Darker than Black

In an alternate present, the sudden appearance of an enigmatic, impenetrable area known as Hell’s Gate in Tokyo—and Heaven’s Gate in South America—has irrevocably altered the world. Alongside these phenomena came the birth of Contractors: individuals gifted with supernatural abilities, but at a price. Each use of their power demands a “remuneration,” an often bizarre and unsettling compulsion that strips them of their humanity, leaving them cold, calculating, and driven by logic. Amidst this new reality, humanity grapples with the ethical and existential implications of these powerful beings. The story follows Hei, a Contractor known as “The Black Reaper,” who works for a mysterious organization. As he navigates a world filled with espionage, covert operations, and the constant threat of rival factions, Hei maintains a façade of normalcy, but beneath it lies a complex figure whose true motivations remain shrouded in shadow.

✦ AI-drafted summary