《I reincarnated into a bat (Indefinite hiatus)》


 Chap 1

    I was reincarnated into a bat...


    I know, tragic.


    At least I can fly. I also have a status and everything too.


    But I''m still a goddamn bat...


    I miss having arms and legs...


    Well, shit. Okay, drowning in self-pity won''t change anything.


    Since I have a level and a status, I shall shamelessly assume this is a different, magical world.


    And well, everything can happen there, right?


    I might even have a slim chance to turn back into a human.


    How? Well, I don''t know, maybe if I get stronger and gain more levels?


    I''m just coming up with my own baseless assumptions, but hey, a man lives with hope.


    To reach my goal, I need to take one step at a time. Firstly, I''m sure hanging on this stalagmite upside down and snoring won''t help. Welp, time to move my sorry ass and explore the cave.


    Whoops, I almost fell! Huff, I''m still not used to flying.


    It''s really dark here, but my vision is also a bit unique. I can make out contours and silhouettes of the damp cave walls.


    I can also detect sound vibrations and avoid danger by not flying close to the source.


    The cave isn''t empty. It''s full of lizards, bats, rats, centipedes, spiders, and other ''eww'' type large insects, so I''ve gotta be careful.


    ...


    Hmm?


    My vision registered odd, black, slimy sludge on the wall nearby and silently appraised it.


    I''m a simple ma..., I mean bat.


    When my appraisal detects question marks, I humbly fly in another direction.


    ...


    A wise man said, know yourself, know your enemy.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name: -</td>


    <td>HP: 1.9/19</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Species: Bat</td>


    <td>Gender: Male</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>STA: 1.1/1.4</td>


    <td>MP: 0/0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Level: 0/5</td>


    <td>Exp: 0%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill points: 0</td>


    <td>Stat points: 0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Trait: Nocturnal (+10% All Stats. Condition: Night, Darkness. Enchanted night vision)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Stats: STR: 0.21;  AGI: 0.6;  DEF: 0.03;  TEN: 0.00;  WIL: 0.25;   PER: 0.77;</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Skills: Night vision: 15;  Vigilance: 6;  Slumber: 5;  Flying: 11;  Echolocation: 8;</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Unfortunately, I can''t see the full status of anything other than myself. However, I can see the HP bars of the most things, which is convenient.


    I''m not going to dive into battles straight away. That''s just suicide, I thought.


    For the past three days, all I did, was silently observe the different species.


    My subjects of observation are habits and fighting styles of the cave''s inhabitants.


    There''s never a lack of battles here. Everywhere you look, there''s something fighting to the death. They''re all ruthless, trading flesh for flesh, blood for blood.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The primal rules of nature are just that simple, and ruthless. There''s no place for the weak here.


    I''ve come to a conclusion after observing everything for days. Every species without exception have their strong points and weaknesses. For example, large ants have a very tough exoskeleton, spiders are good at laying traps and so on. Even rats, that are average in all aspects make up for having no specific advantage, with their numbers. Otherwise, they would have gone extinct a long ago.


    As for bats, their advantage is their maneuverability and high perception. Not many creatures have high perception. I find it funny how an unsuspecting creature sometimes gets ambushed. ''How could it not notice?'' I wonder sometimes, but they just don''t have a high perception is all.


    I''m glad I didn''t start hunting right away, but there''s a limit to how much I can delay. I''m getting hungry, after all.


    I need to find my first prey.


    With my intelligence, patience and high perception, I''m sure I''ll find something to eat. There shouldn''t be any problems if I''m careful.


    Or so I thought...


    It''s rather hard to find something weaker than a bat, which means I''m basically at the bottom of the food chain.


    Because they are weak, bats usually fight in flocks, but there''s high competition for the acquired food. I''d be lucky to snatch a bite for myself. I''d rather go solo then.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill acquired: Sneak</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That''s what I''ve got after playing ninja and stalking this and that. I''ve still not found an easy target though.


    After another round of searching, my labor bore fruit and I found a slick, sneaky slimy snail slithering, camouflaged like a chameleon. If I wasn''t careful, I wouldn''t even detect it.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Otium snail</td>


    <td>Level 0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">HP: 1.2/1.2</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    After observing the sneaky snail for a while, I''ve learned the pattern of its life.


    It travels ever so slowly most of the time and stops by purple glowing crystals from time to time. It stops traveling for about an hour every day. I assume it''s the time it sleeps. Before going to sleep though, it finds a very secluded and safe place, where the shadow of cave wall protrusion falls.


    I decided to attack when it sleeps. I tested some waters by approaching at certain distances from time to time, but there was no reaction coming from it.


    Reminded by the rumbling stomach I courageously dive down with fierce momentum, opening my tiny mouth for a bite.


    My teeth sunk into a jelly flesh of the sleeping snail.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill acquired: Bite</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.2</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I tore a small chunk of flesh from it, but didn''t retreat and carried on fiercely attacking.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td><-0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill acquired: Scratch</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The frightened snail attempted to hide into the shell, but I grabbed its vulnerable eyeball and nibbled on it.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.3!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A red drop of blood appeared above the snail''s shell. I guess it was a bleeding debuff.


    The injured snail hid into the shell, which was too hard for me to break with my poor strength.


    A light bulb flashed in my mind as I grabbed the shell with my feet and attempted to fly up in the air.


    It''s goddamn heavy!


    I complained in my mind, but didn''t give up and managed to fly high up. Grinning viciously in my mind I dropped the shell on the ground.


    *Splat


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -5.1!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+10% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Achievement: First kill


    +10% Exp


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Title acquired: Cunning (+10% DMG. Condition: Sneak attack)


    Skill acquired: Deception


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Title acquired: Bully (+2% DMG. Condition: Weak enemy. -1% DMG. Condition: Strong enemy.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Achievement: Overkill (+1% crit rate)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Achievement: Ultra overkill (+2% crit rate)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    Damn, an impressive stack of notifications for the first kill.


    I don''t like the bully title though. I wonder if every single creature has it as that''s how everything operates here.


    The commotion notified the ones I couldn''t afford, so I quickly snatched bits of flesh and flew away.


    I sweated profusely, seeing a snake slithering out of the hole and feasting on the mashed up snail.


    Thankfully I was fast and grabbed my share. I won''t be hungry for a while. This body of a bat doesn''t require much food anyway.


    After a tiring fight, my stamina was reaching a critically low point, so I found a decent place and fell into slumber.


    Slumber was a skill for a reason. It helped me recover fast.


    Even in slumber, my perception wasn''t completely cut off too, hence I had a sweet nap.

 Chap 2

    Nothing beats a good night''s rest, especially in predator''s lair full of monsters...


    I woke up in the morning, whoops, can''t distinguish day and night in here, but let''s assume it''s morning.


    The feeling of familiarity and belonging hit me as my echolocation noticed several presences.


    People say, if you stare at a chair for a decade, you''ll start loving it. It''s the same here. The scary monsters no longer seemed that alien and scary.


    Of course, that doesn''t mean I threw caution to the wind. I just became more, uhh...accepting, right.


    So what does a bat full of motivation and acceptance towards fate do?


    Well, there''s nothing much to do here. There are that boring and generic, neverending and ever bending cave walls full of nests of nasty things. Crawlers and scavengers are also plenty. You can fly around and watch as they fight to the death, using their mandibles, pincers, legs and pretty much everything they have on their bodies. Sigh, it gets boring after a while.


    Philosophies aside, I''ve been lazying around for a while now. Even the system acknowledges my effort to no effort.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Title acquired: Eternal observer


    +0.5 PER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    That''s some nice bonus there, but why eternal though?


    Ah?


    Seems I have asked the right question as the system explained in detail.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Eternal observer - Life comes and goes. They are as fleeting as drifting clouds to you. Otherwise tragic or happy events no longer stir you as much, emotionally.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Well, that sucks. I''m sure I''m still a bit sensitive though. Which bug dies today is the least of my worries, is all.


    Don''t look down on me for being lazy.


    Lazy people get their job done in the most efficient way. And truthfully, more than lazy, I''m cautious. I don''t want to get injured as the thought of my poor HP dropping terrifies me.


    But can you pluck the rose without touching the thorns? Sigh, my philosophy cycles back to effort equals benefit.


    It''s just, back on earth, the effort wasn''t correspondingly answered with benefits. People were mostly stuck in their own cycles, unable to break away from it.


    The baker remained baker.


    Abused never found respite.


    Those in need were left alone.


    The poor died in poverty.


    Most of the time, no matter how a person tried, he/she couldn''t change anything for the better.


    I hope it''s not the same here.


    No, it''s just wishful thinking. So what if I get strong? There will be a million others stronger than me.


    Aiming to become the strongest? Haha, who guarantees I''ll be the chosen one, that I won''t die miserably for my ambition?


    Then, the right way is, just live without regrets.


    ...


    That''s how I''d think if I was a human, but I''m just a goddamn bat, sigh, life sucks as it sucked for the previous 18 years.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    All I ask for is being a human, once again...


    ...


    I got sad all of a sudden.


    *Sniff, sniff


    Do the bats even cry?


    Hmm? Buddy, you want to comfort me?


    HOLY SHIT! Who the fuck are you?!


    I hurriedly flap my wings to distance myself from the ugly wasp with bulging green eyes.


    Shit! This is what happens when you space out. Teacher asks, continue from where we left off.


    But this is much worse.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Balrod Wasp</td>


    <td>Level 2</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">HP: 3.4/3.4</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The wasp had a dull grey exoskeleton, slimy and shiny stinger covered in what I assume to be a poison, disgusting mandibles and a pair of constantly flapping membranous wings.


    It was approaching me like a disgusting uncle approaches a loli.


    I despaired and zigzagged in the air. I learned a trick or two after getting accustomed to flying. The damned wasp was visibly confused but didn''t seem the type to give up.


    It was a level 2!


    Heck with levels. It''s an experienced predator and it can fly!


    Oh, at least there''s some good news. It has a poison!


    Another good news, it has higher stamina than me!


    W, wait, another one, it''s dead set on wasting me.


    Fu...!


    Wait, did I mention it''s faster than me? Haha, I didn''t because it''s not.


    Right, that''s my only advantage. So, my only choice is to lead it to its doom.


    Easier said than done.


    I hear the constant buzzing sound from my back, which gives me goosebumps.


    No time to bullshit now. Think, think! It''s smaller than I am, so there''s basically nowhere I can hide from it. It won''t get lost either as it''s honestly not that slower than me.


    Hmm, let''s see if it works.


    I feinted to go in the left direction but turned in the opposite direction.


    Huff! I did it! I can no longer hear the...


    *Bzzzttt~


    Fu...!


    I desperately maneuvered through protruding stalagmites, dancing like never before.


    The wasp was still closely sticking to me though.


    What do I do? Is this where this bat destined for greatness is going to fall?


    No! My previous death was already meaningless enough.


    Do you want to kill me? Go ahead then!


    My concentration reached its peak. I intentionally slowed down. The wasp aimed its poisonous stinger at me and accelerated.


    I spun in the air and let myself be stung in the wing, which hurt like hell, but the spinning wing was full of force aimed at the wasp.


    The wing pushed the wasp upward and skewered it on the sharp edge of the stalagmite.


    As such, we traded deadly blows.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.8!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.3!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Status update: Poisoned


    Losing 0.05 HP every 5 seconds. Duration 50 seconds.


    The right wing will be paralyzed in 20 seconds.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I roared in my mind as I fought off the spreading pain in my right wing and started harassing the skewered wasp with bites and scratches.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.2!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    The wasp powerlessly flailed its wings and chomped with its mandibles, but being stuck, it wasn''t much of a threat to me.


    Before long, the wasp stopped struggling. It looked miserable as I dug its eyes out and violated its head.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+40% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Title acquired: Hunter of hunters


    +5% DMG against battle initiators


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    There is no time to appreciate system notifications.


    Every flap of my wing brought waves upon waves of pain. I almost passed out as I flew up and searched for the right place to recuperate.


    Thankfully I found it before my right wing got completely paralyzed.


    I looked at my status window.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name: -</td>


    <td>HP: 1.4/1.9</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Species: Bat</td>


    <td>Gender: Male</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Status: Weakened (-30% all stats) Paralyzed (-70% agility)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Titles: Cunning, Bully, Eternal observer, Hunter of hunters</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>STA: 0.2/1.4</td>


    <td>MP: 0/0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Level: 0/5</td>


    <td>Exp: 60%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill points: 0</td>


    <td>Stat points: 0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Trait: Nocturnal (+10% All Stats. Condition: Night, Darkness. Enchanted night vision)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">


    Stats: STR: 0.21;  AGI: 0.6;  DEF: 0.03;  TEN: 0.00;  WIL: 0.25;   PER: 1.27;


    3% crit


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Skills: Night vision: 18;  Vigilance: 8;  Slumber: 9;  Flying: 17;  Echolocation: 11;  Sneak: 6;  Bite: 4;  Scratch: 3;  Deception: 2;</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chap 3

    It hurts! My poor wing got torn like paper, and it''s swelling up!


    Doctor! Help!


    Sigh, I can only swallow bitter tears and endure.


    The pain was nothing compared to anxiousness of being handicapped.


    How could I survive if I couldn''t fly? I''d be devoured like afternoon snack by a random lizard A.


    Fortunately, as the days passed, the wound automatically started healing back and my HP also recovered bit by bit.


    Thank god! It''s the phrase you least expect from an atheist. But like every atheist becomes a true believer right before exams, I similarly found that bit of faith and clutched on it.


    When the wound healed back to original and my HP almost fully recovered, I tried flying. My right wing still felt discomfort and little pain, so I waited until the complete recovery.


    Only a linear scar was left in place of the wound.


    I''m finally back!


    For the past few days, I felt the urgency to become stronger. Any random Bob and Harry can critically injure this poor I. How can I let this happen?


    After sneaking around and stalking, I found an unfortunate scouting rat singled out from its kind.


    Before long, it found itself several meters above ground, flailing its tiny legs and squeaking in resistance.


    ''What is this treatment? I demand an answer! Let me go this instant!''


    ''Sir, the resistance is futile. Your punishment - execution!''


    I imagined a funny dialogue between us and let go of the poor rat.


    *Squeak!!!


    Aaaand...


    *Splat


    I almost found it funny.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+10% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Title gained: Sadist (+1% DMG against sentimental entities)


    Skill acquired: Intimidation


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Wow. The system never lets go of the opportunity to tackle me. You''re welcome, system.


    Eeeh? What was I at, again? Right, onto the next target!


    A few genocidal *splats later...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Level up!


    +22 Skill points;  +0.5 stat points


    +0.4 HP;  +0.2 STA;  +0.02 STR;  +0.09 AGI;  +0.01 DEF;  +0.02 WIL;  +0.11 PER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    A level up! Feels amazing.


    Though I feel I''m only a tiny bit stronger overall, it''s still progress, nevertheless.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    After flying around happily, I kept it down. It''d be tragic to grab the attention of a hungry predator and put myself on a plate right after a happy celebration dance of level up.


    Hmm?


    My echolocation has grabbed the familiar soundwaves.


    My heart couldn''t help but beat in excitement.


    Humans?


    I felt the presence of two of them.


    Thank god they exist in this world.


    Wait, I''m a bat, a monster, so I can''t approach them directly, but it''ll be fine to observe from distance right?


    I happily flapped my wings and followed the sound vibrations. My vision could see their vague outlines.


    Once I got closer, a weird feeling started gnawing my heart.


    I hid behind a rock protruding from the ceiling.


    My vision was partially obstructed by terrain so the human on the right entered my sight first.


    I froze and almost let go of the rock from shock.


    That''s because I recognized...her.


    While I was petrified in shock, the duo moved forward, fully appearing in my sight.


    The silent echo of footsteps rang in the dark cave.


    How...how is this possible?


    My body started trembling uncontrollably. I was genuinely freaking out. I was afraid, terrified even.


    Just what is happening?


    I recognized him too.


    In fact, I couldn''t be more familiar with him.


    The flashback of my last day on earth quickly resurfaced in my memory.


    * * *


    ''Fucking useless nerd, can''t even compile documents in the right order. What am I paying you for?! I''ve become everyone''s laughingstock all because of your mistake. It''s all your fucking fault, useless piece of garbage. Can you compensate for me, huh? Can you?!''


    The obese middle-aged man spat saliva everywhere as he violently swung around the papers in his hands, then tore them apart and stomped on them.


    The four-eyed young man of below average height and below average looks was looking down on the floor as he listened to his boss complain. That was me, that day.


    It was clearly his fault he didn''t clarify the order of papers and irresponsibly dumped the stack of them on my desk. I couldn''t even ask a thing before he waved his hands carefreely and vanished.


    Serves you right, fucker! I hope they demote you into a worker for that fucked up presentation.


    I thought venomously at that time. It was unfair, how could this braindead pig be a boss? This is total bullshit.


    Besides, I know there was nothing wrong with the papers. It was just him blaming others for his mistake, like always.


    ''What are you waiting for? Get lost!''


    The boss bellowed as he swung around his hand abruptly.


    *Crash


    Seeing his precious cup break, he started another round of curses.


    ''Fucker.''


    I muttered and grabbed my things without hesitation.


    ''Don''t let my eyes see you again, a dumb piece of shit, jinx. Everything''s been going wrong since you j...''


    *Bang


    I violently slammed the door behind me and went out in the streets with a heavy heart.


    Everything has its pros and cons, they say. I would no longer have to listen to more of his annoying rant. I thought bitterly.


    ''I''m jobless once again. It''s okay, it''s not like I''ve not been jobless before. Everything can be fixed.''


    I tried to be positive, but depression gnawing at my heart wasn''t so easy to fool.


    No wife, no children, no caring parents, no nothing...Did I have anything left to live for?


    When there was no single reason for me to live, when I was at my lowest and weakest, I tended to remember novels, manga or anime I had yet to watch or read.


    I had to finish them, I had to see them to the end. This thought would be my only pathetic driving force, fuel, and source of motivation to live on.


    Ironically, I had also run out of things to watch and read, leaving an abyssal emptiness in my heart.


    There was nothing left to look forward to...


    The plain looking me joined the busy crowd.


    There were so many people around, yet I felt so lonely and miserable. Who could understand the pain in my heart and even if they understood, why would they care?


    The noises coming from the busy crowd sounded like the buzzing of bees, meaningless, empty.


    And, despite being an empty shell, I walked...out of instinct, out of habit. Why was I even walking? Where was I going? Everything seemed so abysmal...and again, meaningless.


    Suddenly, I was woken up by a noise.


    The crowd stopped to stare at a certain direction too. A huge object was moving at high speeds, making grating noises on asphalt.


    A cute young girl seemed to have frozen on spot out of fear, seeing a massive truck approaching at great speed.


    I looked ahead and my expression froze. Half a second later, peaceful smile surfaced on my face.


    ''My truck has also come.''


    This was my last thought as I dashed with abandon.


    A heroic death would be great for this worthless life. I wouldn''t have any regrets.


    The people in the crowd yelled at the girl to move, but nobody went up to help.


    The time seemed to slow down. Everything happened so fast.


    *BANG


    The waves of unimaginable pain wrecked my body and in a matter of seconds, I lost the ability to think.


    But before my consciousness extinguished, my last thought full of bitterness lingered.


    ''Fuck! couldn''t push her in time...I''m really useless.''


    And I blanked out.


    * * *


    It''s not hard to guess why I found the duo familiar.


    It''s because one of them was that girl and another one...it was me.

 Chap 4

    Here I was, moments ago dreaming about once again returning to being a human and now, what do my eyes see?


    My original body is walking about on its own.


    After the initial shock, fear, and self-doubt came...anger!


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Alan Morgan</td>


    <td>Level ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">HP: 37.6/39</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Bastard!


    It doesn''t matter who possessed my body. I need to find a way to get it back. Though as I am now, I have no way of accomplishing that.


    After a lot of internal struggle, I decided to stalk the duo to find out more about them, especially the new owner of my body.


    * * *


    They didn''t talk much. There was nothing going on except, they kept walking, so I got bored of staring at the face I used to see in the mirror every morning and focused my attention on the girl, who I failed to rescue from death.


    It came as a surprise she was also transmigrated here.


    It was only now that I took a closer look at her.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>???</td>


    <td>Level 0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">HP: 14/14</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I only remembered her outfit. Now that I remember, there was an anime convention going on nearby, which I had to grudgingly miss due to work. Unfortunately, by the time I got fired from the job, it should have ended.


    She was wearing that outfit, which made her look like gothic lolita, even now. Her petite frame and white-pearl skin fitted her in the outfit like a doll.


    Sigh, poor me. I''ve read too much fiction and acted on impulse. I''m not sure I would have sacrificed myself that selflessly if I didn''t see some ''otherworldly elements'', like that strange and pretty dress and an outline of a little beauty.


    I''m embarrassed.


    Not only did I fail to perform a heroic act and uselessly sacrificed my life, but my motive of sacrifice was even more ridiculous.


    Actually, I''m surprised the system didn''t already give me a title of loser. Thank you system, for not stepping on me while I''m down like others did.


    ...


    I continued observing the duo. As I already assumed, Fake did all the job of clearing the monsters, while the girl followed silently...Yeah, I decided to call the bastard using my body as a vessel Fake. How else should I refer him? Honestly, it''s really frustrating and confusing.


    I felt weird watching how badass he was. A hint of envy couldn''t help but appear in my mind.


    ''He''s using that useless body of mine better than I did. No, if I was myself again, I would definitely be better than him, definitely!'' I thought. To be honest, even I didn''t believe what I thought to be correct, but my already low self-esteem was once again stomped underfoot, so I couldn''t help but make such type of remarks in my heart.


    Meanwhile, Fake punched down a ruthless fist on disgusting large rat''s head. Rat''s face sunk as blood sprouted. It fell on the cold ground, squeaking miserably.


    The girl suddenly neared the fight scene and lifted up a rock, but was stopped midway by Fake''s bloody grip, which rudely grasped her raised hand with force.


    The girl looked up and fixed her gaze on Fake''s domineering stare.


    ''There''s no need for you to fight. I''ll protect you.''The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Fake spoke calmly, which sounded somewhat eerie in my ears.


    ''But I also want to get stronger. I don''t want to be a burden.''


    The girl spoke up with her melodious voice, her tone filled with defiance.


    Fake gave a small smile, which also appeared somewhat wicked to me.


    ''Relax, you are not a burden to me, and remember, I will never abandon you.''


    His voice was full of conviction, but why do I feel creeped out?!


    Fake lifted up his foot and ruthlessly stomped down on the large rat, which was on its last breath and crushed its skull. He didn''t even look away from her gaze while doing so.


    He finally, slowly let her hand go and turned around, continuing to walk slowly. The girl stared at Fake''s back for a while, then looked back into the darkness.


    A creepy slithering sound coming from nearby cave wall, along with the other small, mixed noises, disturbed the silence.


    Her hand, which was clutching a torch trembled a bit. She turned around and caught up to Fake with hurried steps. Her black, glossy pigtails swayed along with her hurried stride.


    I didn''t understand what happened. The only thing I knew was, I couldn''t just fly away. I had to observe the duo. Something didn''t sit right with me about Fake''s behavior, though.


    After following them for a long while, it became clear to me, Fake was stronger than most things here and was getting even stronger the more he killed. His perception was also assumedly high as he avoided dangerous places several times. If something happened too frequently, it couldn''t be a coincidence. Their survival couldn''t only be attributed to luck.


    ''Good grief. Aren''t we lucky?''


    Fake sighed upon discovering a crystal clear lake-pond.


    He drank the clean water with big gulps and invited the girl too.


    ''C''mon, don''t be shy.''


    Fake smiled slightly as he continued drinking in big gulps. The girl hesitated for a while, then crouched down and fetched a handful of water with her petite hands, drinking silently.


    He grinned upon seeing the scene. There was a clear contrast between their drinking style. He was lying on four and drinking like an animal with hands spread out, while she was much more reserved even though she was just as thirsty.


    ''Want to take a bath?''


    He suggested.


    She stared at him unfriendlily and walked away, standing close by with back turned.


    Fake shrugged and undressed unreservedly, getting rid of clothes reeking of bloody scent.


    Hearing a splashing sound, the girl distanced herself from the lake even further, but she didn''t dare get too far away.


    ''Man, how refreshing.''


    He grinned as he put on his wet clothes which were washed moments ago, after bathing.


    ''Are you sure you don''t want to take a bath? There''s another clear pond there, just a few meters away.''


    Fake suggested with a smile. The girl frowned and didn'' answer.


    His grin widened as he forcibly clutched the girl''s hand as he said ''Staying up for the nights, fighting these monsters, protecting you, it''s been so tiring. Celine, my love, won''t you lessen a burden for me, just a little bit?


    Celine''s eyelashes fluttered as her obsidian eyes contracted in fear. Her body trembled in dread.


    ''What are you doing? Let me go!''


    She screamed, struggling to free herself from a painful grip, but fake''s expression was scary, telling he wouldn''t give up on the idea.


    My heart beat fast as I somewhat saw it coming, but didn''t expect Fake to be such an animal to try violating an underage girl.


    I realized why he never let her kill. It was because he was afraid she would level up and get stronger and have the power to resist him. He was afraid he wouldn''t be needed. He wanted her to feel dependant on him.


    I wouldn''t let such thing happen in front of my eyes, but how could I help? I was clearly much, much weaker than him. Besides, even if I had power, I didn''t have the courage to kill him, because if he died, I would never have a chance to get my body back.


    Meanwhile, a creeping sound rang.


    A disgusting huge centipede appeared in the torch light''s range. The bloodshot, sleepless eyes of Fake glared at the approaching monster with hatred.


    ''Fuck off!''


    He yelled as atmosphere turned visibly heavier.


    Magically, the centipede started losing 0.1 HP every second.


    It made gurgling-screeching noises and fled.


    What kind of skill was this? His aura was dealing continuous damage. He never used that skill before.


    ''No, leave me alone!''


    The girl started shedding crystal tears while struggling futilely. Fake grinned and pressed her down with his body to restrict her, then he started tearing her clothes with his strong hands.


    I couldn''t watch it anymore.


    Heck with everything.


    I grabbed a nearby rock and flew high into the air. I was nervous, which affected my aim. I forced myself to calm down. There wasn''t much time left. If I didn''t act in time, an unthinkable would happen. I couldn''t miss this attack.


    I let go of the rock with a fast beating heart. The rock accelerated in speed due to gravity and quickly dived down.


    A resounding smack was heard as the rock hit Fake''s head. He instantly showed white of his eyes and lost consciousness.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -8.2!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill acquired: Throw</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I ignored the untimely notifications and flew down, wanting to make sure the girl wasn''t hurt.


    She quickly freed herself from the heavy body of unconscious Fake and sobbed as she hugged her knees.


    My heart ached.


    She had nowhere to go...


    She wouldn''t be able to survive alone all on her own. The problem wasn''t solved yet.

 Chap 5

    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Title acquired: Samaritan ( +10% HP from healing)


    +0.3 luck


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I completely ignored the new message. There were more urgent matters at hand.


    There has to be something else I can do.


    I made up my mind.


    Flapping my wings, I descended upon the unconscious Fake.


    Celine lifted her tearstained face, alarmed by noise. Our gazes met.


    Mysterious silence fell between us. The torch stretched our shadows on the cold cave walls.


    Once again, I flapped my wings and disappeared into the darkness. Soon, I was back with a now bloodstained piece of rock.


    I had to put all of 0.5 stat points into strength in order to carry enough weight with my tiny feet.


    She was staring at me incredulously.


    Celine must have guessed something. I wasn''t acting like other monsters, which only cared about eating and killing.


    It wasn''t hard to guess, I was special. She looked down at the bloodstained piece of rock lying at her feet.


    I neared the unconscious body of Fake and made a motion of biting close to his face, but I didn''t really touch him. After expressing myself, I turned back and stared at her once again.


    Another row of tears fell from her eyes as she sobbed in silence, staring between the rock, me and unconscious Fake.


    She must have guessed my meaning.


    Kill him.


    You can level up and get stronger then.


    He won''t be able to resist.


    I was pained to have made such a decision, but I didn''t have any better ideas. I was too weak myself to protect her from harm as the cave was full of things I couldn''t handle.


    Hence, my act of ''saving'' her would be meaningless. She would either die gruesomely in the hands of these cave monsters or would face the fate of being Fake''s plaything once he woke up.


    Sigh, this is as much as I can do.


    I can''t kill him in her stead. After all, this was my body for 18 years. It also represents hope, that one day I can get it back.


    But I can''t act selfishly and just abandon her either.


    Aaaah, I don''t know! It''s just too fucked up.


    Celine sobbed even more and distanced herself from the piece of rock.


    I''m a genius, aren''t I?


    Did I just expect from a little girl to kill a person just like that?


    Even if Fake was really hateful, it would be too unrealistic to think she could go as far as to kill him.


    Regretfully, I ran out of ideas. I just sat there, listening to her sobs. The atmosphere was really depressing.


    I made sure to split my attention to Fake''s condition. I would have to instantly flee if he woke up.


    The monsters didn''t approach, probably scared off by the intimidating aura he previously gave off.


    It was now, that I felt how truly powerless I was.


    I reincarnated into a bat, in another world.


    So what? Nothing seemed to have changed. I was still that weak, powerless, thrown around by circumstances.


    I hated it. I hated it. I hated it!


    There was no point in me staying there. I flapped my wings and hid nearby, hanging from the ceiling.


    ...


    Celine finally stopped sobbing and wiped the tears with her hands.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    She fixed her half-torn clothes as best as she could, then started walking towards still unconscious Fake.


    I was watching from distance.


    Has she made up her mind? Is she really...going to kill him?


    A pang of regret flashed in my mind. If the fake me died, I would never have the chance to return to being Alan Morgan ever again...


    Still, I didn''t get my hopes up.


    I still held a glimmer of expectancy, that one day, when I was strong enough, I could return to being a human.


    Huh?


    Celine skipped past the bloodstained piece of rock and walked past him too.


    She crouched down and rummaged through the bag I used to carry to work and took out a packet of cookies.


    I instantly guessed her intention.


    Silly girl.


    She wanted to travel alone. But she was weak! And she knew that.


    Still, she chose to no longer stick with him, despite knowing what this meant - an almost certain death in monsters'' jaws.


    ...


    I sighed regretfully.


    Simultaneously, my gaze fell on the familiar bag and packet of cookies in her hands.


    I remember now. I bought that on the way to work. Eating chocolate cookies while enjoying the coffee was one of my ultimate enjoyments in life.


    Seems they have survived these past few days due to that packet of cookies.


    My perception allowed me to see from far.


    I saw it. There was only 1 cookie left.


    My heart almost melted as I saw her following actions.


    She split the cookie in half and left the remaining half to him.


    Even after what he did...


    Ah, I can''t take it.


    How can someone be this cute? How can someone be this kind? How can someone be this innocent?


    Noooo! My heart will break if I see her die to these disgusting cave monsters.


    Ah, what should I do? What should I do? Is this all destined to not work out?


    Am I bound to never see a happy ending?


    Fake! I can tolerate that you stole my body, but why did you have to be an asshole? Why are you making things so hard for me? Why are you making me watch this tragedy?


    Aaaaahhh!!! I''m so mad. I''m so pissed.


    No!. I won''t let the poor girl die! I refuse!


    System, allocate all my skill points into intimidation!


    Yosh!


    I flapped my wings and descended right on her shoulder.


    Celine screamed, scared, but recognizing me, and that I was obediently sitting on her shoulder, she calmed down.


    ''W, were you the one that s...saved me?'' She stuttered.


    I nodded my head.


    ''Do you understand me?'' Her eyes widened in astonishment.


    Once again, I nodded my head.


    Celine''s expression brightened.


    ''Thank you.'' She patted my head. Ah, bliss...I unintentionally squinted my eyes in contentment. Ah, how shameful.


    She should have realized earlier that I saved her from my previous actions, but that time, she was too traumatized. Besides, it was ridiculous to talk to a bat, hoping it would understand you. She must have been confused.


    ''Ah, wait.'' Celine took out that half a cookie and broke a part of it, then brought it to my mouth.


    *Ba-dump


    You won my heart, little girl.


    I pretended to be picky and turned my head.


    Even though, I might never taste my favorite chocolate cookie in this life...


    ''Ah, please, it''s really good.'' She begged with her eyes.


    Damn, don''t play with my heartstrings!


    She looked at me in disappointment because I didn''t eat it, but then patted my head again while smiling.


    ''Thank you. Go now.'' She pushed me gently.


    What? No!


    I once again dropped on her shoulder, unwilling to budge.


    ''Thank you, you can follow me, just for a bit.'' Her expression full of expectation, loneliness and relief won over my fragile heart.


    She must be thinking she''s going to die and drag me down. Don''t you worry, little one, I won''t let anything bully you, I prom...


    No. I can barely protect myself here. It''s no use being delusional. I never liked empty promises, so I won''t make one. I''ll just, try my best and That''s it. I just...do not want to be disappointed with myself and be burdened with regrets, that''s all.


    It''s hard to imagine how pitiful she is, having to escape from that bastard and walk the dark cave full of abominations all by herself. Even a useless and weak companion such as me can be of help...sometimes people just need something to depend on, no matter how useless they are.


    I know that feeling. When you are in need of someone, just anyone, but nobody comes. You are left alone, with your problems, with your thoughts, with your nightmares...


    Celine grabbed the torch and took a last look at him.


    She took a deep breath and gathered up the courage to go on her own. It must have been very hard for her, but she had no other choice. She couldn''t continue to stay here, because he would wake up sooner or later, and she didn''t want to be here when he did.


    As she moved ahead step by step, the torch lightened up the path ahead. It was total darkness outside the range of torchlight. Eerie contours of shadows were painted on the walls, always moving around as the light source changed its position with every new step.


    If I didn''t have my echolocation and vigilance skills along with decent perception, I would have been scared shitless. Celine''s body was trembling slightly. The light source illuminated her pale face.


    I gave small screeches every now and then, expressing I was here with her. This seemed to work a little as she would give me a grateful smile and pat my head.


    I sat on her shoulder, acting like radar and a deterrence. My high perception was spread out all around. My mood soured when I detected many small worms and crawlers scattered around a couple of meters away. They were just everywhere.


    My red eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.


    Activate intimidation!


    The muffled creeping sound could be heard from all around.


    It worked. The crawlers dispersed. I''m sure this wouldn''t work on everything, but as long as I didn''t slack my vigilance, I could avoid greater dangers.


    Yosh! I''ll do my best to keep her safe, definitely!


    * * *


    The dark figure rose to his feet slowly.


    He gave off a suffocating aura.


    The insects hid, not daring to make noises, avoiding alerting him.


    The nearby Otium crystal gave off a purple light, barely illuminating the contours of his contorted face. Two lines of blood coming from his messy hair painted his face.


    *Crack!


    In a fit of rage, he slammed his fist onto a nearby cave wall, which crumbled into small fragments and fell on the ground.


    ''No, no, no, fuck, stupid bitch, you bitch, you bitch!''


    Two bloodthirsty eyes lit up in the darkness. The eerie figure moved ahead irregularly, then stumbled upon the backpack.


    ''AAAAAAHHHH! CELINE, WHERE ARE YOU?!''


    The deafening howl reverberated and echoed across the dark cave, while the baleful aura spread out. The smaller monsters nearby panicked as they scattered in all directions.


    Meanwhile, several more red pair of eyes lit up in different places across the cave.

 Chap 6

    I believe it''s been at least 2 days since our departure.


    The two of us cooperated. I acted as a guide, ensuring the safety of the path ahead and sometimes hunted weaker monsters along the way. I wasn''t stingy and sometimes brought Celine half-dead monsters for an easy kill.


    She was much tougher than I thought and forced herself to act according to circumstances. Every bit of extra power meant a better chance at survival, after all.


    As for me, hunting became a lot easier after putting an extra 0.5 stat points in strength. My teeth and claws sharpened noticeably, especially fangs that tore through the hard skin of small lizards with no problem. My attack power was 2-3 times higher than before and I had an advantage in mobility and perception too, so as long as I was careful, hunting weak preys was no longer a problem. All it took was 2-3 bites and scratches to put down weaker monsters.


    Meanwhile, intimidation skill acted as a deterrence, but it couldn''t be active all the time, so we had to rest from time to time. Before resting I chose decent places, where there were fewer crawlers. The fire from the torch was sufficient to keep off the small fries.


    The torch itself was quite unique as it never extinguished. My vocal cords were different, so I could no longer speak human language to ask her about it. I assume, they got it somewhere in the cave...


    Like that, I managed to reduce Celine''s burden as much as I could. How could I guess? I was getting more headpats, of course.


    As we spent more time together, we grew fond of each other. I never knew headpats could be this addictive...


    Jokes aside, I naturally started worrying as she ran out of food. To aimlessly seek for the exit in this massive cave was ridiculous, but I couldn''t just leave her here all alone, because I feel I''d feel so scared and miserable in her shoes.


    People in modern age lacked that exactly - empathy. It was because one didn''t understand another that coldness invaded human''s nature.


    I''m not an apostle of peace and kindness. It''s just since I''ve become a monster, I secretly felt anxious, that one day I would lose all of my humanity. That''s why I wanted to remind myself that my soul is that of a human.


    But is a human supposed to be all that good? - Far from it, actually. All the evil things a human can do, beasts can do the same. Goodness is what makes humans distinct and set apart from other beasts, which can''t afford to be compassionate, merciful and kind.


    In the end, everything comes down to my selfishness. I had many regrets in the previous life, for example, having nobody to care for me was less of a problem than me having nobody to care for.


    Outside of it, my life was already burdened as it was and I couldn''t afford to be that charitable, but I tried my best from time to time.


    As an atheist, I didn''t believe my goodness would ever be returned neither in this world nor there, in heaven, but this didn''t deter me from doing good deeds nor did I feel I was less than others.


    Instead, I felt somewhat superior. What can kindness be worth if you expect to be rewarded by God for it? People did good deeds because they were just afraid to go to hell and suffer eternal damnation. They were greedy to enter God''s sanctuary. In the end, none of their intentions were pure. Instead, they were selfish, even if they seemed kind and admirable from the outside.


    Especially politicians, who blatantly called for media to publicize their charity activities to raise their reputation in the populace disgusted me.


    Even though I say all that, I couldn''t say I was all that better than others either. Probably, all the good things I did were also because I was similarly selfish. I felt worthless and wanted to feel better about myself this way...This makes me even worse than ones I once secretly looked down upon.


    I don''t know why I feel so attached to humanity when I didn''t even try my best when I was one, but one simply understands something''s worth when it''s lost. If I had a chance now, I would probably be more different, a better person.


    I feel I''m losing humanity every time I eat the raw bloody flesh of what I''ve hunted. I feel I''m losing humanity whenever I''m searching for prey to kill...I''m struggling between adapting to new life and not wanting to forget the previous one at the same time.


    I just...do not know what I want anymore. I feel lost, and it''s not the first time. My process of thoughts has always been messy, full of complications.


    ...


    But I''m not alone now. My worries fade away when I''m with Celine. Though she must be about 14 or 15, not much of a kid anymore, she has that child''s innocence and kindness retained. I feel so much more relaxed with her than I ever felt with rows upon rows of people, who were all either fake, scheming or hard to see through.


    Being true to oneself is one, but being true to another feels much more fulfilling.


    ...I guess I was too distracted. Alright, back to reality!


    When I hunted, I didn''t go too far from her so unforeseen events wouldn''t occur.


    After dropping another crab-like monster from high altitude, a sweet ding sound rang from the system. The Exp indicator lit up, while the full Exp bar drained. At the same time, the level indicator changed from 1 to 2.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+3% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Level up!


    +24 Skill points;  +0.5 stat points


    +0.5 HP;  +0.3 STA;  +0.03 STR;  +0.1 AGI;  +0.01 DEF;  +0.03 WIL;  +0.12 PER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Finally! It feels great to feel stronger once again.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name: -</td>


    <td>HP: 2.8/2.8</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Species: Bat</td>


    <td>Gender: Male</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Titles: Cunning, Bully, Eternal observer, Hunter of hunters, Sadist, Samaritan</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>STA: 1.9/1.9</td>


    <td>MP: 0/0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Level: 2/5</td>


    <td>Exp: 1%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill points: 24</td>


    <td>Stat points: 0.5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Trait: Nocturnal (+10% All Stats. Condition: Night, Darkness. Enchanted night vision)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">


    Stats: STR: 0.76;  AGI: 0.79;  DEF: 0.05;  TEN: 0.00;  WIL: 0.3;   PER: 1.5;  Luck: 0.3 [Locked];


    3% crit


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Skills: Night vision: 21;  Vigilance: 17;  Slumber: 9;  Flying: 22;  Echolocation: 24;  Sneak: 11;  Bite: 15;  Scratch: 13;  Deception: 3;  Intimidation: 24;  Throw: 2;</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I screeched happily and gently landed on Celine''s shoulder.


    ''You leveled up? Good job, mister bat.'' She beamed and ruffled my head. Ah, another sweet head pat.


    Hohoho, you''ve seen nothing little one, this lord is far more amazing than you think.


    Celine giggled at my boastful expression.


    ''Ah, mister bat, how about I give you a name?''


    She jumped up in excitement.


    Genius!


    I nodded my head without hesitation. Not seeing my name on the status screen was a bit offsetting.


    ''Ok, how about...little bat?''


    I almost smacked my forehead in exasperation. Her naming sense is as good as every author of wuxia or Xianxia genre light novels.


    Little bat, that''s still okay though. I would vomit blood if I was named little black or something and I''m not even joking!


    But little bat...still no. I furiously shook my head to express my refusal.


    ''Ah? Why? It sounds so cute...'' Celine refuted with a disappointed expression.


    ''Ah, I know, how about...little black?'' Her eyes shone with brilliant light.


    All of a sudden I felt dizzy and fell to the ground.


    ''Ah, mister bat, what''s wrong? Are you hurt? Are you feeling okay?''


    I was gently lifted in an embrace. She looked at me tearfully.


    Damn, not little black, please...just not little black...


    I jumped on her shoulder, back to normal.


    Celine heaved a sigh of relief.


    ''You scared me, thank god you are safe.''


    After a while, she said. ''So, how about little black?''


    My face twitched. I shook my head even more furiously than last time.


    ''No good? Alright, I''ll think of another one later. Eh? There''s a small lake here.''


    She exclaimed in happiness.


    My heart drummed. It''s not like I expected a bath with a little beauty or anything...


    ''Mister bat, let''s have a nice bath.'' She said excitedly.


    Oh no, I think a blush appeared on my face.


    Despite fooling around, my perception never slackened in the least. The lake was safe, otherwise, I would notify her.


    Hmm? Why did you grab me, Celine? Aah? What are you doing? You mischievous imp...stahp! I''m drowning!


    I was being washed with dainty white hands, which now looked like a reaper''s scythe to me. She even hummed a tune as she washed my feeble bat body.


    I feel like even my brain is washed away from this torture.


    ''Ah, mister bat, why are you so disobedient? Being dirty is no good. Stop flailing your wings. You''re getting me soaked.'' Celine complained.


    I''m drowning, I''m fucking drowning!


    Ah~


    I feel so violated~


    * * *


    Celine was beaming while she walked. I sat on her shoulder grumpily, with my fur being all puffy after a ''nice'' shower.


    ''C''mon mister bat, don''t be so angry.'' Celine tried consoling me and patted my head.


    Humph, it''s not going to work. I turned my head to the side.


    Tsundere mode, activate!


    Hmm?


    I stopped fooling around and screeched in low voice, then pointed my wing at another direction.


    ''There''s no good? Alright.''


    Celine trusted my sense of direction me after performing greatly for the past few days.


    *Growl, growl


    I heard the sound coming from Celine''s stomach.


    Shit! I almost forgot about it. I should find her something to eat, else her pace will drop further and it''s never a good idea to stay in one place for too long unless it''s secluded.


    ''It''s alright, I''m fine.''


    She gave me a somewhat pained smile, sensing my worried gaze.


    For the following hours, I''ve tried to find something edible for a human. Except for weird herbs I wouldn''t dare touch, there wasn''t even anything else. Celine was getting weaker and weaker.


    ''Ah!''


    Suddenly, Celine fell on the ground.


    I flapped my wings and dropped by her side, worried.


    ...That''s bad.


    She sprained and bruised her leg. Even her shoes are already beyond worn out and her soles were bleeding...I should have noticed sooner...


    My heart weighted down. She couldn''t continue walking in such condition.


    ...


    This is seriously bad. After all that, is she going to die here?


    Is there something I can do? Anything?


    As I was fretting I felt a warm hand on my tiny head.


    ''I''m sorry, mister bat. This is...as far I go.''


    No.


    ''Thank you for saving me, thank you for being with me. It''s time to part.''


    No!


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I have been slapped away.


    ''Leave me, now!''


    Celine''s expression changed, appearing as cold as ice.


    I refuse!


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ''Go away!''


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    ''Why are you not leaving? You''ll die, sob, sob.''


    Now she was crying.


    I won''t leave, I''ll protect you.


    My tiny blood-red eyes stared right back at her. My expression said it all.


    Only silent sobs could be heard in the cave.


    The torch was extinguished.


    Slithering and crawling sounds increased in the surroundings. They were now getting more distinct.


    In the dark cave full of monsters, a little girl was waiting for death to come...


    Soon, the consistent use of intimidation skill took its toll on me. I was forced to deactivate it, in order to not pass out.


    Slowly, the monsters started gathering from all around. I felt their gazes, directed at us.


    Once again, I felt so despairingly powerless.


    I always thought I was smart, in fact too smart for my own good...I realized by staying there, I would only add one more insignificant bat corpse to the monsters.


    I''m aware, life isn''t a sweet story, where problems are solved one way or another despite everything. Life is that harsh, always was. Now...


    Hahaha, I know it''s stupid...but I promised myself to live without regrets, didn''t I? What''s this insignificant bat life worth?


    Sigh, life was never easy, but even then...it was good while it lasted...


    System, put all my stat points into defense and skill points into Bite.


    ''Mister bat...'' I heard a light sobbing sound behind me.


    Sigh, here we go.


    ...


    1,2,3...6.


    I looked at the monster corpses with much disappointment.


    This was what all my effort amounted to. My wings were torn by a gremlin-like monster. Next, my bloodied body was thrown back to Celine, who held me in her hands, bathing me in tears.


    Now, even if I wanted to, I wouldn''t be able to fly to safety.


    I feel...relieved. This was the right thing to do, but sometimes, the right choice isn''t always the correct one.


    Still, I don''t regret. I don''t regret I''ll die for my stupidity. I regret dying for nothing, I regret being useless.


    The monsters started approaching. I smelled the disturbing stench coming from their bodies. I felt their evil intentions from their greedy eyes.


    I hope I won''t reincarnate ever again.


    I just want to die and rest for eternity, becoming nothingness.


    I closed my eyes, accepting the bitter fate.


    I felt Celine''s trembling hands in her embrace.


    I''m sorry...


    ...


    ...


    ...

 Chap 7

    ...


    ...


    Still alive?


    ...


    ...


    Still, nothing.


    ...


    ...


    How distressing. I steeled myself for what was to come, but now, my mental preparations have crumbled. Why aren''t they attacking?


    I nervously opened my eyes and realized what was going on.


    *Hiss!


    Over 10 meters long snake with gray scales and two green slit eyes was slowly climbing down the nearby rock pillar. The monsters have either frozen in place out of fear or scattered in all directions.


    I appraised the huge monster out of habit.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Magnatofa</td>


    <td>Level ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">HP: 110/110</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Just great...I feel how Odysseus felt, probably sighing in relief as he escaped clutches of Scylla, only to be met with Charybdis.


    What a salvation, the salve for the fading glimmer of expectancy...


    It''s just too frustrating.


    It''s repulsing to be viewed as nothing but food. Even worse, the monsters are fighting among each other for this delicious piece of meat, as they see us.


    Knowing this, it feels even more wrong to give up, but knowing your struggle is futile is heartbreaking.


    Does it even matter in which monster''s jaws we end up in?


    Well, at least it might be somewhat better to be devoured by one big guy instead of being torn apart and split between many.


    ...What am I even thinking?


    This is the thinking of someone, who has accepted death.


    My pandora box is completely empty.


    Once again, this is the end, I thought.


    The giant snake''s emerald eyes seemed to glow in the darkness.


    Before I knew it, my train of thoughts became sluggish, while my body completely froze. Even trembling Celine was petrified.


    We were helpless against its hypnosis.


    Opening its menacing jaws extremely wide, the rotting and putrid smell dispersed in the air. I couldn''t even register its movement as it lunged at us with opened mouth, ready to devour us.


    My heart literally froze in the last moments of my life.


    ''UNSIGHTLY BEAST!'' Distant savage cry laced with murderous intentions thundered in my ears.


    *Bang, Puff!


    I couldn''t properly perceive what was happening around me. When I got myself together, I witnessed the giant Magnatofa in a miserable condition.


    I was astonished to find our predator in such state. Recalling what happened moments ago, realization dawned upon me.


    The giant snake was skewered by flying, rotating stalagmite. Its scales instantly broke apart from the collision and its whole body was hurled, smashing against the uneven surface of the rock pillar.


    The stalagmite didn''t fall from above. It was thrown. Who saved us? Wait...that voice...ah.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ''CELINE, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!'' Hoarse, forceful and worried voice rang from the distance.


    It really was him...I felt complicated emotions stirring my heart.


    My echolocation detected someone running in our direction at breakneck speed.


    As expected...it was Fake.


    Before long, he appeared in our sight.


    I flinched upon closely observing him. Topless, disheveled, dirty, wounded, yet his crimson eyes shone in the darkness like an inextinguishable lantern. His whole being gave off brutal, suffocating aura. Good god, what an asshole, take better care of my precious body, will ya?


    I don''t know why, maybe because I''ve become a monster, but I can perceive something as vague as an aura. I don''t know if the other monsters can also feel it, but if they do, they would want nothing to do with the existence that gives off such baleful, dangerous feeling. If not for my reasoning and intelligence, I would have long since fled out of instinct.


    ...


    It felt great to be alive again. Though him rescuing me was only by chance, while his real intention was to save Celine, I still felt grateful, even if he didn''t know of my existence yet.


    But that was about it. Fake was dangerous, in my opinion. He was no friend to me, especially when I secretly wanted my body back, which he currently possessed. If I somehow managed to accomplish it, where would he go then? No matter what, we were destined to be enemies. Besides, his character was rotten, so we would never get along! Thankfully, he didn''t know about me yet, else he would squash me to a pulp with little to no effort.


    ...


    Celine didn''t respond to Fake''s concerned shout. She appeared still petrified from shock.


    Fake ran to us and shook Celine, closely examining her, appearing anxious.


    ''Celine, are you alright?'' He repeated with a gentler tone, relieved to see her alive.


    Celine dumbly nodded her head, still appearing out of it. Tears were frozen on her face, while her expression was blank.


    Fake''s concerned expression was overwritten with anger, which he directed at the giant snake. The murderous aura erupted from him as he gently let go of Celine and charged at Magnatofa like a savage beast.


    *Hiss!


    Despite having been seriously injured, the snake moved incredibly fast and lunged at Fake from the left flank, aiming at his waist, revealing its 4 ivory fangs.


    Fake moved irregularly, dodging the attack by hair''s breadth. His body spun in the air while his kick blasted the giant snake''s head backward, deforming its lower jaw.


    Giving a painful howl, the giant snake attacked even fiercer, but Fake didn''t fall behind in wildness. Every single punch or kick that connected with the giant snake''s body brought disastrous consequences. Tough scales weren''t enough for defending against his brutal assault.


    The fight appeared rather savage with the duo exchanging deadly blows, but if closely observed, only then would one understand how terrifying the duo really was.


    The snake tried biting and poisoning Fake at first, but his reaction speed was great, so in order to find the gap in his defense, the giant snake did a lot of faint attacks and moved irregularly to find the opening and weaken the enemy.


    Meanwhile, despite appearing reckless, Fake''s every movement was calculated. His every attack was aimed to overwhelm and beat up the enemy while avoiding its bites, attempts to suffocate him and small poisonous mist spraying attacks.


    Due to Magnatofa being too fast, inevitably Fake got bitten twice or thrice, but the snake was also hammered countless times by that time. Both their attacks weakened over time as injuries accumulated on their bodies.


    After a while, the duo got out of my vision range, so I could only detect them through echolocation.


    If he lost, Celine and I would also die, so I didn''t want him to lose.


    After a while, the brutal fighting sounds coming from the darkness ceased.


    I already knew the results.


    Feeling threat to its life, the giant snake lied on the ground and slithered away. Fake wanted to chase him, but he was in no condition to chase after the enemy and finish it off. Besides, he was poisoned, so it was impossible to catch up to it.


    A while later, the vague figure of Fake emerged in the darkness. I noticed a deep bloody gash, which appeared on his chest, probably from the tail whip. There were also several deep bite marks on his body. The bitten area was beginning to swell, while blood constantly leaked from his injuries. Despite everything, his crimson eyes still shone like before.


    Just looking at him was enough to give anyone shivers.


    ''Everything''s alright.'' He spoke gently. His bloodstained face broke out into a smile, which soon distorted as he started spitting black blood while coughing excessively.


    With a pale face and shivering body, he collapsed on one knee.


    I appraised him. His maximum HP increased by about 50%, so he must have gotten even stronger than the last time.


    As for his condition, he had two debuffs - bleeding and poisoned. Despite that, he was still forcing himself to stay awake.


    ''Are you alright?'' Celine asked tearfully, awoken from the traumatizing shock of almost losing her life.


    Fake responded to Celine''s heartfelt concern with a genuine smile, which appeared somewhat forced due to the terrible injuries and pain he was enduring.


    ''I am, cough, cough...sorry for the last time.'' He spoke with regret while wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, then began dragging his beaten body to Celine.


    You...this guy can''t possibly be at it again, right? I mean he''s not in the right condition...


    ''A, Alan?'' Celine noticed the strange atmosphere and called him with trembling voice.


    Fake crawled closer and smiled, which appeared somewhat devilish. He put his hand into his pants pocket and said.


    ''Open your mouth.''


    Huh?! This bastard''s still at it again. Fucker! I was outraged.


    Celine trembled and tried distancing herself from him, but Fake lied on top of Celine, trapping her. Little me was forced away from her embrace and ignored.


    Bastard, if you do this, I''m not going to forgive you! I swore in my heart.


    ''You''re hungry, aren''t you?'' Fake smiled while rummaging inside his pants pocket. He took out the crushed cookie piece and gently forced it into Celine''s mouth. She was stunned and so was I.


    ''Haha.'' He chuckled hollowly and passed out on top of her.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    I was left speechless.

 Chap 8

    I looked at Celine to see her reaction.


    ...She''s also passed out. Great! Just snuggle together cozily. It''s not like there are any monsters creeping around or anything.


    Sigh, what sin did I commit to having been sent here, in this confusing place, in a confusing situation with a confused mind...


    Reassuringly, Fake''s still giving off that dangerous aura, which''s several times more effective than my intimidation skill. This is enough of a deterrence to drive away weaker monsters, but what if stronger one passes by and takes advantage of the situation?


    My mind almost exploded from anxiousness in the following hours. Though everyone''s recovery was much greater than back on earth, it would still take me a couple of days to fully recover. As for Fake, just like every aspect of him, his regeneration was also astonishing, at least much faster than mine. His bleeding debuff disappeared as his open wounds began clotting. The poisoned debuff was still on him but didn''t seem to be doing much.


    After what seemed like an eternity, Celine woke up. She blushed upon realizing Fake was on top of her and freed herself. She breathed in and out with her hand on chest and calmed down. I gave a small squeak to grab her attention.


    ''Mister bat...poor mister bat...I''m sorry, it''s my fault...'' She ran up to me and picked me up, while gently lifting my injured wing.


    Poor I indeed, but shouldn''t you be worrying about something more urgent now? I gave a squeak, which she obviously didn''t understand.


    ''You shouldn''t have gone off on your own.'' Fake''s somewhat angry voice came from behind us. Celine turned around with me in her hands.


    Fake was sitting up, facing us, with head hung low. I suppose he''s recovered to some extent.


    Celine answered him with silence and cold gaze. He appeared angry at first but calmed down and pointed his finger at me.


    ''What''s that thing?''


    ''''Mister bat saved my life. Don''t you dare touch him, else I will hate you.'' Celine''s tone was ice cold, like always, when speaking with him. I screeched twice in agreement and activated my intimidation on him.


    Silence fell between the two.


    Fake stared at me peculiarly.


    ''I see...'' He hung his head low again, and said nothing else.


    ''Why are you so obsessed with me?'' Celine asked while patting my head, probably to calm her nerves. I was also distressed as facing Fake wasn''t less dangerous than facing that giant snake from before.


    ''Would you believe me if I said it was love at first sight?'' Fake laughed bitterly.


    ''This is not how you treat someone you love!'' Celine was quick to answer.


    ''I know, I just...I was afraid you would leave me, I mean, why would anyone ever want to be with me?'' After a long silence, Fake spoke with trembling voice.


    Dude, what''s his problem?


    The way he treats Celine, it''s obvious he''s madly in love with her, but his actions are wrong. Forcing yourself on someone you like isn''t the right way. Love needs development, time and nurturing. I think Fake has some mental problems with his possessive obsession and maniacal attitude.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Think, think, didn''t I always believe I was very smart? If I can grasp the enemy''s mentality, it''s possible to control him.


    ...


    Oh yeah, there were these types of people back on earth too. In earlier societies, patriarchy was always more popular than matriarchy. Basically, men believed to be superior to the opposite gender, and in reverse, women were considered inferior. This resulted in uneven rights distribution between the two.


    This was the reason the cries for ''gender equality'' sprouted. However, deep-rooted rules and traditions don''t so easily change. This resulted in some men having fucked up beliefs, one of the more popular ones being that a woman has to be forever faithful to a man she had a first time with, otherwise the society would look at her with disdain.


    Men, on the other hand, thought that after taking girl''s first time, even if the girl wouldn''t like them, they would still be with him. They didn''t consider the other side''s feelings, because subconsciously they felt superior. In the end, this resulted in the duo creating a family, where there was no love and the couple had an invalid relationship.


    The way Fake treated Celine, it''s obvious he really cares for her, so why such an approach? Is it because he appeared in this lawless place and felt he could do anything he wanted? Unlikely.


    ...


    I get it. He lacks confidence. He thinks by going the ''orthodox'' way he won''t accomplish his desires. Partially, I can empathize with him. Inferiority complex can be that destructive, but this doesn''t right his wrongs. Also, his obsession is too strong. He might, no, he will never give up on Celine.


    So what''s the right way to go here? It''s simple. All he needs is acceptance and comfort and he will be a good boy for a while, but this creates more problems, he will grow more attached and obsessed and someday he''s going to demand more, but until then, Celine will be safe. The problem is, how do I tell her that? Most likely if she shoves a cold shoulder at him, Fake will use force and follow the original route, while the acceptance approach will soften him.


    ''Do you hate me?'' Fake asked in a low voice.


    ''I do.'' Celine answered without hesitation.


    Shit!


    ''Even if I saved your life?''


    ''...I still do.''


    ''Is there any chance you will ever forgive me?'' Fake''s voice got even lower.


    Jesus, Celine you idiot! Leave him some leeway, read the mood! Oh shit! Oh shit!


    ''...There is.''


    Oh fu...wait, did she just...haha, yes! I don''t know what''s gotten in your small head Celine, but these words have saved you! Good job!


    Fake lifted his head, astonishment written all over his pale face.


    ''...How?''


    Haha, everything''s going well, just don''t tell him to kill yourself. Any answer will do, as long as it gives him a bit of hope.


    Celine? Why aren''t you answering? Our insecure boy''s getting impatient here and he might do some nasty shit if you leave him hanging, you know?


    Celine strode at his direction slowly. My heart drummed in nervousness. What was she going to do? I admire her courage though, she has some ''balls'' to confront this beast.


    Celine looked down at Fake, who was sitting up. The two was very close to each other.


    She slowly lifted her feet...and stepped on his crotch. Celine?! What the fuck are you doing?


    ''Become my slave!'' She said with a sadistic smile.


    ...


    ...


    Fuck me! I should have known, should have fucking known, that a lolita wearing gothic dress ain''t your average loli. Great job, Celine! I''m not sure whether you are faking it or not, but you are doing great so far! Or are you? Hmm, depends on insecure guy''s reaction.


    Fake looked at her domineering face with completely dumbstruck expression, then his face twitched.


    ''Ha, haha, hahahahahahahahahaha~'' He rolled on the ground and started laughing uncontrollably...


    ''Alright, I will be your slave, but with one secret condition.'' He said with a happy grin after getting up. His eyes also glowed with faint crimson glimmer, giving him a crazy look.


    ''State.'' Celine ''granted the permission'' shortly.


    ''Haha, I shall belong only to you, that is natural, but...you shall also only belong to me!'' Fake said with a wide grin and trembling hands, probably out of excitement.


    ''Deal, but don''t forget who''s the master!'' Celine answered in a cold tone.


    ''Hahahahaha, naturally.'' Fake seemed really happy.


    ...


    I really didn''t expect for things to end up like that.


    Celine! You have my deep admiration for taming this animal, I hereby give you a title of Beast Master, hahaha~


    Only, it depends on your capability, whether you can really tame this beast or not. It needs to be reminded of its place occasionally.


    Everything''s good that ends well, but their trouble doesn''t end here.


    This goddamn cave is devoid of anything that can be considered edible and the structure is seemingly endless, makes me wonder whether we can ever reach the surface or not. Just which coldhearted bastard threw us in such desolate place?!


    It''s still unknown how we even got here, how the anomaly of Fake possessing my body and me being a bat happened, where is this place, how do we get out of here and...


    I silently looked at the laughing Fake.


    Who really is he?

 Chap 9

    A topless, scarred, average looking young man was sitting alone crosslegged in the dark cave, with eyes closed.


    His motionless figure perfectly blended with the silent surroundings, which was only disturbed by quiet crawling sounds.


    Suddenly the young man opened his eyes, red glow flashing past his black pupils.


    ''''For a sealed space, the air''s strangely not stale. The subtle airflow...I can feel it...it''s moving to the south, so the source must be located in the north. There has to be an opening somewhere, otherwise, the air wouldn''t be this fresh. The exit is near...''''


    Fake stood up and walked slowly, blending into the darkness. In less than 2 minutes, he reached a fairly concealed shelter, where he left Celine and her pet.


    His heart ached, seeing her unconscious. Their life was miserable in the last few days. There was nothing edible for them, so they were forced to eat some pond weeds and raw snail monster''s jelly flesh, in order to not starve.


    Being more tenacious himself, he barely stomached the disgusting meal, unlike Celine, who fell ill. Now he had to carry her on his back while fending the monsters, but he didn''t complain. The harsh lifestyle, where he had to fight for survival wasn''t anything new.


    Feeling subtle energy movement closeby, he frowned while staring unkindly at Celine''s pet, the bat.


    ''Quit it, damn bird. You''re exposing our location.'' He whispered unhappily.


    To be blunt, he found the bat useless. It was really weak. As for the aura skill it had, which was somewhat similar to his wasn''t all that useful. While it drove the weaker monsters away, it exposed their location. Despite there being many weak monsters, he couldn''t afford to not be cautious.


    However, it wasn''t like it was completely useless. At least it could do the guard duty well while he went out of the shelter for brief periods of time. In case of danger, it was instructed to give a screech, to which he would respond to.


    The shelter he found was a small cavity in the cave wall, with a small entrance, where he had to crawl in. Before going out, he didn''t forget to seal the entrance with rocks but left some space for a breather.


    Feeling slight vibrations from down below, he knelt on the ground and put his air on the cold ground. His frown deepened even more.


    ''''The ant colony in the east has returned. They shouldn''t have smelled my bloody scent, right? I took a shower not long ago, while Celine wasn''t in the condition to fight in the first place.''''If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    They had no option, but to delay their travel once more.


    He lightly caressed Celine''s jet black, glossy hair, ignoring the unfriendly gaze from her pet.


    After several hours time, the danger passed, so he carried Celine on his back while going north.


    His high perception allowed him to feel the slight changes in the airflow.


    ''''It''s near. Soon, we''ll reach an exit.'''' Hope and anticipation couldn''t help but sprout in his heart.


    Hours later, he could finally feel exceedingly fresh air entering his lungs.


    ''''Finally, we can get out of this hellhole.'''' Unconsciously he let his guard down and hurried his pace, not paying any attention to the screeching bat by his side.


    His hopeful expression however soon crumbled as despair took over his heart.


    There really was an opening...but it was high up, on the ''ceiling.''


    The cold moonlight poured from the slight opening above his head, shining down on the creature napping under its shine. Luminous luster reflected off its silver fur.


    The humanoid figure''s wolfish ears perked up upon grasping the slight movement.


    Its eyelids quickly disappeared, replaced by cold blue eyes, which were staring right back at him.


    The furry, humanoid figure slowly rose up on its feet and growled in a low sound, while revealing a dangerous set of white teeth and elongated canines. Drool fell off its jaws, while greedy light shone in its silver eyes.


    *Hoooooowl~


    A long, cold howl echoed across the cave. The chilling night seemed to turn even colder.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Nether Lycan</td>


    <td>Realm 3</td>


    <td>Level 9</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 315/315</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ''''Third realm?!'''' His expression turned ghastly as he took a step back.


    There wasn''t even time to regret his carelessness. For the first time, he felt the death threat, but...he couldn''t escape.


    He couldn''t abandon her!


    *Roar


    The robust Lycan standing 3 meters tall went down on four and dashed in his direction at alarming speed.


    His expression turned tranquil as he put down Celine on the ground and charged at the enemy without hesitation.


    * * *


    Fool! Why did you not heed my warning screeches? I should have clawed your damn face.


    Shit, how''s he going to win against that monster? I feel like the big snake from the last time was just a joke compared to this thing.


    Grabbing a nearby rock, I flew high up in the air while nervously looking at the unfolding battle.


    Fake was losing badly...Barely five seconds into the battle and he got injured twice and not so lightly.


    For the past few days, he was acting like a decent human being, but it''s not like I grew attached to him, but he couldn''t die here.


    I positioned myself above Nether Lycan and dropped the stone...which he crushed with ease.


    *Howl!


    The cave shook as it let out a loud howl, followed by the sonic shockwave.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -1.8</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Status update: Stunned</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    My HP depleted almost fully.


    Due to being sensitive to sound, I received quite a bit of mental damage too. I fell into confusion, not realizing how the resulting shockwave hurled my body out of the cave opening, from where I dropped off, bouncing off the rocks and losing even more HP.


    Before I realized what was happening, I lost consciousness.

 Chap 10

    When I woke up, the first thing I felt was pain and the lack of energy in my body.


    Slowly, as I opened my blurry eyelids, the events that happened before I fainted appeared in my mind. Instinctively, I quickly closed my eyes due to the intense light...this was sunlight.


    Right, before fainting, I fell out of the cave''s crevice, so naturally, a whole new world greeted me. I appeared on the large hill, where clusters of rocks were thrown about. Below, lush vegetation could be seen.


    I didn''t die! I subconsciously rejoiced about this obvious fact.


    Following that, I felt concern and uncertainty.


    How is the duo? Did they die to that monster or made it out alive?


    Considering the clear power difference between the two sides, I wasn''t too optimistic. That''s why I felt heartache...


    I didn''t move for a long while, depressed by the unfortunate outcome, left alone with my complicated web of thoughts.


    As a nocturnal creature, I realized my stats dropped by 10% in the daytime, under sunlight.


    When I recovered somewhat, I was already starving. Fortunately, I had enough strength to fly and catch some small bugs, though they didn''t provide any Exp. Like this, I slowly regained some strength.


    When I was sufficiently recovered, I went down into the cave.


    Only bloodstains...where are the corpses? At least bones should have been left?


    Does that mean they''re alive or did the battle just drag to another place?


    After searching around for a bit, to my surprise, I found a small heap of bones. They crumbled upon touch.


    The bones shouldn''t have belonged to a human, but something humanoid instead. By the shape of the skull, I deducted it should have belonged to the Lycan.


    The revelation filled me with astonishment.


    The more I thought about it, the more confused I grew. Could this be another Lycan''s remnants? What about them, then? Even if either side won, the monsters shouldn''t have completely devoured everything, right?


    Instead of taking the bleaker outlook, I decided to believe they were alive, no matter how ridiculous it sounded. There wasn''t any evidence of their death left anyway, so why not?


    Even if they are alive though, I''ve spent too much time recovering, so I wouldn''t know in which direction they went.


    It''s probably for the best, this way. After all, a weakling like me couldn''t change anything.


    Power! I need power! I''m sick of being nothing but a weakling, thrown around by ear by circumstances.


    And as such, I forsook the idea of chasing after the duo and focused on getting stronger.


    From now on, my life began to completely change...


    So what if I was one of the weakest monsters in here? Darvin said survival of the fittest, not the strongest.


    With the flying ability and higher agility, I had more space for maneuvering, while high perception and echolocation gave me the capability to avoid danger, so my survival talent wasn''t all that bad.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    My combat ability, however, kind of sucked...or to put it more nicely, was a bit on the lower side. This body wasn''t all that convenient for battles, but one has to learn how to live with one''s shortcomings.


    Now, time for a fun quiz.


    Q: What''s the monster''s ABC?


    ...


    A: To hunt of course. There are many benefits to it too, like hunger satisfaction and growth.


    However, tsk, tsk, tsk, is it that simple to hunt? Is it as simple as 2 monsters going all out against each other to eat their flesh and drink their blood? Well, could be...but that''s for dumbos and those who can afford to be that reckless.


    As for this fragile bat, nope, can''t do that.


    But...who said frail things can''t be dangerous, if they use their brains, that is?


    Now, I didn''t have a variety of choices in my ''to hunt'' list. As for ''To not mess with'' list, it was much bigger.


    As a patient observer, I counted over several dozen types of monsters, the most of them being bugs...eww.


    Bugs though, unlike back on earth, were hardest things to bully here. They moved around in numbers, and their carapace was tough enough to ignore my scratches and bites.


    Of course, there are exceptions to everything and with my shameless tactics, I could just drop them off from high up, but if my ambush failed...let''s just say you don''t want to piss off bug''s cousins.


    Ambushes have to be swift and precise and with this awkward body and my tiny feet, that doesn''t go well that often.


    Sometimes, a day will pass without a meal, while other times, I have lizards for breakfast.


    It''s so much fun to just stalk your prey and wait for the opportune moment. If the ambush fails, flee, as another opportunity shall come, but another chance at life won''t. It''s always for the better to not be greedy.


    Of course, I''m not the only thing that hunts here and it''s not pleasant to have roles reversed. That''s why a great caution is needed.


    Some monsters love playing dirty.


    The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the sparrow behind...or was it an Oriole? Anyway, this overused Chinese proverb fits the picture.


    And so, my new life went on.


    Like that, many days passed. Actually, at the time of eventide, I would finish my hunts in the cave and get to the surface, watching the setting sun. The sun, my friend allowed me to count days.


    It''s been 84 y...days, heh. I''m now level 4, almost halfway through reaching the next level. Slow progress? Maybe but at least, my skills have improved a lot.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name: -</td>


    <td>HP: 3.9/3.9</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Species: Bat</td>


    <td>Gender: Male</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Titles: Cunning, Bully, Eternal observer, Hunter of hunters, Sadist, Samaritan</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>STA: 2.6/2.6</td>


    <td>MP: 0/0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Level: 4/5</td>


    <td>Exp: 45%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill points: 54</td>


    <td>Stat points: 1.0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Trait: Nocturnal (+10% All Stats. Condition: Night, Darkness. Enchanted night vision)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">


    Stats: STR: 0.82;  AGI: 1.01;  DEF: 0.57;  TEN: 0.00;  WIL: 0.37;   PER: 1.75;  Luck: 0.3 [Locked];


    3% crit


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Skills: Night vision: 37;  Vigilance: 35;  Slumber: 17;  Flying: 45;  Echolocation: 58;  Sneak: 41;  Bite: 54;  Scratch: 39;  Deception: 11;  Intimidation: 36;  Throw: 19;</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    After the skill hit 50 points, its effect improved noticeably, however, to increase it by a single point anymore, 2 skill points were required and it improved much slower on its own.


    I decided to not waste precious skill points and let them improve on their own. It''s also a form of reassurance...


    As I was nearing the level limit, I was also growing more curious as to how things would proceed then. Would I be stuck there...or was there a chance for evolution?


    I''ve observed my cousins for the answer, to which I had a neutral stance with. Most of the fellow bats were low leveled, but some of them were as strong or much stronger than me. I''ve seen several of them, which even looked a bit different from standard and stood out from the rest.


    After a while, I decided to not sweat about it. It''s not good to be impatient. I''ll just continue doing my job with an unhurried pace. As for the future, I''ll leave it to the future me.


    Fun hunting sessions continued. I even saw several humans. They must be natives, I assume, because I couldn''t understand a damn thing they said.


    No all language comprehension cheat for this poor Reincarnator, sob, sob...


    They weren''t as strong as Fake was, but they had weapons and were dressed in leather or fur clothes. They just hunted some monsters and went on their own way.


    Ah, speaking about Fake, I wonder how they are doing...


    Sigh...I''m tired. Always being on the tip of one''s toes can really be tiring and you can''t afford to let your guard down here.


    After another exhausting day, I found my secret hideout and took a nice nap.

 Chap 11

    *Splat, sizzle~


    Ah! Go away!


    *Splat, splat, sizzle~


    Why ya spittin'' at me, bitch? Do you despise me? I despise your mother for bearing an asshat like you.


    *Splat, sizzle~


    Aaah! Stahp it, ya bastard, my wing burns!


    Just how did I get myself in this bullshit?


    Let''s take some time and have some brief flashbacks.


    I was hungry.


    Then I saw shiny...balls.


    The aroma was tempting~


    And, and...I ate the balls. They were delicious.


    I ate someone''s children! I''m a terrible person! Nah...that happens all the time.


    What''s with these judging stares? Didn''t humans slaughter livestock for food?


    ...I''m being oversensitive. There''s nobody to judge me here, so I can do whatever the heck I want, Muahahaha~


    So, I ate the eggs, but I wasn''t aware as to which creature it belonged to.


    Now I do.


    It uh, looks like a smaller version of bird raptor and it spits poison?


    Anyway, that shit''s dangerous. It''s also quite fast, but very simpleminded. All you need is a whoosh-whoosh and you hear the sweet sound of it missing the attacks.


    I vigorously flap my wings and dodge another poison spitball.


    Must be hard flying and shooting that with accuracy at the same time, not that I care.


    Ah, hey! My cousins! Help me!


    I fly through the sleeping flock of bats. The dumb bird follows.


    I laugh evilly as I hear messy sounds behind me. Levitating in the air, I watched my cousins deal with the bad guy.


    What? I''m the bad guy? Bullshit!


    Yeah, beat him up, dear cousins! I''m rootin'' for ya!


    Soon, the poor bird was turned into minced meat.


    Man, now I''m bored.


    It''s been a while since I''ve adapted to this lifestyle. Probably, I''ve gone a bit psycho from boredom, but I can afford that much as a monster. Still, I miss human interactions.


    Speaking about humans, I see them a lot more often, the reason being, I''ve found the giant cave''s entrance. Daily, small groups of humans come here for hunting. I, as a monster, would be shot down at sight upon appearance, so I decided to just stalk them.


    I don''t understand their language, but after hearing it for a long while and making use of my high perception, I can barely discern emotions behind some of the words. As a result, I''ve learned a word or two, maybe a level higher than a baby, who''s babbling mama and papa.


    Meanwhile, I''ve gotten so much closer to evolution. Only a single point of Exp is missing and I''m wondering as to what to have for my last meal, before grand evolution.


    That''s the result of having formed the mentality of a hunter - Calmness and the lack of impatience. Bloodthirst only erupts in battles. Until then, I''m as docile as a lamb.


    This mentality is important because some monsters have a rather strong gut feeling and intuition. They feel unease and sense the upcoming danger, even if they don''t see it. If you are impatient, then no meals for you.


    After leisurely searching around for a bit, I found a small turtle. It had hidden its body in the shell. After making sure it didn''t possess any threat to me, I lifted it up and dropped it from high up.


    Unexpectedly, the turtle had quite high defense, so I had to repeat this action several times. The poor turtle was helpless against the unfair treatment and soon, it turned into a messed up meat paste.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+1% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Suddenly the Exp bar shone as it was completely filled and a row of texts appeared in my mind.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Level up!


    +30 Skill points;  +0.5 stat points


    +0.6 HP;  +0.4 STA;  +0.04 STR;  +0.11 AGI;  +0.02 DEF;  +0.03 WIL;  +0.13 PER


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="5">


    Level limit reached


    Evolution paths unlocked


    Please choose one of the following:


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Hunter bat (E)</td>


    <td>Lesser earth bat (E)</td>


    <td>Trickster bat (F)</td>


    <td>Wild bat (F)</td>


    <td>Noble bat (D)</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I have five options! They are even ranked! I''m in no hurry, so let''s choose wisely.


    System, tell me more about each evolution option.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Hunter bat (E) - One of the more common types of bat species. Their enchanted perception allows them to scan areas like radar. They specialize in burst attacks.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Lesser earth bat (E) - The lesser earth bats have a small affinity with earth element and are physically sturdy.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Trickster bat (F) - Specializes in deception and control.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Wild bat (F) - They are physically violent and have higher attack power.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Noble bat (D) - Nobles bats have access to charisma, through which they can control other bats. Their bloodline becomes purer and slightly closer to their ancestor''s.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.There''s not much to think about. I want to become a noble bat! Not only does it have the highest rank, but I feel it also has more potential for growth. After all, no matter how strong I become, I''m still a bat, a rather unsuitable creature for direct combat.


    However, it''s a different story if I have a bunch of bats at my beck and call. Through numbers, it''s more viable to overwhelm the tough opponents.


    Wait, how the heck did I manage to get Noble Bat evolution option?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Condition fulfilled: Defend an ally with your life with less than 1% survival chance.


    Noble Bat evolution option unlocked.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    So harsh?! This was...right, probably when I decided to foolishly throw away my life to defend Celine before Fake saved us. If not for luck, I would have died at that time.


    Whew, the system''s not being lenient, huh?


    Okay, where was I at? Right, before starting my evolution, I''ll go to my secret hideout, since I don''t want to be disturbed.


    I didn''t forget to take detours from some danger areas as I safely entered my small hideout from the safe route.


    Alright, time for some changes.


    The noble bat option shone as I chose it. I started feeling changes, that started occurring in my body.


    My blood boiled and my bones began emitting slight crackling sounds.


    What?! Was it supposed to be this painful? Ah, I can''t...


    Before long, I passed out.


    ...


    Huh? Where am I? It''s my base. Good, I''m safe. Right, I was evolving, but I lost consciousness in the middle of it. How did it go?


    I stared at my wings to see whether there were any changes to my body.


    There was!


    My wing felt more vigorous and defined. My messy, short brown fur turned light brown and became more fluffy. Also, I''m sure my wings were a bit smaller earlier. I must have also grown in size.


    My head hurts.


    ...


    There''s new information in my head. Eh? I didn''t know monsters could unlock more genetic information as they evolve.


    There seem to be 9 realms and currently, I''m in the second realm.


    An average adult human is also the 2nd realm with an average of 1.0 in the most stats and has about 10-15 HP if the human is level 0.


    Sigh, however, humans have a very convenient body, while I''m just a bat, so I probably can''t beat an average human if I fight fair and square.


    After organizing my thoughts a bit, I checked the system notifications.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Evolution successful.


    Evolved into a Noble Bat


    +1.0 stat point +20 skill points


    + 4 HP  + 2 STA  + 0.1 STR  + 0.3 AGI  +0.05 DEF  +0.1WIL   +0.4PER


    Skills acquired: Charisma, Telepathy, Bloodline


    +5 Charisma, +5 Telepathy, +5 Bloodline


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Charisma - Determines leadership qualification.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Telepathy - You can communicate through the mind and transmit simple intents.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Bloodline - Locked attribute. Determines ancestral closeness. The owners of high-level bloodline can awaken ancestral bloodline skills, allocated in the genetic code.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    I really didn''t make a wrong choice! From now on, things are going to change. The hunts are going to become...much more interesting.


    Before then, system, show me my full status.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Name: -</td>


    <td>HP: 5.9/8.5</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Realm: 2nd</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Species: Bat</td>


    <td>Gender: Male</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Titles: Cunning, Bully, Eternal observer, Hunter of hunters, Sadist, Samaritan</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>STA: 0.3/5.0</td>


    <td>MP: 0/0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Level: 0/10</td>


    <td>Exp: 0%</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Skill points: 104</td>


    <td>Stat points: 2.0</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Trait: Nocturnal (+10% All Stats. Condition: Night, Darkness. Enchanted night vision)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">


    Stats:  STR: 0.96;  AGI: 1.42;  DEF: 0.64;  TEN: 0.00;  WIL: 0.5;   PER: 2.28;  Luck: 0.3 [Locked];  Bloodline: 5 [Locked]


    3% crit


    </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="2">Skills: Night vision: 40;  Vigilance: 39;  Slumber: 21;  Flying: 51;  Echolocation:59;  Sneak: 44;  Bite:56;  Scratch: 42;  Deception: 16;  Intimidation: 38;  Throw: 22;  Charisma: 5;  Telepathy: 5;</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I just need to recover. Then, hehe, can''t wait to test my new power!


    ...


    Finally!


    With a dynamic flap of my wings, I was once again flying in the air. Whoops, I''ll need to adjust to the changes. Let''s see what I look like first.


    I found the small lake and stared at my reflection.


    Yeah, I''m more good looking and my body''s bit larger, but...I stand out a lot! How am I supposed to sneak around in dark places with such light brown hair? I''m going to be found out so easily!


    Sigh, to get something, you have to give up something. What can we do?


    Alright then, where was I at? Oh, I was about to visit my cousins.


    Hey fellows, how are you all doing? Haha, I''m fine too. Hmmm, you! Yes, you, do you want to, you know, hunt together or something?


    I stared at Realm 1, Level 1 bat with anticipation. Let''s start with easy ones.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Bat</td>


    <td>Realm: 1st</td>


    <td>Level: 1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 2.5/2.5</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Huh? What''s with this reaction? Hey, come back! Why are you ignoring me?! You...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Subordination failed. Insufficient charisma.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Fuck you!


    System! Put all my skill points into Charisma!


    Ah..wait...fuck! I was too impulsive. Sigh...


    Welp, I have 79.5 points in Charisma now. That should be enough to get a bunch of bats tamed, right? Ah, wait, I might as well try this on other monsters.


    Oh hey, mister lizard, would you like to join my part?


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Subordination failed. Target invalid.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Sigh, so I can only get a bunch of bats to follow me around, huh?


    Alright, let''s try this again. Hey, cousin...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Subordination successful. Bat, R1, Level 1 will now follow you.


    Caution: Getting your subordinates killed will permanently reduce your charisma.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    What? That''s so harsh. I might as well be wasting my points if I just let my minions die. I have to be careful then.


    Alright, let''s see if I can tame more.


    ...


    In the end, I managed to tame 7 Level one bats. Now they are following me, waiting for my commands. How cute!


    Taming a level 1 bat requires having 10 charisma. I''m lacking only a tiny bit, yet I can''t get the 8th one. Sigh, damn rules.


    Still, I''m satisfied. It''s time for some group hunting! I''m looking forward to this.


    * * *


    In the corner of the dark cave, a deceased skeletal corpse of a human was lying, leaning against the cold wall. The deceased wore black robes engraved with dimly lit runes. The skeleton had a small amount of short, white hair attached on its skull, that appeared devoid of vitality.


    A rather large centipede was crawling around the corpse, trying its mandibles against the corpse''s skull. Unexpectedly, the skull wasn''t breaking.


    Suddenly, in the dark, hollow eyesockets of the skeleton, a blue flame kindled.


    The ignorant centipede felt something was wrong and gave a screech.


    ''The noble blood has appeared.'' The husky, silent voice echoed throughout the cave. The speaker was unknown.


    The burning flames in the skeleton''s empty eyesockets blazed more vigorously as the voice could once again be heard.


    ''It''s time for the revival.''


    The motionless skeleton slowly rose on its feet, its short white hair scattering ghoulishly.


    *Crunch!


    Suddenly, without any prior notice, the skeleton grabbed the centipede with its bony hand in a swift motion.


    The centipede flailed its dozens of legs and wriggled helplessly.


    ''Give me your sustenance.'' The hoarse voice came from the skeleton. The centipede began drying up as it issued terrible screeching noises. Soon, its carapace crumbled on the floor. Its blood and flesh seemed to evaporate in the air.


    The flickering blue flame blazed even more vigorously in the skeleton''s eyesockets as its body seemingly began to vanish, blending with the darkness.


    The blazing aquamarine eye flames vanished the last.


    The creepy silence descended.

 Chap 12

    My heart was full of bubbling elation as I stared at 7 subordinated bats, which I ordered to align themselves like soldiers.


    After playing around with my new ability for hours, I realized how charisma worked.


    I really wasn''t wrong to have chosen Noble Bat evolution path!


    For every 10 points in charisma, I was allowed to gain 1 ally bat.


    For having over 70 charisma, basically, any level, first realm bat wouldn''t be able to resist me, while I had a high chance to gain lower level 2nd realm allies. It was relatively harder to gain level 6-10 realm 2 bats.


    There were drawbacks, however. Charisma was a very unstable attribute to invest in. For losing 1st realm ally in battle, 1 charisma would be lost permanently, while losing the 2nd realm bat allied bat, I would lose 2 charisma and so on.


    However, I would be acting as the boss of the allied bats, as I had a bloodline, while they didn''t.


    So technically, if my charisma was high enough, even if I was weak, I could still have a bunch of fierce bats as my guards, fighters and cannon fodders. They would do anything, really.


    Going with the same logic, for having 100 charisma, I would be able to subordinate any 2nd realm bat, but going higher would become increasingly harder.


    1-50 points in skill could be considered level 1, requiring 50 skill points for investment. 50-100 points were 2nd level, requiring 100 skill points for investment and so on. The skill points requirement doubled for every level.


    Following this logic, to just raise a skill from level 8 to 9 would require 12800 skill points...so skill leveling wasn''t all that simple in later levels.


    How did I know all this? Genetic information was unlocked for every evolution! It seems the primordial ancestors have left it for their descendants, which was incredibly helpful.


    After hanging around with my cousins, I tried my luck with many 2nd realm bats, though, it has to be noted, in the group of thousands upon thousands of bats, only a few dozens were in the second realm.


    Out of a lot of them, many were level 1-5, which I could easily subordinate, however, I tried my luck with level 5+ ones.


    I failed some, I gained some. In the end, my small gang consisted of 6 second-realm Level 5 bats and 1 second-realm level 7 bat!


    It has to be noted, evolution leads to different variations, so abilities and stats of my allied bats varied.


    I specifically chose them, hehe. Level 5 ones were sonic bats, all of them!


    Not only was their agility superior, but they also had a skill called ''''sonic shriek,'''' which was a soundwave skill, that had varying effects.


    If the enemy had insufficient willpower to resist it, they would either feel disoriented or stunned and even bleed from 7 orifices in severe cases. It all depended on my bats'' sonic shriek skill level and the enemy''s willpower.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Why I chose almost all of them to be sonic bats, was related to the last, level 7 tremor bat, which had a skill called ''''resonance,'''' which could work in a way, where sound wave attacks of my sonic bats would overlap and be amplified.


    This, as a result, would create a very strong effect, where at a minimum, even 3rd realm enemies would be stunned for several seconds at least, though, I haven''t tried it and not going to do something so risky if I''m not forced to, really.


    Anyways, with a bunch of fierce bodyguards like that, my leveling speed would skyrocket, though, I wasn''t used to this new fighting style yet.


    Since I was weak, I always hid and fought weaker monsters, while hiding in the dark most of the time. Now that I was coming out in the light, I felt a little bit uncomfortable.


    Unfortunately, my body was no longer dark colored, so I was unfit for sneaking around anymore. It couldn''t be helped.


    I was privileged to see the full status of my subordinates, along with one special attribute - ''''familiarity,'''' which determined their attitude.


    For 1-20 points in familiarity, the bat would not become a subordinate.


    As for those, which became subordinates, according to their familiarity level, they were given labels. 20-40 points - Follower. 40-60 points - Devoted. 60-80 points - Faithful. 80-100 points - Reverent.


    Giving unreasonable orders or losing allies would most likely drop familiarity points, while successful hunts would increase it. Everything was so simple and convenient.


    Hehe, my soldiers, let''s go hunt!


    * * *


    *Screech~


    The disturbing screeching sound rang, which was followed by gremlins'' miserable howl.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+1% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The best thing about charisma and subordinates was shared Exp!


    The bats dived down and clawed mini humanoid monsters. I stared down at the bloody massacre with excitement. My heart was beating like a drum. I never knew this feeling of power...no, control could be THIS addicting.


    Haha, they''re massacring a group of monsters I''d have a very hard time facing head-on. Not only that, but I am commanding them!


    Oh no, this feeling is dangerous. Weren''t corrupt officials and generally ''bad people'' ruined by such emotions?


    Well...I have my bottom line, as for this much...affordable, indeed, for I...am a monster! Hahahahahaha~


    *Swish


    As I let my guard down momentarily, my body instinctively felt danger. With a swift motion of my body, I barely dodged something coming my way...no, I only dodged half of it!


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -1.5</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.3</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.3</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    Aaaaah! I''m on fire! What the heck is this?!


    My brain reacted fast as I quickly put 0.3 stat points into tenacity, which represented the magical defense. Soon, blue flames consuming my body extinguished.


    Whew! That was dangerous. My wing almost got burnt. Thankfully, after evolving, it''s no longer that fickle.


    Where did the attack come from?!


    I raged in my mind as it was the first time I was caught in such predicament.


    Heightening my perception, I quickly found the source.


    What the fuck is this thing?!


    From the shadows, the black-robed skeleton with creepy white hair emerged like a mirage. Wait, how''s the hair attached to its skull? Uh, that''s not the prioritizing question...


    How''s the skeleton alive in the first place?! It''s a magical world and everything, but man is that creepy.


    Angered by the sneak attack, I quickly ordered my guys to leave the gremlins alone and surround me. We''ll take this thing down. But, right, first - appraisal!


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>???, The Accursed</td>


    <td>Realm: 3rd</td>


    <td>Level: ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: ??/??</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...Oh shit!

 Chap 13

    ''That expression...you do understand me, don''t you?'' Slow paced, surprised, and the hoarse voice rang from the skeleton.


    ''Ah surprise, ah fear, ah curiosity... do your eyes reflect!'' His following words were a bit more forceful.


    Wait, how''s the skeleton speaking and how do I understand him? Well, does it even matter now...


    The skeleton stretched out its bony hand in my direction, the black robes sleeve sliding down loosely.


    ''Your noble blood...may you kindly offer?'' The hoarse voice was trembling with longing.


    My blood? Did this lunatic just ask for a blood donation? Why? You''re a goddamn skeleton! Uh, mommy warned me not to trust suspicious strangers...so, forgive me, sir, I''ll have to decline.


    ...


    ''Your silence...I should take it as a refusal, no?'' The skeleton withdrew his hand and once again spoke in a low, yet forceful tone.


    Yep. That''s clever of you.


    ''Hehehehahahahahaha, I''ll redeem it myself, then!'' The hoarse voice boomed, echoing across the cave.


    Well, kiss my ass. Without any warning, I made the right decision and fought the enemy...Nah, I fled along with my gang.


    Hmmm? What''s this uneasy feeling? I looked back, only to hear a resounding cackling.


    Wait...why can''t I feel its presence?! I have a high perception, so why?!


    My heartbeat quickened from fear.


    The enemy is after us, hiding in the dark, while I am exposed in the light.


    Heh, so what? I know your target, so I''ve got you!


    I continued flying in a certain direction, accompanied by my seven subordinates. There was no longer any fear in my heart, but excitement as schemes ran through my head.


    Despite being excited, in no way did I dare let my guard down, but in contrast, my nerves were taut.


    Stealthy monsters weren''t anything new, but monsters aren''t that good at hiding their intent, unlike that skeleton. However, this makes things much more interesting!If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    I was so tired of being a weakling! I''ll show you what I''m capable of, so chase me, you dirty bag of bones!


    I signaled my gang through telepathy as they slowed down.


    As per my orders, everyone spread their perception to utmost, following which, the tremor bat opened its maws, giving birth to rippling soundwaves.


    Resonance! It''s not only good at amplifying sounds but connecting our perception too. This is why I chose these bats as my companions, not for their sonic attacks, but for Control!


    My senses were heightened to a new degree as I started seeing the world differently, in more detail and accuracy. Our perception was interconnected and amplified, acting as a radar, that nothing can get through.


    Heh, I see you!


    Nope, actually, I don''t!


    I let myself reek of fear...birthed from deception.


    Hah, now come at me!


    *Whoosh!


    The blue fire missile tore through the air at breakneck speed, aimed at my heart. Too bad, I was prepared for it!


    Everyone, scatter!


    *Bang, crack, crackle


    The missile hit the stalagmite, which exploded into smaller pieces of stones, that fell down with a resounding thud.


    ''How did you...!'' The astonished, hoarse voice rang, which I didn''t bother listening.


    Everyone, now!


    The amplified, orchestrated sonic shriek visibly rippled the air.


    The skeleton didn''t even appear dizzy from the attack...that''s because the attack was never aimed at it.


    Several stalagmites broke off from above and rained down on the ground, crushing deafeningly.


    Without hesitation, I continued fleeing. Let''s play hide and seek if you wish, little skeleton. I was always good at games, besides, I''ve long since memorized the layout of the cave.


    ''Amusing.'' The skeleton laughed and followed, unharmed.


    After taking several detours, I flew to where hundreds of my cousins gathered.


    It''s still following, heh, how foolish.


    Everyone! There''s...oh, wait, shit, you guys can''t see the stealthy bastard, eh? Well, fuck, alright, plan C, let''s go pals.


    Time to visit some forbidden grounds. I chuckled sinisterly.


    Let''s see whether you give up or persist. Either way, I''m in full control here, so no harm.


    There are some dangerous monsters in the cave. However, the threat they possess to me is limited as I can fly. The skeleton, however...hehe, has anybody seen a flying skeleton? I haven''t...and I don''t wish to see one either, especially now.


    One bat broke off from my small team and returned with a rock.


    Good, now, let it go!


    The rock accelerated as it bashed and broke the fairly large egg.


    *HOWL!!!


    The cave shook as a 5-meter long fat, ugly monster screamed in anger and started wreaking havoc down below.


    Good, now let''s see the show.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Vorpal Basilisk</td>


    <td>Realm: 3rd</td>


    <td>Level: ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: ??/??</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ''Humph, how unfair.'' The skeleton in black robes snorted as it appeared, standing in the basilisk''s path. In order to chase after me, there was only one way, to get past it.


    The angry, mindless basilisk howled as it charged at the skeleton to vent its anger.


    The skeleton''s short white hair fluttered as blue flames in its hollow eyesockets burned more vigorously.


    ''This can not stop me, however!'' I secretly booed at him for boasting overconfidence.


    You''ll beat this thing? Get outta here. I''ll cut off my tiny bat nipples if you do. I sneered while observing the unfolding battle with folded...wings.

 Chap 14

    *Clang


    With a swift motion of its bony hand, the skeleton pulled out his icy rapier from the sheath, concealed behind his black robes.


    Flames slowly spread from the hilt to the tip of the sword, wrapping around it like a layer of coating.


    Huh, didn''t see that coming.


    Well, no matter what else you''re hiding under those robes, you''ll eventually be forced to expose it. Let''s see who runs out of cards first.


    The mad basilisk charged at the skeleton while haphazardly waving its giant body left and right. Its ugly head shook rather disgustingly.


    Midcharge, its stomach bloated. It opened stinking mouth, revealing dozens of irregularly shaped teeth and sprayed the green sizzling liquid at the skeleton guy.


    Eh? Why''s he running that way? Isn''t that a dead end?


    With a push, the skeleton jumped in the air. I stared with mouth agape as he began running up the steep wall.


    The basilisk tilted its head upward, directing the green poison vomit at him. With a push, the skeleton shot off the wall and while spinning, slashed twice mid-air.


    The flaming cross was birthed from the slashes, which began to accelerate, aimed at the basilisk''s head.


    Sensing the danger, the monster flung its sharp tail and neutralized half of the attack. The rest of the flames, however, didn''t dissipate and exploded on the left side of its face.


    The angry beast howled as the flames began consuming its head. In a matter of seconds, its left eye was ruined.


    The skeleton landed on the back of the monster and plunged the flaming sword in its scaly back.


    The beast howled in pain as almost half of the sword was struck in its flesh. Its short limbs crushed the stone underneath as its giant body sunk, while shockwaves spread from the trembling sword.


    *HOWL!


    He''s so fierce! I guess...the basilisk''s internal organs are a mess now. I was hoping this one would be enough, but seems, I was just thinking too much.


    The heated battle continued. The enraged basilisk rolled on its back to crush the skeleton. In response, he somersaulted and landed safely. Without delay, the skeleton darted at the monster''s head with lowered body posture.


    *Roar!


    The seemingly vulnerable basilisk gave a deafening cry, which rumbled throughout the cave. The charging skeleton was suddenly pushed off, but the monster''s attack didn''t stop there.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    With a swift motion of its rear end, the beast''s tail lashed at the unprepared skeleton, who only managed to lift his sword in defense, before being struck.


    *Bang


    His thin body was flung in the air and thrown quite a distance away, harshly bouncing off the ground and finally crashing into the uneven stone wall.


    With a powerful side push, the basilisk managed to get on its feet, but after doing so, it vomited gallons of blood, wrecked from the previously received internal injury.


    The skeleton staggeringly got up with the help of his sword and limped forward. Coming to halt, he slightly bent down and...


    *Crack


    ...Put the leg joint in its socket.


    Damn! How''s it attached in the first place?!


    Screw it! Maybe I should just stop questioning the logic in the fantasy world. Haven''t I learned my lesson already?!


    Well, the big lizard''s of no use now. Time for plan D!


    ''You''re not getting away!'' The skeleton ignored the heavily injured basilisk and ran after me and my squad.


    I felt uncomfortable from its stares. How creepy...


    3 bats split off, going their own way, as per my orders. The rest continued following me.


    I chuckled mischievously. I''m sure he''ll find the next challenge utterly confounding.


    ...


    Now...Everyone, slow down!


    ...


    Prepare your asses!


    ...


    Cannon!


    *Poot


    The skeleton sidestepped and dodged the feces, following which he looked above.


    ''Little bastard, don''t let me catch you.'' He grumbled.


    Hahaha, nice dodging skills, bone man!


    Welp...onto the plan E. hopefully, I won''t run out of alphabet...


    Our game of cat and mouse went on.


    If this was a video game, and the skeleton guy - the player, I''m sure I''d be considered the most annoying boss ever.


    He was strong enough to finish me off in one or two hits, but I could fly, while he couldn''t. What can we do? Life''s never been fair.


    He tried to catch me off guard and shoot me down with long-range flame attacks. Hehe, not today, Bone Boy!


    Meanwhile, I led him from one monster to another.


    The rock golem, the behemoth, the Virulent spider, the colony of ants...He overcame one obstacle after another.


    Honestly, I was baffled by his persistence. Just why was he trying so hard, and what was he trying to achieve, even?


    Wouldn''t it be better to leave me be and try again some other time?


    His intelligence was revealed by the way he spoke to me and handled the monsters, yet he was being ridiculous now.


    I wasn''t too concerned, however.


    If he''s so stubborn, I''ll just have to teach him a lesson.


    Afraid? I''m not, since I''m the one in control!


    It''s just...I''m growing kind of tired now.


    Moving on to the plan J! Or was it K? Who even cares now.


    As I was hatching another scheme in my mind, the new system notification appeared in my head.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+17% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Achievement unlocked: Realm surpassing kill


    100 skill points, 2.5 stat points obtained


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Familiarity with subordinates increased</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    My eyes lit up with joy. These guys actually did the last blow to that dying basilisk!


    I didn''t expect such generous rewards too. Great! Extra reassurance is never a bad thing.


    *Whoosh


    I effortlessly dodged another fireball, lazily glancing at the haggard looking skeleton with now a cracked skull and torn right arm.


    Just what''s the point of this relentless pursuit?


    Suddenly, my body tensed. I felt a little uneasy for some reason.


    I instantly realized what was wrong. The terrain is unfavorable. I inevitably cornered myself after going through necessary routes...I should have been more careful!


    Shit!

 Chap 15

    POV: Lumi


    ''Your time is running out!''


    ''''But so is mine...''''


    I can''t perish here, not until exposing the truth to the light, not until making sure my sisters are fine, not until seeing him one final time...


    Gods, have mercy upon this lost soul. Forgive me, for this evil rite.


    Let the dying flames blaze one final time, for this scattering soul to be pieced together by the noble blood.


    POV change


    This.


    Is.


    Bad!


    Seriously!


    His aura''s totally different.


    Just...what did he do? Why''s his whole body enveloped in such berserk raging flames?


    I''m not his match, and actually never was one, especially now.


    One strike is all it takes to...shit, I need to get away, right now!


    System, allocate 2.0, no... all my remaining stat points into agility!


    ''You''re not getting away!'' The menacing voice sounded from behind as the skeletal figure propelled himself up using the walls sandwiching us as a foothold.


    My body feels so light. Shit, there''s no time to adapt to the changes.


    ''Ultimate slasher...barrage!'' His hand blurred as the proliferated burning slash waves accelerated towards us.


    With full concentration, I did quite well dodging the chillingly fast, accurate and numerous attacks. A few times it was a close call, despite my agility quadrupling.


    How unfair, I didn''t have time to adjust to the changes yet.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.2</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.2</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    While I was dodging the attacks, the pitiful screeches rang around me.


    Soon I realized, my gang was helplessly being consumed by the flames.


    You bastard!


    *Whoosh


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -0.9</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    My concentration lapsed. I barely dodged that one in time. Ooh, that could have been really bad.


    I''m out of here!


    I escaped at my top speed with an aching heart as notification after another came up.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>- 2 Charisma</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>- 2 Charisma</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>- 2 Charisma</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>- 2 Charisma</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Our link was cut off.


    My skill points were wasted.


    They died.


    No, all that doesn''t matter.


    I need to escape! As long as I''m alive, everything can be fixed. There''s a Croco-lair ahead.


    It''s decided then. I won''t wait until he finishes his battle anymore, and flee while the gators distract him.


    The plan to wear him out and land the last blow''s went up in smoke.


    I''m not crazy enough to jump in those flames like a stupid moth.


    Involuntarily, I glanced back with worry.


    I can''t feel his presence.


    Did he give up the chase? That couldn''t have been. Then...oh no...


    Cold feeling crawled down my back.


    Without the tremor and sonic bats, I won''t be able to detect him if he tries to hide.


    No, there''s no need to panic.


    Even I''m overwhelmed by my own speed. As long as I keep on track, no matter how he hides, he won''t be able to catch up.


    I''ll be safe. It''s alright, I haven''t lost and not going to either.


    I''ll escape for good. I know the path and everything. I''ve been sick of this cave anyway.


    Still, one can never be too cautious. Even if he can somehow keep up with my pace and tries to attack, his hitting chances will be reduced as I''m going zigzags.


    I even feel a little sick, bluegh~


    I''m slowly getting used to this speed, that''s good.


    As the time passed, the more relaxed I grew since I was darting at my top speed, so the chances of the enemy catching up seemed quite low to me.


    Haha, with this speed, I should have long since ditched him by now.


    It''s ok to conserve some stamina and fly at my own pace now, which is still at least twice as fast as my maximum speed previously.


    ...


    I remember that rock pillar. The crocodiles are not that far anymore. I''ll be completely safe soon.


    ''Did you really think...''


    Huh? This voice...


    *Rip


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -4.1</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ''...You were the only one who knows the ways around here?''


    I stared with disbelief as a skeletal figure materialized in front.


    The next thing I felt was an excruciating feeling of losing a limb and the lack of strength.


    *Plop


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -2.6</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I fell on the ground in my own pool of blood. My torn wing was lying somewhere nearby.


    ...How did this...?!


    I couldn''t understand, neither did I want to. I didn''t want to accept it.


    I...lost?


    How did this happen?


    I stared at the skeleton, who was slowly approaching from ahead. The flames were no longer raging all over his body.


    *Crack


    The part of his skull broke off and fell down, engulfed into the small blue fire, then turned into ash.


    ''Oh...seems I''ve overdone it a bit...but matters not...I got what I wanted.'' He said in a tired, hoarse voice.


    Don''t come near me!


    I helplessly tried to move my wing but in vain.


    I wouldn''t be able to escape in this condition.


    It was then, I realized, I really lost.


    The skeletal hand grabbed me and lifted me up.


    ''Give me your sustenance!'' The blue flames blazed in the skeleton''s hollow eyesockets.


    I felt my strength slowly leave me. My blood was being absorbed.


    My body shivered from fear.


    Is this the end?


    I lost all hope, not bothering to struggle anymore, waiting for my death to come, but...


    ''How...how could this be?!''


    The skeleton mumbled.


    *Crack, crack


    The part of his ribcage collapsed and turned into flying ash.


    I slightly opened my weary eyes.


    Good, at least you''ll follow me in hell or wherever we are going, haha.


    He started trembling.


    ''You...useless thing!''


    My body was being crushed in his grip, which was slowly tightening.


    My will to live once again flared up. I didn''t have much means of resistance, but I...still wasn''t willing to give up yet.


    Without hesitation, I put all my skill points into telepathy and transmitted my voice.


    ''Please don''t kill me! I can be useful to you.''


    Damn it, is this going to work? I must be dreaming.


    All I need is a little time. He''s dying on his own. As long as I drag this out, I''ll survive!


    This has to work, this has to work! If not...sigh, then that''d really be the end of me.


    At least I tried my best, right? Haha...


    The grip didn''t loosen, but it stopped tightening.


    ''You?! So...you could really hear me. Useless thing! Why did your bloodline have to be this weak? If this goes on, then how am I going to...everyone...how will I...''


    The skeleton fell on his knees.


    His body was slowly, but surely turning into dust. That''s good. A few more seconds...I have to make it somehow.


    ''If there''s any way I can help, just tell me.''


    I transmitted another message when I realized he was waking from the stupor of reminiscence.


    ''Ha, ha, even after what I''ve done...are you still willing to help me, noble one?'' The low, hoarse voice sounded awfully near my ears.


    ''Precisely!'' I answered without hesitation.


    ''''Just die already!'''' I thought bitterly.


    ''Hehehehe, you''re just bidding for time, aren''t you? You''re more intelligent than I thought. Maybe...you can really accomplish what I desire.''


    Eh? My act was seen through? Shit! But the way he said it...Is he not going to kill me?


    Still, somehow, I have a bad feeling about this...

 Chap 16

    ''Engrave my words, noble one, for I shall live not much longer. These flames are called Sacred Soul flames - The merge of purification sacred flames and undead soul fire.''


    Blue fireballs were conjured from thin air, docilely floating close to his skull.


    ''In case you resent me, bear in mind, this legacy of mine is valuable enough to write off the grudges between us.''


    ''''Hey, are you even deciding that for me?'''' I thought angrily.


    Wait...legacy?


    ...Is that for me?


    I showed a surprised expression.


    ''That''s right, noble one. These sacred soul flames shall be my gift and compensation to you, however...it will also carry my will and memories. In case you decide to not fulfill my last wishes, hehe, there will be consequences!'' The last part was said especially threateningly as small fireballs swirled in the skeleton''s eyesockets.


    I gulped down in fear.


    ''What if I refuse?'' I asked through telepathy.


    ''Hm, how disappointing, I thought you would have guessed by now, you have no say in this, hehe...'' The creepy chuckle gratingly entered my ears.


    ''''Shit! I''ve been had...It''s still good I won''t be dying, but damn, it feels so bad to be ruthlessly taken advantage of.'''' I thought sullenly.


    *Crack, crack~


    He was slowly fading into dust, not that I felt compassionate or anything.


    ''It''s time...''


    The flames in his eyesockets extinguished, while the floating fireball blazed more vigorously.


    The fireball gravitated towards me.


    W...wait, no!


    I struggled futilely. The fireball engulfed me.


    ''''I''m done for!'''' I screamed in my mind with heart beating out of my chest...but soon, I realized, I wasn''t burning, instead, I felt cool sensation throughout my whole body. Astonishingly, even my torn wing was regenerating at speed visible to naked eyes.


    Besides, my mind was filled with all kinds of flashbacks.


    By the end of going through them, I was left petrified. My eyes suddenly felt...sweaty.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< +0.5</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< +0.5</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< +0.5</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>HP fully restored</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You have been granted Sacred Soul Flames


    Magic attribute unlocked.


    +1.0 MAG


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>The sacred soul flames are imbued with the memories of Lumi, The Accursed. The flames will consume the user if her last wishes aren''t fulfilled.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>The host is adviced against using the sacred soul flames, for the lack of knowledge about magic.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Due to possessing sacred soul flames, abilities unlocked:</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Self-Purification - Your flames make you 25% immune to negative status ailments.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Purge - The flames have the ability to weaken evil.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Soul Ignition - The soul shall burn and strengthen the vessel by 300%. Causes permanent damage. Prolonged usage will result in absolute death.</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Coexistence - The unique sacred soul flames accommodates fires of polar, negative and positive alignments. This balance greatly strengthens one''s incorporeal soul and skill damage.</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    You possess outstanding capabilities, superior to the majority of your species at the same level. You have been granted the title - ''''Elite''''


    + 10 HP, +10% all damage value, +10% all resistance value


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    The memories and system notifications jammed in my head was overwhelming. When my consciousness returned to reality, the skeleton had already turned into dust, leaving the black robes behind.


    For some reason, I felt sad, probably because I inherited her memories.


    Yeah, a shock! He was a she!Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Her tragic fate would bring even the most heartless of people to tears.


    However, why was I feeling annoyed?


    I had the reason to be mad, because her last wishes weren''t anything easy to fulfill, in fact, I didn''t even know from where to start.


    Sigh...


    Checking myself out, I realized I was fine and dandy. The torn wing was back to normal...but why do I feel something''s not right?


    Ah! A ghost!


    I screeched involuntarily as I hurriedly distanced myself by soaring up.


    Wait...she looks familiar. It''s her, Lumi, the beautiful female knight she once was, only in incorporeal form.


    What''s happening? Is she going to haunt me?


    I sweated profusely.


    ''Fret not, noble one.'' She said with a sweet smile, which startled me for a second. The transparent projection looked so much like her original self - a short, white-haired young girl, dressed in white glowing armor. The familiar rapier was strapped at her waist.


    I couldn''t help but sigh in regret internally.


    ''You''ve seen it all, right?'' She spoke softly, with head lowered.


    After a brief silence, I nodded.


    ''Don''t let my sisters go through what I did. They are innocent like I was. They know of not their true purpose...tell them the truth. My sacred soul flames shall be your guide and tribute.''


    The projection began fading. She smiled bitterly as she said her last words.


    ''If possible...don''t let my children get hurt, even for what they are...And...if by chance you meet my pudgy boy, tell him, I love him...Farewell and forgive me.''


    Sigh, she''s gone.


    I made it out alive, somehow. It wasn''t without cost, however. There were some sweet benefits too, so it''s not completely my loss.


    It''s evident why she said forgive me at the end of her spiel.


    Her will is the curse, which if left unfulfilled, will consume my soul.


    I have no choice, but to unwillingly do her bidding.


    At least, I got the sacred soul flames and the fragments of her memories. Not only did I learn much about the outside world, but I also learned the language of this world. Unfortunately, with my vocal cords, I''m still unable to speak human language, so I''ll have to make do with telepathy.


    Unfortunately, the fragmented memories didn''t include much about magic, just some basic ABC.


    I took my time to think what to do next. After everything was said and done, I wanted to leave here, but as I was now, I was still reluctant to go, since I was still weak.


    My attention accidentally fell on the lonely black robes that she left behind.


    Out of curiosity, I appraised it. It was intact, despite the beating it should have taken.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>The cloak of deception (Unique)</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>+5.0 all resistance value</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td>Engraved skills: Aura conceal, Disguise, Stealth</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    My eyes gleamed.


    That''s some hot potatoes! I can''t leave it behind! In fact...it can be useful.


    I smirked as I lifted the robes and dragged it along with me as I took off.


    I''ve got an idea.


    After putting it away in my safe hideout, I dismissed my current subordinates and refilled them with new ones.


    On the way, I checked the changes in my status.


    Charisma - 79.5 > 71.5


    Telepathy - 5 > 77.5


    Tenacity - 0 > 0.3


    Agility - 1.42 > 5.62


    Title: ''Elite'' (+10% all damage value, +10% all resistance value)


    HP - 8.5 > 18.5


    Abilities: Self purification(Passive)(25% Debuff resistance), Purge (-10% all stats to negative alignment) Soul Ignition (3x stats, consumes soul) Coexistence (Passive)(+50% soul power, +25% skill damage)


    Skill points - 0, Stat points - 0


    These were all the changes. I was kind of disappointed that my combat abilities haven''t improved, but still, I wasn''t regretful about my choices of investment.


    After registering new bats in my army, I followed the route according to Lumi''s memories and entered the outer periphery of the sealed altar. There were many concealed formations placed and if not for knowing the path, I wouldn''t have found it.


    Soon, I noticed the shadows moving about on the walls.


    I appraised them.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Shadow Lurker</td>


    <td>Realm: 3rd</td>


    <td>Level: ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: ??/??</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I sighed. These were her children she spoke of. Until the very end, she couldn''t accept her children. If not for that, with their help, it would be as easy as willing and I''d be dead.


    I revealed myself, yet they didn''t attack. As expected, they won''t harm me since I possess her sacred soul flames now.


    ''Follow me.'' I ordered them through telepathy.


    Without delay, they obeyed, lurked past rocks and revealed themselves, obediently showing their true form.


    They were formless creatures, birthed from the shadows.


    Their ability - Shapeshifting will be incredibly useful for the plan, that I devised a while ago.


    In total, there were 12 of them, all of them being in the 3rd realm.


    I couldn''t hide my excitement.


    Not only were they a massive boost to my power, but they were also self-sufficient and immaterial, with the ability to conceal themselves in the shadows.


    Self-sufficiency is also extremely unique. The ability to not need oxygen, food, water or any form of sustenance for existence isn''t something many creatures can boast about, after all.


    ''Let''s go.''


    I was elated as they obediently followed my tracks, hiding in my shadow.


    Hehe, who dares bully me now?


    I returned to my concealed hideout, accompanied by my bat bodyguards and the lurkers.


    I ordered everyone to get in the cloak of deception. Of course, I took the lead.


    At first, we messily moved about in the robes, but after a couple of orders and adjustments, the intended goal was achieved.


    If observed from the outside, people would think we were a mysterious human, wearing the black robes for secrecy. The black hoodie obscured our face, which in truth, didn''t exist.


    Lurkers could shapeshift and create mimic human body parts. For example, underneath the hoodie was pitch black rough humanoid face, which was thankfully obscured by the hoodie.


    There were a couple of problems with our form.


    First, to cover our black humanoid hands, formed by the lurkers, a pair of gloves were required, which I currently didn''t have.


    For now, they could be hidden under the sleeves of the long robe.


    Other than that, we wouldn''t be making walking noises, since none of us had humanoid feet. The lurkers could create one, but since their weight was abysmally low, they wouldn''t be capable of making noises.


    It''s ok though. Some skillful people with high agility can do that too...probably.


    Uhh, I''ll think of something later.


    Anyways, it wasn''t hard to guess why I was doing all this.


    I''ve long since wanted to leave this boring place and visit human kingdoms!


    The visual side has been taken care of.


    Eh, there''s also the problem of communication...but I have telepathy, don''t I?


    Alright, everything''s set.


    Hehe, people will think I''m just another human, while in truth, we are just an amalgamation of bats and lurkers hiding under the robes.


    And I, the great...fuck, I still don''t have a name, whatever, I, the great me, is the hivemind. How formidable.


    Alright, it''s time to go. Goodbye, shitty cave.


    We slowly ''''walked'''' towards the entrance of the cave.


    Hmm, I wonder how the human world looks like.

 Chap 17

    Hmm, something''s not right.


    Yours Truly has been traveling for a few days now.


    Uh, isn''t it the time I had my first encounter already?


    I''m sure this is the part, where I meet some noble lady being robbed by some bandits, then I save the day, get some recognition and things keep going...


    Strange, were all the Isekai stories just bullshitting?


    Yeah, I mean what''s the chance of that happening for real?


    Sigh, I''m dying of boredom...


    My fellow sufferers, at least you say something, entertain Yours Truly!


    *Screech, screech~


    Damn your sister! Don''t shout in my ears. Make way, the head position is mine!


    I repositioned myself in the cramped robes.


    There we go, much better!


    The view is decent too, though, there''s nothing noteworthy in sight, just random trees and bushes you see in your average forest.


    What''s that sound? Is there someone singing? Why does it sound so creepy?


    I halted to concentrate on the sound and investigate the source. Unfortunately, the source was quite far, but I perceived the general direction it was coming from.


    Should I go and check it out?


    Meh, beggars can''t be picky. I''ve been dying for something to happen, so I can''t just walk away now.


    ...


    The sound''s getting more and more distinct.


    Damn, it''s giving me chills. Is there some demonic ritual going on or something?


    Oh hey, is that a village?! Finally, a beginner village exclusively prepared for Yours Truly, how wonderful!


    Ahem, maybe I should stop fooling around.


    The singing''s coming from the village. I wonder what''s happening.


    Hurrying my pace, I quickly went down the hills and arrived in the village.


    The houses were dilapidated. They were just a jumble of wooden logs and straw roofs. The crops were healthily growing in the fields, which were surrounded by ugly fences. A couple of chickens could be seen tottering around and pecking on the dusty ground.


    There was not an expected warm welcome. The village seemed desolate as nobody was around.


    Strange.


    I followed the singing noise and quickly realized why the village appeared almost empty.


    Everyone had gathered in the huge square!


    Be it young or old, everybody was there.


    Their attention was focused on something, that was happening ahead.


    I squeezed myself into the crowd.


    Even after pushing quite a few people, nobody bothered about me.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    My curiosity was piqued.


    What the heck were they so focused on?


    Excuse me, coming through~


    I forced my way into the crowd while craning my neck from the robes.


    Finally, I saw the choir, performing the dark souls-ish music.


    I was straightaway stunned by the sight.


    There was someone being crucified right in front of my eyes!


    The beautiful young woman was tied to the pole. Her head hung low, while her face was obscured by her violet, long hair. Her fair, white skin was covered in cuts, bruises, and mud.


    I grew angry as I realized what was happening.


    These bastards!


    The stones were scattered all around while a small pile had accumulated beneath her.


    Animals! What kind of occult shit is this?!


    I forced my anger down as I coldly swept my glance past the villagers, then focused on the choir surrounding the girl in the circle.


    They wore long white cloaks with silver linings and held staves.


    Their creepy chants resounded across the village.


    In their midst was the thin middle-aged man dressed in white robes engraved with golden linings. Both his hands were raised in the air, while his head was gazing into the sky. His expression was one of fanaticism and craze as he was preaching.


    ''God is merciful, for those who banish evil shall be blessed, and those who shield evil shall be cursed.''


    ''They who forsook the teachings of the god shall never be forgiven their heresy. My lord, your children shall carry out your will and keep the humanity from corruption, by purging this evildoer!''


    ...


    I didn''t bother listening to his bullshit as I began appraising.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>??</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 1</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 2.1/13</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    Poor girl. Just what did she deserve to get such treatment?


    Bunch of dog bastards!


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Light Acolyte, ??</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 6</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 38/38</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Light Acolyte, ??</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 7</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 43/43</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Light Acolyte, ??</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 7</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 40/40</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    ...


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Light Priest, ??</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 9</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 58/58</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I can''t beat them head-on, that''s for sure.


    Shadow lurkers are pathetically weak in combat. Besides, light is their weakness.


    ...What am I thinking?


    If I interfere, I''ll be wanted by the church, won''t I?


    Heck with it! They''re a bunch of bastards anyway. Besides, to avenge Lumi, I will have to one day go against them. Why put it off and drag things out?


    Alright, then that''s settled.


    I swept my perception around myself, then gave lurkers orders through telepathy, following which they dispersed.


    Soon they returned.


    ''''Great job, everyone!''''


    Hehe, these idiots didn''t even realize their daggers were pilfered. That''s to be expected, how could lousy villagers detect my sneaky troops?


    Just as I was about to issue another command, I hesitated.


    This is truly a golden opportunity to catch them all off guard and finish them off in one move, but...the priest guy seems to be dangerous. His perception might be high enough to detect them...but lurkers are fast. He shouldn''t be able to react in time, right?


    Well, it doesn''t matter!


    ''''Lurkers, eliminate!''''


    The shadows dispersed from my robes and quickly approached the target. Since they were formless and almost weightless, their agility was off the charts.


    ''Who dares...?!''


    The priest shouted angrily as he quickly chanted something.


    The transparent light spheres were conjured around the acolytes, who were still unaware of their impending doom as they sang heartily.


    ''''Quick, retreat!''''


    I hastily ordered the lurkers with a gloomy heart.


    However, this sneak attack wasn''t completely in vain, because, hehe...the number of light spheres was less than the acolytes.


    The blood splashed as black shadows crept in the acolytes'' shadows and mercilessly slashed their necks.


    They couldn''t even scream as they choked on their own blood.


    No matter how much HP one has, it''s futile if one''s vitals are seriously damaged. High HP will only prolong their suffering.


    I''m aware that they must be able to use healing spells, but can healing spells restore slit throats that fast?


    Heh, I don''t think so!


    *Plop, plop, plop~


    The white cloaked figures fell one by one until only barely more than half of them were standing.


    The shadows invaded my robes from all sides.


    ''BLASPHEMY!'' The priest yelled furiously as he waved his hand, summoning the light arrows.


    ''Ah~''


    ''Mercy lord Hermes!''


    The villagers shrieked as they dispersed messily.


    I didn''t budge from the place and like a cool dude, remained standing, mysteriously shrouded in dark robes.


    Nah...I blend in with the villagers, haha!

 Chap 18

    POV: Rodak


    I didn''t think this matter would get out of hand like this.


    Claire, Baroness of Graast family...is she truly cursed? If not then, why is this happening to us?


    Looking at everyone''s beastly expressions, I couldn''t help but reminisce the past.


    It was about a month ago, she came to our village, in a poor condition.


    The kind villagers gave her shelter and the food.


    After thanking us, she insisting on leaving, but everyone was worried to let such a beautiful, frail girl go alone, so in the end, she stayed.


    We didn''t know of her origin at that time. She told us only later. It''s not that surprising since if the people knew she was a noble, everyone would treat her much better, but they would surely keep their distance and she didn''t want that...


    Honestly, she was a kind girl. Despite her origin, she tried to be helpful to others...I even had a crush on her...


    Everything changed when the people from the church came...


    I didn''t believe she was a devil, nobody did, but they believed and that was enough.


    In the end, to protect themselves and their own families, the villagers had to do what they did.


    They swore viciously as they threw stones at her.


    I personally tried to miss, but the act had to be done, even if I was repulsed by my own actions.


    The influence of the church is deep-rooted. People are reverent and fearful towards them. There''s no way around. Resistance will only bring harm, condemnation, and destruction...


    I knew they were merciless, but as I remember what the priest did, I can''t help but shudder and feel immensely guilty.


    When everyone was throwing stones, a weak, tearful voice sounded.


    ''Mommy, why is everyone being like this?''


    Hermes, this wolf in sheep''s clothing heard this and gave a sign.


    Everybody stopped.


    ''Who was it?'' The priest twisted his head and grinned.


    Nobody answered.


    ''There''s someone here, whose faith is not strong enough. Kindly point out. You all heard that, right? Are you trying to deceive me? Are you trying to deceive the god?'' He cackled.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    I knew where this was going. Everybody would be implicated if nobody spoke up.


    Such scenarios weren''t rare. Villages were massacred in the name of ''eradicating and cleansing the evil.'' Their bullshit had no end.


    ''It was her!'' The middle-aged woman spoke up.


    My expression contorted as I recognized her voice. Everyone knew her and the fact that she was a fanatic, but what she just did...was too inhumane.


    The mother of the little girl, Elise defended her with everything she had, but it was ultimately futile.


    The priest didn''t listen to her pleas as he slowly neared the duo. Everyone fearfully made their ways.


    ''I believe in you.'' He said with a warm smile as he bent his back and stared at the little girl.


    I couldn''t believe my eyes. This...wasn''t how the church conducted themselves. A single word or just simple dislike was already enough of an excuse to vanquish someone out of existence.


    Was I wrong to think of them that way? I doubted myself at that time.


    Elise cried as she knelt and hugged his knees, thanking him for believing them.


    ''What''s your name, little angel?'' He asked.


    ''My daughter is named Annie. I named her after the saint Annie, who eliminated the demons and saved the world two hundred years ago. My daughter''s always been devoted. She prays to god every night...''


    Her mother was elated, as she answered instead of her still-frightened and tearful daughter. She thought Hermes took a liking to her daughter. If she was allowed to become a priest, it would be like leaping over one''s head. The priests had immense influence! Though the majority disliked them, the masses revered them as the people of the god.


    ''Little angel, don''t be afraid. Let''s prove everyone your innocence.'' He said and dragged the girl away from her mother.


    Elise started screaming, scared out of her wits. Annie was also crying as she was dragged away.


    When the duo approached Claire, Hermes bent down and took up a rock.


    ''Prove yourself.'' He said as he handed the stone over.


    Annie started crying as she listened to her mother''s pleas and even threats, but in the end, she couldn''t do it.


    The stone dropped from her small hands as she started crying.


    The priest''s amiable expression twisted as he screamed.


    ''Blasphemy! How dare you not condemn the evil! You must be one of them too!''


    ''NOO, please! Someone, anyone, save my daughter!'' Elise screamed as she was held off.


    I was seething with rage too, but...


    The images of my old grandpa, mother and father flashed past my eyes. In the end, I couldn''t do it. I couldn''t implicate everyone...


    The priest''s staff shone with blinding light as it mercilessly descended on the child.


    I averted my eyes, otherwise, I wouldn''t be able to stop myself.


    Her painful cries as she was beaten to death will haunt me forever.


    In the end, nobody came out to help, either...


    The tragedy couldn''t be avoided.


    After screaming herself hoarse, Elise passed out.


    I stared at Hermes with eyes full of hatred. He cast some spell, which turned the corpse into flying dust, and after all that he''s done, he just continued with his ritual as if nothing happened.


    I cursed the heavens for being unfair. How could the gods let something like this happen? Or...were the gods as cruel as their representatives too?


    Midway into the ritual, something happened.


    ''BLASPHEMY!'' The priest screamed out of the blue. Out of 12 acolytes, 5 fell.


    My eyes widened. Was this heavenly retribution?!


    Wait...no! If they''ll die here, everyone here will be implicated! The church won''t spare us! We are...doomed.


    ...


    Ha, haha...it''s probably for the best. For the bastards, who didn''t even stop an innocent little child from being killed it''s only a rightful judgment.


    So if everybody''s going to die, then, I will for once do the right thing.


    Sorry, grandpa, mother, father...I lost the faith in you, in humanity, in everything...in myself.


    I need to redeem myself. I''ll help this person hunt down the dog priests and if I survive, I swear to live only to eliminate them!


    This world...truly needs cleansing.

 Chap 19

    The horrified acolytes quickly regained their senses but didn''t fall into panic. Seeing the enemy was being dealt with by the priest, they exchanged glances and tended to their comrades'' injuries, casting low-level healing spells.


    At the same time, they stopped the ritual and went on guard, keeping vigilance against the unexpected sneak attacker. Their practiced cooperation and firm mentality, despite encountering the unexpected adversary was commendable.


    Meanwhile, the weak light arrows mercilessly pierced the fleeing villagers'' bodies. They fell while screaming in agony, but none of them were seriously injured.


    ''Come out now!'' The priest hollered.


    ''Please have mercy upon us, Lord Hermes!''


    ''Lord, spare us! We are innocent!'' The villagers cried pitifully.


    ''''He...actually attacked the civilians.''''


    I felt guilty, as I didn''t expect him to act so unbridled, otherwise, I wouldn''t have mixed up with the poor villagers.


    ''Capture him if you want your lives!'' The unpleasant voice rang.


    Shit! So that was his plan. They wouldn''t actually do it, after everything he''s done, right?


    I gulped down, feeling pressured and disgruntled, noticing how the villagers'' eyes focused on me like hungry wolves.


    Come on, are you guys being serious right now?!


    I shouldn''t have felt sorry for you guys in the first place. Sheesh, what a letdown.


    They stopped fleeing. I found myself surrounded by tens of people. How do I even escape now? I thought everybody would be a little more cooperative, but I guess, that''s not too unexpected from the brainwashed mob either.


    ''Get him!'' Someone took the initiative. A few others followed with chilly eyes.


    Here goes nothing...


    I was knocked down, as a bunch of bulky villagers held me down and restricted me.


    ''We got the heretic!'' They shouted as the people made way for the priest. The other fleeing villagers also stopped in their tracks and looked back.


    Seeing the situation favorable, they no longer found it necessary to run.


    ''Son, are you alright?''


    ''Uni, are you hurt?''


    Some people rushed to help the villagers, who now had small bloody holes in their bodies from the light arrows.


    Meanwhile, the others started chirping how they weren''t associated with me and how I was a heretic, how I had to be punished, that they had to be spared, blah, blah, blah...


    Who even cares? Come here, servant of the bullshit god. This daddy here has a little surprise for you!


    I chuckled to myself. I didn''t bother to struggle free, but I had enough brains to show some false struggle.


    The priest confidently strode over, while hitting the bottom of his long staff on the ground for each of his step.


    ''Bind!'' He chanted as I was shackled by some shining ropes.


    ''Move away!'' He said annoyedly.


    My restrictors quickly dispersed to the side, not forgetting a few kicks and curses to please the priest.


    Wow, they are also smooth ass lickers. These guys are so talented. They practice top-notch shamelessness art, unrivaled and unparalleled.


    ''Who sent you?'' The priest frowned as he stopped a few meters away from me.


    Tch, cautious bastard.


    I didn''t answer and continued struggling against the restrictive spell, appearing like a squirming worm.


    ''Lord Hermes, please help my father. He''s dying!'' The little boy wrapped in linen clothes begged while crying as he held his old man, whose chest area was stained with blood, from the injury.


    The priest gnashed his teeth as he turned his head, opened his mouth, but hesitated, then raised his hand.


    ''Heal them!'' He ordered the acolytes and once again turned towards me.


    If only he was standing a bit closer...


    ''Hmm, a bunch of question marks on some weak punk? Derobe him. I want to see his face.''


    Out of my expectations, he didn''t even bother to approach this weak, restricted old me.


    I grew furious as a bunch of villagers once again started making their ways towards me.


    They leave me no choice now!


    Just as I was about to order my bats, something out of my expectations happened.


    Somebody lifted a giant greatsword and smashed down on one of the people, who were about to approach me.


    That person instantly turned into a bloody pulp as he couldn''t even scream in time.


    ''Why...you!'' Another middle-aged guy turned around and eyed the man with a greatsword with contracted eyes as he saw the sweeping iron chunk approaching his waist.


    He barely jumped back in time, but to his side, a desperate wail was made by a young man, whose stomach was cut open, while his innards spilled out.


    ''Rodak, what are you doing?!'' The middle-aged man yelled, his tone laced with anger and disbelief.


    The ordinary looking man in his thirties with a cleanly shaven beard, but short and unkempt brown hair walked out from the crowd. He wore a worn out gray linen shirt, and old, dirty ankle length pants.


    I was surprised and curious about his intentions.


    ''You...animal! What have you done?!'' The old man with a walking stick howled at the man.


    Rodak stood in front of me as if shielding me from the psycho priest. Now bloody greatsword was pierced through the ground, while its hilt was held by his left arm. The villagers were staring at him with aghast, horrified and disbelieving expressions.


    The sun shone down upon his lowered head, while wind ruffled his coarse clothes. My heart beat faster as I felt moved. What? I don''t swing that way, but, you know, that''s some moving fantastical circumstantial coincidence...yeah, let''s call it that.


    The man who was called Rodak didn''t seem to hear the old man as he quietly stared at the frowning priest.


    He lifted up his sword and abruptly swung it my way. I was alarmed as there was no time to dodge, so I only managed to change my position in the robes along with others, so we wouldn''t be hit, but the expected attack never came.


    The greatsword grazed past me. With a booming sound, the white glowing ropes shackling me dispersed into light particles.


    ''How dare you side with the sinner?'' The priest showed his yellow teeth while revealing an unnatural grin.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    The villagers followed the priest as they erupted. The women screamed while men started cursing and questioning him.


    ''Just what kind of child did you raise, old Jun?''


    Some people started cursing at the old man with a walking stick.


    Receiving insults from others, old Jun grew even more furious as he yelled.


    ''You dog bastard, degenerate! I don''t have a grandchild like you! Did I teach you this? Is this how you pay me? You...''


    ''Shut up!'' Hermes grew tired and annoyed, listening to the brainless bunch and roared threateningly.


    Meanwhile, I got up from the ground and transmitted to him through telepathy.


    ''Thanks, I guess.''


    Rodak turned his head a little and eyed me with surprise, which was soon replaced by the calm look. He nodded at me slightly and looked ahead. I stood by his side.


    ''So you guys are together in this, huh? Hehehehe~'' Looking at us, standing side by side, staring at him with unkind intent, the priest chuckled as he grabbed his forehead and grinned as if having seen something funny.


    ''You see, God hates rebels. It is my due duty to eradicate them if they are beyond saving, and you two...certainly are.'' He continued, appearing at ease.


    ''What''s wrong? Why are you not making your moves? Could it be...that you''re scared?'' The priest laughed in amusement and ridicule, while his eyes glinted with sinister light.


    ''Don''t worry. This lord doesn''t need to bully a bunch of retards with numbers. I will personally teach you a lesson!'' He appeared excited.


    ''Hey big guy, you aren''t thinking of fighting them, are you?'' I transmitted to Rodak, then slightly shook my head.


    ''The villagers, the acolytes, and the crazy fellow...we''re disadvantaged. He''s just giving us a false sense of safety by fighting us solo. How about this...let''s pretend we fight seriously, but when the opportunity arrives, let''s grab the witch and escape, alright?'' I tried to persuade him, sensing his seriousness.


    He looked at me with eyes full of disapproval. His brows were knitted together.


    I had to continue persuading him.


    ''We can always have our revenge later. There''s another variable. If the priest is weak, we''ll just finish him off and without him, they''ll be like headless chickens.


    After a brief hesitation, he nodded solemnly.


    I like this guy. He''s so cooperative.


    As we were silently hatching our schemes, the aura around the priest began to change.


    His goatee started moving, even though the wind wasn''t blowing. His robes also started fluttering, while his body began emitting light.


    He lifted three fingers, which was some kind of sign to the acolytes, following which the changes around him intensified.


    Feeling the dangerous aura coming from him, I was alarmed and didn''t dare move rashly.


    Things won''t be as easy as imagined, I thought.


    In fact, I was having a bad premonition.


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, the priest''s body was lifted off the ground as he started levitating five centimeters above ground, while his body emitted weak holy light.


    The staff broke out of his hand and began floating behind his back. His coarse hands shone with blinding light as they were enveloped by transparent light spheres, like boxing gloves.


    He rolled out his tongue and started cackling.


    ''Where there is light, there is no place for darkness. In the name of the god of light, I, Hermes, shall banish you into the abyss!''


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Light Priest, Hermes [Elite]</td>


    <td>Realm: 3rd</td>


    <td>Level: ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 71/71</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I cursed as I found the current situation unfavorable, but we still had to proceed.


    To uplift his battle power like this, this guy''s clearly not planning a fair fight.


    Rodak gave a roar and charged at Hermes. I followed closely behind.


    ''Die, you son of a whore!'' Rodak threw profanity as his grip on the weapon tightened.


    ''Kekekeke~'' The priest chuckled sinisterly.


    Is he not going to dodge?


    ''Haaaaaaah!'' Rodak roared as he swung around the giant greatsword across his shoulders, his body twisting in a way, that helped him exert 120% power of his body.


    *Bang!


    The greatsword was rebounded as transparent light barrier rippled to the priest''s side.


    My expression turned ugly as I realized what kind of game Hermes was playing.


    We weren''t exactly fighting 2 VS 1, but 2 VS 8! The acolytes were casting buffs and spells to help him indirectly.


    ''You stall him. I''ll get rid of the acolytes!'' I transmitted to Rodak through telepathy, while dashing past the priest.


    ''Funny!'' I heard a ridiculing chuckle as the staff floating behind his back shot a thin, sweeping, light beam at my direction.


    I ducked and dodged, unobstructed, and continued running in the acolytes'' direction.


    *Bang


    I smashed into a transparent barrier and fell on my back, cursing. So that''s how it is. These guys sure are sinister. We''re trapped here.


    ''You are worse than a beast!'' Rodak growled as he swung around his giant sword at amazing speed and momentum. Each attack was perfectly blocked by transparent barriers, which rippled upon contact.


    ''Kekekeke, futile, futile!'' Hermes guffawed.


    ...


    ''Aaah!''


    A few seconds later, I heard Rodak''s miserable cry. I quickly jumped on my feet and turned around.


    Fuck, is this guy really a priest?


    Hermes was punching Rodak with his light gloves. Not only that, but this brute, who wielded the greatsword with ease was constantly retreating as he barely defended himself, shielding himself with the greatsword.


    *Bang!


    Hermes'' shining fist connected with Rodak''s sword once again, which hurled his bulky body behind.


    He slid off the ground and barely stabilized himself.


    Hermes grabbed the staff from his back and whipped Rodak''s shoulder.


    He was unprepared. The bone-cracking sound rang as Rodak grunted, while his shoulder started bleeding.


    Damn it! I need to do something! He won''t hold for long and next, it''ll be my turn.


    I lifted the long sleeve of my robes, which touched the barrier.


    ''Lurkers, break through it!''


    The shadows rushed from my sleeves. They merged and unleashed devastating blow to the barrier.


    *Bang, crack, crack!''


    The cracks began spreading on the transparent barrier.


    ''Huh?'' The dumbfounded priest looked back, astonished.


    The acolytes were also shaken.


    Well, what did you expect from 12 third realm lurkers'' synthesized attack? Even though their strength value is low, it''s only relatively and individually.


    If they combine their formless bodies, their add up strength isn''t merely an addition.


    ''Again!''


    With another heavy bang, the light barrier crumbled.


    ''Kill him!'' Hermes roared. He ignored the beaten Rodak and prepared to pursue me, but Rodak suddenly gave a beastly roar as he sprang from the ground and swept the greatsword now coated in earth elemental aura across the priest''s waist.


    Hermes floated back swiftly and dodged the strike, which broke through his transparent barrier. He ground his teeth in anger.


    ''I''ll eliminate you, heretic!'' The light arrows were conjured around his head, then launched towards Rodak, who started spinning along with his sword unnaturally and blasted off the arrows.


    Meanwhile, I sprinted towards the acolytes, dodging their light projectiles with high agility.


    ''UU, SEI, IAAN!'' They chanted something simultaneously, following which I found myself sandwiched between two light barriers.


    My body appeared to be convulsing as lurkers smashed over and over against the barriers, while hidden inside the robes'' chest.


    The barrier quickly broke, but about dozen light projectiles were just about to smash into me.


    There was no time to dodge. The bats took all the damage, while I was unharmed. I didn''t want lurkers to be struck by the light spells, which they were especially weak against.


    ''Light bind!'' The acolytes chanted once again.


    I was once again bound by light ropes.


    It''s useless! Even if you wrap iron chains around us, it won''t work, since we aren''t human, hehe!


    The distance considerably shortened between us.


    You guys...are doomed now.


    ''Sonic bat!''


    *Screech!''


    Their chants were interrupted as they were momentarily stunned from the sonic shriek.


    ''Water bat!''


    *Ssssss~


    The mist started spreading around my body and enveloped the priests.


    Good! Now, it''s my playground!


    ''Aaah! Get away from me!''


    Go ahead crunchie, bite his face off!


    The miserable screams rang from the mist. Trickster bat painted the mist with vague bat outlines, tricking them into attacking the nonexistent targets.


    Now, they were basically helpless lambs, ready to be slaughtered. The lurkers revealed themselves and under the mist''s cover slit the acolytes'' throats with daggers.


    Their defensive spells quickly crumbled, while their offense was offset by the confusing situation created by me and my troops.


    In a few seconds, the new notifications were issued by the system.


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>+3% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>+2% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


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    <tr>


    <td>+2% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


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    <td>+3% Exp</td>


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    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+3% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+2% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>+2% Exp</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I quickly ordered everyone to return in the robes, then freed the witch.


    ''Kill them! Don''t let them escape!'' The priest hollered wrathfully.


    I looked back, only to realize that villagers were slowly surrounding us.


    The injured Rodak was running in my direction. He had abandoned his longsword. Good choice. You can''t run with that iron junk!


    ''Quick, I''ll cover you.'' I spoke to him through telepathy.


    The priest lost his blessings and was chasing after us with ferocious expression.


    He no longer used long distance light spells as villagers blocked his view. He wouldn''t be so stupid to attack them as they were aiding him in capturing us.


    ''Rodak, you traitor! I won''t let you get away!''


    The angry looking middle-aged man blocked his path while wielding an iron hammer.


    Fuck off, bitch! Lurkers, kill him gruesomely!


    All the lurkers split off from my robes and crawled up through the middle-aged man''s shadow.


    The pursuing villagers halted and stared, horrified as the shadows wrapped around his body and ultimately devoured him.


    They went in and out of his seven orifices and ruthlessly cut his flesh with the daggers, peeling his flesh, causing his corpse to be slowly broken down into bloody pus.


    Rodak used this opportunity and broke out of the encirclement.


    ''Disgraceful fools! Don''t let them escape!'' The priest was screaming himself hoarse, but we have already made quite some distance. The villagers were too scared to follow us after I killed the monkey to scare the tigers.


    Regretfully, we couldn''t kill the priest, but we survived and rescued the witch.

 Chap 20

    A few minutes later, I looked back to check if there were any pursuers.


    My perception didn''t catch anything.


    ''I think we ditched them.''


    Rodak didn''t turn back at all. He led in the front while carrying the unconscious witch on his back.


    ''Try not to leave any trails.'' Came a reply only a few seconds later.


    ''Got it.'' I answered confidently. Yours truly doesn''t have human legs, hence there won''t be large footprints either.


    ''What''s the deal with this girl?'' I couldn''t hold my curiosity after a few minutes of boring fleeing session.


    ''Let''s talk later. We might not be safe yet.'' Came a firm and serious reply.


    Boooring!


    ...


    The midday had passed for about few hours. The three of us found a natural cavity in an old tree. Outside, there was a complicated flora, creating a natural cover.


    Rodak was drenched in sweat as he panted heavily.


    ''I think it''s safe now.'' I commented to start a conversation.


    ''Yeah.''


    ...That''s it? This guy...he''s getting on my nerves!


    ''Ahem, let''s start with an introduction. My name is Fenir, nice to meet you.'' I decided to give myself a name. Otherwise, people will suspect something.


    ''Mm, likewise. I''m Rodak. I''m sure you''ve heard already.'' He nodded.


    ''So, what''s the plan now?'' I threw another pathetic attempt at extending the conversation.


    ''Rest for an hour. The city''s 2 hours walk from here, huff...I know the shortcut.'' He said with unsteady breath.


    ''Oh.'' I acknowledged while secretly praising him.


    ''Aren''t you hungry?'' He asked after recovering.


    ''Not really.''


    ''...Me neither, but in any case, we can''t go with empty stomachs.'' He stood up, ready to search for some food.


    ''Don''t go anywhere. I''ll be back.''


    ''Wait a minute. You don''t need to go.'' I answered annoyedly, as I had some questions for him, yet he was running away.


    I lifted my sleeve. 3 bats got out and went out.


    ''They''ll search for food. You relax here.'' Chuckling, I reassured alarmed Rodak.


    ''Alright.'' He stared at me with complicated emotions and ultimately sat down.


    ''Hey, what''s with that look? Am I that scary?'' I felt uncomfortable under his inquisitive gaze.


    ''You''re weird.'' He mumbled.


    ''Deal with it.'' If I had a human hand, I''d show him the middle finger.


    ''So, about this girl...'' I continued while pointing at the unconscious girl.


    Rodak sighed and closed his eyes.


    ''Claire Graast, the sole heir of the Graast family.''


    So she''s a nobility? I stared at the sleeping beauty with a new light.


    She was wrapped in Rodak''s shirt and was leaning against the hard bark of the tree.


    Her injuries seemed to be recovering slowly, but they would still need to be tended to. We''ll need to get to the city first, though.


    ''So, did she have any relations with the village?''


    Rodak nodded and continued telling her story.


    I was angry when I heard the part when she was forsaken by the villagers.


    ''You people simply have no balls!'' I exclaimed angrily.


    Rodak kept silent after telling the story.


    ''The church has the influence to dictate our lives. Most of the time, there''s nothing you can do, even in the face of injustice.'' He whispered with lowered head.


    I sneered in my heart.


    Yours truly''s an earthling. I''ve not been a bright student, but I''ve learned enough history to know where this is going.


    Abusing one''s power and authority is a common practice for those in power. Twisting words and brainwashing the common people isn''t unseen occurrence either.


    To deal with this kind of thing, one needs balls! And power!


    ''Why didn''t you help earlier?'' He whispered with a trembling voice.


    ''What do you mean? Did something happen before I arrived?'' I frowned.


    ''So you weren''t there...that''s a relief.''


    ''What are you talking about? Don''t beat around the bush.''


    Rodak opened his mouth, but closed it and chose to keep silent.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ''Whatever.'' I snorted, displeased.


    An awkward silence fell between us.


    ''Fe...no, Sir Fenir, if not for you, I wouldn''t have been able to do what I did today. For this, thank you.'' He bowed his head.


    Eh? What''s he talking about?


    ''Now that acolytes were killed, the village is done for. There''s...nothing left for me now, except for hatred and vengeance...''


    ''What?! That''s bullshit!'' I sprang up, agitated.


    ''Care not, Sir Fenir, the village deserves to be destroyed!'' He looked up with bloodshot eyes. Even I was scared for a second.


    ''What nonsense are you spouting? Weren''t you raised there? How can you abandon them like that?'' His good guy image was slowly crumbling in my mind.


    ''I''ll abandon them like they abandoned the pitiful child. They saw her beaten to death and nobody spoke a word!'' Rodak stood up and roared at me.


    ''I...was there too.'' He spoke through clenched teeth and trembling fists.


    ...Shit, what a shocker. I get it. I see what''s going on now.


    ''Rodak...'' I spoke in a low voice.


    *Bang!


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    <td>< - 8!</td>


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    I smashed the lurker amalgamation fist at his chest, which blasted him off out of the crevice.


    He coughed blood and attempted to get up with trembling hands.


    I walked out of the cave and stared down at him.


    ''Someone needed to do that for you...I know how you must feel.''


    Rodak gasped for breath, while his mouth leaked blood. He grasped the dirty mud with his hand and screamed.


    ''Aaah!'' He cried loudly.


    I didn''t disturb him and returned in the tree, leaving him with his own guilt.


    After a long ten minutes, he returned. He was dirty and his eyes were red.


    I got up and carried up Claire on my back.


    ''We need to get going.'' I walked out. He nodded and followed.


    ''Lead the way.'' Yeah, I don''t know the ways around here.


    He nodded again absentmindedly and began navigating through the forest.


    After a brief hesitation, I spoke up again.


    ''Our goals are almost similar. I need to deal with some bastards from the church. We can travel together if you want.'' I suggested. It''s not like I''m not saying this to get a useful guide and powerful companion or anything.


    ''Thanks for forgiving me.'' Rodak stopped and spoke with trembling voice.


    ''As long as you forgive yourself...'' I sighed and patted his back.


    ''For that, I''ll need to destroy them!''


    ''Well, an admirable determination, but for now, let''s get going. It''s getting late. We need to get there before night.''


    And so we continued our journey, but halfway through...


    Hmm?


    ''Rodak, come here, she''s waking up!'' I gently lied her down in the comfortable grass bed.


    He promptly walked over.


    Her eyelashes fluttered open, revealing mesmerizing ruby eyes.


    ''Why...am I still alive?'' She murmured.


    Eh? What kind of question is this? I and Rodak exchanged confused glances.


    ''Rodak, it''s you...and you...did you two save me?'' She asked in a weak, soft voice.


    Rodak scratched the back of his head.


    ''Indeed'' I transmitted the message to her.


    ''I see...then, you two will have to kill me.'' She spoke with an unchanged tone.


    Rodak faltered. I was also dumbfounded. What shit is this girl spouting?


    ''Why?'' I asked with a frown.


    ''Why did you two have to save me?'' She glared at us resentfully.


    ''Claire, what are you saying?'' Rodak sweated as he asked anxiously.


    As for me, I was fuming in anger.


    ''Go ahead and kill yourself then, ungrateful brat. If you don''t treasure your life, you are free to throw it away, even after we went through all the trouble for you.'' I transmitted angrily.


    She glared at me and opened her cherry lips.


    ''Mother said suicide is the greatest sin, so I can''t...Please, my saviors, end my life for me.''


    ''Hey, what did you tell her?'' Rodak punched me angrily.


    He sat down and caressed her head lovingly.


    ''It''s okay, Claire. We won''t let you get hurt anymore.''


    She shook her head and insisted that we kill her once again.


    ''My brain cells are dying, Rodak. You deal with her.'' I sent him the message.


    ''You need to take responsibility. You have to kill me.''


    ''No.'' Rodak flatly refused.


    ''Please, I want to die.''


    ''Not happening.''


    ''...''


    ''...''


    ''Then...all I need is to convince you.'' She replied. I sensed how much she hated herself, but still, there''s no way we are going to do it.


    ''You won''t be able to convince us.'' I meant it. ''Let''s listen to her and convince her after.'' I transmitted to them separately.


    After a brief silence, she started...Her expressionless face showed a brief, breathtaking smile.


    ''When I was little, my parents doted on me a lot...''


    ...Alright, time for bedtime stories.


    ''Once, daddy bought me a rainbow colored parrot. I named her Freya. I liked and played with it a lot.''


    Hey, what are we even listening to? Is she pranking us? What does her sweet childhood memories have to do with her current state?


    I was skeptical, but I still continued listening.


    ''In a year and a half, Freya passed away. I was heartbroken. Daddy consoled me and told me he would buy me a new one, but I didn''t want any other parrot. I wanted Freya to return...''


    *Yawn...yeah? What happened next?


    She continued speaking with brief pauses.


    ''I couldn''t let her go. I didn''t want to bury her. I didn''t want to part with it...and the miracle happened...''


    ''Daddy, look, she''s alive! I remember telling him that. I felt hurt when he looked at me with horrified, fearful eyes...Daddy was always kind to me, doting on me, playing with me. I wondered why he would look at me with such eyes...''


    ''He snatched Freya away and berated me, that I should never do this again...I didn''t understand at that time...I didn''t understand how much he cared for me.''


    ''The years passed. I and daddy weren''t that close anymore. He distanced himself from me, while I was resentful towards him...I''m sorry daddy, I didn''t know you only wanted good for me...''


    She cried for a while, then continued.


    ''2 years passed like this. I missed the previous daddy. I was so lonely. I forgave him, but he wouldn''t look at me like he used to. The distance between us once again increased...''


    ''Shortly... my kind, gentle mommy passed away too. My world crumbled...Father broke down in grief...''


    ''Funeral...I did it again...My mother woke up from the coffin. I did it...''


    ''Look, daddy, mommy''s alive once again...I cried in happiness while hugging my mother...I wondered why her eyes were hollow and why she wasn''t saying anything, but I didn''t care. I was happy she was back.''


    As I listened to her story, a creepy chill went down my spine. This girl...


    ''Soon, I realized, everyone was looking at me. I found their eyes familiar...it was the eyes that daddy showed me when I revived Freya. I felt hurt. Why were my dear relatives looking at me like that...why were they not happy that mommy was back, that we could be happy once again? I was too naive...''


    ''I remember daddy arguing with the priest, who led the funeral. I wasn''t aware of what I had done...''


    ''My family was destroyed by the Inquisition army. I brought disaster upon everyone. Daddy was also killed. Everything was my fault...''


    ''I was the one who brought disaster upon this kind villagers too. It''s my fault. I''m cursed. Everyone I love and cares for me will die...I don''t want people to die for my sake once again, so please, kill me.''


    I stood there petrified. Rodak was also silent.


    Claire slowly sat up and looked at us with tearstained eyes.


    ''It''s not your fault...'' Rodak mumbled.


    ''I see...you''re not going to kill me, even as it''s your fault I''m alive...are you?''


    ''...''


    ''...''


    ''I don''t want to die in their hands, in their dirty hands which murdered my father. I don''t have anyone else, who I could ask...please...''


    ''...''


    ''...''


    ''Ha...ha.'' She laughed hollowly as she stood up.


    Suddenly, the aura around her changed. Her long, violet hair started turning white and began fluttering, while her eyes lost focus. Her healthy skin also turned paler and paler.


    Rodak took a step back, while I also retreated in alarm.


    The ground trembled as the bone-rattling sound rang.


    The earth was split open as skeletal hands popped up one after another.


    ''I''ll make you kill me!'' Claire said as vile aura burst from her.


    This...this lunatic!


    The skeleton soldiers rose from the ground. The blue flames flickered in their eye sockets.


    *Rattle, rattle~


    The joints crackling sound constantly rang as dozens of skeletal figures came out of earth creepily.


    The dying light of eventide painted her now demonic face crimson.


    Her status also changed.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Claire Graast, Necromancer [Tyrant]</td>


    <td>Realm: 3rd</td>


    <td>Level: ??</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 13/13</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 Chap 21

    ''Claire, there''s no need for all this, knock it off!'' Rodak anxiously berated, but his words didn''t seem to get to her.


    In fact, something felt off about her. Her eyes were different and her demeanor changed. It was as if I were looking at another person.


    The skeletons surrounded us as they moved our way, clearly us being their targets.


    This is going out of hand. We are besieged from all sides.


    Suddenly, the skeleton standing behind me flung its body onto me with the intention of latching on my back.


    I slightly changed my posture and avoided it. The low intelligence skeleton fell at my feet.


    At my will, lurkers merged into a foot shape and stomped down on the skeleton''s skull.


    *Crack


    Its head broke apart into bone pieces, which marked the end of its life. Unfortunately, the elimination of mere summons didn''t yield any Exp.


    Frowning, I analyzed the situation.


    Claire wanted us to kill her, but, I risked my life to save her once, hence killing her wouldn''t sit well with me unless I had absolutely no way out.


    I glanced at panicking Rodak, who was futilely trying to convince her. Without his greatsword, he would soon be drowned in the wave of skeletons.


    As I was almost surrounded, I finally decided to take action. The bats inside the robes vigorously flapped their wings, while lurkers clung onto us. Our robes fluttered as we took off.


    We were slowly approaching Claire.


    ''Fenir, what are you doing?!'' Rodak shouted angrily, apparently misunderstanding my intentions.


    ''Don''t worry, I have a plan. She might be saved.''


    According to my options, I devised a simple plan. If it didn''t work, I could always flee.


    ''Don''t you dare!'' Rodak roared in anger and jumped high up in the air.


    *Crack!


    The skull of the skeleton soldier, which was used as his foothold exploded as he flew up in the air.


    Eh? Why''s he getting so emotional?


    ''I''m not going to kill her, idiot. Calm the fuck down!'' I said angrily.


    ''Bullshit! Why else would you be...no, I won''t let you hurt her!'' He loudly shouted and ran across the skeletons'' heads.


    ...What the heck is wrong with him?! Ah, wait, could he have some feelings towards her, hence his overprotectiveness? But still, this much distrust is hurting my little heart~


    ''Ah'' Rodak exclaimed as his leg was pulled down by skeletons.


    Serves you right. Beat him up, guys! Wait, they won''t hold back. Poor Rodak might get killed if I don''t hurry. Despite his current attitude, I don''t want him to get killed.


    I hope this works.


    ''Haaah!'' His throat exhaled booming roar, which rang like a clap of thunder. The invisible sound waves exploded, which swept the surrounding skeletons.


    ''Come back here, Fenir!'' Rodak stomped and ran after me. His body grew as he was now covered in thick layer of earth, like a golem.


    Shit, I underestimated him. This guy''s bad news. I don''t want to fight him.


    ''No! You are supposed to obey me!'' Suddenly, the piercing shriek rang from Claire.


    The skeletons froze like string-cut puppets.


    She''s acting as if possessed. I don''t know what''s happening, but this is an opportunity, as she appears vulnerable.


    The blue flames materialized around me and started flickering according to my will. Despite them appearing docile, they flames backfired due to my lack of comprehension towards magic, but it was still affordable.


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    Ignoring the uncomfortable feeling, I focused to activate one of the abilities of the flame.


    Purge - Has the ability to weaken evil, the description said.


    I''m not exactly sure how it works...but I hope it does.


    After all, I''m too lazy to fight this pointless battle, so I want it to end.


    The flames began revolving and dancing around me, following which I guided it to converge itself into a small blue fireball, which I threw towards Claire.


    I hope she''s not killed...I truly hope purge lives up to its description, otherwise, I don''t know how I''ll look at Rodak in the eyes.


    *Rumble


    The earth shook. The ground around Claire rose up in a circle and completely covered her from all sides.


    ''Why are you doing this, Fenir...I thought you were different...why are you trying to kill her?'' Rodak, who has now turned into an earth golem rose up from the mud, positioning himself in front of Claire, who was protected inside mud sphere.


    Fuck!


    This!


    Shit!


    Why is the everyone that I meet that ends up as a freak? Aren''t there any normal people in this world? Where did this poor bloke of a villager get such cool magic spells? Is magic that common? Are freaks that common?


    God, what power-hungry world.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Rodak Werne, Earth Warrior  [Tyrant]</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 8/10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 119/119</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    He''s also a tyrant!


    It means he''s a level above elite, which he was moments ago.


    After acquiring elite title myself, I got interested in this subject. Fortunately, the system wasn''t stingy and answered truthfully.


    It appears, after 2nd realm, in order to advance, the level isn''t enough. Only if one has acquired at least Elite title, can one advance and enter the 3rd realm, but the person will lose the elite title, which can be regained if your skill level becomes good enough for the same realm.


    What does Elite mean? It means, that system acknowledges your power, that in the same realm you can beat most things.


    Above Elite, there''s a tyrant. If let''s say, 2nd realm tyrant advances to the 3rd realm, his title will become grade lower, so he''ll become 3rd realm elite.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Tyrants have a 20% damage boost and 20% damage reduction, mouthwatering properties, I must say.


    However, the tyrant is merely the second level of ''''advancement titles''''.


    I feel cheated. The system said, that people need a lot of time to polish their skills and get the elite title. Some talentless people might never even acquire it and remain in the same realm. That''s the case for the majority of the people in the higher realms.


    Only about 1 in every 1000 people might have a tyrant title. Bullshit! Screw your mother, system!


    Then what''s the chance of meeting 2 tyrants? Isn''t it 1 in million? Oh, how lucky I am, haha, lady fortune smiles upon me...Ah, I''m so angry!


    ''Fuck off, Rodak! Don''t you see I''m trying to save her?! These are sacred soul flames, which can purge evil out of her.'' I swear this is my last attempt at reasoning with him. If he doesn''t listen, I''m going to beat the shit out of him.


    The golem''s eyes gleamed with orange luster.


    ''Sacred flames...so you were also from the church...I was naive to believe in you...DIE! Earth spikes!''


    My expression contorted as I fumed in anger.


    You asked for it!


    The giant pointy spikes rose from the ground and eliminated at least a dozen skeletons, even if they weren''t the main target.


    I flew up higher and easily avoided the spikes, which was followed by the swipe of the golem''s giant hand, which I also dodged.


    I retreated tens of meters in the air.


    Should I just ditch them? No, I''ll teach this guy a lesson.


    Do you think you are so strong? Do you think I''m afraid of you just because you''re a tyrant? How naive...you''re alone, while I''m not.


    Rodak in his golem form didn''t chase after me. It''s easy to guess why. His priority is to protect Claire...from me.


    Oh, how I hate misunderstandings!


    My kindness was slapped across my face. Fine, let''s spice things up a little more. How about more misunderstandings? I don''t even care anymore. I''m going to reveal my true form and also...my ultimate form. Hehehehe~


    How I wanted to try this! Now I get the chance. Don''t worry poor Rodak, I''m not going to kill you, as you''re not my enemy, but for treating me like one, I''m going to slap you. I''m going to beat you where your forte is.


    I don''t need sneaky and deceptive tactics. I''ll face you head on and crush you along with your confidence.


    I hope you''ll learn from this and hopefully grow more thirsty for power. After all, we have a common enemy. Even if we''re not fated to be allies, at least we can involuntarily help each other as we go on our ways separately. Yup, that''s a nice plan.


    As for Claire, she''s going to suffer because of you, as you''re not letting me heal her. Poor girl. I''m going to attempt healing her after I defeat you.


    Now it''s time I showed you my final form!


    ...


    Hahaha, I always wanted to do this, I''m so excited. I wonder if I''ll look cool.


    I''m not fighting to the death, besides my opponent isn''t exactly an enemy too, which kind of kills the mood, but oh well, he''s strong, which is enough for me to show off a bit.


    Alright, time to get serious.


    The buttons of my black robes split open. I finally decided to reveal myself.


    The formless shadow lurkers merged into over half meter long bat. In the head position, my crimson eyes shone. The other bats were also aligned in different positions of the shadow bat.


    Ignite!


    Our new form was instantly engulfed in blazing blue flames, which didn''t harm my allies in any way.


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    <td>< -0.6</td>


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    </table>


    I received a small activation backlash though, which I didn''t mind much.


    ''A monster? So this is who you really are?'' The amplified deep voice rang from the golem.


    The lurkers'' stats and HP overlapped as they merged into a single entity. I and my bats were safe inside, as long as their amplified health pool didn''t deplete, or the collision shockwave wasn''t too overbearing.


    And so, I had nothing to fear!


    I dove down with shocking momentum.


    Rodak lifted his giant golem hand to smash me into bits. Hehe, you''re underestimating me too much.


    *BANG


    The shockwaves spread like a tide as the golem''s fist and my flaming giant shadow bat body collided.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>< -5.2!</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    I was shaken by the amount of damage mere shockwaves dealt me, despite being protected by a merged outer shell of lurkers.


    As for lurkers, their combined HP pool was above 100, which fell by over 30 points.


    You didn''t kill me in one shot, so it''s my win!


    My flaming form melted through the giant''s hand. The impact caused the golem to stumble, taking a step back.


    ''How did you...?!'' Rodak''s shaken voice rang from inside the golem. The trees tens of meters away were shaking like feeble leaves.


    The skeletons were thrown away like helpless chickens.


    How do you like that, huh?


    Suddenly, as we were going neck to neck at each other, the cracking sound rang from the mud ball, where Claire was situated in.


    Baleful aura spread across the air.


    Oh no...was the treatment late?


    ''Look what you did.'' I exclaimed, scolding Rodak.


    *Crack!


    The mud ball exploded, revealing white-haired Claire with crimson eyes. The skeletons once again rose, but this time, they were stronger.


    A chill crept down my spine, as I appraised them. All of them had turned from 1st realm toddlers to 2nd realm elites.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skeleton Warrior (Summon)[Elite)</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 5/10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 50/50</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skeleton Archer (Summon)[Elite)</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 5/10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 35/35</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>Skeleton Mage (Summon)[Elite)</td>


    <td>Realm: 2nd</td>


    <td>Level: 5/10</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td colspan="3">HP: 40/40</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    These things now truly possess a threat.


    I was wondering why her HP was so low despite being a tyrant? I''m assuming that something still hadn''t taken over her at that time, but now...she''s truly a tyrant. Good job, Rodak. You successfully aided with your strong hands and tadah~


    Now one-handed golem was viciously bombarded with arrows, spells, and attacks from all sides. Even I was frightened by the crazy mob.


    The giant rock mud golem crumbled as its HP depleted literally in a few seconds.


    The illusory purple hand shot out of crimson eyed Claire''s back and pierced through the golem, retrieving the bleeding Rodak.


    *Ahuhuhu~


    Claire laughed creepily as she stared at helpless Rodak.


    ''Claire...don''t you remember me? If you can hear me, please...Ahh~''


    The purple illusory hand grip tightened on him, while Claire started laughing like a lunatic.


    I have to stop her!


    I sneakily flew behind her and threw purging fireballs at her. Again, I received a small backlash.


    More purple hands grew from her back and blocked the fireballs.


    ...Does she have eyes on her back or something?


    Claire turned her head behind and stared back at me with a devilish grin.


    Naughty girl. Do you think I''m scared of you?


    The flames blazed as I began flying irregularly around her while sending fireballs every once in a while.


    The skeletons'' spells and arrows were easily dodged as my perception and echolocation were as high as ever.


    Claire had to constantly defend. In a few seconds, her expression contorted. I bet she''s annoyed and overwhelmed. Good, I can''t keep this up for long either.


    *Bang, crackle


    After several failed attempts, one fireball finally crashed into her, which soon blazed. Claire let out a piercing shriek.


    Good.


    I bombarded her with more fireballs and watched as she screamed while being consumed in blue flames.


    ''No!'' Heavily wounded Rodak roared painfully, seeing her engulfed in flames.


    Claire screamed gibberish for a while. In a few seconds, the fire died down, as she helplessly plopped down, unconscious.


    ...Did it work? At least she wasn''t burned down.


    The bone soldiers froze, then crumbled into bone pieces, following which they turned into bone dust and were scattered by the wind.


    I located my robes and dove down to cover myself and my gang.


    ''She''s alive, right?'' I asked Rodak, who was kneeling and holding unconscious Claire in his hands.


    He nodded and glanced at me with a complicated expression.


    ''Thank you...I misunderstood you, I''m sorry.''


    ''It''s alright. Everything''s good that ends well.'' I generously waved my nonexistent hand.


    ''Fenir, I owe you my life. I decided to dedicate myself to destroying the holy church of light. If our purpose coincides...allow me to be your aid.'' He knelt down, sounding all serious.


    Eh? Well, how should I respond to that?


    ''Are you sure you want to do that? I''m a monster, you know?''


    ''It doesn''t matter. as long as you do what''s right, I won''t betray you.''


    ''Well, alright then.''


    Wow. We came to an agreement so easily...


    ''Count me in.'' A soft voice sounded behind Rodak.


    The two of us were surprised and immediately turned our heads.


    ''Now that she''s weakened, I''m no longer strong, but I don''t want to give up. I want to avenge my family. Will you accept me as your companion, lord Fenir?'' Claire smiled delicately. Her feeble appearance and unwavering determination were contrasting. I''m sure even if we refuse, she''ll foolishly go alone.''


    ''You two...fine, we''re a team now. However, don''t call me lord this, lord that, I''m Fenir, your average bat, carrying the will of the deceased, who wants me to kill certain high authority from the holy church. We''ll part ways as soon as my mission is accomplished. I''m not going to destroy the whole church. That''s crazy. You guys are crazy. They have insanely strong people in their ranks, so I''m not going to smash my foot into a rock. Any objections?''


    The duo smiled as they looked at each other, and then at me.


    ''None.''


    ''Good. Let''s go to the city. Rodak, you lead the way.''


    ''Alright.'' Rodak acknowledged. His face once again turning serious.


    ''Are you feeling well? Do you want me to carry you?'' He asked sickly pale Claire with consideration.


    ''If...if I''m not too much of a bother.'' Claire blushed and meekly nodded her head.


    ''Hahaha, what are you saying, here...I''ll carry you.''


    I looked at the lovey-dovey duo. I wonder when will I have a partner too? I no longer feel attracted to female humans, but...I''m going to say this once...I''m not gonna fuck a bat, period!


    ''What are you guys dawdling for? The sun is setting. There will be wolves coming and eating your asses soon. Hurry, will you?''


    ''Eh, scary~''


    ''Don''t worry Claire, I will protect you.''


    ''...''


    I give up.