. Then he sprinted after them.
The chase led to the city’s frozen lake, where a young girl of about eight was trapped on cracking ice. Crowds gathered but dared not help, fearing the freezing water.
Yagurei stopped.That day, I don’t know why I stopped. I could’ve just kept walking. Maybe it was the old hag’s words…
“You’re a good boy, Yagurei. Don’t waste your future. It’s not too late to turn back.”
No matter the reason, he wanted to save the girl. Her terrified eyes begged him for help.
Sliding across the ice, he ignored the shouts behind him:“You’re insane! Get back! We already called the fire department!”
The girl clung to him when he reached her. He stroked her head gently.“Don’t be afraid. I’m here for you. I’ll save you.”
Carrying her, he took a deep breath and stepped forward. The ice cracked. He shut his eyes.
Now that I think about it… my life wasn’t so bad. Why did I keep saying it was worthless? I had two friends who always stood by me… I was stupid not to see it. The old hag was right. I could’ve changed things if I’d looked past my hate…
But the ice grew weaker. He set the girl down.
“Listen. You need to keep going alone. The ice won’t hold both of us. Get to the shore, and I’ll follow.” He smiled.
The girl nodded. As she turned, he caught her hand.“What’s your name?” he asked, eyes filled with tears.
“My name’s Aokira. And you?”
“I’m Yagurei,” he said with his brightest smile.
He let her go, watching her walk toward safety.
In the end… I ruined my own life. So many paths were open to me, and I never saw them… Why am I only realizing this now? Maybe… maybe it’s not too late after all.
The girl reached the shore. Yagurei took a step—and the ice collapsed beneath him. He sank into the freezing waters.
Elsewhere, Daimo and Daiki were still chasing four-eyes.
“Yagurei hasn’t caught up… Did something happen to him?” Daiki wondered, glancing back.
“Run faster, four-eyes! We’re right behind you!” Daimo yelled, grinning.
The boy looked back in panic, spotting the twins closing in.
Damn it! They’re catching up… I’ll cut through the highway! They won’t dare follow me there. I’ll finally shake them off for good!
He dashed onto the road—only to be struck by a truck the moment he stepped forward. Daimo and Daiki froze in shock.
⟩⟩⟩ TO BE CONTINUED ⟩⟩⟩
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