Tatakau Shisho - Volume 6, Chapter 4: An Old Man’s Dream and Its Sacrifice – Part 2

Hell's Awakening: The Guardian's RiseIn the fiery depths of Hell, where infernals, demons, and ancient creatures reign, the balance is fragile. At the heart of this underworld stands Azrael, the Guardian of Hell, a powerful being tasked with keeping the infernal realms from chaos and preventing the resurrection of fallen demons. With mastery over fire magic and the strength to command Hell itself, Azrael's existence is defined by vigilance and control.But when a powerful force of rogue infernals escapes their prison, led by a ruthless and vengeful faction, Hell’s foundation begins to crack. As these infernals break free, their goal is clear—to unleash an uprising and bring back the dead. Azrael must face not only these deadly foes but also confront his own inner demons. As the situation escalates, Azrael discovers his own potential for evolution—powers he never knew he possessed that could either save Hell or destroy it entirely.Amid this turmoil, the arrival of deities, including gods of light and purity, threatens to further destabilize Hell’s delicate ecosystem. They believe Hell must be purified, even if it means eradicating the guardian himself. As battles rage, alliances shift, and Azrael’s strength grows, he must decide whether he will uphold the order or reshape Hell in his own image.In this battle of gods, demons, and guardians, Azrael’s evolution is just beginning. The question is not just whether Hell will survive—but if Azrael will become its ultimate ruler—or its ultimate downfall.

I became a staff officer of an empire whose defeat was certain.The only way to escape from the empire with an 8-year mandatory service was through dishonorable discharge.But then…“You can be glad, Lieutenant. Thanks to your accurate instinct, our military could prevent damage in advance.”The more I struggled to be discharged, the higher my performance evaluation became.

Li Zhizhi was taken back to the capital at the age of fifteen to recognize her ancestral roots. As the true eldest daughter of the Li family, she should have been cherished. However, everyone preferred Li Suwan, who was knowledgeable, polite, and clever. As for Li Zhizhi, she grew up in a remote and impoverished village, ignorant of the ways of the world, and her name even carried a sense of disdain.

Zhouzhou was born with a lack of fortune, and after eating the Taoist temple into bankruptcy, she was finally driven down the mountain to beg for food. But inadvertently, she found a long-term source of sustenance.After adopting little Zhou Zhou, Madam Qin immediately sent a message to her youngest son, “Look, you have a daughter!”Qin Lie, who was supposed to be delighted at becoming a father, remained expressionless and said, “Send her away.”The young tyrants of the Qin family, who were supposed to be happy about having a little sister, looked disdainful and said, “We don't want her. She only knows how to cry, not fun at all.”Even the Qin family's arch-enemies were eagerly waiting to see Zhouzhou bankrupt the Qin family.However, Qin Lie signed contracts every day until his hands were sore, and the Qin family thrived, securing their position as the wealthiest family. Even the crippled seventh brother of the Qin family became able to run and jump.At a banquet, the young tyrants of the Qin family surrounded Zhouzhou, trying to please her.“Sister, we'll give you all the delicious food!”“Sister, what kind of story do you want to hear today? Brother will tell you!”Qin Lie walked straight over, picked up the little girl, and glanced coldly at his nephews, declaring ownership, “She's my daughter!”