What happens when destiny demands a hero who embraces darkness? Li Wei, a homeless street rat and drug addict, finds himself abducted by a ruthless Gang. Forced into the brutal world of underground gladiator fights, escape seems impossible until he encounters the Ascendance System. This mysterious system transforms him, enhancing his physical abilities and bestowing combat skills, turning him from a helpless prey into a formidable predator. But each ability gained comes at a price—devouring his humanity bit by bit. The System becomes a double-edged sword that threatens to consume Li Wei's soul. As he rises through the ranks, Li Wei faces moral dilemmas and inner turmoil. Will he maintain his principles or succumb to the darkness within? His choices will determine not only his survival but also his identity in a world where power reigns supreme. Li Wei must confront his inner demons and decide what he truly desires: redemption or destruction. Genre: Eastern Fantasy Update Schedule: 4 chapters a day or 10-8 chapters every weekend Tags: Antihero, Protagonist, System Underworld Crime, Martial Arts, Mafia Revenge, Weak to Overpowered , Psychological Ruthless Protagonist.
The system's holographic interface hovered before him, awaiting his decision. With a deep breath, he chose [Yes]
Suddenly, a torrent of information flooded Li Wei's vision, appearing faster than his mind could process. The rewards information flashed before his eyes, each preceded by a distinct "Ding!" sound that echoed in his mind.
[System] Tyrant path activated. Unlocking 15* Level 1 rewards
Ding! [Aura of Dominance - Level 1] Exude an intimidating presence that can influence others.
Ding! [Enhanced Strength - Level 1] Increase physical power beyond normal human limits.
Ding! [Heightened Reflexes - Level 1] React to threats with superhuman speed.
Ding! [Iron Will - Level 1] Resist mental manipulation and maintain focus under pressure.
Ding! [Pain Resistance - Level 1] Reduce the impact of physical pain by 60%.
Ding! [Analytical Mind - Level 1] Process information and devise strategies more efficiently.
Ding! [Voice of Command - Level 1] Words carry more weight and can compel others to obey.
Ding! [Adaptive Physiology - Level 1] Body adjusts to environmental changes more quickly.
Ding! [Enhanced Durability - Level 1] Withstand more physical damage than an average person.
Ding! [Intimidating Presence - Level 1] Strike fear into the hearts of enemies.
Ding! [Toxin Detection - Level 1] Analyze food and drink for the presence of poisons or harmful substances.
Ding! [Rapid Healing - Level 1] Recover from injuries at an accelerated rate.
Ding! [Combat Instinct - Level 1] Instinctively understand fighting techniques and strategies.
Ding! [Resource Management - Level 1] Efficiently utilize and allocate resources and energy.
Ding! [Charismatic Leadership - Level 1] Inspire loyalty and obedience in followers.
What the Hell !!!! Is to fast...
Li Wei's head spun as he tried to absorb the flood of information on his face.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [System]
│ Transformation process initiated. This process occurs in three steps: │
│ 1. Strength and Physical Enhancement (35% increase) - Duration: 3 minutes │
│ 2. Body Purification and Health Optimization - Duration: 7 minutes
│ 3. Charisma, Luck, and Charm Enhancement, Final Body Transformation - Duration: 10 minutes │
│ Caution: This process induces extreme pain (90% intensity). Your Pain Suppression
│ability will reduce this to 40% perceived pain.
│ Do you wish to proceed with Step 1? [Y/N]
└──────────────────────────
Li Wei hesitated for a moment, considering the warning. But he had endured suffering his entire life; So it was just a little more in exchange for the ability to shape his own destiny?
"Yes," he growled, bracing himself for what was to come.
┌──────────────────────────│ [System]
│ Initiating Step 1: Strength and Physical Enhancement
│ Progress: 1%...2%...10%...20%
└──────────────────────────
The moment the process began, Li Wei felt an intense pain coursing through his body. The pain hit him like a tidal wave.
His muscles felt like they were being torn apart and reforged. He leaned against the bathroom wall, his breaths coming in a short gasps. His mind raced, grappling with the reality of the transformation.
This is the price of power, he thought, clenching his teeth to keep from crying out.
I've been through hell before, but this... this is something else entirely.
┌──────────────────────────
│ [System]
│ Progress: 20%...21%...21.5%...22%...23%...23.5% │
└──────────────────────────
As the progress crawled forward, Li Wei's pains intensified. He could no longer contain his torment and he let out an animalistic shout.
"Fuck! Why is it so slow?!" he roared, his voice cracking with pain.
Unable to stand still, Li Wei began pacing the small bathroom, his movements unreasonable and desperate.
He hammered is fists against the walls, the sound of his pounding echoing.
The pain was relentless, pushing him to the brink of madness. Why is it taking so long?
He continue hammering his fists against the walls, leaving small dents in the plaster .
┌──────────────────────────
│ [System]
│ Progress: 24%...25%...26%...27%...28%... 29%...30%...31%...40%...45%...47%...50% │
└──────────────────────────
As the transformation reached its halfway point, Li Wei's control shattered completely. A spine chilling scream tore from his throat as he clenched his fists so tightly that his nails buried into his palms, drawing blood.
In an anger, he slammed his fist into the mirror, shattering it into countless pieces.
The glass shards stuck themselves in his knuckles.
Blood streaked down the broken mirror and walls as Li Wei continued his rampage, leaving red handprints.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [System]
│ Progress: 50%...52%...53%...54%...55%...60%...65%...70% │
└───────────────────────────
Li Wei's sanity began to slip as the pain reached new heights. He started slamming his head against the walls, leaving bloody smears with each impact.
Outside, Mei Lin heard the commotion and approached the bathroom door, her voice trembling with fear. "Are you okay in there?" she called out hesitantly.
Li Wei's responded in a immediate and terrifying. "Get the fuck out !" he roared, his voice cold and furious.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System]
│ Progress: 75%...80%...83%...88%...90%
└──────────────────────────
As the transformation neared its completion, Li Wei gripped the sink with both hands. To his shock, the sink ceramic cracked under his fingers, pieces breaking off and clattering to the floor.
What the fuck? he gasped through the pain. "Didn't the system say my pain reduction ability would help me?
With that realization, his legs gave out, and he collapsed to the floor, as the final stages of the transformation took hold.
┌──────────────────────────
│ [Ascendance System]
│ Step 1 Complete. Strength and Physical Enhancement at 35% increase. │
│
│ Do you wish to proceed with Step 2: Body Purification and Health Optimization? [Y/N] │
└──────────────────────────
The pain vanished almost instantly, replaced by a new energy. He lay on the bathroom floor, panting heavily
Staring at the system's hologram with half-conscious eyes, he summoned all his strength to push himself up, using the half-broken sink for support.
Li Wei's mind raced as he considered the system's prompt for Step 2.
The mere thought of enduring more pain made him recoil. "No," he growled, his voice hoarse from screaming.
I can't fucking die again. !!!!!
Stumbling out of the devastated bathroom, Li Wei noticed a set of clean clothes on the bed. Realizing his current attire was torn and bloodied from the transformation, he quickly changed, grateful for the small comfort of fresh clothing.
Making his way down the hallway, Li Wei found Mei Lin and Lian in the dining room. Their eyes widened in shock and fear as they realize how different he was
Without a word, Li Wei sat at the table, his gaze fixed on the food before him. Suddenly, his newly acquired Toxin Detection ability activated.
┌───────────────────────────
│ [System]
│ Food Analysis Complete:
│ - No toxins or poisons detected
│ - High nutritional value identified
│ - Optimal for recovery and sustaining physical enhancements │
└──────────────────────────
Pain is the crucible where strength is forged, and destiny is shaped.
- Li Wei