《Savvy's Journal》


 Prologue

    At just 18, I, Savvy Santiago, met my untimely end in a motorcycle accident. The world went black, and I thought that was it. Until I stood before him. God. I don''t know if he''s the one I learned about in church. But one thing''s sure: His presence radiated power. "You''ve come too early, but I offer you a wish. One thing you desire above all else," god said.


    I hesitated. In the quiet moments of my life, I had thought about it before. What would I choose if I had the power? A second chance? Peace? Well, it was simple. "I wish for a life where I''m the strongest," Without a word, a brilliant flash of light engulfed me. When the light faded, I wasn''t in the world I knew.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I stood on the edge of a vast, medieval landscape¡ªrolling hills, towering castles, and the distant glint of sword fights. This was a fantasy world filled with swords, spells, and creatures that only existed in legends.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 1

    Day 3


    Fast forward. It had already been three days since the day of my new life in that fantasy world, and up until that point, nothing had unfolded as it would in great adventures from the books I had read. I settled in Murkwell Town, a small settlement situated between hills and dense forests. However, unlike the brilliant, clean towns in those fantasy stories, Murkwell was... a mess. The streets were far from the pristine paths I''d imagined.


    Instead, they were covered with mud, filth, and, well, the stench of waste. Every day, people walked through the muck, some barefoot and others in tattered shoes. Their expressions were always grumpy. The air smelled of sweat and unwashed bodies every time I stepped outside! This wasn''t the grand medieval fantasy I expected. It was a gritty, raw world where survival came at a cost.


    Luckily, I had found a job¡ªnot in some glamorous tavern or as a knight''s squire, but as an assistant to a hunter named Kelby. He was a tall man with a permanent scar etched on his face, his clothes patched and stained from years of hunting in the wild. He spoke little but taught me what he knew about hunting and survival.


    For the past few days, I had been hauling arrows, skinning animals, and butchering meat. The work was hard but paid enough for me to consider thinking about the future. At least enough for me to dream of saving enough money to venture beyond this town and write about my journeys in a journal so that I could tell the world. Maybe, just maybe, I could leave behind this filth and discover places worthy of stories. For the time being, it was sweat and hard labor only.


    As we walked deeper into the woods with my bow slung across my back, my mind kept drifting to the wish I had made when I stood before that strange god: unmatched strength. Wasn''t that my wish? Yet, here I was, struggling with tasks that any average person could handle. Was I scammed?


    "Stop daydreaming and keep up," Mr. Kelby said, snapping me out of my reverie. "Yes, sir," I replied. I could not afford to slack off if I was going to keep this job and collect my paycheck. Unfortunately, the hunt was not a great success. My aim could have been better. Some of the arrows missed their mark, and some hits were not clean, leaving the animals writhing.


    Still, I shot a few deer and rabbits. "Not bad," Mr. Kelby gruffly said, slinging a deer carcass over his shoulder. "Let''s take these back to the village." Just in time, a loud roar from the woods made me freeze. A gigantic brown bear had emerged from the woods. The enormous frame it had cast threatened like a nightmare.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    It reared on its hind legs while its snarling maw and razor-sharp claws were entirely out. At this point, my blood turned to ice due to fear. "Take the carcasses and run!" Mr. Kelby yelled as he drew his bow and stepped between me and the beast. I immediately snatched the nearest carcasses.


    My adrenaline gave me the strength to pull the sacks and sprint. I heard Kelby''s roars and yells behind me as I ran, but I did not care to look back. Chances are that the blood drew the bear to our scent, and I would stay there to find out how it was going to end.


    Bursting into Murkwell, breathless and wild-eyed, I stumbled into the tavern where two of Mr. Kelby''s hunter friends were drinking. "Help! Mr. Kelby''s in trouble! A bear attacked us in the forest!" I choked out. By then, I was tired, and my throat was parched. I felt my heart was about to go right out of my mouth. The men grabbed their bows and followed me back to the forest.


    We finally found Mr. Kelby lying on the ground, bleeding. There were deep gashes across his chest and arms as the bear towered over him, growling menacingly. It was a terrifying scene. "Mr. Kelby! I brought backup!" I yelled, though my voice cracked. The hunters did not hesitate and began taking aim. Arrows flew through the air, and one hit the bear in the eye.


    It then let out a roar, thrashing wildly before retreating into the forest''s shadows. I quickly rushed to Mr. Kelby''s side to see if he was still alive. Sure enough, he is. "You''re one stubborn bastard," one of the hunters muttered, half-laughing as they began patching him up.


    That night, I sat on the creaky wooden bed in the dimly lit inn, but I could not help but remember how I had run all the way back to Murkwell while pulling heavy carcasses behind me in a few seconds. Even now, my arms and legs do not ache as they should have after such a feat.


    Sure, adrenaline can make a person do crazy things. But this. This was something else. My body wasn''t like that of an athlete. I''d hardly done anything more physically taxing than running to catch the bus. And yet, somehow, in that moment of panic, I had moved with a speed and strength that defied reason. Could it be¡­? My wish may have been granted after all.


    But if that was true, why hadn''t I felt it until now? And why didn''t it seem constant? My daily struggles were not sudden bursts of invincibility or overwhelming strength. Everything felt normal¡ªuntil it didn''t. If god had indeed granted my wish, how did this power work? Did it need to be triggered by something? Was it tied to danger or desperation?


    I didn''t know¡ªnot yet¡ªbut I had to figure it out. If this strength were real, I couldn''t afford to waste it. This world was dangerous, and next time, there would not be anyone to save me like Mr. Kelby had. Then, I looked at the journal on the small table beside the bed. I picked it up, flipped a blank page, and started writing about what happened that day.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 2

    Day 6


    While Mr. Kelby was recovering from the bear¡¯s attack, I took it upon myself to handle his work. Hunting and selling meat was the least I could do. I owed him for saving my life. However, I couldn¡¯t let that bear roam free. No... not after what it did. I wanted to get my revenge.


    Two days ago, I visited the local blacksmith and requested custom-made bear traps, spending nearly all the coins I¡¯d earned. When the traps were ready, I returned to the forest to set up my plan. I carefully placed the traps deep in the woods in a clearing, hiding them beneath leaves and dirt.


    I used fresh carcasses from my earlier hunt as bait. When I was satisfied with my setup, I climbed a tree and sat on one of its branches. I waited as the canopy concealed me. When dusk came, the massive bear emerged from the chaparrals with an arrow still lodged in its eye. The beast sniffed and growled low as it approached the bait.


    Then, with a snap, one of my traps caught its paw. The bear roared in pain and thrashed wildly as the metal teeth held it in place. That was my chance! I pulled the bowstring back as far as possible while aiming for the creature¡¯s head.


    Then, I released the string. The arrow went *Whoosh* and struck the bear¡¯s skull with a *Thud*, piercing straight through to its brain. The beast let out one final roar before collapsing. I had done it. I avenged Mr. Kelby! Climbing down from the tree, I approached the bear¡¯s massive corpse. Its size is almost unreal up close.


    With my hunting knife, I began dismantling the body, skinning its thick hide and cutting through its heavy muscles.


    Day 7


    Mr. Kelby was almost back to his old self. Although the scars from the bear attack still marked his body, his strength and grumpy demeanor slowly returned. Seeing him on the mend sparked an idea in me. Early in the morning, just as the sunlight crept through the windows, I slipped into his house wearing the bear''s head I had skinned.


    As quietly as I could, I crept beside his bed and stood there. I waited as Mr. Kelby''s eyelids fluttered open. The moment he saw the bear mask, his body immediately reacted in instinct. "Agh!" he yelled, throwing a punch straight at me.


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    "Whoa!" I screamed and ducked his fist. Despite his injuries, I stumbled back as Mr. Kelby leaped out of bed, ready to defend himself. "Mr. Kelby, it''s me!" I shouted. I immediately took off the bear mask and held up my hands in surrender. For a moment, he just stared. Then recognition dawned, and he let out a breath, dropping his fists.


    "Savvy, what in the hell are you doing? You nearly gave me a heart attack!" Right after he said that I burst out laughing. "It''s just a prank, Mr. Kelby! I thought it''d be funny to mess with you using the bear I killed." Mr. Kelby''s expression shifted from exasperation to disbelief. "Bear? You mean the one that attacked us?"


    "Yup!" I said proudly with a smile. "I took it down, and you''re welcome. Now we''re even." Mr. Kelby stared at me before finally reaching out and placing a hand on my head. "Kid¡­ what you did was impressive. Thank you," he said quietly.


    His words caught me off guard, but before I could savor the moment, his hand shifted¡ªand he smacked the top of my head. "Ow! What was that for?" I yelped. "Don''t ever pull that kind of prank on me again," he said flatly. I sighed. "Fine¡­" I muttered, "But you gotta admit, that was funny."


    Mr. Kelby just shook his head and walked past me while muttering something about "damn kids." Though, I caught the faintest hint of a smile on his face. Maybe I''ve gotten through his tough exterior after all.


    Day 9


    At this point, I''ve started skipping over days in my journal because, honestly, not every day is worth writing about. Life here in Murkwell has its routine. It''s challenging. Not every moment feels like an adventure. That said, something new did happen recently: I landed another job.


    A local lumberjack named Germaine hired me as his assistant. Of course, it wasn''t glamorous, but it paid decently. I still needed to save up as much cash as possible if I ever wanted to travel the world. I figured juggling multiple jobs would speed things up. Hard work, sure, but nothing I couldn''t handle. On the first day, I was hauling logs from the forest to the lumber yard.


    The lumberjack doesn''t have horses because they''re expensive, so dragging the logs through the streets of town with a cart was the only option. As I worked, I noticed something strange. These logs were massive, heavier than those carcasses I had hauled before. Yet, I was moving them with ease.


    I stopped for a moment to take a breath before wiping off the sweat from my forehead. I look down at my hands. They were calloused and dirt-streaked from the work I''d been doing for the past nine days. I also noticed that my strength had changed. Back on Earth, I wasn''t a gym guy. Yet here I was, dragging logs that would''ve been impossible for the old me.


    That thought made me pause. I had a theory that my strength was growing day by day¡ªlike a stockpiling power. Could this be the wish I made for that strange god to finally manifest?


    However, this theory of mine might be wrong, and I might change it in the future. There are always a lot of different factors when it comes to fantasy powers and abilities. As these thoughts swirled in my head, I finally dropped off the last load at the lumberyard.


    "You''re a tough one, kid. Keep it up, and you might just make a name for yourself," Germain jokingly said. I smiled but didn''t say anything. I was hoping that I''d get my paycheck sooner or later.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 3

    Day 12


    Just another day in the woods with my bow and quiver on my back. I was out hunting like usual. That''s when I heard something strange: Low growls, sharp grunts, and guttural chattering. I crouched low and quietly crept toward the noise. When I peered around a thick tree trunk, I saw them. Small creatures with leathery green skin and jagged weapons stand guard near the entrance of a dark cave.


    They were straight out of the fantasy books I used to read on Earth. I watched them chatter and pace while their beady eyes continuously scanned the forest. I knew better than to get involved. These guys were trouble, and I didn''t have the experience or the firepower to take them on. I slowly backed off and took a step back. *Crunch*. I just stepped on a twig.


    The goblins froze. Then, all their heads turned toward me, with their grotesque faces twisting into snarls. Before I could blink, they charged, shrieking in a frenzy. "Crap..." I muttered as I bolted into the forest. My legs ran like the wind while the goblins'' cries echoed through the forest. I took a quick glance behind me and saw their numbers had doubled, maybe tripled.


    Nevertheless, they still were gaining on me. I couldn''t lead them to Murkwell. The town wouldn''t stand a chance against a goblin horde. I then made a last-minute decision before skidded to a halt and spun around. I leaped into the trees, using the branches as makeshift platforms just to stay out of their reach. My bow was in my hands before I realized it, arrows flying one after another.


    Each one found its mark, and goblins fell, screeching, to the ground.


    But luck was only on my side for a while. Pain exploded in my shoulder as an arrow pierced through my flesh, fired by a goblin archer hidden among the horde. I gritted my teeth, yanked the arrow out, and kept moving. This isn''t a fight I was prepared for. I''m not a warrior. I''m a hunter''s assistant.


    My skills were in stealth and strategy, not head-on combat. I began ducking and weaving; I shifted positions, leaping from branch to branch, firing arrows to thin their ranks. I managed to take out the goblin archers, but when I reached for another arrow, my hand grasped at nothing. I was out. The goblins below snarled, waiting for me to slip.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    With no other choice, I drew my hunting knife and dropped it from the tree. My boots hit the ground with a thud, and the first goblin lunged at me. I indiscriminately kicked it as hard as I could. The goblin flew backward like a rag doll, slamming into a tree with a loud *Crash*. It didn''t get up. I was surprised. My strength suddenly became... monstrous? If I could do that with one kick, what else could I do?


    Confidence and adrenaline rushed through me, and I charged into the horde. My knife slashed, my fists flew, and every goblin that came near me fell. Punches shattered bones, kicks sent goblins flying, and my blade tore through them like paper. As the fight went on, I became faster, stronger, and less fatigued. By the time it was over, the ground was littered with goblin corpses, and I stood there covered in grime.


    My knife dripped green blood, and my shoulder throbbed. As I wiped the sweat and filth from my face, a new theory lit up my mind. My theory is that my strength grew through battle. But that theory led to more questions. Did my power increase more when I faced stronger enemies? Or did it build incrementally with each fight, no matter the opponent? Either way, those martial arts videos on the internet did help me survive.


    After the battle with the goblins, my curiosity about the cave they had been guarding intensified. There might be more goblins hiding inside¡ªor perhaps there was a treasure. My imagination ran wild with possibilities. Either way, I couldn¡¯t leave without uncovering what lay hidden in the shadows. As I returned to the cave, I noticed something unusual.


    The wound on my shoulder, inflicted by the goblin archer¡¯s arrow, had vanished. Not even a scar remained. I flexed my arm cautiously, and there was no pain. Does defeating foes allow me to absorb some form of vitality? If that were true, it would be a really nice perk.


    Upon entering the cave, I stepped in carefully with my bow in my hand. The dim light from the entrance revealed a small chamber, and what I saw made me stop in my tracks. Young goblins and tiny babies huddled together. Their broad, frightened eyes look up at me. For a moment, I was unsure of how I would react. They posed no threat¡ªjust innocent creatures too young to defend themselves. Killing them felt¡­ wrong.


    Besides, exterminating every goblin in the area could disrupt the ecosystem. Who knew what kind of chaos that might unleash? I simply just took pity and walked past them, ignoring their tiny, anxious squeaks. Venturing deeper into the cave, I stumbled upon a larger chamber. There, illuminated by a faint glow from cracks in the cave ceiling, were heaps of bronze and silver coins stacked like forgotten treasure.


    My eyes immediately fell on a treasure chest nestled among the coins. "Damn... I''m lucky," I muttered. It didn''t matter that the coins weren''t solid gold; they didn''t have to be. It was enough to start my journey throughout this world. Yet, as soon as I had begun to fantasize about what I''d do with my newfound wealth, reality smacked me in the face: How was I supposed to carry all this through town without attracting attention?


    If I walked into Murkwell dragging sacks of coins, I might as well be wearing a target. "Eh, I''ll figure that out later," I said with a shrug. Right now, I have a chest to open.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 4

    I approached it eagerly, imagining the treasures it might contain. Rare gems? Magic weapons? A map to even more riches? But when I threw open the lid, all I found was¡­ a small, dusty pouch. My excitement vanished in an instant. "Seriously? That''s it?" I muttered, picking up the unimpressive bag. With a frustrated sigh, I tossed it onto the pile of coins.


    What a letdown. But then, oh, something incredible happened. The pouch started to glow just a little bit, and before I could snap back into reality, it ate the whole mass of coins as if a black hole was greedy for devouring light. The once cluttered floor inside the cave was now bare, with the pouch lying silently and unassumingly nearby. "A magic pouch...?" I whispered in disbelief. Slowly, I picked it up.


    It felt impossibly light despite holding what must have been hundreds of coins. This was no ordinary bag; it was a treasure in itself! This ended my worries about sneaking coins through Murkwell. No one in their right mind would expect that a simple pouch contained a small fortune. This day was a blessing in disguise.


    Day 13


    I took my leave, quitting jobs and moving my dreams to the reality of traveling around the world. My next destination is Ashwind City. Mr. Kelby even suggested that I could sign up at something called an Adventurer''s Guild when I arrive in the city so that I could earn something extra.


    I tucked away that advice and thanked him for it as I set off with my bow hanging from my hip, my quiver slung over my shoulder, and my magic pouch containing everything else I might need. The journey to Ashwind City can last up to four to five days on foot, but with my enhanced stamina, I guessed I could make it in just two. Not to mention, I also gained the ability to see in the dark after killing the goblins. By nighttime, I had already completed half the distance.


    The grassy plains stretched on forever around me under the quiet dusk of the setting sun. It was the perfect place to rest. I unfolded my camping gear, pitched a mini-tent, and started gathering wood to set up a campfire. Warm, dancing shadows upon the grass from flickering flames resulted as I dug my hands into the magic pouch for some of the fresh meat I had hunted in earlier moments.


    Creating it up above the fire by breaking the pieces, the sweet aroma of roasting venison filled the space. "The air is so fresh out here," I murmured, relaxing back and taking a deep breath. As I released my lungs, my eyes strayed up to the stars: brilliant and alive, more than I could ever recall seeing on Earth, twinkling like scattered diamonds on black velvet.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The beauty of this natural world, untouched by the hands of man, filled me with a sense of awe and inspiration. Welcoming in the cool breeze was the sweet smell of wildflowers and grass, which brought a stark contrast to my old life on Earth-the smog and noise. There, they said, the air was thickened with pollution, gray, and nearly always closed skies. It felt like a few steps back into a paradise untouched by time, a world ruled purely by nature.


    Day 14


    As dawn broke, I woke from a dream with refreshingly bright morning sunlight. Softly golden light bathed the plains around me, and the air was laced with a faint, dew-laden aroma of grass. I started taking down my camp and stowed everything carefully into my magic pouch; I was going to keep up this routine¡ªthe simplicity of traveling light was comforting.


    Basically, Ashwind was halfway there. So why not give my gift a whirl? I took position and shot forward, pouring every ounce of my being into it. My speed was unprecedented, beyond anything I''d ever imagined - so fast that the wind roared past me as the world became a blur. I''ve gotten stronger. I now understood how my powers worked. It was a revelation!


    My ability is that I can absorb the skills of those I kill. Strength, speed, endurance, you name it. I could siphon it all, with each kill adding to my stockpile of power. Before half an hour was over, I could see the vast gates of Ashwind City ahead. I skidded to a halt, hardly breaking a sweat. But my enthusiasm plummeted as I entered the city. It was the same thing as Murkwell.


    The narrow alleys made vast crowds of people inhale their rotten waste and polluted skin. The same raggedy conditions welcomed me again, and I sighed again in disappointment. "So much for big city charm," I said bitterly under my breath. Truth be told, if I had my way, I''d sleep out under the stars rather than wallow in the stench of cities. But I was not going to just complain; I had business to get to.


    Remembering Mr. Kelby''s advice, I headed to the Adventurer''s Guild. One of the busiest places there could be amidst warriors, mages, and all types of rogues. I walked to the front desk, where I filled out all the formalities. After that, I got my Adventurer''s Card, which proved my identity as an adventurer and kept track of all completed quests and accumulated points to rank up.


    Of course, everyone will start at F-rank, similar to all other adventurers. But one thing that came into my mind the most is that one of the perks of being an Adventurer is having a discount or being exempted from entry fees in towns and cities. However, discounts only vary on which rank you are. The only negative aspect of this organization is that not everybody plays fair.


    Some adventurers will sabotage other people for the sake of money or fame. I looked over the room where bundles of adventurers and parties lauded and strategized together. Teamwork had its advantages, especially for more challenging quests. But relying on others made me... anxious. I would have to measure up whether any party was worth joining; otherwise, I was self-sufficient.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 5

    Day 18


    It would be a day I could never forget; it was one of those rare moments when fate throws something unexpected into your path. I was straying near the city, collecting herbs for the quest. Everything seemed all right; it was generally calm until a piercing scream shattered that calmness. It was a jumpscare. Some moments passed, and there they were in the distance: a white-haired elf who looked no older than me, tied to a tree by four adventurers.


    I was filled with a mix of curiosity and caution. I ducked behind a bush and crept closer, keeping out of sight. The nearer I got, the more I could make out of their conversation. "Fucking traitors!" she shouted. "Once I''m out of these ropes, I''ll rip you to shreds and hang your corpses at the city gates!" First of all... Whoa! That startled me. Aren''t elves refined and graceful? This one was beautiful, but her personality... not so much.


    "You really need to change your personality. You''re reckless, arrogant, and useless. You have no place in a team." said one adventurer sneeringly. "Come on, guys. We''re out of here." They turned on their heels, leaving her with the empty space where her sword used to be. "You kicked me out, and now you''re robbing me? What the fuck is wrong with you?!" she shouted after them, her voice cracking with anger.


    "Well, it wasn''t yours in the first place," one of them muttered over his shoulder. "It belonged to a friend of ours." Their voices were lost in the breadths of the trees. Now, all alone, the elf sagged against the tree, all her pride crumbling before its weight. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered to herself, "Why can''t anybody accept me for who I am?" I hesitated for a moment but went out of my hiding spot and approached her.


    "Hi, there." I greeted. Immediately, her head snapped up with a glare. "What do you want? Don''t tell me you saw all that." The words she spat out were like venom. "Fuck off and leave me alone!" I stood my ground and replied, "No." "Are you deaf? I said fuck off!" "Nah, I can''t do that," I replied. "I needed a vanguard. Since I''m an archer, I could use someone to watch my back."


    "Are you really deaf? Didn''t you hear what they just said? I''m useless! I can''t even do my job right!" "But don''t you want to be the strongest?" I asked. "What?" she replied, confused. "I said, don''t you want to be the strongest?" I repeated. For a moment, she fell silent, then muttered, "Y-Yeah." "Good, we have the same goal," I said. So, why don''t you wipe off your tears and come with me?"Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    "I can''t¡­" the elf lady whispered, her voice trembling just a little. "Why?" I asked confusedly. "Because I''m still tied up, you damn idiot!" she suddenly shouted at me with frustration. "Not very classy of you," I replied, pulling out my knife. One slash and the ropes fell away. Before we could elaborate further, the ground heaved and shook as a strong tremor ran across the forest.


    Birds screeched to the sky, having been disturbed from the forest floor. Both of us turned at the same time to see an ogre emerge, thick enough to drown any creature in fear from the view of anyone standing nearby. Roaring, it brandished an enormous club. "Move!" she yelled. We both jumped away just as the club shot down at the ground, splitting some rocks up and spraying debris.


    I quickly scrambled my way into a tree where I was safe on a sturdy branch while the elf lady ended up more grounded and agilely dodging the blows coming from the ogre. From my high perch, I reached into my magic pouch and pulled out my bow and spare sword. "Hey, lady!" I shouted. "Catch!" A quick handicatch, and I sent the sword spinning toward her. She caught it, her movements fluid despite the chaos.


    The ogre roared again, swinging wildly, but I took aim and loosed an arrow, hitting it squarely in the eye. The beast howled, staggering back, half blind.


    "My name is not lady! It''s Silvia!" she yelled, her voice slicing through the roar. With that, she surged ahead, her glinting sword raised to strike upon the ogre''s chest. Her slight stature belied the strength with which she buried the blade within it.


    Exploiting this, I launched myself out of the tree with the knife in my hand, using the injury given to the ogre to find my chance. As it flailed about, howling in pain, I landed on its back and slashed across its neck. The creature let out one last guttural roar, gurgling with blood, you might say, before falling to the ground with a thunderous thud, blood spraying.


    I stood splattered all over with blood, then turned to Silvia and stretched out a hand to her, saying, "I''m Savvy; nice to meet you." "I owe you one." She grabbed my hand and swept her hair back out of her eyes.


    After a brief time, we reached the city. A greeting might be an understatement for Silvia''s old team: they really got a beating. She found them in the back alley, where she unleashed hell. I stood afar but beside her, watching the carnage she was wreaking with a ferocity that I thought impossible. Now and then, I''d jump in, though otherwise.


    The chances of her really killing someone were slim, but by the end of all this, they''d probably wished she had. After what felt like an hour, the group of adventurers was unrecognizable. Their faces were so swollen you couldn''t tell who was who, and judging by the unnatural angles of their limbs, Silvia had likely broken most of their bones.


    Finally, when she stepped back, breathing hard, she wiped her hands on her cloak as if dusting off crumbs. "That felt good," she announced with an evil grin, leaving the moaning heap behind.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 6

    We left the alley and headed to the closest possible restaurant. Over warm food and a few drinks, the adrenaline of the fight began to fade, and Silvia opened up. Soon, she was sharing bits of her life story with me. She had been adopted by human parents and had learned swordsmanship from a young age.


    That explained her fiery personality and her skill with the blade¡ªtraits not typically associated with elves, who were more into archery and subtlety. As she spoke, I could see vulnerability beneath her tough veneer. Her upbringing clearly shaped her, making her firm but also isolated. In turn, I shared my story, explaining how I wasn''t originally from this world.


    I told her about the accident that ended my life back home and how I woke up here in this strange, new reality. Silvia blinked at me in astonishment and wonder. "So, you died... and got sent here? In some kind of second chance?" "Pretty much. Kind of weird, right?" I shrugged while munching on the steak.


    She languidly reclined in her chair, folded her arms, and said, "Weird doesn''t even cut it. Well, stranger things have happened." Silvia smiled¡ªnot that smug snicker or even that sneer, but a genuine smile. For the first time, I finally made a friend in this world.


    Day 22


    Since Day 18, everything has simply turned into a blur. But I did do something noteworthy today: I was promoted to E Rank. Fast, huh? That''s the result of working hard every day. However, it will only take a few weeks at most to catch up to Silvia.


    When hunting with Silvia, I also discovered several peculiarities about her. She''s a little sadistic, to start. She prolongs the moment before striking her victim as if she enjoys torturing them. Although it can be unnerving at times, her propensity to leap into danger without any preparation is more concerning. No wonder her former team referred to her as useless. She is far from incompetent, yet her carelessness makes her unpredictable and even dangerous in certain situations.


    However, I''m not here to criticize her or focus on her shortcomings. My objective is to mold her into a cooperative team player and transform her unadulterated talent and enthusiasm into something more meaningful. Nobody ever becomes the strongest by themselves, after all.


    Day 24


    It was time to move on from Ashwind City and begin our journey to Erisnow City, the Achard Kingdom''s capital. The trip was expected to be lengthy, with miles of twisting roads and unknown experiences to come. So, we carefully planned our route to stop at a few small towns and villages along the way. We might even resupply or take on a mission at each stop.


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    Halfway to our destination, we stopped at Netheridge Town to restock our supplies. While I was haggling over dried meat and fruit, I overheard snatches of conversations between a few locals. Apparently, a young man had recently saved a king from being poisoned and single-handedly thwarted a coup in a neighboring country. My first thought was: What kind of story was that? It was like a story made by a 13-year-old.


    But the rumors did not end there. They claimed this man was now engaged to not one but two princesses: the Princess of the Archad Kingdom and the Princess of Yelarien¡ªthe place where he was supposed to have stopped the coup. Moreover, they said he had then gone on to create an entirely new country with the help of Archard and Yelarien kings.


    "What the hell? That''s crazy." I muttered. It was so insane that you could easily dismiss it ¨C except that the locals said it so seriously. Silvia was even more dramatic when I told her. Still, something about this story did not sit well with me. How could a person just appear and then start saving kingdom after kingdom like it was his daytime job? If he were a high aristocrat with connections, then it seemed too convenient.


    Well, I hope I don''t run into that man. I don''t like getting involved in politics. We finished shopping quickly after that, but the story stuck around.


    Day 28


    I got a feeling of unease mixed in as I traveled together with Silvia to the country''s capital. I always relied on my skills with the bow and its focus distance, yet I became uncomfortable with the idea of fighting someone in close range. Even though I was not built to be a brawler, the situation called for self-defense proficiency, to say the least. The thought of abandoning my bow for a sword was daunting, to say the least.


    One evening, under the dying daylight''s reddish hue, I turned to Silvia. "Teach me swordsmanship." I requested it straightforwardly. Her guidance was a beacon in the uncertainty of close combat. "That''s out of the blue, having an interest in swordsmanship all of a sudden," Silvia replied.


    "I just felt like I didn''t have any self-defense when going into close combat," I said. "You could''ve asked me a long time ago. I would love to teach you swordsmanship." Silvia responded. "Not to mention, I''ll have a partner to spar with any time!" she added. I''m starting to regret my words since she might have a sadistic way of training. But it will be all worth it.


    Day 29


    I started training. However, Silvia lectured me first about swordsmanship. One factor contributing to swordsmanship was preparation for combat: attempting to place all the stress on the most critical muscles of the body. She seemed to know it all, demonstrating much softer mechanics for holding the sword. Despite the passion in her statements, I could see she was having fun.


    After putting the theory aside, she grabbed a solid branch from the ground and gave it to me, saying, "This will be your sword for the time being," while spinning another branch for herself as if it were the best blade in the world. First, we took stances. "Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Balance is the key," she urged, tapping my legs and shoulders quickly to correct my posture.


    Next followed parrying and blocking. I was a complete mess at first, staggering with every step and tripping over my own feet. Every time I fell, Silvia''s sadistic grin widened, but she corrected me quickly and firmly. After my fifth fall, she yelled, "Pay attention to your footing!" "A swordsman can''t fight if he can''t stand!" After several hours, as the sun surrendered to the moon, a transformation began.


    My reflexes sharpened, my stance solid, and I managed to parry one of Silvia''s strikes without stumbling. The journey from a stumbling novice to a proficient swordsman was underway. "Not bad," Silvia acknowledged, hinting that there was still room for improvement. It was a modest beginning, but it was a beginning nonetheless, and that was an accomplishment in itself.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 7

    Day 30


    We finally arrived in Erisnow City, which sprawled and reached its way across the surface. Visible in all its stone might, miles from where we were sitting. What really set it off was the Gladiator Colosseum¡ªa great grandstand where people would gather to watch battles rage as much as friendly sparring among adventurers.


    The city also had free training grounds wherein anyone could hone up on their skills, though there''s still an entrance fee. Luckily, as adventurers, Silvia and I received discount privileges, making it perfect to hone my amateurish swordsmanship. Silvia and I were inside the training grounds practicing sparring with wooden swords. Her attacks came at me full-blown; her strikes came out lightning-quick but controlled.


    In spite of my parries and blocks, it was obvious that Silvia was not exactly aggressive about it. Her movements were fluid, almost like a play, where her moves tested my limits. Then, disaster. I was caught off guard for a second, and Silvia took advantage of it quickly. She struck a blow to my thigh, dropping me to my knee as a sharp, accurate hit buckled me.


    "That was fun," she said offhand. "Don''t let your guard down next time. Once you master parrying and blocking, I might teach you how to attack." "Ow¡­". I groaned, rubbing my thigh. Swordsmanship was far more challenging than hunting or archery. As I sat there catching my breath, a stray thought crept into my mind: If I could kill a skilled swordsman and absorb their abilities with my power, would it make all this easier?


    This made me feel like I was cheating. For some, I considered people such as Silvia, who had invested all their sweat and labor just to improve themselves. Still, this is what I wished for, the power to be the strongest. So, why should I feel ashamed at making use of every ability I have? I owe nobody anything! Then, I got an idea. "Hey, Silvia!" I called. "Let''s go bounty hunting tomorrow."


    Day 31


    Next on our list was a quest at the edge of the lawless frontier: Bounty Hunting. Bandit Captain Malker. For ten long years, the name and title went hand in hand with the forest bordering Erisnow City. People were taken, ransom paid, merchants ambushed, and thousands of caravans raided under the tenure of this Bandit Captain. What was most unbelievable about the entire story was how he managed not to get caught all these years. How the hell does a guy manage to do that?


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Rumors painted Malker as a near-mythical figure, his strength said to rival that of a B-Rank adventurer swordsman. Many had tried to take him down, but their attempts ended in tragedy¡ªstories of blood-soaked ambushes and never-returning heroes whispered in the taverns of Erisnow. Still, one question nagged at me: If he''s so dangerous, why hasn''t any aristocrat''s army taken him out?


    The answer seemed obvious enough. Bandits like Malker did well in the mountainous, rough terrain, using guerrilla tactics to outmaneuver conventional forces. Armies, locked into rigid hierarchies and strategies, had little hope of cornering someone who knew the land better than they did. And besides, cities and trade routes were probably too important to risk in hunting down elusive bandits. They left that to adventurers like us¡ªfree agents willing to go where armies couldn''t.


    Of course, I didn''t care about why this should be so. The wanted poster boasted a high price, dead or alive, and that was enough of an inducement. It would finance our quest and, with my abilities, make the best out of this hunting expedition. We adventurers, such as Silvia and I, were never tied down by red tape and bureaucratic formalities to obstruct swift motion and instant attacks.


    Well, even if he''s dead, the price pinned on his head won''t change. I was still on my way to take his head and his power. The night was silent, except for the rustling of the leaves as we crept through the mountainous terrain, jumping soundlessly from tree to tree. And it grew cold, still growing colder as we approached the bandits'' encampment. The wooden walls rose like a fortress in the forest.


    When we reached a lookout over the camp, I signaled Silvia to stop as I assessed the scene below. What I saw was intimidating¡ªa sprawling encampment full of people, almost a hidden village carved into the mountain. Fires blazed in primitive pits, lighting rows of crude huts and tents. There were nearly a hundred bandits, far too many to take on hand-to-hand. This was going to be tricky.


    "We can''t fight them head-on," I whispered to Silvia. "We''re outnumbered, but if we pick them off one by one, we can thin their numbers. You take the guards on the perimeter. I''ll handle those inside." She nodded, and a slight secret grin in the moonlight passed before me. Then she leaped off the tree and disappeared into the dark. Meanwhile, I took out the invisibility potion I prepared for this excursion.


    I downed the potion in one gulp, and my shape shimmered out into the night. Silvia went out while I slid into the middle of the camp. I moved through them as silent as the night sky itself. One by one, I crept up on them, putting one hand over their mouths and plunging my knife through their throats. Each kill was so quick and deliberate that I threw their corpses like stones discarded over the walls to make sure no one stumbled over them.


    With each life I took, the rush of power from my ability coursed through me. Their swordsmanship, strength, and battle instincts poured over mine, building upon it. I moved like a predator stalking powerless prey. When I reached the tents, several bandits were slumbering soundly. It was too easy. One by one, they met their silent end. Yet the silence didn''t last.


    A blaring horn broke the silence. Then came a panicked shout. "Intruders!" cried one of the bandits, his voice crashing through the camp. Someone must have found the bodies stacked outside. Chaos flared anew as those remaining bandits scrambled for their gear. There were less than thirty among them now, but they were alert and armed.

 Vol. 1 Chapter 8

    As my invisibility was starting to wear off, I decided to test my new stockpiled power. Skills and experience ran through me, goading me on. Dismal-looking with blood streaked on as I came out of the tent and unsheathed my sword. The bandits turned round, their faces now twisted in anger. "It''s him!" one of them yelled out, pointing accusingly at the blood-dripped intruder who stood boldly in the open.


    They rushed me with their swords and spears. But something had changed. They moved... slow. Was this the result of my power? With a grip firmly holding my sword, I rushed forward. The first man fell even before he could draw an arm. My blade sliced his head off in one smooth movement. The second followed, his neck spouting crimson as his head thumped on the ground.


    One after another, the bandits fell, their too-slow attack, their totally non-existent defenses. It felt like a dance of precision to me; every strike was perfectly timed. For them, it must have ended in the blink of an eye. When it was over, the ground was covered in corpses, and people''s heads were rolling in the blood-soaked earth. I stood amidst that havoc, my sword dripping red.


    Suddenly, the night''s dismal silence was rent by a deafening explosion from the main barracks, sending a cloud of dust and debris into the air. Through the haze, I saw Silvia stumble backward, with blood oozing from countless slashes across her body. She clutched her side, coughing violently until a spray of blood escaped her lips.


    She had fought valiantly, but it was evident that she wasn''t going to make a difference to the one coming from the crash. He was massive among the settling dust; the gigantic figure''s muscle building told of his experience from years of battle, coupled with scars. That was definitely Malker, the Bandit Captain. The stain of Silvia''s blood was evident on the sword he had as he flashed.


    "How dare you come to my turf and try to assassinate me!" he thundered in rage. "You deserve death a thousand times over!" With the anger in his voice, something ominous was chiseled in his posture; a pause, a confused stumble. I just stood among severed heads around me, my sword still dripping over the blood of his men. "Are you Malker?" I asked in a steady, calm voice.


    He looked at me furiously, but the anger in his eyes was overridden by something else: Fear. His jaw clenched, hands curling around the hilt of his sword as if it could be a lifeline clutched against panic mounting in him. I appeared harmless to most things: a young boy, after all, and handsome. But to Malker, I was a monster born from the butchery of his dead comrades.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I could see it in the way the sweat dripped on his brow and how his knuckles whitened as he steeled himself. "I''ll ask you again," I repeated, my voice like ice. "Are you Malker?" He stood frozen for a moment, then straightened his back, trying to hide the fear with bravado: "So what if I am?". "Then, I''ll take your head." I proclaimed. With a flick of an eye, I was gone from his sight, and a gust of wind traced my trajectory.


    When I re-emerged, I stood at his back, my sword already sheathed. "Your head''s already cut off," I said coldly. Malker stood still like his body hadn''t entirely realized that his world had come to an end. And then, bit by bit, his head slipped out of his neck and plopped to the floor. His eyes, now lifeless, looked up at me, wide with terror, frozen in surprise even as the light of them died.


    Power filled me. Skill, strength, and experience overflowed from Malker into me. Then, I turned toward Silvia, who had fallen against a broken tree trunk, her eyes open wide in shock. She had seen everything¡ªthe way I had dispatched the man who had defeated her as if it were nothing. I reached her, kneeling beside her. I began to tie all those messy bandages around her as stop-blot blood, but she winced and did not protest.


    "How did you?" she finally whispered, her voice quivering with exhaustion and awe. "Sleep," I whispered. "I''ll explain later." A few more moments passed, and her body gave in to exhaustion. She rested, breathing shallowly but regularly. Silvia had fought a guy who outranked her in strength and survived, which was beyond what most D-ranked adventurers could do. But this battle was over.


    We won, and now that we had Malker''s head, we would soon collect our reward.


    Day 36


    Silvia woke up, her face tightening as though she had just escaped the claws of a nightmare. Most of her body was bandaged due to the brutal fight she had endured. Her groggy eyes blinked open, taking in the unfamiliar room. "Hey, you''re awake. Good," I said, leaning back in the chair beside her bed, arms crossed casually.


    She groaned and raised a hand to her head. "How long was I out?" "Five days," I replied. Her eyes widened as memories of the carnal confrontation crashed down like an unyielding wave. "The bandits... What happened to them?" she asked, a sharpness creeping into her voice.


    I leaned forward slightly. "Don''t worry. I dealt with them. As for the Bandit Captain, I brought his head to the Guild." Her relief was brief; a moment later, her expression tightened again. With surprising strength, she grabbed the front of my shirt and yanked me closer. Though her grip was weak, it radiated intention.


    "You...You lied to me, didn''t you?" she hissed, the words slipping out from the back of her throat, low and accusing. I frowned, perplexed. "What are you talking about?" "Stop pretending to be dumb!" she snapped, her voice so angry that it was beginning to crack.


    "I saw how you moved when you killed Malker. An amateur could never move like that. What are you?" With her burning eyes pinned straight on me, it felt like there was no escape. I sighed, setting aside her trembling hands, which were still tightly clenching my shirt. "I know you¡¯re still shocked about what happened, but let me go first."

 Vol. 1 Chapter 9

    She released me, albeit reluctantly, but the suspicion did not leave her face. I leaned back and held her gaze. "You remember I told you I was from another world, right?" She curtly nodded, saying nothing but quite eagerly awaiting my explanation. "That wasn''t all there was to it. When I died, I was allowed to have one wish. I wished to become the strongest."


    Her brow furrowed as the weight of my words settled upon her. I pressed on before she could interrupt. "To fulfill that wish, I was granted the ability to absorb the powers, skills, and experience of anyone I kill. That''s how I''ve been growing stronger." There was silence on Silvia''s part for a while.


    Finally, she exhaled through her mouth and shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping. "So you''re a living killing machine," she mumbled. Her eyes narrowed as she zeroed in again on me. "Did you take his powers? Malker, I mean?" "Pretty much," I groaned with a shrug, attempting to convince her it wasn''t just as grim.


    Her eyes darkened a bit, but before she could comment further, I switched to a more cheerful subject. "In any case, I have some good news for you." She blinked, taken aback by the abrupt change. "Good news?" she queried with wariness as I stood up and stretched. "When we hit the Adventurer''s Guild, you might just have a little surprise waiting for you."


    "A surprise?" she asked, now once again sullen and suspicious. "You''ll see," I replied, leaving her something to wonder at and ponder upon. A few minutes passed when Silvia and I moved out to grab something to eat before making our way to the Adventurer''s Guild. The streets were filled with people going this way and that, yet Silvia walked at a slow pace beside me as if her mind was slowly catching up.


    As we approached the guild hall, we swung the door open, and people cheering inside could be heard. Each rank and size of the guild cheered and clapped enthusiastically. The loud noise frightened Silvia, and she stopped in her tracks. "What is this for?" she asked.


    I smiled and said, "Killing the Bandit Captain was a major undertaking. He had threatened adventurers for more than ten years, killed thousands of men, women, and children, and destroyed lives and livelihoods. The people have been waiting for somebody to end his reign."


    She opened her mouth when I said, "Oh, and by the way, we''ve been promoted. Each one of us went up a rank." Silvia blinked in shock, but instead of happiness, a shadow fell on her face as she lowered her head and shook it slowly. "I don''t deserve that rank," she murmured bitter-sweet. "I lost that fight." I turned to face her, planting a hand on her shoulder to steady her.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Listen, losing a fight doesn''t mean you''re weak or unworthy. That doesn''t mean you are the strongest by a long shot. What it shows is you can grow. And growth, that is what makes anybody truly strong." She looked up at me, her eyes searching for something, maybe reassurance or understanding.


    "You have already worked hard to come this far, Silvia. This rank is not about being perfect; it''s about recognizing your effort and potential. So don''t dwell on the loss. Show everyone here that you are the hardworking woman who earned this." She fell silent for a moment. Then, the faintest smile flickered across her lips. "Thanks," she whispered almost inaudibly above the lively din of the guildhall.


    I smiled slightly. She didn''t seem to be accustomed to losing or to someone who might encourage her. Maybe I really did manage to change her outlook a little. "Sorry for snapping at you earlier," she said, silently crying her tears on the floor. She lowered her head to the ground. I comforted her by pulling her to my chest while she silently wept.


    Day 40


    We extended our stay in the capital by a few days simply because Silvia had gained this new sense of determination to train her swordsmanship before we moved on to the next destination. My words apparently had reached her, and now she was channeling every bit of her energy into perfecting herself. Each day was a routine of going to the training grounds, taking wooden swords, and sparring until her body dropped from exhaustion.


    Her concentration never wavered, her movements getting sharper day by day. Meanwhile, I just stood there, nearly untouched by the exertion. My stamina was limitless; after hours of sparring, I felt like I could still run laps around the city walls and still not break a sweat. It was both a blessing and a curse. I wonder if my boundless energy made her even more frustrated.


    Silvia always wore her mask well; a composed and calm face would pass before mine during our battles. Her strikes, however... revealed her anger and irritation. Power surged from them as if from an unfathomable rage, and for every strike that hurtled toward me, it felt as if I took that anger right out of her system. I didn''t care. If this was how it kept her focused, I was okay with it.


    She was improving well, really. Her steps were now accurate, while her strikes became quicker and heavier. With each successful hit at me, I sensed for a brief moment the hidden satisfaction she had not come out in the open and expressed. She had talent, no doubt about it. But it wasn''t just talent driving her¡ªit was her will to push past her limits, to transform her failures into strength.


    I respect that, even if I ended up as her punching bag in the process. But today was the day we left behind all the noise of the busy capital and moved towards our new destination, the Yelarien Kingdom, the birthplace of magic. My excitement never let me go. I really wanted to learn magic; otherwise, I was not crossing my limit.


    Silvia and I loaded my few belongings into my reliable magic pouch, a small, handy object that made the whole chore of traveling far less painful. Silvia seemed as collected and centered as ever but seemed interested when I spoke of the art of learning magic. She said little, but there was an impression that she was really excited about going to the land where magic was not just a tool but a lifestyle.


    The spires of Erisnow slowly receded beyond our backs as we stepped out from between the city gates, yielding the open road and promise of something new. Another chapter of this adventure was about to begin, the journey to Yelarien.


    END OF VOLUME 1

 Vol. 1 Savvys Abilities (Recap)

    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Night Vision </li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Swordsmanship</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Archery</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Keen Senses</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Physical Attack Resistance</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Magic Attack Resistance</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Ailment Resistance</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Poison Resistance</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400; text-align: justify">Exhuastion Resistance</li>


    </ul>

 Vol. 2 Chapter 1

    Day 48


    It had been eight days since we left for the Yelarien Kingdom after crossing the border and traveling through villages scattered over the grasslands. Cobblestone roads were filled with the laughter of children and merchants'' loud chatter. Now that behind those grassy hills, the sun had begun to dip, painting the whole sky amber and violet. I reached into my magic pouch and started unpacking our gear.


    Tents, blankets, and a small portable cooking rack emerged one after another. Silvia occupied herself gathering wood from around the area. Soon, the crackling of the campfire added warmth to the cooling evening air. I pulled out fresh skewered meat from the pouch. Its aroma was already a promising dinner when it roasted over the warm glow of the fire.


    As I cooked the meat, Silvia broke the silence: "About that ability of yours. You need to give it a name," she said in a casual but intrigued tone. "A name..." I muttered, pausing mid-task. "I never really considered that. What do you think it should be?" Her eyes lit up as if she''d been waiting for this moment. "Oh, I''ve got tons!" she exclaimed eagerly.


    "Harvest of Might, Bloodbound Assimilation, Fatal Inheritance, Soul Devourer, Mimicry by Demise, Essence Thief, Predator''s Boon, Final Claim, Death''s Acquisition¡ª" "Okay, that''s enough," I cut her off, raising my hand. Her enthusiasm was admirable, but the thought of her sulking for a week, overhearing me say how ridiculous some of those names sound, sent shivers down my spine.


    "What about Death Reap?" I proposed after a moment. Her face drooped slightly. "Oh¡­ that''s¡­. Fine, I guess," she said in a dimming sparkle. I sighed and looked for something to lighten her mood. Inspiration struck as I dug into my magic pouch. I reached in and pulled out my homemade guitar¨Ca crude but serviceable instrument I had made through our free time.


    "What''s that with the weird-looking lute?" she asked, curiosity flickering back into her face. "It''s not a lute; it''s a guitar," I corrected her with a grin. "It may look shabby, but it sounds pretty nice." "I had no idea you were a bard." "I''m not, technically," I said with a laugh. "But I''m a musician, so¡­ sort of?"


    Now, that was really stirring her interest. "What are you going to play? A heroic tale? Perhaps the Ballad of the Five Emperors?" she asked. "Not quite," I said, placing a makeshift capo on the first fret. "I''m gonna sing a song from my world." Her eyes snapped wide the moment I began strumming the opening chords of Vance Joy''s song called Riptide.


    It is a multi-layered melody, unlike the simple monophonic chants she was accustomed to. It seemed to captivate her as she watched my fingers dancing across the strings as if changing chords with practiced ease and still holding an expression mixed between awe and curiosity. When I concluded, Silvia clapped hands, and her face lit with enthusiasm. "That was incredible!" she declared.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "I have never in my life heard anything like this. It makes the chants at rites seem so utterly dull." "Thanks," I replied, laying the guitar down beside me. "If you did that in public, everyone would go crazy for that! You would be a celebrity overnight!" she exclaimed. I smiled tenderly. "I want to be famous someday, but not for my singing," I responded as I carefully placed the guitar into the magic pouch.


    Having ended the song, I resumed my dinner preparations. I offered her one of the kebabs, its surface bubbled golden brown. "Time to eat up," I said. "We''ll still need to wake up early tomorrow." As we sat by the fire, eating and savoring the calm of the evening, a sense of peace settled over the campsite. The stars began to dot the night sky, and before long, we drifted off to sleep.


    The camp lay quiet, only the gentle snapping of dying embers providing sound. Silvia lay asleep in her tent while I could not. It had been the eighth night after I slaughtered those bandits that my restlessness had become locked. Now, even sleep refuses to visit me. I got an average of four hours of sleep each night. It hardly felt like it was enough. Perhaps it was yet another talent I had picked up¡ªone to resist fatigue.


    The turmoil in my mind could barely be subdued. So I came out of my tent into the forest, hoping the cool night air and the rhythmic crunching of leaves beneath my boots would lull me to sleep. As I walked through the moonlit trees, my senses went up on alert for something faint, almost imperceptible rustle.


    Someone was following me, leaping from branch to branch with an agility that would pass unremarked by any ordinary ear. But I wasn''t ordinary. My Keen Senses allowed me to catch even the slightest disturbance, and this one wasn''t Silvia; it wasn''t her scent. Nor was it a monster. Through my 360-degree vision, which is part of my Keen Senses, it was like I had eyes on the back of my head.


    With my Night Vision added to this, the figure cleared up: a human assassin dressed in dark clothing, face covered with a mask showing only piercing eyes. I feigned not to see him and kept walking as if oblivious to his presence. The assassin took his turn, hurling little axes with killing precision toward my head. I did not need to look back to avoid it. With a slight movement of my head, I avoided each blade.


    My calm reaction surprised him¡ªit threw off his rhythm and broke his confidence. Before he could regain his composure, I turned around, meeting his eyes. I used my Petrifying Gaze, a power I had borrowed from a Basilisk, and saw his body freeze, limbs and torso fossilizing while his head remained flesh. He lost his balance, tumbled off the branch, and hit the forest floor with a heavy thud.


    I slowly walked up to him; the crunching of my boots in the earth had amplified the tension. His eyes darted wildly as he lay there helpless, pinning him down with his stony limbs. "Who sent you?" I asked in low, cold tones. The assassin didn''t reply. His breathing became spasmodic. His mouth began to froth, and in seconds, his body relaxed into death. Poison. He had taken his life before I could get him to talk.


    I knelt beside him, looking down at his masked face. Whoever had sent him knew their stuff¡ªknew them too well. I got up and looked back towards camp, where the faint flicker of dying fire was still visible. Silvia was safe, at least for now. But this was not over. Someone had gone to great lengths to send a trained killer after me, and I was going to find out who.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 2

    Day 49


    As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon to bathe the world with soft hues of gold, Silvia and I were packing up our camp for the journey to the next village. The air was crisp as morning dew-kissed grass scents wafted past through the hills on which we walked. Digging my hand into my pocket, I took the emblem I had taken from the assassin in my encounter with him last night.


    It was an infinitesimally small, pure black, finely carved sigil. "Do you recognize this?" I asked as Silvia turned her head as I showed it to her. Her face immediately went dark. She stumbled in her step, gazing at it as if she disbelieved her eyes or, rather, what they''d witnessed. "Where did you get that?" she asked.


    "Last night, some guy tried to kill me. He poisoned himself before I could extract any information. Under his clothes was hidden this emblem." I said calmly. "Holy shit..." Silvia muttered, a nervous edge in her voice cutting through the morning calm. "Someone has put a price on your head." "What does it mean?" I asked. Silvia glanced around instinctively, lowering her voice as if the trees themselves might overhear.


    "That''s the emblem of the Dark Guild," she explained. "They''re not just any guild. They''re a shady organization made up of assassins, killers, mercenaries¡ªyou name it. They''ve been around ever since the adventurers'' guild was first established. Every kingdom has banned them, but they always find a way to operate in the shadows. Their headquarters is still unknown, but they scattered their branches across the whole continent. Many adventurers attempted to suppress them, but it was impossible to eradicate them completely."


    I turned the emblem over in my hands, feeling its edges catch the sun. "So they''re of the type that don''t take kindly to interruptions," I murmured. "Exactly," Silvia said grimly. "Whoever hired them must have a serious grudge against you. Maybe you crossed someone powerful without realizing it. Or¡­"


    "Or perhaps I disrupted their plans when I killed Malker," I concluded, piecing it together. "He''s the only one I''ve killed who is notable enough to have connections to an organization like this." "That''s a big possibility," Silvia admitted. "But what''s really scaring me now is that they might get you, too," I added. Silvia immediately stopped in her tracks and turned to me.


    Her response came in the form of a sharp punch to my arm, hard enough to sting. "Don''t treat me like some deadweight!" she snapped, her fiery glare meeting mine. I smiled at her stubbornness. "Whatever you say, partner," I said with a carefree air. Whoever had sent the assassin wouldn''t stop at a single attempt.


    Hours later, the journey dropped us at a small village. The sky was covered with thick, unbroken clouds as far as our eyes could go. There was no appearance of the sun, and the air that surrounded us also carried an unusual stillness. As I passed the entrance part of this small village, an abnormal chill ran across my spine. Not one person was in sight.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Doors hung loosely on the hinges, swinging lazily in the breeze while vines and patches of wild grass filled windows and crept up around houses. It was as if it had been years since anyone had been there, a ghost town left to decay. "We''ll stop here awhile and rest," I suggested, though my voice seemed heavy in the silence. Silvia nodded, but her hand never strayed far from the hilt of her sword. The unease was mutual.


    Moments later, a strange feeling of foreboding passed us and pricked the hairs on the back of my neck. A sound¡ªa faint rustling in the grass and bushes¡ªbroke the silence. Both of us sprang to our feet, drawing our swords and scanning our surroundings. "Who''s there?" I shouted, but only the wind responded in the usual whispery tones. And then, out of the darkness behind us appeared a towering Clay Golem, 9 ft tall.


    It swept one colossal arm at us, but we dodged just in time so as not to get crushed by that impact, which sent the earth-shaking. We quickly counterattacked, slashing and stabbing at the golem with everything we could muster. But no matter how fierce our attacks were, our swords seemed useless. The body was impervious to physical attacks; our strikes were nothing on its soft surface, like sticks against mud.


    "Savvy!" Silvia yelped as she dodged another devastating attack. "There has to be an Earth Mage around controlling it! Find them! If we take them out, the golem will fall apart!" "Got it! "I said, leaving Silvia to distract the golem. Using my Keen Senses, I scanned the area for any sign of the mage. It wasn''t long, though, before I caught sight of a dim figure cloaked in darkness hiding among the ruins.


    I didn''t hesitate before I dashed toward them at full speed, the sheer force of my movement creating a shockwave behind me. As I closed in, I kicked with a strong force that threw that figure through the air, and it crashed through tree after tree. The effect was instantaneous¡ªthe golem collapsed into a heap of dead clay. Silvia arrived a few moments later, breathless. "Killed him?" she asked.


    "No," I said, standing there, gaping at the trail of demolition. "It''s the first time someone''s survived the full force of my kick." "For reference, my kicks usually leave craters the size of small villages," I added dryly. We walked together toward where the guy had fallen. What we saw froze us in our tracks. It wasn''t a battle-scarred mage lying amidst the smashed trees, but a boy¡ªa child, no more than eight.


    His bright red hair was matted with dirt, and curling from his head were... Horns? "What the hell¡­?" I stammered out in disbelieving confusion. "Why does he have horns?" "He''s a Cambion,"  Silvia said in a tone of awe and disbelief. "A what?" I asked, confused. "A Cambion," Silvia repeated, looking at me.


    "A half-demon. My adoptive father told me about them. They''re rare¡ªhalf human, half demon. They inherit their human parent''s form, but the horns give them away. Most Cambions are said to possess demonic personalities, taking after their demon parent. But there are exceptions. Some have been known to align themselves with good. I never thought I''d actually see one." she explained.


    I kneeled down, looking at the unconscious boy''s face. His features, despite the horns, seemed delicate and innocent. "So, does that mean he''s evil. or not? "It''s hard to say," Silvia admitted. "Most Cambions lean toward their darker side, but. I''ve heard stories of a few who''ve defied their nature." I stood up, considering my options. There was no way I could kill an innocent child.


    But then again, I felt that there was more to this boy than his demons. "Tie him up," I ordered curtly. "I want to see if I can tame him." "You''re crazy! We can''t keep that monster! What if it fails? What if he flips the fuck out!" Silvia objected. "Have a little faith in me. I am sure I can handle it." I replied calmly. She stared at me a long time, then let out a deep, exasperated sigh and produced a length of rope.


    "Fine," she muttered. "But don''t come crying to me when this all blows up in your goddamn face." Silvia then reluctantly tied the boy''s hands behind his back while I began to set up camp at the ruins since it was becoming late.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 3

    The night went very quietly when the crackling was coming from the campfire. Its flames danced into the surrounding trees with a glow of moving shadows. Sometime later, the half-demon boy opened his red eyes and realized that he was fastened in ropes, bucking violently to get loose, but no strength came at all for him; all he had was spent; energy and mana had burned into healing his broken bones and organs from my attack.


    "Don''t even bother trying to get away," Silvia chirped, not looking up as she crunched away on a piece of roasted pork chop. The boy let out a low growl, feral with bared small but razor-sharp teeth. Again, he growled¡ªbut this one came from his stomach. I offered him a piece of pork chop and watched his eyes jump between me and the meat. His nostrils expanded, taking in the scent through sniffing.


    Hunger suppressed his pride, and he moved closer, nipping the piece of pork chop I held out to him. Suddenly, he swallowed it whole in one ravenous gulp as if he hadn''t eaten for ages. The boy barked¡ªyes, barked. His crimson eyes glistened with desperate hunger. It was a wildly unnatural sound, yet I made perfect sense of it: he wanted more.


    He stared at my merrymaking chuckle and devoured this other piece, and another, then another, piece by piece with his sharp snapping teeth, as if they''d disappear if he just waited a little. As he ate, I reached for my dagger and cut through the ropes. I worked in silence, watching everything he was doing. The boy suddenly became aware of the loosened bonds when he finished the last pork chop.


    He looked toward me, animal instincts surging up into his eyes. He jolted and was free, dashed off on all fours like some wild animal. He walked out into the darkness of the woods, still chewing on a piece of pork chop. She looked at him, her mouth hanging open in shock. "What the hell was that for? Why did you let him go? I thought you wanted to tame him!" she snapped, frustration building up in her voice.


    I leaned back and grinned. "Don''t worry. He''ll be back." "Back?" Silvia responded, her tone dripping with skepticism. "A wild animal who has just tasted a meal like that won''t be able to keep away," I answered confidently. "He''ll return begging for more."


    Day 50


    The air was crisp and cool in the morning as Silvia and I emerged from the ruins, gear piled and ready for our journey forward. The forest was silent as death, only hearing the crunching steps of our boots on the dirt path. Still, faint footsteps reached our ears, soft, hesitant, but unmistakably following. I threw a glance over my shoulder. And there he was: the half-demon boy.


    His red hair shimmered under the pale dawn light, and his crimson eyes watched us warily from the cover of trees. "Well, what do you know? Just like you said," Silvia said with a sarcastic smile. She laughed but did not believe he had really returned. I reached into my magic pouch and pulled out a piece of dried beef jerky. "Come here, boy! Come on!" I yelled, whistling the way I would to a stray dog.


    The boy hesitated, his eyes darting between the jerky in my hand and my face. He crept toward me slowly, his movement wild and animalistic. His snout twitched with interest as he moved toward the jerky as he reached close enough to it. Then, in one swift motion, he snatched it from my hand and tore into it, chewing like he hadn''t eaten for days.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "You want more?" I asked, holding the jerky up for him. He perked up his ears¡ªand even though part demon didn''t have visible ears to perk up, his body seemed to perk up; he was panting. His pointed teeth appeared in what would have passed for a grin on any normal boy. I gave him another piece, and that was when he decided to follow us.


    As we went to the next town, I could see him following; he''d been keeping his distance but not letting us out of his sight. His behavior was fascinating. He moved forward on all fours like some wild animal, but then he kept looking at the rest of us walking erect. Curiosity made him push himself up to stand up on two legs, doing this over and over, falling into the dirt every time with a frustrated growl.


    But he persisted; on his hundredth attempt was the first time he stood firmly on two wobbly legs and took a grotesque, shambling trot. I couldn''t help laughing. "Look at that. He''s learning," I said. Silvia turned around and replied, "He looks like a complete idiot." "Give him time," I said, smiling at him. Although he had mastered walking like us, the boy did not come too close; there was always that distance between him and us.


    He was suspicious of us, but there was something else there, something almost akin to curiosity or a sense of longing. For now, he followed us in silence, his steps echoing softly behind ours.


    Day 51


    With my non stop offering of food, I became the one he gradually began to open up to. The boy eventually became warm and friendly over time. His behavior reminds me of a stray dog¡ªcautious at first but growing more trusting of others. My suspicion is that he has been raised by wolves or any other wild creature. He resembles an animal unfamiliar with this world of humans.


    Whenever Silvia and I hunted, he stood off on the sidelines, squatting in the tall grasses as he watched us with sharp eyes. His eyes seemed to track every move, but especially the way we wielded the tools¡ªhe had never seen such tools in his life. When we made campfires, he would creep forward, his head tilted slightly as he watched the fire spring to life from nothing but wood.


    It was like a caveman meeting fire for the first time: that look of awe and incredulity at miniature marvels we took for granted. That afternoon, we lay in the middle of a vast grassland, resting under the shade of a sprawling tree. The warm breeze was filled with the scent of wildflowers, and the boy ran freely through the tall grass, chasing butterflies and pouncing on grasshoppers with childlike glee.


    And it was then that Silvia asked me, "What shall we call him?" I lazily cracked open my eyes to watch the boy tumble after a butterfly. "I don''t know. You name him," I said, stretching and letting the sun-warmed grass lull me into relaxation. "How about¡­ Ruby?" she proposed, looking at the color of the boy''s hair. "Named after my adoptive father. He had red hair, too."


    That was one of her suggestions that really struck my attention. I opened my eyes fully and turned to face her. "Wow¡­ For the first time, you actually came up with a decent name, considering the disasters you called my ability." She erased her boastful smile, glaring at me with fire blazing in her eyes, crying out, and slapping her hand onto my chest as hard as she could. "So you hated those names!"


    I couldn''t help but laugh at the deep and amusing sound as her punches landed harmlessly against my chest. It was like pillows hitting me; it felt weird. "Oh, come on, it''s only a joke," I teased, grinning at her growing frustration. Silvia huffed and crossed her arms, looking away. Meanwhile, the boy¡ªRuby, now¡ªpaused his playful chase of a grasshopper and looked back at us.


    For a moment, he stood there in the sunlight, his red hair blowing in the breeze, and barked softly before returning to his game. "Well," I said, turning back to Silvia, "Ruby it is, then."

 Vol. 2 Chapter 4

    Day 52


    The sun was high in the sky, its golden rays filtering through the lush canopy as we led Ruby to a nearby river. Today was bath day, and we were determined to scrub the layers of grime from the half-demon boy''s skin. I carried my handmade soap¡ªa concoction I''d crafted using herbs and oils. Silvia walked beside me, already rolling up her sleeves in preparation for a tough battle.


    However, Ruby did not like that. At the first moment he perceived our intentions, he began to growl and thumped his heels into the dirt, shaking his head furiously. "Oh no, you''re not getting out of this!" Silvia declared, taking hold of one arm. I took the other, and we dragged him to the riverbank despite the squirming and, now and then, yelping and barking of protest. Those first few moments were a struggle.


    Ruby writhed about like an animal, splashing water everywhere as Silvia and I held him down to begin scrubbing the grit off his skin. "Hold still!" Silvia growled, her hair getting wet from the splashes. It was all so ridiculous! It had me laughing while water sprayed my face. I scrubbed soap into his fiery red locks, ducking from one swipe of his claws. But as the minutes ticked by, Ruby''s protests began to melt.


    His growls turned into interested grunts, and then, hesitantly, he was splashing the water with his hands. And at the end of it, he was laughing- a sound I''d never heard from him before- playing the water with both hands, getting Silvia and me thoroughly wet in the process. We were drenched head to toe, but Ruby? He was pure. His reddish hair shone out in the sun, and his horns had a finished sheen that made him almost regal.


    And then, when I''d finished, I pulled out a clean, comfortable outfit from my magic pouch¡ªa soft linen tunic and a simple tunic.


    Day 54


    After weeks of travel, we finally stood at the gates of Kreel City, the capital of the Yelarien Kingdom, also known as the Magic City. The towering walls shimmered faintly, inscribed with protective runes that pulsed with a quiet, magical hum. The city itself sprawled beyond sight, its skyline dotted with elegant spires, floating platforms, and crystalline towers that seemed to defy gravity.


    Fortunately, Ruby had an ace up his sleeve¡ªor, more accurately, an ability in his blood. His Shapechanger ability allowed him to hide his horns and blend perfectly with humans. It''s a rare ability among demons, giving him the appearance of a regular boy with fiery red hair and mischievous amber eyes. Without it, bringing him into a place like Kreel City would have been asking for trouble.


    As we walked through crowded streets, I was amazed by the diversity of the city. Merchants were out hawking enchanted trinkets, magical potions, and spell books; street performers conjured up illusions for crowds; there were even robed mages who hurried along in their extended arms laden with scrolls and crystals. Everywhere, faint ozone and scents of magic filled the air.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    It was a long way from the simple places we''d passed through. Standing grandeur in the heart of the city was Kreel Academy. The door of this academy said whoever passed the entrance test could go there, regardless of age, wealth, poverty, or power. For all that got in the first ten places, the state had provided scholarships for complete fee exemption.


    The courses ranged far and wide, including Magic, Swordsmanship, Writing and Poetry, Architecture, Engineering, Painting and Sculpture, and Alchemy¡ªa dream for anyone seeking mastery in their craft. We quickly realized that the next entrance exam was set in thirty days. I made my decision there, and then I stayed and prepared for it. I needed to learn magic; the academy was the closest I could get to learning it.


    Silvia had no hesitation in agreeing to stay. She wished to hone her swordsmanship, and there wasn''t a better place than this academy to do it at that point. We started to settle down in Kreel City with a plan in mind. Meanwhile, we kept on doing quests to increase our adventurer rank and earn some gold in between missions. Between the missions, I taught Ruby how to speak correctly and how to understand human customs.


    It was slow but steady, though, because his childlike curiosity made it both challenging and endearing.


    Day 64


    After weeks of relentless effort, our hard work finally bore fruit¡ªI had climbed to C Rank, and Silvia had reached B Rank in the Adventurers Guild. The promotions came after countless quests, ranging from escort missions to hunting beasts, all of which demanded both skill and perseverance. The recognition felt well-earned. Ruby was also developing well.


    He could now make short, intelligible sentences and join words together more confidently. His rate of learning astonished me; he soaked up information like a sponge. Seeing him grow, I began to wonder if he might have a future at Kreel Academy. Perhaps he could learn Writing and Poetry to really develop his language abilities or even study magic, where his natural aptitude would truly come out.


    Speaking of magic, today was a revelation. While sparring and practicing in a secluded field outside the city, Silvia and I discovered that Ruby possessed not one but three magic attributes: Fire, Earth, and Darkness Magic. The boy''s fiery personality seemed fitting for his flame spells, and his connection to nature made Earth Magic a natural extension of himself. But the discovery of Darkness Magic made us cautious of his abilities.


    "Ruby," Silvia said, her voice serious. "Listen carefully to me. Never, ever display your Darkness Magic in public." "Why not?" Ruby asked in confusion. "You see, humans consider Dark Magic as demon magic," Silvia explained patiently. "It''s the only kind of magic attribute only demons and monsters use. If people find you using it, they''ll think you''re dangerous - or even worse, a threat. Practice it, but when you''re alone.¡±


    Ruby nodded soberly, his young face informing her that he had gotten the weight of what she said. Innocent he was, but being a demon meant he would never be able to be fully careless. But what really left us speechless was Ruby''s ability to perform Wordless Magic.


    While other spellcasters would have to chant a whole phrase to cast their spells, Ruby could do it by simply thinking, without even needing to say the words. His flames flared up instantly, rocks erupted from the ground on his command, and tendrils of shadow danced around him, all with no more than a gesture.


    "Wordless Magic." Silvia crossed her arms, gazing at how Ruby could actually conjure a small sphere of flames. "That''s quite rare. Even prodigies and magical affinity do not even begin to compete with such performances. Only Archmages, monsters, and demons can do that, people who have high amounts of mana." "But there''s a downside, right?" I asked as I saw how Ruby fell exhausted upon the grass after mere spells.


    Silvia nodded. "Yeah, it drains more mana than the standard casting. It''s faster, but it''s quicker to drain you, too. Ruby will have to learn to control his mana if he is going to use it well." Still, it was such a rare gift, one that revealed just how unique Ruby could be. To see him train with the effervescence of a child and innocence made me happy. It was like healing my inner child.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 5

    Day 65


    Ruby and I prepared ourselves for our training session. Silvia was doing guild quests, so it seemed like an excellent opportunity to work on my magic¡ªwhat little I knew of it, at least. I bought a book on the basics of magic; hopefully, that would be enough to get me through this process. Ruby, being always inquisitive, sat beside me and fixed his crimson eyes on the pages that I was reading aloud from.


    The book described mana as something generated directly from the heart¡ªliterally. It explained that a person''s mana pool is determined at birth, and no amount of effort or training can expand or shrink it. Aristocrats typically possess a decent amount of mana, enough to perform basic or intermediate spells.


    Commoners, however, usually have little to no mana at all. Then, of course, there were exceptions¡ªthose rare individuals born with mana reserves far surpassing even the most gifted nobles. This condition, the book called Merlin Syndrome, was named after the legendary Great Mage Merlin, the founder of magic and the only human whose mana reserves rivaled that of a Mythical Beast.


    The history was fascinating enough. Though, my Death Reap ability was... unusual. The fact that my stealing and stockpiling of power from my victims meant that I could grow nearly limitless mana reserves, so I couldn''t apply the idea of a ''fixed mana pool.'' This book reminded me just how different I was in this world. Then, I was at it, practicing mana control with Ruby''s assistance.


    According to the book, you need to learn how to feel and circulate mana inside of you. Despite Ruby''s straightforward instructions, I only needed a little help. Thanks to my talent stockpiling ability, I picked up the concept almost immediately. Within minutes, I could feel the mana flowing through me, like a soft river flowing under my skin, and I perceived mana from my surroundings. That is when I hit a wall.


    The following was the finding of my magic attribute. What the book said was straightforward: all I had to do was channel my mana into one of the four essential elements: Water, Fire, Earth, or Wind, and then see if there were any fluctuations. If the element reacted, that would mean my alignment to that attribute. I tried with water first, holding a small bowl of it in my hands and focusing my mana on it.


    Nothing. The water did not even move. Fire? I lit a small candle and channeled my energy. No flicker, no spark. Earth? The handful of soil I scooped up remained the same. Wind? The air around me did not even swirl. Nothing. Not a single reaction. I didn''t have any magic attributes. None at all. Looking back at the book, it made sense. Attributes are passed down from one''s parents along the bloodlines, and I was not of this world.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    My origins¡ªmy entire existence¡ªwere outside the natural order of this place. Others were born with the potential for magic, while I was a blank slate, an outsider. I sighed and closed the book. "Well, that''s a problem," I said, scratching at the back of my head. Ruby tilted his head, sensing my frustration. "No¡­ magic?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. "Not yet," I said. "But don''t worry. I''ll figure it out."


    The solution was clear enough. If attributes were tied to an individual''s essence, then all I needed was to kill someone¡ªor something¡ªthat had magic attributes. So far, the people I had killed didn''t use magic, meaning I had gained none of their attributes. But monsters capable of using magic? Of course, they exist! I just needed to find them. How hard could it be to track down some magic-wielding monster?


    Day 67


    Unbearable heat and ash filled the air, and in a far-off distance, a roar was created by lava flows. Here I was, clinging to the back of an enraged Adult Red Dragon like on a joyride from above the volcanic landscape at my fingertips, each powerful spread of its giant wings putting my grip at its finest limits. I was sipping sweat through my pores as my heart kept pounding from the very pit of my chest.


    Like I always asked myself, why do I end up at such things? But you''re probably asking yourself: How the hell did this happen? Well, the answer is quite simple, really¡ªI wanted its power. Specifically, I wanted to steal its Fire Magic. A few hours before, I happened to overhear a clique of adventurers at the guild whispering about an Adult Red Dragon that had built its lair near an active volcano a few kilometers east of the capital.


    In hushed tones, they spoke of its terrible strength, impenetrable scales, and the countless lives it claimed. To them, it was an impossible foe, something only fools would challenge. Of course, I just went head-on. Everything just hazed over for me, coming to the volcano. Whatever remained of reasoning became blurred in the thrill of taking its Fire Magic.


    Late by the time I went to the lair, with orange paint bleeding off molten lava into the sky and sulfur drenching everything, I barged into the cave shouting, "Hello there!" so loudly that the creature certainly woke up. That was error number one. The ground trembled as the Red Dragon stirred, its glowing amber eyes snapping open.


    Its sheer size was staggering¡ªeach scale gleamed like molten metal, its wings casting massive shadows that made me feel like an insect in its presence. But I didn''t back down. Gripping my sword tightly, I charged forward and slashed at its leg. The blade shattered on impact. That was mistake number two. Left with no choice, I resorted to the only weapon I could trust at that moment: my fists.


    The dragon reared back, unleashing a roar that shook the cavern walls. I lunged at the dragon, landed on its scales, and quickly grabbed onto it, sensing that it would take off to the sky.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 6

    The Red Dragon spread its wings and took off toward the sky, with its wing thrashes sending whirlwind gusts of hot air that nearly knocked me to my feet. And that is how I found myself here: dangling off the side of a flying Red Dragon, holding on for dear life.


    Winds raged about me as I scrambled up, using the ridges on the scales to hoist myself up. The dragon coiled and rolled, trying to shake me off, but I was not willing to let go. The volcano below opened its fiery maw, reaching out to swallow us whole. Step by step, I climbed my way to the head of the dragon, where the horns crackled with raw energy. "Time to bring you down," I said between gritted teeth.


    Gripping one of its horns for balance, I raised my fist and pounded it into the dragon''s skull with all my might. The impact reverberated through my bones, but I didn''t let up. Blow after blow, I hit the dragon''s head until it let out a pained, disoriented roar. Its wings faltered, and we began to plummet. It fell over itself. We crashed through the trees, the ground thudding with every crash, until we finally came to a stop.


    It sat there, dazed, tongues of flame licking at the sides of its mouth as it let out a confused, concussed bellow. Fire erupted from its jaws and scorched the earth and the trees around us in an attempt to keep me back. "Tough bastard," I grunted, wiping blood from my mouth. Without hesitation, I launched myself forward, delivering a thunderous punch to its jaw.


    The dragon swayed, its massive body collapsing with an earth-shaking *Thud*. Dust and debris filled the air, but I knew it wasn''t over. The dragon still breathed, its chest heaving with labored effort. For my final blow, I launched myself into the air, the force of gravity pulling down on me with frightening force. I aimed directly for the middle of its skull, and every bit of strength within me went into my fists.


    When I landed, the impact felt like an explosion that sent shockwaves into the ground. Dust and debris flew in all directions. And when it settled, I stood victorious, standing atop the dragon''s bloodied, dented head. It was finally dead. Standing there, I caught my breath, feeling it¡ªthe rush of power filling me. The power of the dragon became mine, and his Fire Magic flowed through my veins.


    I took a deep breath and let loose a torrent of flames into the sky from my mouth. The fire roared like an inferno and split the clouds above me. "Damn¡­ that''s nice," I said. Having defeated the dragon, I reached for my magic pouch in my pocket, an everyday-looking bag with extraordinary properties. No matter how small or heavy the object, it could fit inside the pouch without changing its weight.


    I pointed it at the dead dragon''s massive corpse, and in an instant, it was sucked inside. As I slung the pouch on my waist, I glanced back at the smoldering volcano and let out a low whistle. "Whoever made this pouch was definitely a god¡­ or close enough," I said.


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    Day 68


    As soon as I came back to the city, I waited eagerly to show off my newfound strength. Ruby and Silvia just sat on a log, munching bread as I stood before them. "Okay, you two. Watch this," I declared, extending my fingers. A turn of my wrist was followed by flames bursting all around my palm and then shooting up into the sky in a spiraling column of fire.


    The Earth beneath us shuddered with a slight heat, the fire bisecting the sky across like an orange-red beacon. I wheeled around to face them, hunting for wide eyes or slackened mouths. Instead, Silvia yawned, and another piece of bread slipped lazily into her mouth. "You incinerated half of a forest for that party trick, didn''t you?" she asked. Ruby, on the other hand, moved his head sideways, his broad red eyes sparkling in the firelight.


    "You''re both impossible," I said, plopping myself down. "Do you know how hard it was to take down that dragon? I punched it out of the sky!" Silvia smirked and replied, "We know what you can do, fucking dumbass. You stealing powers from a dragon is about as surprising as Ruby eating all the dinner leftovers."


    Ruby smiled happily, gnawing on what was left of his snack at the sound of his name. Their lack of concern was¡­ disappointing. If nothing else, that kept my ego in check. A few minutes later, I decided to train with Ruby outside the city walls while Silvia watched on the sidelines. There was still a lot I wanted to test. Possibilities felt endless now that I had Fire Magic and the Wordless Magic.


    As the sun crested higher in the morning sky, I raised my hand and channeled fire into my palm. Flames manifested instantly, but this time, I shaped them¡ªnot just into fireballs or torrents like you''d see from mages here, but into things I''d seen only in movies back on Earth. A wall of fire? Done. A blazing phoenix that spiraled around the clearing? Easy. Twin swords made of searing flames? It felt like child''s play.


    Ruby stared at me, dazed, his red eyes tracking all my movements. "How¡­ how did you do that?" he stuttered, and his broken words were getting stronger day by day. I smiled, settling my blazing sword against my shoulder. "Imagination, Ruby. It''s all about imagination." "Imagination?" he repeated, blinking in puzzlement.


    "Yeah," I replied and let the flames disappear. "People where I come from¡ªon Earth¡ªwe''ve spent so much time creating stories and fantasies that we can dream up anything. Dragons, giants, heroes, villains¡­ magic beyond anything you''ve seen here. We use it to escape reality, to make life a little less boring." I stood up, calling forth another ball of fire and shaping it into the form of a dragon. All I have to do is see it and make it so.


    Ruby''s eyes went wide as the fire-dragon flew a few meters before bursting into sparks. He clapped his hands together, his grin so big it looked like it might split his face. "I want to try!" he said. I laughed. "Go ahead, show me what you''ve got."


    Ruby spread his arms wide, furrowing his brows as he concentrated. A thin flicker of flame appeared now, wavering like a candle''s, and he panted as that sputtered and fizzled out, but the determination stamped on his face made me proud. I ruffled his hair. "Well, not bad for the first try. You''ll get there." And I started thinking of the people in this world already by afternoon when Ruby rested.


    They were so full of magic potential and still didn''t even find a way to invent something new; they used the same old spells- fireballs, barriers, healing lights as if nobody had ever dreamed that it might be otherwise. "They lack inspiration," I thought to myself, raising my eyes toward those clouds drifting by. That''s all it is.


    On Earth, humans created whole worlds in their heads, fantasies born from boredom, pain, or the simple desire to explore. Here? No, people seemed content with the status quo. They followed the same tired old traditions as if creativity were some forbidden art.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 7

    Day 70


    I jolted awake in the dead of night, my Danger Sense pricking at the edge of my mind like a thousand invisible needles. The room was silent¡ªtoo silent. The faint glow of moonlight filtered through the cracks in the wooden shutters, but it wasn''t enough to calm my instincts. Someone¡ªor something¡ªwas close. I didn''t budge. Weeks of survival had taught me that a hunter will wait for that first sign of motion.


    My breathing slowed to steady, soundless beats as I toggled on my Infrared Vision, letting the world shift around me into shades of heat and shadow. There they were¡ªthree figures crouched on the roof above me, their bodies glowing with distinct outlines. They were skilled, their movements deliberate and predatory. Assassins. Sent for me, no doubt.


    "You poor bastards," I thought grimly, sliding out of bed with a predator''s patience. I didn''t even bother to open the door. Instead, I slipped over to the window and made my way through it into the cool night air, the wooden frame creaking only slightly. My feet landed softly on the next rooftop, shrouded in shadows. The first assassin didn''t even know I was there.


    Careless of danger, his glance lit upon the window I had left, and he crouched forward. I crept behind him like a phantom in the night; one swift motion had his head twisted, the sickening crack echoing through that night''s silence like some great thunderclap. And then he collapsed, where he crouched. The sound warned the other two. They spun around in sharp, defensive movements, as their knives reflected the pale moonlight.


    They locked eyes with me, then on to their fallen comrade with a neck bent at an unnatural angle. "How rude of you to visit me in the middle of the night," I said flatly, my voice cold and humorless. Their response was immediate. Like cornered rats, they bolted, leaping across the rooftops in desperate attempts to escape. But running wouldn''t save them. It never did.


    I sprang forward like a hunting hawk, closing the distance to the nearest assassin. Barely had he touched down on the next rooftop before my hand clamped around his neck, squeezing like a vice. He choked, his eyes wide with panic, but before I could question him, his body spasmed. White foam dripped from his lips, and his face went pale as he went limp in my grip.


    "Cowards," I spat in revulsion, allowing his lifeless form to fall. "Always willing to die instead of speaking." The last assassin was already several rooftops ahead, springing from one to another, his outline dwindling into the distance as he sprinted away. I straightened, brushing off my hands, and glared at him, "You''re not getting away." I raised my hand to call forth Fire Magic, infusing the flames with desire and imagination.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    A bow of molten fire coalesced into my palm, its pulsing heat like the lava heart of a volcano. With the string humming in my fingertips, I drew it taut, summoning an arrow of flame. I have aimed, following the course of the assassin as he runs and weaves across the rooftops. Then, I let go. The arrow roared through the air like a meteor, a streak of fire slicing through the dark.


    He didn''t even have time to turn before the arrow hit him on the back. A shriek of anguish was rent apart by the night, for his body exploded into flames. The flames seemed to have consumed him in one instant; within the minute it took, flesh and bone became ashes, and his corpse was strewn like embers upon the wind. I lowered my arm, the fire bow vanishing as soon as it appeared.


    Once again, silence crept over the rooftops. Gazing at the city, I stared with narrowed eyes. More killers were sent by the Dark Guild, and they would never stop until I was dead. "Keep trying," I breathed to no one in particular, carried away by the night wind. "I''ll kill every last one of you." I retreated back into the inn, leaving only silence and ashes behind.


    Day 73


    The Dark Guild wasn''t giving up. Their assassins came at me relentlessly, as if they had eyes in every shadow of Yelarien Kingdom''s capital. It was almost admirable¡ªalmost. They must''ve realized by now that I''d be staying in the city for some time, which only seemed to fuel their determination. This time, they sent something different. I was hunting in the nearby woods on a cold morning.


    The Danger Sense flared up, telling me to beware of danger. Simultaneously, my Keen Senses picked up on the faint sound of swirling air, a violent storm contained within a single form. There it was, an Air Elemental, its translucent, swirling body twisting and roaring as it approached me. It was like fighting at the heart of a hurricane. Its strikes were so swift and chaotic that they tore through the trees. But I was faster.


    With my powers stockpiled from my victims, dodging its attacks was effortless. Compared to the Red Dragon, this elemental was nothing but a warm-up. I summoned two blazing blades of Fire Magic against the wind-whipped vortex. Not a second''s pause as I vaulted through the air and moved so quickly and noiseless that I was behind it before it ever knew I was coming.


    A flurry of slashes followed, my blades shredding its turbulent form. The air rippled and hissed where flames consumed what was once a forbiddingly large body. By the time I alighted gently back onto the forest floor, the Air Elemental was gone¡ªdismantled entirely. And I wasn''t done yet.


    I activated my Infrared Vision and scanned the area. It didn''t take long to spot the summoner hiding behind a cluster of trees several meters away. "What a wuss," I thought. He''d been watching from the shadows, letting his summoned creature do the dirty work. So, I decided to return the favor. Focusing on the Wind Magic I had just stolen from the Air Elemental, I unleashed a massive wind slash in his direction.


    The attack tore through the forest, slicing through trees as though they were paper. When the dust settled, the summoner''s lifeless body lay in two clean halves amid the wreckage of splintered trunks and fallen leaves. "I''ll give them credit," I said to myself, stepping over the destruction. "The Dark Guild is really bringing the big guns." But their mistake was believing that persistence would break me.


    What they did not know, or perhaps refused to accept, was that every assassin, summon, and enemy they sent only made me stronger. Each life taken, each power absorbed, brought me closer to becoming an unstoppable force. They were just giving me the tools to destroy them.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 8

    Day 80


    The Dark Guild never stopped. Their pursuit to get rid of me had progressed into eliminating Silvia and Ruby, not just me alone. Fortunately, my comrades were not spineless prey. Silvia, with her swordsmanship, had sharpened herself through a thousand sparring duels with me, and Ruby, from his tumultuous upbringing, was turning into a force to be reckoned with.


    The assassins that tried to eliminate them escaped, battered or were killed. The Dark Guild must have learned by now people like us aren''t pushovers; we are hardly the type to underestimate. Each failure was simply proof that they were further out of options than ever. On the other hand, things were going great for us at the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Days of non-stop quests and hard-fought battles finally paid off, and I was officially promoted to B Rank. It felt good standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Silvia, who had already earned her place at that rank. That, however, wasn''t the only celebration for us. We registered Ruby as an adventurer just three days ago.


    Though still a beginner, the Guild welcomed him straight away after witnessing his great potential in magic. Ruby was thrilled to get some experience for himself, and if truth be told, registration does come with a lot of great perks, such as lower-priced gear and lodging. It was a proud moment when Ruby stepped up to take his first quest. He was growing fast-not just in strength but also in his perception of the world.


    Day 84


    It was finally the day of the entrance exam at Kreel Academy. The academy buzzed with all sorts of examinees coming in from every walk of life to prove their worth. Silvia, Ruby, and I were part of this crowd. The first challenge was the written exam designed to test the basics: middle school-level mathematics, language comprehension, and elemental magic theories (for mages only).


    Thankfully, I had taught Silvia and Ruby on those subjects for days. It was child''s play for someone like me, an ex-Earthling, but, for them, a crash course on subjects that they''d never even had exposure to. The practical tests were started right after the written exams were completed. The examiners rated each of them based on their chosen profession.


    In Silvia''s case, who applied to be a Swordsman, she would have a duel one-on-one against an A-Rank Adventurer Swordsman. In the case of Ruby and me, we had chosen Mage, and the magic practical test was on order. Ruby and I dealt with the magic practical in style. The objective was simple: to cast a spell that would destroy the targets.


    Ruby, inexperienced though he was, left the examiners slack-jawed with the raw power and accuracy that he brought to casting Fire Magic so potent that it cleaned the walls behind the targets. My turn had come. With one spell, I broke all the targets in a fiery blaze, leaving no doubt that we had aced the test. Meanwhile, Silvia was a crowd-pleaser during her duel.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Her opponent was an experienced A-Rank Adventurer who underestimated her at first. But as the duel progressed, Silvia proved why she was a B-Rank Adventurer, holding her own with sheer skill and tenacity. She didn''t win¡ªshe wasn''t expected to¡ªbut going toe-to-toe with such a formidable opponent was impressive enough to earn the examiners'' respect.


    By the end of the day, we left the grounds of the academy feeling triumphant. Silvia was a ball of energy and couldn''t stop beaming with pride from her duel; Ruby was just content in a quiet sort of way.


    Day 89


    On the day of the results, tension was in the air. The crowds at the announcement board for ranking were huge. We pushed our way through with Silvia, Ruby, and ourselves until we could finally see the list. And then, there it was, three of our names shining out brightly on that top 10 list.


    Not only had we passed, but we''d secured scholarships, meaning no tuition fees to suck out our funds. Ruby almost leaped for joy, his excitement infectious as he clapped his hands and wagged his imaginary tail like an overgrown puppy. Silvia smiled with satisfaction, though I knew she was just as pleased.


    As we left the board, drunk in victory, a voice boomed out into the academy''s courtyard: "Classes will begin in two days!" Two years of education and training and¡ªcoming clean now¡ªI imagine more than a bit of lunacy before graduation. "Two years," I said aloud to no one in particular. "Damn¡­" Silvia nudged me gently with her elbow, "What''s wrong? Going to cry about a little old schoolwork?"


    I laughed. "Nah... I''m just trying to wrap my head around staying in one place for that long." Ruby tilted his head and clearly still didn''t grasp the weight of the commitment. But his enthusiasm was enough to wash out any remaining unease.


    Day 98


    One week had elapsed since the first day of Kreel Academy. Days looked quite mundane on the surface, yet somehow, our group found ourselves immersed in a series of interesting lectures. Among the very exciting subjects was a magic technique called Element Combination, which was pretty intriguing.


    It was simple yet extraordinary: merging two or three elemental magics allowed for entirely new kinds of magic. For example, combining Earth and Fire Magic yields Lava Magic, and combining Wind and Water Magic yields Ice Magic. It was no speculation but an idea to make something that could revolutionize the world''s understanding of magic.


    This invention belonged to Renford Castillon, the son of Earl Castillon and the first ruler of the newly born Castillon Kingdom. The guy who is known for putting an end to a coup attempt over the Yelarien Kingdom. They said he was 10 years old when he discovered Element Combination. Apparently, Renford wasn''t only a genius but also had Merlin Syndrome.


    This rare condition granted him a mana pool far bigger than that of an average aristocrat and even comparable to that of mythical beasts. The professors spoke of him with reverence, calling him one of the most talented magicians in history. I couldn''t help but be amazed at what the guy had achieved. To reshape the world of magic and politics at this age. It was both inspiring and intimidating at the same time.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 9

    Day 120


    Our training in Element Combination began in the academy courtyard, which was teeming with energetic students pushing the envelope. The professors had warned us that it wouldn''t be easy mastering this intricate art because not everyone could have two magical elements under control. While hundreds of students had congregated, only a tiny percentage of us possessed dual magic.


    For me, Fire with Wind made Lightning Magic seem possible. It was thrilling to be tested this way. I could feel and see the sparks of electricity crackling and twirling between my fingers as I experimented with what I was finding myself beginning to tap. It wasn''t much yet - just little shocks of energy for the moment. But others around me were really struggling to mingle their own magic, even with evident frustration.


    It was apparent that, even for those blessed with double elements, the process took patience, precision, and a vibrant imagination. Whispers of the outside world filtered in between training sessions. The most interesting rumor involved Renford Castillon, the new king of the Castillon Kingdom. It was said that he hunted down and destroyed branches of the Dark Guild across many kingdoms.


    Word had it that his relentless campaign was personal: the guild had targeted his fianc¨¦es, and in retaliation, Renford annihilated them within a single day. It had been weeks since I''d last crossed paths with any assassins from the Dark Guild. Although I felt relieved at this lull, the Dark Guild was much like a swarm of roaches.


    No matter how many of them you crushed, there was always a way in which they could endure and regroup to come back. Renford''s deeds may have temporarily disabled them, but I was sensible not to let my guard drop. The thought of a person like Renford taking an active role in combating the Dark Guild gave me an odd kind of comfort. At this point, I could focus on getting stronger, perfecting my Lightning Magic.


    Day 140


    Today, I realized that there''s much more to sword fighting than raw talent and sheer muscle. Silvia brought me something exciting in her lectures and training, almost magical yet totally different from it. It''s called Aura, a form of energy swordsmen wield. Magic is hereditary, but Aura can be acquired through the severest of training and self-control. Mana comes from the heart, while Aura is generated from the skin.


    However, there aren''t many ways one can activate it. There are at least two; First is Meditation: The only slow but controlled procedure in which a student gradually starts practicing their technique of opening and closing their aura nodes, which is a conduit carrying this power. In simpler terms, it requires a lot of concentration and calmness. Second is Activation: A quicker but much more dangerous approach, where an external surge of aura violently opens the nodes. Though it works, it''s a crapshoot¡ªit can cause broken nodes, meaning someone can never use aura again, or worse, kill them.


    According to Silvia, there is some controversy regarding whether talents for aura are inherited based on genetics or family heritage. However, apparently, nothing matters in terms of age, body type, or sex; it only depends on practice and hard work. Silvia''s professor had, in fact, been urging meditation for the entire class, warning of the dangers of forced awakening.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    He emphasized that aura mastery was not just a matter of strength but also of patience. "The path to wielding aura is as much about the mind as it is about the body," he said, and Silvia seemed to have taken those words to heart. She revealed that she had awakened her aura only yesterday. It was quite a milestone. It could perhaps complement my powers.


    Who knows how strong I could become if I could train myself to wield it?


    Day 160


    I decided to skip classes today and head south into the vast, unforgiving desert bordering the Yelarien Kingdom. Rumors had spread among adventurers that a Young Adult Brown Dragon had been spotted taking refuge in the sands¡ªa prime opportunity to claim Earth Magic and expand my growing arsenal of elemental powers.


    I flew through the blazing heat on currents of Wind Magic, scanning endless dunes for some sign of the dragon. The desert, however, was unnaturally silent, with the unceasing howl of the wind and the wave patterns of the heat that rose off the sand. Activating Infrared Vision, hoping for a chance to improve matters, all that existed seemed to be searingly hot and blending distinctions into a homogenous smear.


    If the Brown Dragon was burrowed beneath the sands, it was well-hidden. Frustrated, I descended and landed on the hot, grainy surface. "What a waste of time," I muttered, glancing around. "Those adventurers must''ve mistaken some other creature for a dragon." Just as I turned back, my Danger Sense flared. Instinctively, I leaped away from my spot.


    Not a moment too soon, the sand exploded where I''d been standing, and a massive, draconic head shot out with jaws snapping shut on empty air. The Brown Dragon emerged, its golden-brown scales blending seamlessly with the desert. It was a cunning predator, sneaky enough to evade even my Keen Senses. Had it not been for Danger Sense, I''d have been nothing more than a meal.


    Before I could react, the dragon slithered back into the sand, disappearing like a ghost. "Fucking wuss!" I snarled, but my taunt was cut short as the ground beneath my feet began to swirl and collapse. A swirling vortex of sand dragged me downward, a trap engineered by its Earth Magic to swallow me whole. Furious, I leaped up in a blast of Wind Magic, throwing the sand below me into disarray to expose its hiding spot.


    There it was, glaring up at me through cold, reptilian eyes now that its cover was blown. With a furious roar, it retaliated, releasing a torrent of Stone Breath that rained jagged stones toward me. I countered the attack with Wind Magic, but it was just a distraction. Before I could clear the debris, the dragon was burrowing again.


    "You''re not getting away!" I bellowed and dived down, just managing to grab its tail as it disappeared under the dunes. The Brown Dragon writhed and lunged, pulling me deeper into the sand as if trying to asphyxiate me inside its natural element. "Alright, that''s enough!" I shouted, finally losing my patience.


    Summoning all my remaining energy, I unleashed a gigantic gust of wind blast that sent us both crashing to the surface in a sandstorm. With superhuman strength, I heaved the dragon high up into the sky, twisting its body midair. "Let''s see how you manage without your precious sand!" I yelled, releasing all the remaining mana in my body. A blaze shot from my palms and engulfed the Brown Dragon with a fierce inferno.


    The intense heat turned its body to ash midair and scattered it across the desert like a fleeting mirage. Exhausted, I knelt on one knee, and my mana reserves were completely drained. The exhaustion was worth it. I felt the power of Earth Magic flowing into me, and I realized that I had gained much more than raw power. With Earth Magic, I could combine it with my Fire Magic to create Lava Magic or merge it with Wind Magic to form Dust Magic.

 Vol. 2 Chapter 10

    Day 170


    It was finally time. For weeks, I''d learned about aura and watched Silvia hone hers. So it was time to make her take mine out of me¡ªat least, that was the theory. At the inn, I sat cross-legged on my bed, my hands resting on my knees as Silvia stood behind me, her hands placed on my back. "Don''t blame me if this breaks your aura nodes," she warned, her tone as cold and blunt as ever.


    "Just do it already," I replied, bracing myself for whatever was about to happen. Without another word, Silvia pushed her aura against my back. I felt it¡ªa sudden, jolting influx of electricity pouring into me. My body jerked spasmodically, muscles tightening as the aura pushed its way through my dormant nodes. It was overwhelming at first like being hit by lightning, but then, something clicked.


    The sensation shifted. The raw energy began to flow smoothly, coursing through my body like a second bloodstream. Silvia pulled her hands away, and I opened my eyes, exhaling slowly. "Huh¡­ that wasn''t nearly as bad as you made it sound," I said, flexing my fingers as I felt the unfamiliar yet exhilarating power settle within me. Silvia crossed her arms, looking unimpressed.


    "Of course, it didn''t hurt. You''re a freak of nature," she muttered. During the following few minutes, I tested my freshly discovered aura. What I realized surprised me a little¡ªeven me. The reserves available to my aura were enormous in comparison to Silvia''s reserves¡ªan aspect of my ability where I stole the unawakened aura from multiple enemies I eliminated over time.


    It had literally been an unconscious collection for most of my journey without me knowing about it at all. But more surprising was how quickly I adapted. It had taken Silvia weeks to learn how to manipulate aura, but I did it in mere seconds, shaping and bending it to my will. Moments later, I took it a step further, manifesting another aura ability called Aura swords in both hands.


    The blades pulsed with raw energy, crackling with power from their edges, twirling one aura sword experimentally before letting it dissipate into the air. Silvia, however, stood by the door with her eyes tweaking. She watched me in silence, her expression unreadable, until finally, she spoke. "Fucked-up ass, cheater," she said in that dead flat tone. Without another word, she walked out of the room, leaving me there alone.


    Silvia may have been piqued, but I knew she was far from being angry. It was only her way of coping with the absurdity of my development.


    Day 200


    Ruby had grown incredibly within such a short time. Within a few months, he had mastered his Elemental Magic: Fire and Earth, along with their combined form, Lava Magic. To top it all off, he had also mastered his Non-Elemental Magic: Darkness Magic. His progress did not end with magic, though he had learned to read, write, and even speak fluently, leaving behind the rough, broken sentences he used to struggle with.


    Well, for me, the experience was not less intense. I have finally mastered my own form of Elemental Magic: Fire, Wind, and Earth, and their combined forms: Dust, Lava, and Lightning Magic. Not to mention Aura, which I mastered in just a few minutes a month ago. When other people started noticing, I could not feel like I was done yet; mastering it all just made me... Bored.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    The Yalarien Kingdom, as beautiful and full of promise as it was, had no place for a soul like mine, a true nomad at heart. The structure and routine of the academy, which had seemed so thrilling at first, now felt suffocating. I wanted to be back on the open road, battling for my limits and being pushed beyond what I thought myself capable of. To drive away the tedium, I had turned to the library at Kreel Academy.


    Day in and day out, when I had free time, I spent running along its endless shelves, reading book after book. Magic theories, historical accounts, arcane philosophies, and even fictional tales. It became my routine, my distraction, my escape from the dullness of mastery. Yet, as I turned one page to another, another part of me yearned for another chapter in my life.


    Day 205


    One title struck my attention during a late-night session at Kreel Academy''s library when I was very absorbed in analyzing many books: The Tale of the Five Emperors. I remember that Silvia mentioned a song named The Ballad of the Five Emperors to me. It probably is the means by which bards passed along the story to illiterate people. However, this iteration was inscribed and maintained on pristine parchment as opposed to ephemeral tunes. Intrigued, I retrieved the book and began reading.


    The narrative starts with a person named Zehanpuryu, a Cherubim¡ªan angel of high ranking and considerable might¡ªwho audaciously chose to revolt against the deity. As a consequence of his insubordination, he was banished to the Material Plane and deprived of his eternal life. While he could die of mortal wounds, he could not die of old age, making his existence both mortal and immortal. An outcast and without a sense of purpose, Zehanpuryu spent centuries wandering the world until such a time when an otherworldly threat came crashing into it.


    Aberrations¡ªhorror incarnate from another dimension¡ªbegan pouring into the Material Plane through dimensional cracks, wreaking havoc and destroying everything in their path. Mortals¡ªin the form of humans, demi-humans, or monsters¡ªcould do little against the invaders. As Zehanpuryu watched the destruction happening, he felt compassion for the mortals. He pleaded to the deity to give him help; he begged the angels to be freed so they could join him in battle. But he received no answer. Having no other choice, he decided to face the Aberrations and seal the dimensional rifts by himself.


    Although Zehanpuryu was one of the best Cherubim, the sheer number of Aberrations overwhelmed him, far beyond his immense power. He could not possibly fight them alone; he chose five lieutenants, all different species for each¡ªbut the tale strangely would not reveal what those were. To each of these lieutenants, he granted incredible powers, which manifested on their left hand as glowing tattoos; each comes with a title: Sword Emperor, Magic Emperor, Dragon Emperor, Death Emperor, and lastly, himself, whom he designates the Emperor Supreme. Together, these six people began a war against the Aberrations, sealing the cracks and saving the Material Plane.


    However, as the years went by and the Aberration threat lessened, the purpose of the emperors began to fade. That was when they learned of the dark secret behind their power: tattoos granting them immortality¡ªthough, as with Zehanpuryu, mortal wounds could kill them. The story of their immortality and power spread, fueling human greed. People began to chase the emperors, believing that killing one would grant the victor the tattoo¡ªand its powers¡ªalong with it. In the chaos of it all, Zehanpuryu disappeared. The remaining emperors, disappointed in the mortal greed surrounding their existence, hid themselves and lived secretly. They kept not only their identities but their power safe while they moved on to protect the world from the shadows. Generations went by, and slowly, the story of emperors faded away into myth. Many called them a natural phenomenon, awakening as tattoos in people rather than any angel''s gift.


    The narrative concluded with an ambiguous conclusion, leaving the essence of the Five Emperors enveloped in obscurity. I reclined, shutting the book with a gentle sound. The account was captivating¡ªa confluence of valor, selflessness, and the persistent avarice inherent to humanity. Regardless of its veracity, it constituted a narrative deserving of remembrance.


    END OF VOLUME 2

 Vol. 2 Savvys Abilities (Recap)

    Night Vision


    Swordsmanship


    Archery


    Keen Senses


    Physical Attack Immunity (New)


    Magic Attack Resistance


    Ailment Resistance


    Poison Immunity (New)


    Exhaustion Resistance


    Heat Immunity (New)


    Fire Magic (New)Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Fire Breath (New)


    Quick Mana Recovery (New)


    Mana Manipulation (New)


    Mana Perception (New)


    Wordless Magic (New)


    Infrared Vision (New)


    Frightful Presence (New)


    Danger Sense (New)


    Lightning Magic (New)


    Earth Magic (New)


    Shale Breath (New)


    Acid Immunity (New)


    Lava Magic (New)


    Dust Magic (New)

 Vol. 3 Chapter 1

    Day 821


    The past few days blurred together into a monotonous routine, so I didn''t bother documenting them. Think of it as a little time skip. But today¡ªtoday was different. It was a day worth remembering. We had done it. After months of hard work, endless training, and perseverance, the three of us had finally completed our courses at Kreel Academy. Amazing wasn''t even the right word to describe it.


    Relief, pride, and excitement just flowed through me as we marked the achievement. With that milestone behind us, it was time to continue our next adventure. Next stop: the Castillon Kingdom. I had initially been itching to go straight to the Dwarven Republic; their forges and engineering wonders always seemed to have piqued my interest.


    But Ruby, just newly promoted to C Rank in the Adventurer''s Guild, begged me to visit Castillon. I can''t just refuse; it will make me look evil and, worse, make him lose trust in me. I had no option but to agree. He earned it. Silvia and I had our reason to celebrate, too. We were officially S Rank Adventurers now. It wasn''t just a badge of honor¡ªit came with perks.


    More significant discounts on goods, free entrance to towns and cities, and a reputation that opened doors wherever we went. Life as an adventurer was about to get a whole lot easier¡ªor maybe harder, given the challenges that came with the rank.


    Day 823


    We had just covered the capital of Castillon Kingdom in two days; it so happened that the kingdom was located between the Yalarien and Archard Kingdoms. Having entered the city, I suggested that we spend three days here and then move forward toward the Dwarven Republic in accordance with my original plan. Silvia wanted to stay in the inn overnight, but Ruby was going out because she was so excited about something.


    I preferred walking in the streets myself just to know what this city has in store. First of all, I noticed how clean everything was. It was almost unnerving. In most medieval cities, the air would be filled with the stench of filth and the streets would be covered in waste. Here, there was no foul stench, nothing decaying, and no flies buzzing around.


    Even the food at the market stalls looked fresh and unspoiled¡ªnot even a maggot, not even a rotting piece of fruit. It was almost like stepping into another century. As I continued to wander around the city, I stopped at a small potion shop and replenished my supplies inside. Right at the counter, two men were totally absorbed in a game. At first, I wouldn''t give it much thought, but then my eyes became fixed on the board.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    I paused for a moment to take a good look. "Wait¡­ is that chess?" I thought to myself. It was a game I hadn''t seen since I left Earth. Curiosity was burning inside of me, so I decided to approach them. "Excuse me, is that chess?" I asked. One of the men looked up with a smile. "Ah, yes. It''s a new game invented by our king. Quite fun, isn''t it?" My head started racing. Renford Castillon. Could he be like me? From another world?


    What were the odds? As I thought about that revelation, the other man declared, "Checkmate!" "Damn it! Why do I keep losing?" the first man groaned, slumping back in frustration. Unable to resist, I asked, "Would you mind if I played a match?" The man who had just won grinned. "Sure, why not? Let''s see what you''ve got." I hadn''t played for years, but somehow, my basics remained in there.


    Actually, I was never that amazing at this game. Even back on Earth, I barely passed 500 ELO. But something inside this world had honed my mind. Maybe it was from all the battles and all the lives taken by my ability. Nevertheless, I seemed more intelligent. We set up the board, and I started with a simple Queen''s Gambit. The game progressed. Before long, we were in the endgame, and the board was leaning heavily in my favor.


    My opponent didn''t see it coming. "Checkmate," I declared. "What?! No one has beaten me before!" the man exclaimed, staring at the board in disbelief. "Hey, kid, what''s your name?" the other man asked, clearly impressed. "Savvy Santiago," I replied. "Leader of an adventurer party called The Eternals." "An adventurer, huh? Not bad for a kid to beat me at a game that''s only just been introduced," said the man I had defeated, still rubbing his neck in frustration.


    "You should consider joining the upcoming recruitment for the Knights and Mages Orders this afternoon," the other man suggested. "His Majesty is looking for talented individuals. It''s worth a shot." With a casual smile, I replied, "Nah, not my style. I''m not the type to take orders or work under someone else." "That''s a shame," the man said, shrugging. "You''d have been a great asset."


    "Maybe," I said with a laugh. "But for now, I''m just here for mana potions." I purchased my supplies and left the shop, but my mind was still on Renford Castillon. A king who brought chess into this world? There was no way that was a coincidence. He must be from Earth. But what kind of man really was he?


    I walked out of the potion shop with racing thoughts of tests said to be conducted by King Castillon. Strange - what need would a king have for going out of his way to conduct such tests? A king, by norm, left recruitment to their commanders; whoever wanted to serve was good enough without much scrutiny. And here was King Castillon breaking all tradition, conducting his own tests. Interesting, indeed.


    Curiosity began to gnaw at me. What kind of tests would he design? Combat or strategy, or something much less conventional? A man who had invented chess and seemed to be from a world of his own wouldn''t settle for anything but exceptional. They said the venue is in the arena this afternoon, I thought to myself as I walked through the spotless, thronging streets.


    It would be amusing, at least, to watch, to see the king and his machinations.

 Vol. 3 Chapter 2

    That afternoon, I settled myself down in the tall stands of the arena, mingling into the crowd and entirely obscuring my presence. My mana and aura were concealed¡ªno need to make myself a target for the discerning eyes of someone as keen as King Castillon or his commanders. Down below, test-takers quaked in anticipation. Two laps around the arena were announced as the first test. I laughed at its triviality.


    Two laps? What kind of challenge was that? But when it began, I understood the reality. Contestants tripped at every step, moving awkwardly. The air vibrated faintly. I reached my hand into the arena. At once, I felt something tugging at it to hold it down¡ªgravity. I had been right. It was not an elemental magic, like wind; it was Gravity Magic, and it was not weak. The king himself must have cast it.


    Despite the oppressive magic, a few participants managed to complete the laps with ease. To my shock, Ruby was among them. "Ruby?!" I whispered harshly, leaning forward in disbelief. "What the hell is he doing there?" I wanted to shout down at him and drag him out of the arena right then and there, but I knew better. Interfering would expose me. So I sat back and waited for the second test.


    This time, it was announced that King Castillon himself would enter the arena. For once, I saw what he looked like. He looked young, like a teenager, about 5 years younger than me. "The next test will measure your practical skills," he declared as a wooden sword materialized in his hand, seemingly from nowhere. "Use any weapon or magic you like. Your task is simple: land a single hit on me within 30 minutes."


    He paused, surveying the crowd. "All of you can attack me all at once." I blinked. "What the fuck? Is he insane?" I muttered under my breath. The participants were nervous at first, not knowing how to attack a king. But once the first bold attack was launched, the rest followed. King Castillon moved like lightning¡ªliterally. His body glowed faintly as he used Light Magic to dart around at unimaginable speeds.


    Most participants couldn''t even keep up with his movements, let alone land a hit. Ruby, however, surprised me yet again. His sharp instincts told him that he could predict the king''s next move. He made a sharp combination of Fire and Earth Magic that forced the king to dodge mid-step, giving him a fleeting moment to strike. In some ways, with sheer effort or luck, a few of the participants managed to graze the king.


    However, none of their attacks left even a scratch. Castillon was left untouched with a composed expression. By the end of 30 minutes, most participants had exhausted themselves, leaving less than a hundred standing. The final test was announced to be an interview. Well, that was simple enough, but something about it bothered me.


    As the other participants started to file out of the arena and move toward the interview chambers, I noticed Ruby among them. "That''s it," I said, leaping from my seat. I cut through the crowd and caught up with him. Without a word, I grabbed Ruby by the head. "Ow! What the hell?" he yelped, spinning around to face me. "Where do you think you''re going?" I demanded, my tone low and menacing.


    Ruby froze, his wide-eyed stare quickly giving way to nervous laughter. "Oh, Savvy¡­ what brings you here?" he asked innocently, clearly hoping to deflect the conversation. "Cut the act. You didn''t tell me you were planning to join this ridiculous charade," I said, my grip tightening slightly. "About that, um¡­" Ruby began, but before he could finish, I started dragging him toward the exit. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    "Come on. The interview won''t do you any good," I ordered. "But¡ª!" Ruby protested. "No buts." As we moved toward the exit, one of the king''s commanders intercepted us. His sharp eyes narrowed on us as he stepped forward. "Excuse me," he said curtly. "Are you planning to leave before the interview?" "I¡ª!" Ruby began to answer, but I quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. "Yes, he is," I replied smoothly, keeping my voice calm.


    Ruby squirmed in my grasp, mumbling protests, but I ignored him. The commander''s expression darkened, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "If I may ask¡­ what is your relationship to that boy?" "I''m his guardian," I said firmly, meeting his gaze without hesitation. "And if you don''t mind, we''ll be taking our leave now." The commander frowned but stepped aside momentarily.


    Just as I thought we were in the clear, the sound of steel scraping against leather filled the air. Turning slightly, I saw the commander unsheathing his sword and leveling it at my neck. "I''m sorry," he said, his voice tense, "but you''re not going anywhere." My patience snapped. Slowly, I turned my gaze to him, allowing my aura to surge just enough to activate my Frightful Presence ability, and said, ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    The commander froze, his face draining of color as his body trembled uncontrollably. He collapsed to his knees, his sword clattering uselessly to the ground. "W-What are you?" he stammered, his voice barely a whisper. I didn''t care to reply. Holding Ruby tightly in my hand, I left him still paralyzed with fear. A few minutes later, we arrived at the inn. I pulled Ruby behind by the back of his shirt as if he were some badly behaved child.


    I pushed the door open so violently that it hit the wall, jolting Silvia awake. She shot up from the bed with her eyes wide and fear-frozen. "W-What?! Who''s there?!" she yelled, fumbling around in a half-hunch to get a dagger that lay under her pillow. I pushed Ruby out of my arms, and he lurched forward. "Relax, it''s just us," I growled curtly and then fixed my glare on Ruby again. "Why in the world would you want to participate in that nonsense?"


    "I just wanted to know what it was like¡ªand, y''know, have a good time," Ruby replied, scratching at the back of his head. Silvia groaned, rubbing her eyes to try and put the pieces together. "What in the world is happening?" she asked, her voice drowsy but peeved. "Ruby participated in Castillon''s recruitment," I explained matter-of-factly. "It was just for fun! It''s not like I''m actually going to join." Ruby protested.


    I clenched my fists and snapped, "You almost blew your cover, you idiot!" My voice was sharp enough to make him flinch. "Back there, I sensed Holy Magic in the interview chambers. What do you think would''ve happened if those priests caught on to what you really are, huh? They''d fucking exorcise you, Ruby!" Silvia''s eyes had widened, now fully awake. "Wait, what?" she asked, looking between the two of us.


    I forced ahead, ignoring Silvia, "Once they understand that you''re a Cambion, the Holy Church will never cease pursuing you until you are dead. Do you understand? They don''t care whether you are good or evil- they''ll only perceive you as a demon hybrid and decree you as a threat."


    The cockiness on Ruby''s face faded and gave in to actual remorse. He lowered his head and mumbled in a low voice, "Sorry." "Look," I said, trying to soften my voice a bit. "I know you want to explore some shit, but this isn''t a game. If you mess up, you won''t just get a slap on the wrist. You''ll lose your life. Just think before you act, alright?"


    Silvia let out a deep sigh and folded her arms. "This kid''s going to give me heart failure one of these days," she grumbled before flopping back on the bed. Ruby nodded, his shoulders slumping forward. "I get it. I won''t do it again," he promised, but there was a faint edge of guilt in his voice. "Good," I said firmly, though my watchful eyes stayed on him a moment longer.  "Now, you should get some-"

 Vol. 3 Chapter 3

    The tense silence in the room was soon?interrupted by a sudden knock on the door. Ruby and Silvia shared anxious looks as?I got up to respond. Four in royal garb stood there, solemn and?official. "Adventurer?Party Eternals, his majesty, King Castillon summons you to the royal palace," one of them declared. "Damn it, Ruby! What the?hell did you get us into this time?" Silvia hissed.


    I sighed; this was much worse than I?had thought. Castillon must''ve?spotted us, but it was more likely me. I shouldn''t have used Frightful Presence. Not?going now would only make it worse. "Silvia, Ruby," I said calmly but firmly, "let''s do what we''re?told." They knew right?away. Fighting here was not going to?happen. We had?to do what we were doing.


    Minutes later, we were?at the royal palace, kneeling before Renford Castillon. His mana was so thick that it felt like an oppressive?heatwave was coming from his body. There was no doubt¡ªhis Merlin Syndrome was genuine. Beside him stood his adviser,?who shot us looks but stayed mute. "Leave us," Castillon said suddenly, his voice steady?but undeniable. The adviser stammered in?disbelief.


    The guards seemed equally unsure, but no one?was brave enough to question the king. Moments later, they filed out of the throne room, leaving the three of us alone with?him. "Please, stand up," Castillon?said, smiling slightly. We did as we?were told. He?gazed at us with sharp, knowing eyes. "Silvia, the Elf Swordsman. Ruby, the Cambion Mage. And?Santiago Savvy, the Otherworlder. What a?colorful bunch," he said, with a chuckle in his voice.


    "How do you know who we are?" I?said, suspicion tinging my voice. Castillon''s smile widened. "Appraisal ability,"?he answered simply as he stepped closer to me. It felt like?he was stripping my secrets from me with his gaze. "Especially you,?you have extraordinary abilities. I?say ¡ª what in the hell those do?" My jaw tightened. I was not in the mood for his?curiosity.


    "Cut to the chase. Why did you bring us here?" I asked impatiently. He laughed, undeterred by my?tone. "Oh, don''t get mad now. I was just curious. I wanted to meet another Otherworlder,"?he said, one of those explanations that only adds more questions. My eyes narrowed. "You''re from Earth?" "Really?"?I asked, my suspicion sharpening.


    "A world of cars,?phones, and billboards?" he replied casually. "I think that checks out." My chest tightened. He was being truthful ¡ª or?at least as honest as you need to be to be believed. "Why?don''t we go somewhere a bit more comfortable?" Castillon suggested, waving?for us to come. Moments later, we were seated in an ornately furnished?living room.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    One maid came in and set down a?tray with tea and delicate cups in front of us all. "Do you like tea?" breaking the silence, Castillon?asked. "No," I responded bluntly, looking at the?steaming liquid. What?surprised me was that the tea darkened, and it smelled different ¡ª like coffee. I took a tentative sip, and sure enough, it tasted like the coffee I used to drink?back on Earth.


    "What kind of magic?was that?" I wondered silently. Castillon leaned in, propping?his chin on his hand. "So ¡­ how did you get into?this world?" he asked. I hesitated before feeding?him the bare truth. "Divine Intervention," I said?flatly. "And a motorcycle accident when?I was 18." His eyes brightened?with recognition. "Ah, so you met Anello, too, the god who?brought me here!" I frowned. "... Never heard of him."


    His excitement subsided a little, and he?paused. "Oh, I see. So it must have been a different god,?then." Sitting quietly, sipping their tea, Ruby and Silvia kept their faces inscrutable as they watched the?exchange. Neither had?uttered a word since we arrived. "What about you?" I looking to redirect?the attention. "How did you die?" He softly laughed.


    "I was, in a previous life, a company worker at the?age of 55. I got caught?up in a shooting on my way home. It was just the wrong place, wrong time,?I guess."


    A?few moments later, the door to the chamber creaked gently as a young girl entered. Her charmed features were framed under a wash of blonde hair that seemed to flicker under the warm sunlight pouring in through the windows. Her bewitched violet eyes swept across?the room and landed on Castillon.


    ¡°Renford,¡±?she said quietly, a smile lighting up her face. ¡°Do you want to go?for a walk in the garden?¡± We were taken by?surprise by her sudden entrance. Castillon nearly choked on his tea. There was no menace in the girl¡¯s placid demeanor ¡ª in fact,?it was rather disarming.


    When she finally looked up and saw us sitting there sheepishly, her eyes bulged?with recognition. ¡°Oh! I had no idea you had company,¡± she said, taking a slight bow as an act of apology. ¡°Pardon the intrusion.¡± ¡°It is quite alright, Diana,¡± Castillon laughed?off her apprehension.


    The young lady stepped forward gracefully, gave a?polite smile, and said, ¡°Allow me to introduce?myself. I am Diana Yelarien, the third princess of the Yelarien Kingdom and the fianc¨¦e of King Renford?Castillon.¡± ¡°You two are engaged? That¡¯s so sweet!¡± Ruby complimented. ¡°Since when?¡± Silvia?inquired smilingly. Diana blushed, tucking?a strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°We¡¯ve been engaged since we were?thirteen,¡± she said tersely.


    ¡°That¡¯s adorable! ¡± Ruby replied, obviously taken with?the romantic idea. I held my tongue,?cradling my coffee as the disparate pieces of information in my brain slowly cohered. The more I took it?in, the clearer it became ¡ª something disconcerting. Something about all this left?me feeling wrong. Finally, I set my cup down?and looked at Castillon.


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± I said, my voice cutting through the festive mood, ¡°how old are?you?¡± Castillon?tilted his head, eyebrows furrowing in confusion. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, a?note of both caution and inquiry in his voice. ¡°Well,?both Diana and I are fifteen. Why?¡± I paused, and?the temperature in the room dropped as my expression grew serious. ¡°I see¡­¡±?I said, seriousness in my voice.]


    Ruby and Silvia had both noticed the change?in my attitude. Silvia also leaned in?a bit closer and whispered, ¡°Savvy, what¡¯s wrong?¡±,?but I stayed quiet. Castillon also noticed the change in my expression and curiously asked, ¡°Is there something ¡ª¡±

 Vol. 3 Chapter 4

    Just as Castillon opened his mouth to speak, I released my Frightful Presence, sending a wave of invisible fear crashing over the room. Everyone froze in terror, their faces twisted. Time seemed to slow in my eyes. The world dulled, fading into muted black and white as I summoned a blazing ray of fire without lifting a finger. The fiery beam tore through the air and aimed straight for Castillon''s face.


    Ruby and Silvia''s shocked faces barely registered as they tried to move toward me; their reactions slowed to a crawl in my heightened perception. My face was grim and emotionless, a complete contrast to the destruction going on around me. The fire exploded outward, its force tearing through the royal palace and into the town beyond. Screams echoed in the distance as chaos erupted.


    Inside, the blast sent Silvia and Ruby crashing into walls, their bodies crumbling to the ground. Castillon, however, was deflected by a shimmering Mana Barrier, protecting both him and Princess Diana Yelarien. "Crap¡­ Code Red!" Silvia groaned as she pushed herself up from the rubble. "We have to stop him!" Ruby yelled, his voice tinged with desperation. I ignored all of this and continued.


    My pace was purposeful, my eyes welling with bloodlust as I closed in on Castillon. In a blur of action, my fist collided with his barrier, and the impact sent him careening through the palace wall into the open sky. The royal palace groaned under the weight of destruction, servants running and screaming in every direction. Princess Diana fell on her knees, weeping.


    For one instant, our eyes locked¡ªhers widened in horror, mine impassive and frozen. In a wordless leap, I launched myself into the air, following Castillon for the grassy plains across the city. Castillon was up by the time I landed in the desolate plains. A faint shimmering Mana Barrier surrounded him as he struggled to keep himself steady. "Why are you doing this?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.


    "I just don''t like people like you," I replied flatly, my tone devoid of emotion. He stared at me, incredulous, as I continued. "You know, I''ve been training magic for two years at Kreel Academy. I wanted to see what I was truly capable of. And you¡­ you look like a fine punching bag. Without giving him a chance to respond, I conjured twin swords of fire and wind and charged at him.


    My raw physical speed was blinding combined with Lightning Magic and my strikes were relentless. But Castillon held his ground, his Mana Barrier absorbing each hit as he used Light Magic to augment his speed, narrowly avoiding my blades. "I don''t want to fight you! Stop this madness!" Castillon shouted, his voice almost pleading. "Then stop running," I snarled, combining my swords into a crackling Lightning Blade.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Its sheer energy began piercing his barrier, the raw power forcing him to retreat. My movements blurred as I matched the speed of light, my newfound revelation shaking Castillon to his core. "Fine! You want a fight? I''ll give you one!" he roared, wind surging as he unleashed his suppressed mana. The ground shook as Castillon summoned a gargantuan Dome of Wind, its sheer size dwarfing the surrounding landscape.


    Inside, the winds howled with deadly ferocity, tearing at everything within. I raised my own Mana Barrier, analyzing his technique for only a moment before adapting. With a surge of fire magic, I shattered the dome in a fiery explosion, the blast obliterating the plains around us. "How¡­?" Castillon muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Mana Barrier¡­ not as complex as I thought," I replied, smirking as I revealed my own.


    "Your magic is boring, so basic. Let me show you what real imagination looks like." Raising my hand, I poured every ounce of mana I had into the sky. The clouds darkened, swirling as a monstrous Lava Meteor the size of Texas materialized above us. Castillon''s face twisted in horror as the fiery mass began its descent, accelerated by my Wind Magic. "You maniac! Are you trying to kill everyone?!" he shouted.


    "Maybe," I said, grinning, and then dropped to one knee, replenishing my mana. Castillon immediately called up Dust Magic, which brought sand and earth from miles around to meet the meteor. Combining it with Gravity Magic, he fought to slow its descent. His effort was monumental, and in the end, he succeeded¡ªbut it left him utterly drained. Collapsing to his knees, he gasped for air, his mana reserves spent.


    I walked toward him slowly, summoning a stone knife and plunging it into his back. "Fucking bastard!" he hissed, coughing up blood. "You''re a fool, Castillon," I mocked, snapping my fingers. The Lava Meteor disappeared in an instant, leaving the sky clear. "What?! It disappeared?!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.


    "You could have destroyed it with your Light Magic, but no¡ªyou wasted your mana on flashy, useless spells. How the hell did you even repel a coup with such stupidity? Luck?" I jeered as he slumped down deeper, blood dripping under him. I leaned down, grabbing his hair to force his head up.


    "Look at you now, groveling at my feet. Where''s the high-and-mighty Renford Castillon who acted so cocky in the throne room?" My voice dripped with venom as I summoned a sharp metal blade, prepared to end him. "In the end, people like you deserve death a thousandfold." I raised the blade high. I never even got a chance to attack, as a boulder fist slammed into me from the side and hurled me several meters into the air.


    I hit the ground, uninjured, thanks to my Physical Attack Immunity, but I hadn''t felt danger coming in, which was Ruby''s Stone Golem, something he created using his Earth Magic. Ruby and Silvia stood at the edge of the field, grim faces set. "I told you not to get in my way," I said coldly, glaring at them. "It was a simple order, yet you couldn''t even follow."


    "Savvy, that''s enough!" Silvia shouted. "You''ve caused destruction everywhere! You injured a king and his citizens! Do you have any idea what you''ve done? If the other kingdoms find out, they''ll hunt you for the rest of your life!" Her words stabbed through my fury. The weight of my deeds hit me with all the force of a hurricane.


    I turned and gazed upon the devastation¡ªthe broken palace, the shattered plains, the injured Castillon¡ªand felt my first stings of guilt. I left in an instant, not saying a word, leaving behind me the destruction I had wrought.

 Vol. 3 Chapter 5

    That night, I sat atop a solitary mountain. The cool air nipped at my skin, and the moon hung low on the horizon. Its soft light bathed the expansive landscape below in warm tones, yet my eyes did not leave it. My soul craved solace. My mind ran through guilt and regret, reliving the havoc I had created. The quiet was shattered by the sound of footsteps. Without needing to look, I sensed that it was Silvia¡¯s presence.


    Her voice cut through the air. ¡°You¡¯d better give me an explanation for what you did.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± I replied flatly, keeping my gaze fixed on the moon. Her fury erupted instantly as the sharp scrape of her sword left its sheath, slicing through the stillness of the night. ¡°Fucking Coward!¡± she cried out, launching herself at me.


    I barely flinched, effortlessly evading her slash, and flipping backward into the air before landing with grace. ¡°I¡¯m ashamed of myself,¡± she murmured, her voice quaking with rage. ¡°Ashamed that I didn¡¯t make a stronger effort to stop you earlier.¡± Her sword was shining brightly, covered in a glowing aura. Before I could even react, she moved towards me at a blinding speed.


    I sidestepped her strikes deftly, barely avoiding the razor-sharp edges of her blade. She had become faster since our last match. Using my Earth Magic, I crafted a metal sword to deflect her strikes. Yet, the instant our blades clashed, mine shattered like fragile glass. ¡°Aura cancels out magic, and you know that,¡± Silvia coldly stated as she unleashed a flurry of aura-infused slashes.


    The atmosphere around me crackled with their fierce intensity. I danced and twisted, narrowly evading each strike, her onslaught unyielding. Her strength and speed were almost equal to mine, forcing me to set aside magic and meet her fire with fire, conjuring an Aura Sword.


    Our blades clashed, striking in shockwaves that quivered through the air and tremors that shuddered the earth beneath our feet. The mountain quaked beneath the force of our clash. Each blow sent sparks cascading, with neither of us yielding an inch. Silvia¡¯s rage was tangible, her determination unwavering. ¡°I¡¯m going to bring you down until you give me a reason for what you did!¡± she cried, her voice slicing through the tumult.


    Gritting my teeth, I sprang back and summoned a host of floating Aura Swords that surrounded me. With a deft flick of my hand, I sent them soaring toward her. She met them with unwavering resolve, her blade a blur as she effortlessly shattered each one. ¡°Damn it, she¡¯s my counter,¡± I acknowledged grimly. ¡°I can¡¯t wield magic and aura at the same time...¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    In a whirlwind of movement, Silvia turned my technique against me, executing it far better than I ever could. She kept pounding at me with relentless strikes that soon overwhelmed me, leaving slashes crisscrossing my body. Pain ignited as her blade sliced deeply into my flesh and a sudden sting seared my left eye, blood cascading down my face. My strength faltered, and I crumpled to the ground, powerless to rise.


    Silvia towered above me, her sword aimed directly at my face. ¡°Now tell me!¡± she insisted, her voice chillingly resolute. I released a weary sigh. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll tell you,¡± I replied, my tone soft yet steady. ¡°But first, do you understand what the word ¡®pedophile¡¯ means?¡± Her demeanor transformed into one of bewilderment.


    ¡°No. What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a person who¡¯s sexually attracted to children,¡± I explained, my voice laden with disdain. ¡°The term may not have a place in your world, but in mine, there are far too many individuals like that.¡± Her confusion only intensified. ¡°So that¡¯s why you fought him? But he¡¯s the same age as¡ª¡±


    I quickly cut her off. Anger bubbled up within me. Staring at her with one eye, I yelled, "He''s from my world, Silvia! In my world, it is a goddamn crime! He should be sent to hell for eternal damnation!¡± I spoke on, my voice cracking, "He''s mentally sixty! Old enough to be my grandfather! And he''s marrying this child! Screw that! I want him to die a billion deaths. I want him dead! Do you hear me?!¡±


    I screamed until my throat was burning, and then, to my surprise, tears began streaming down my face. Silvia froze, stunned. It was the first time she''d seen me cry. Her eyes softened, and without a word, she put away her sword and gently placed a Health Potion on the ground in front of me. She walked a few steps away, sat down on the ground, and stared at the moon, intently absorbing the silence.


    As I drank the potion, a gentle warmth flowed through my body, mending my wounds. Driven by curiosity, I rose to my feet and moved closer to her, finally settling down beside her. ¡°I was waiting for you to calm down,¡± she said in a soft voice. ¡°So¡­ would you mind sharing your past with me? Perhaps it will ease the burden in your heart.¡± I hesitated, the memories clawing at the edges of my mind.


    At last, I let out a sigh. ¡°Alright,¡± I murmured. ¡°In my world, there was a girl named Anne. She was my friend''s younger sister¡ªonly a year younger than us. She was¡­¡± My voice trailed off. ¡°She was my first love.¡± Silvia looked at me, her expression a mystery, as I compelled myself to press on. ¡°One day, she was raped by a pedophile. The following day, she took her own life. And the fucker responsible? He received just one year in prison. One damn year.¡±


    Silvia¡¯s shoulders drooped, and she murmured, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± I shook my head. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Speaking about it really brings some relief.¡± Rising to my feet, I inhaled deeply and declared, ¡°I¡¯m ready to go back. I¡¯ll face whatever punishment they impose on me.¡± ¡°Except execution,¡± I added with a playful smirk. ¡°I¡¯m quite difficult to kill.¡±