Synopsis

In a world where humans are the shortest-lived species compared to all the other races, they are considered to be mediocre in most every aspect of society. Magic, craftsmanship, architecture, everything that a human might accomplish in sixty working years other races have mastered and perfected twice over. As such, human labor is considered cheap and only of use if you need something serviceable and inexpensive. Society is generally organized by the other elected races of the continent, with humans generally only holding positions as local leaders or magistrates.
The story follows a young boy by the name of Samuel who lives in a small farming village. It is a simple life with simple pleasures away from the turmoil of cities. However, one day a mysterious sickness begins to take hold of the village, afflicting everyone with the deadly disease. No matter how many healers, alchemists, or priests are brought in, nothing seems to work. The village is condemned, the occupants left to die, and eventually only Samuel is left in a cold empty house with his parents having succumbed to the sickness before him. Teetering on the brink of death, he laments the passing of his parents and friends alone only for a voice to call out to him from the shadows. The voice offers him dark powers and another chance at life and happiness in exchange for service. However, does dark necessarily mean evil?