BOOK:ONE

Long ago, twelve gods maintained balance in the world—blessing humanity with love, fortune, light, and peace. Their reign ended when a demon king captured them and stripped them of their divine roles, throwing the realm into chaos. In a desperate bid for power, an emperor formed a pact with the demon, only to be possessed and turned into the demon king’s living vessel. During a failed rescue attempt, the gods’ stolen power shattered and scattered across the world, sealed inside mysterious Daruma dolls. Each doll grants terrifying abilities to those who possess them—but binds them to the fate of the fallen gods. Now, rebels, warriors, and outcasts hunt these cursed relics. Some seek power. Some seek freedom. Others seek revenge. But the only way to break the curse and restore balance… is to kill the demon king wearing the emperor’s crown.