When I still had the memories as a demon king , I didn't know that I would receive something like a "System". As a backup, I had broken down Three chains in my transcend domain before my transmigration. Each chain contained something that would make it easier for me to survive in this world.
My memories were one of them. Reincarnation is useless without memories. It was unquestionably one of my choices. One of the chains that I broke gave me an ability called "Synthmire". (Change for Souvenir.)
It can seal memories in persons soul. When I got this ability I regained my memories of my first life where I was an ordinary person.
With "Synthmire," I could store selected memories in a unique space called the "Archive," nestled deep within the intricate layers of my soul. This Archive is not just a storage space for memories, it's a sanctuary where each memory is meticulously cataloged, allowing for easy retrieval and thoughtful revision. Memories stored in the Archive remain vibrant and accessible, ensuring they are never forgotten, lost, or corrupted.
But that's not the only thing.
"You took something from me, so it's only fair that I take something from you."
"Huh? Just that? "
"Of course. I just want to take something that you have on you right now."
"Sure, take whatever you want as compensation."
"So do we have a deal then?"
"Sure, deal."
We exchanged handshakes. It looked normal from the outside. But he has no idea what he has done. He agreed that I may take anything from him.
So I extracted his soul essence. (ᵔᴥᵔ)
This my second ability, "Debt Reaper". (Changed from ASCENDER trait. This name explains the ability a lot more than ASCENDER.)
A warm energy flooded my existence. This is called soul essence. An extractable part of soul that I took from him.
My ability Debt Reaper can harvest a part of opponent's soul. It can be later used to strengthen my own soul .
The only disadvantage of this ability is that I can't take it unless someone give it to me willingly. In other words, I can only collect it as a form of payment, a debt or a trade.
It's just like lending a little bit of a person's mana to someone else. He can easily regenerate it back. And getting someone else's mana doesn't necessarily do anything other then replenishing.
But soul essence is bit different. No only he is permanently losing those essence which will take a great time and effort to recover naturally, It will also permanently increase my power. 'Soul Power' to be exact.
I calculated the new existence within my sou. I only got two units of soul essence. This is insufficient to fortify any aspect of my soul. This man has a very weak soul.
The next moment the gang leader fainted while I was still grabbing his hand.
"Huh, what happened to him?" the golden-haired boy inquired.
" I don't know ¯¯\_( ͠° ͟ʖ ͠°)_/¯ " I said. I pretended to think for a while.
" He must have fainted again from exhaustion. He'll be fine after a little rest.His physique is so fragile." I remarked.
"But you were getting beaten up by him." Said the boy as if putting salt on wound. It already hurts my pride to be beaten up like this by some kids. I was a demon king, damn it !
"Shut up! I wasn't giving it my all. And I didn't ask for your help.I could have dealt with them on my own. Tsk tsk."
My work here is done. I wish the gang had something useful on them. But I already know they don't have anything but the clothes the Academy gave them to wear.
I started walking toward the dorm. I just want to sleep in my room. But this golden-haired boy was walking alongside me and looking at me with sharp gaze.
"I see! Now I get it." Said the boy.
"Why are you following me?"
"Umm, I am also heading to the dorm."
Oh, that was a stupid question to ask.
"Haha, you say, but what's interesting is that, despite what they did to you, you didn't take revenge on him."
"Didn't I make three of them faint?" I asked. I have no Idea what this guy is trying to say.
"But that was just self defence. And you quickly forgiven them. You are so merciful. "
"No, that not it."
"You were also battling while holding back afraid to seriously injuring them, despite the fact that they were ganging up on you. But when I intervened you unleashed your whole power. Did you think they would be more hurt if they were to fight me instead? Well it's true that I don't know how to hold back well, I only fought my master till now and he was too strong."
"No, that's not the point. And I think you misunderstood my intent."
"Man, you are so humble. My master says that humble people are trustworthy . And even though you said you would forgive him after taking something from him, you didn't even take anything from him since he fainted."
'That's because they didn't have anything. And even if they had, I already took something more important.'
"You don't want to take something from an unconscious person .You are a truly noble individual."
He is misunderstanding .But I was too tired to correct him , I just kept walking toward the dome.
"Even while fighting being out numbered your fighting will didn't break."
'That's because I knew I will win as long as they don't use their abilities.'
"You are like a true hero." (✦ ‿ ✦)
"Oh, no. Just how did you got every sentence wrong."
"I'm so glad I met someone as noble and nice as you."
"Oh, please don't be. And please leave me alone."
"Could we be friends? I'd love to befriend someone like you."
Suddenly a green screen popped up.
-----------[ Green System - Free Style Path ]-----------
[Decision Point: First Friendship]
A fellow warrior, impressed by your noble personality and heroic fighting spirit, proposes to form a friendship with you. How will you respond to this offer?
1. Accept the offer of friendship, embracing the chance to stand united with a newfound ally in your adventures.
(Reward: Unlocked Cooperative Abilities, Potential support and assistance in future quests.)
2. Politely decline the offer, expressing gratitude for the gesture but preferring to tread your own path for now.
(Reward: Unlocked Solo Abilities, Opportunity to prove your strength and independence.)
3. Express appreciation for the offer and suggest exchanging contact information for future correspondence, leaving the door open for potential collaboration down the road.
(Reward: Unlocked Dual Abilities, Potential for synergistic teamwork and shared accomplishments)
------------------------------
Friendship, huh? I'm avoiding everyone because I lack common sense and culture in this world. I don't want to say anything dumb and wind up in trouble as a result.
"Sure." But rewards are rewards.
--------------------
[Outcome: New Friendship]
You accept the offer, forging a bond of friendship.
[Reward:]
- Unlock Cooperative Abilities : Resilient Aura.
- Potential support in future quests
--------------------
" Great. Damian Maximus is my full name. It's a pleasure to meet you. You can call me Damian," the golden-haired boy added, extending his hand for a handshake.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Damian. I am...."
"...."
"...."
"Who the f*ck am I again?"
"Eh?"
I forgot the name because the name was hard to remember and it wasn't my name to begin with.
[Host, Kardama Drogo. Kardama is your name.]
"Oh, yes. Its Kardama Drogo. Call me Kardama or Drogo, whatever you wish. It makes no difference."
"Oh, then I'll call you Kardama."
We were already at the dormitory's entrance by the time we finished. Damian said his goodbyes.
"Are you sure you don't need any treatment?"
"No, I'm fine."
"See you later, then, bye." said Damian, but his expression was a bit worried.
I spotted many groups while passing through the dormitory's wooden hall. Almost everyone who was watching me muttered.
"Oh my god, look at him"
"He is completely beaten."
"What, this is only the first day? People have already begun to fight."
"Based on his injuries, he must have been beaten by a group. Maybe he was ganged up."
"Oh no, we should move as a group. I don't want to be beaten and have my points taken away."
I paid no attention to them. I entered the room number 2897 . I collapsed on the bed as soon as I shut the door. This was the first day on the Academy. And it was a complete mess. I closed my eyes and heard a lot of noises in my head.
[The hidden mission has been completed]
[Ding]
[Ding]
[Ding]
The sound of the system approached. But I couldn't hear what it was saying since I was falling asleep. Or just passing out.