Ascension of the Forsaken

Chapter 2: A World Where Strength Reigns

Deep within a mystical forest, Kael lay motionless on a bed of moss that seemed to cradle him gently. His purple hair, unruly and striking, spilled over his face like a cascading waterfall. Time seemed to stand still as he remained there, unmoving. Suddenly, his eyes flew open.

Panic surged through him, his gaze darting wildly to take in the unfamiliar surroundings. The forest was otherworldly—vibrant and humming with life—but Kael’s focus was on piecing together his fractured memories.

Then, like a flood breaking through a dam, it all came rushing back. He clutched his head as the migraine tore through his mind—a sensation so excruciating it threatened to shred his sanity. For what felt like an eternity, Kael was lost to the overwhelming chaos of his thoughts.

But it finally stopped. He exhaled sharply, his mind gathering the shards of his identity. And with that clarity came the bittersweet sting of remembrance.

Kael remembered everything.

He remembered his past life. The sacrifices he had made, the countless moments he had devoted himself to them—the ones he thought of as family. He had fought for them, bled for them, protected them. Without him, their dream of victory and dynasty would have been nothing but an impossible mirage.

And how had they repaid him? With betrayal. A knife to his back once he was no longer needed.

Kael's fists clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms. Memories twisted like a blade in his heart, a white-hot surge of rage igniting within him. How could they? After everything? After all the nights spent defending their lives, all the times he risked himself for their ambitions?

Never again.

Never again would Kael allow himself to be so naïve. They had robbed him of everything, but they could not take this: a second chance. He had been granted the gift of rebirth—a new lease on life. And this time, he would live for himself. He would bow to no one.

Kael inhaled deeply, shaking his head to clear the haunting echoes of his past. His surroundings began to come into focus—the towering trees, shimmering with veins of luminescent energy; the bed of moss beneath him, soft and almost alive; and the sky above, vast and pulsating with golden clouds that radiated divine light.

He rose to his feet, taking his first true breath in this new world.

The air was intoxicating—richer, fuller, alive. It surged into his lungs like liquid fire, spreading through his body in exhilarating waves. This world was different, and Kael could feel its essence as though it had always been a part of him.

Above him, the heavens gleamed with brilliance, as though daring him to embrace his destiny. 

A slow smirk stretched across his lips.

So, this is the world of cultivation

Kael’s body felt… different. Stronger. Lighter. He clenched his fists, flexing his fingers, feeling a thrill so sharp it surged through his spine. Every fiber of his being seemed honed to perfection, as if he had become a blade sharpened to its limit.

As he reveled in the intoxicating sensation, a thought struck him—had the divine being not said he’d receive six absolute talents? If this was truly a world of cultivation, then surely a cultivation talent would be among them. After all, how could he survive, let alone thrive, in such a world without the ability to cultivate?

Kael’s lips curled into a slight smirk. The entity wanted entertainment, didn’t he? Then it would only make sense to grant Kael the tools necessary to provide it. To test his theory, Kael sat down cross-legged, closing his eyes and focusing inward. He would try cultivating.

What happened next startled him.

The energy within hundreds of meters around him surged like a tidal wave, rushing toward him with irresistible force. Kael’s body absorbed it effortlessly, as if it were a natural extension of himself. He didn’t struggle, didn’t stumble—the energy flowed seamlessly through his meridians, guided instinctively as though he had done this countless times before.

And then—BOOM.

Kael’s first breakthrough came crashing into existence. The sheer force of it reverberated through him, and as he examined his body, he found his vitality had surged, his strength multiplied tenfold. It was a leap so monumental it left him exhilarated.

Elated, he sat down once more, eager to continue cultivating. The surrounding Qi responded instantly, rushing toward him like a flood. Fifteen minutes passed, and—BOOM.

Another breakthrough.

Kael smiled to himself, feeling his strength increase exponentially. His body hummed with power, his senses sharpened to an unnatural degree. Yet Kael remained unaware of the cultivation stages or realms, understanding only that he was growing stronger.

Just as he prepared to push for a third breakthrough, a sharp, instinctual sense of danger jolted him upright. His eyes scanned his surroundings, his warrior instincts from his past life taking over.

That’s when he saw them.

a pack of beasts emerged from the foliage, their predatory eyes glinting with feral hunger. Their forms were massive, hulking creatures—each resembling a twisted amalgamation of wolf and panther. Obsidian fur shimmered like liquid metal beneath the sunlight, their claws glinting menacingly.

Kael’s gaze hardened. They weren’t here by coincidence; they had come to hunt, and to them, Kael was prey.

But Kael was unfazed.

These beasts may have been predators, but in his past life, Kael had been a warrior of immense strength and renown. He had led armies, conquered foes, and carved his name into history. His only flaw had been his naïveté—a weakness he had paid for dearly.

This world was a land where the strong ruled and the weak were trampled. But unlike his past life, he would not be shackled by obligation, nor would he bow to another's will.

Never again, he thought

This time, he would take what he wanted.

And this world would kneel before him.

Kael’s lips curled into a deadly smirk. This time, he would dominate.