FILLER

Azaroth's Life Before Awakening

Early Life

Azaroth grew up in a modest home, the only child of a single father who worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Life had never been easy for them. His father, once a respected scholar, had to take on menial jobs after an injury rendered him unable to continue his research. Despite their struggles, his father instilled in Azaroth a love for knowledge and a strong sense of perseverance.

School Days

During his school years, Azaroth was a diligent student, always striving to excel academically. However, in a world where physical prowess and combat abilities were highly valued due to the constant threat of monsters and dungeons, his intellectual achievements were often overlooked. He had a few close friends, the most notable being Kyle. They bonded over their shared interests and dreams, but everything changed when Kyle awakened his A-rank ability, "Blaze Control."

With his newfound power, Kyle quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top players in the city. The once strong friendship between Azaroth and Kyle deteriorated as Kyle grew more distant and began to look down on Azaroth, just like everyone else. The stark difference in their paths was a constant reminder of Azaroth's perceived inadequacies.

The Struggle

Azaroth's father fell ill, and the financial burden of medical bills weighed heavily on him. Desperate to help his father and prove his worth, Azaroth applied repeatedly for jobs as a dungeon collector. His applications were often rejected due to his lack of physical strength and combat abilities. However, Azaroth never gave up. He believed that if he could awaken a powerful ability, he could change their fortunes.

The Awakening Ceremony

The day of the awakening ceremony was filled with anticipation and anxiety. Azaroth, along with other hopefuls, stood in line, waiting for their turn. The process involved a series of tests and the use of advanced machines designed by the Association to determine each individual's latent abilities. The ranks were distributed based on the results, with categories ranging from F to SS.

When it was Azaroth's turn, he felt a surge of excitement and fear. The machines hummed and whirred, analyzing his potential. After what felt like an eternity, the results came in: Azaroth had awakened the ability "Legacy Search," an F-rank ability deemed useless by the evaluators. The disappointment and ridicule that followed were overwhelming. The ability, which supposedly allowed him to find hidden relics and secrets, had no apparent combat use, and Azaroth was dismissed as dead weight.

After the Awakening

Despite the humiliation, Azaroth's resolve did not waver. He continued to apply for parties, hoping that someone would give him a chance. His determination was fueled by his father's deteriorating health and the burning desire to prove everyone wrong. He knew that if he could find a relic, he might unlock a power that could change his fate.

Eventually, Azaroth was accepted as a collector for a D-rank dungeon expedition. It was a small step, but to Azaroth, it represented an opportunity. He prepared meticulously for the day of the exploration, hoping that this would be the turning point in his life.