1 Prologue

'What a miserable life,' I grumbled inwardly as I scrolled through the latest chapter on my phone. The author of <<Saga of the Divine Swordsman>> seemed to have taken a dark turn, relentlessly tormenting the protagonist, pushing him to the brink and toying with his sanity throughout this entire arc.

Despite its cheesy title, this modern fantasy novel had unexpectedly risen to dominance, securing the top spot across various websites with over a thousand chapters of gut-wrenching, immersive writing. Each death the protagonist endured felt like a visceral blow to the readers, a testament to the author's skill in crafting a compelling narrative.

However, the recent decline in writing quality was evident. Instead of the breathtaking descriptions that had drawn readers into the world, the author was now churning out lower-quality dark chapters, dragging the protagonist to new depths.

And where the hell did this ridiculous Vampire Monarch suddenly emerge from? The author had explicitly stated that vampires went extinct 160 years ago, only to reveal an underground city where they had supposedly hidden.

To make matters worse, major characters were dropping like flies. How was the novel supposed to end favorably for the MC now? Or was it heading towards a bleak conclusion with the MC's defeat?

In the midst of these frustrations, I delved into the comments section, finding solace in the shared annoyance of many readers.

EpicReader123: "What happened to the world-building? This is just a spiral into darkness. This feels like a betrayal of the story we fell in love with."

FantasyFanatic22: "Seriously, a Vampire Monarch out of nowhere? It's like the author is pulling plot twists from thin air. We signed up for a fantasy adventure, not a parade of convenient surprises."

I couldn't help agree more.

The allure of the novel stemmed from its unique blend of Murim, magic, and futuristic elements within a world where various species sought to eradicate humanity. Through the eyes of Lucifer Windward, the exploration of deep characters breathed life into the narrative, setting it apart as a refreshing gem amidst the sea of mediocre transmigration novels.

The background of this novel depicted a clear separation between the eastern and western worlds in the backdrop of a medieval fantasy world, mana. However, the arrival of mysterious fissures in space disrupted the status quo, unleashing vampires, demons, Shadow Seekers, dark beasts, orcs, ogres, elves, dwarves, and magic beasts. Humanity, initially overwhelmed, found alliances with elves and dwarves, while magic beasts remained mostly passive. As the tectonic plates merged to reform Pangea, humans struggled for survival amid conflicts with other races.

The Industrial Revolution marked a turning point, empowering humans to push back against the once-dominant races. Scientific progress led to the near extinction of vampires and the expulsion of demons. Fissures ceased, and humans, now apex predators, integrated dwarves and elves into their society.

Yet, the fragile peace shattered when technologically advanced demons launched a surprise attack. The Vampire Monarch, who had escaped the Kuga family head 160 years prior, resurfaced, leaving destruction in its wake. Despite the protagonist joining forces with the Divine Dragon of Mount Hua to vanquish the monarch, the world spiraled into chaos.

In the latest chapter, Shadow Seekers overran the Windward territory, and the protagonist's father made the ultimate sacrifice to impede their advance. This devastating blow compounded the protagonist's already heavy losses, including two harem members and the need to confront the madness of a best friend after the fall of the Kuga family.

The narrative took an unexpected turn from its earlier focus on the formidable MC. In a generation brimming with geniuses, the protagonist stood unrivaled—a powerhouse with a Yin-Yang body, an unparalleled physique for martial arts and swordsmanship. His repertoire included ocular powers and a remarkable affinity with six elements, making him a monstrous force. Alongside him were his brilliant comrades, heirs to the greatest legacies in the world.

However, even this assembly of prodigies crumbled in the face of the demonic onslaught.

The demons arrived, disrupting what seemed like an age of invincibility. Lucifer, though undeniably powerful, found himself challenged prematurely. At the <Immortal > rank, he confronted adversaries like the Vampire Monarch and Calamity-grade Shadow Seekers, adversaries that perhaps arrived a bit too early in his journey. The once-overpowered hero faced a test of resilience and strength against foes that transcended the expectations of even the most gifted.

Choosing to cease dwelling on his melancholic existence, I allowed myself to drift into the solace of sleep.

As consciousness slipped away, I found myself descending into a boundless void.

"I am sorry," a voice gently whispered into my ears, its tone laden with an inexplicable weight, "This was the only way."

Desire to question the cryptic statement lingered in my mind, yet words refused to escape my throat.

My query echoed unanswered as I succumbed to the embrace of sleep.

Little did I know, it would be the last restful slumber I would experience for a long time.