Lucifarge and the divine beasts sought refuge in a nearby cave as the sun began its descent. The discovery of the cave wasn't a result of Lucifarge's knowledge of the area, but rather his newly acquired skill,
After ensuring the safety of their chosen resting place, they deliberated on their next steps. Recognizing the potential dangers of hunting, Lucifarge decided to forage on his own. The divine beasts lacked combat capabilities, and their skills were not suited for assisting him in that regard.
Once he parted ways with the two companions, he leaped into a nearby tree, and a 'ding' resonated.
[Requirements for
"Skills getting more convenient, huh? I thought I needed to suffer again just to learn some fighting skills," Lucifarge commented while gracefully navigating the tree branches.
[I, the system, am acquiring skills based on conditions. As I am part of you, I cannot decide which skills are best, as my nature only notifies me of their availability.]
Lucifarge grinned at the system's explanation, playfully teasing it. However, the system, devoid of emotions, could only respond cleverly without reacting to his remarks.
Narrowing his eyes to better see the branches he had leaped onto, another 'ding' echoed.
[Requirements for
Lucifarge snorted at the information and promptly used his new skills while teasing the system once again.
"You're really a convenient partner system!"
[Please refrain from joking. I detected the presence of a nearby creature. North-West, 300 meters.]
Taking the system's warning seriously, Lucifarge halted and carefully surveyed the surroundings.
"By the way, I'm curious. What's my weight? I noticed that the branches I leaped on are still okay."
[It was an effect of your skills. Please refrain from joking. Guard up and slay the orcs nearby.]
At the mention of 'orcs,' Lucifarge stopped and turned off his skills to get a clearer view of the creatures. As he observed, he realized it was a camp near an orc village, with three orcs acting as guards assigned for scouting.
"I can smell pork!" Lucifarge exclaimed with delight, adopting an evil hobgoblin look as he faced the orcs. Jumping up, he utilized his skill
In a mere 6 seconds, the orcs were left breathless, sprawled in their respective places. As Lucifarge confirmed their demise, he sighed and appropriated the broken swords they held. Methodically, he slit their necks, opened their abdomens, drained the blood, and removed the organs.
[Dear Reincarnator, do you wish to use your rewards from your previous quest? It contains the stats of the ogre you defeated and an inventory with a dismantling system.]
Upon hearing the system's message, he paused momentarily and inquired, "What? And you're only asking me that when I'm covered with blood?"
*ding*
[Requirements for
"Oh, come on!" he exclaimed while attempting to remove the blood from his body. "Just use it now! What are you waiting for?"
[Dear Reincarnator, your nasty attitude is leaking. Please, you already know it, as
Lucifarge hissed as he realized it was his fault. However, spotting a loophole in the system's explanation, he eagerly threw in a question.
"Well, if you just kindly notified me when I killed the ogre."
[...]
As the system remained silent, Lucifarge grinned in victory, showing his smug-ish smile and praising himself.
"You're becoming a more partner-like system," he commented while placing the orcs' bodies into the inventory he had just summoned—a black spinning circle resembling a black hole.
*ding* At that sound, his stats correspondingly rose.
[It's because I'm inheriting your human nature, as I, the system, am part of you.]
"I see. I bet you need a proper name."
[I don't-]
Lucifarge immediately cut the system's words.
"I don't take a no. Your name will be Tema. From the late Latin word for system, systema. Okay? Tema?"
The system answered 'yes' as it had no other choice. But deep inside, with its growing human nature, it felt thankful for receiving a name for the first time.
After arranging everything, Lucifarge gathered the loot left by the orcs, anticipating a future purpose for the acquired items.
Returning swiftly, he proceeded to cook the orc meat, grilling it with Shiro's basic elemental magic. As they began savoring the surprisingly delectable meat, Lucifarge couldn't shake off the disgust, mindful that it came from a bipedal pig that exhibited human-like qualities.
Following the satisfying meal, they rested, concluding the day.
***
With the sun rising, Lucifarge awoke, realizing it marked the beginning of his first complete day as Hanzel Go or Lucifarge. After stretching, he turned to the system, Tema.
"Hey Tema, I know I still have a mission, and I won't forget it. What do you think is the best way to become a demon lord?"
Lucifarge awaited an answer, but none came. After a few moments, the reply carried an awe-inspiring vibe.
[Tema thinks the best way to become a demon lord is to gain strength, acquire followers, and build a kingdom.]
"Did you just call yourself Tema?" Lucifarge teasingly asked the system, Tema.
[Yes, you gave it to me. Why? You're gonna take it back?]
Lucifarge released a snicker at Tema's human-like response. Attempting to stifle his laughter proved futile, and he burst into amusement.
"You really like it, huh?"
[Indeed.]
*Ding*
---
Sudden Quest
Save the demi-human kid from drowning in the river.
Completed: 0/1
Time left: 5 minutes
Reward(s): Gratitude of the Cat Kin.
Failure Penalty: Unknown Opportunity
---
Lucifarge sighed and activated his skill,
There, he observed a demi-human catkin struggling in the strong current, desperately clinging to a large rock.
"Just how can you generate a quest, Tema?" Lucifarge inquired upon witnessing the plight of the distressed child.