Within a Hollow Heart - Chapter 48: Volume 1, : "Shadows of a Fading Light"

After slumbering for years in the darkest pits of the abyss, Haruki Shin is awoken by the demon lord of lust. She tries to remind him of a contract he signed with her in exchange for the power that would help him exact his revenge in the mortal world.

However, who or what he wanted to get revenge on? He couldn’t remember. Replaced with a hazy mist, his memories had long since faded. But to the mistress of lust that didn’t matter as she forced him back into the mortal world with the demonic body of an incubus.

Feeling lost he’s forced to adhere to each of her commands, and despite his refusal, he can’t resist the binds of the contract. Eventually, however, as he learns more about his tragic past, and the existence of the lustful system he’s been blessed with for his revenge, his path to becoming a monster finally begins.

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In a magical medieval world, it's difficult to hold on to one's beliefs... even maintaining one's integrity is a challenge.Because the commoners here are not simple; they are ignorant, greedy, and cruel.Because the nobles here are not noble; they are insidious, ruthless, and tyrannical.However... not all human constitutions can be generalized.Lann touches the two hearts and three lungs beneath his chest.He estimates that not only in this world but also in the other worlds connected through the convergence of celestial spheres, he can maintain a healthy sense of morality.—And then get rid of all the incorrigible scum!

“I don’t care about how people in this world live, whether they have enough to eat, whether they can wear warm clothes, whether they have dreams and hope. I don’t care about their likes and dislikes.”

“It’s just that if you want to go to the sky, you need a complete advanced industrial system, a set of related research institutes, the most advanced materials science laboratory, and a big government that can coordinate all departments. It needs countless people who don’t have to worry about food and clothing. Dedicating wealth for this requires millions of high-level intellectuals to contribute their minds, and tens of thousands of different supporting manufacturers supply the best parts.”

“In short, it takes a world of abundance, and a great civilization to accomplish it.”

— Ian

A world reborn from its ashes.

An era that is coming to an end.

A group of prisoners fighting for power and power in the land.

A young man staring at the sky.

Prisoners peered out of the window of fate, mostly gazing at the dirt.

Only one is looking up at the stars.

- Description from novelbuddy

In a realm where power is determined by affinities—elemental forces that shape magic, combat, and survival—Ethan is an anomaly. While most people are born with a single affinity, Ethan stands apart, wielding a vast range of abilities granted by a mysterious Ancestral-line System. This unique system taps into the untapped potential of his vampire and dwarven bloodline, unlocking ancestral powers far beyond the norm.At just 18 years old, Ethan's journey begins when he accidentally awakens this system, discovering that he is the heir to a forgotten lineage that blends the strength, resilience, and mysticism of both vampire and dwarven ancestors, a perfect hybrid of both. Though he must awaken and evolve to harness their power. However, the more power he gains, the more he learns about the dark secrets of his lineage—secrets that others would kill to possess.Unlike everyone else, Ethan's affinities are not innate; they are granted by the system based on his bloodline’s ancient heritage. As he levels up, he acquires abilities that no one in the current era has ever seen: the Psychic powers of telekinesis and telepathy from ancient vampire lords, the earth-shaping skills of dwarf warriors, and a host of hidden abilities that challenge the world’s very understanding of magic.But power comes with a price. Ethan quickly finds himself targeted by powerful factions and hidden enemies who fear what his bloodline could mean for the balance of the world. Ancient forces tied to his ancestry awaken, each with their own agenda—some seeing him as a threat to be eliminated, others as a tool to be used.Accompanied by a diverse group of companions, each with their own affinities and secrets, Ethan embarks on a perilous journey. Together, they traverse beast-filled forests, ancient ruins, worlds and perilous dungeons, all while facing foes who seek to exploit or destroy Ethan’s unique powers. Along the way, bonds are forged, fates are entwined, and the line between friend and foe blurs as Ethan learns that his destiny is far greater than he ever imagined.But with every new ability comes a deeper question: What is the true purpose of the Ancestral-line System? As he battles monstrous creatures, rival affinity users, and ancient curses, Ethan must confront the reality that his bloodline holds the key to either the salvation or the destruction of their world or something else entirely.In a world governed by affinities, Ethan’s unmatched power sets him on a path that could change everything—or lead to his downfall.Will he master the secrets of his ancestry and forge his own fate, or will the weight of his heritage drag him into the depths of a history best left forgotten?