/Akashic POV\
-Next Day-
I woke up early and completed my morning routine, waiting for Sierra to call. It didn't take long.
{"Good morning, are you ready? …Sorry for rushing this. I'm just nervous. And thank you for the food, by the way—it was delicious."}
{"Yeah, I'm ready. I'm downstairs waiting. Oh, and I'm glad you enjoyed it."}
[+40 Satisfaction Points]
We continued talking for a while, arranging a pickup location. Soon, a black SUV approached, and the tinted window rolled down—it was her.
I got into the backseat where she sat, and the driver took off.
It was pretty spacious, so I leaned back, engaging in idle conversation with Sierra. She seemed happier but a little more restrained in my presence. I guessed it was because I currently held her grandfather's fate in my hands, which likely complicated things between us.
We talked for about twenty minutes until we arrived at a large compound surrounded by guards. As we passed them, I used [Observe].
I saw stats ranging from 30 to over 70, and the closer we got to the main house, some even reached the 90s. Most of the guards had physiques suited to attack types, giving them advantages in combat.
"We're here. I'll show you around later, but let's go see my grandfather." I looked at the huge house ahead, admiring its beauty.
I nodded and followed her, hands in my jacket pockets.
Inside the house, I noticed even more guards, some with stats reaching 100. I realized I was still pretty weak, despite being nearly three times as strong as the average human.
"Is grandfather awake?" Sierra asked a guard at the door.
"Yes, Lord Vero is expecting you."
The guard eyed me for a moment before turning back to Sierra. I used [Observe] on him too.
---
**Stats**
Name: Klein
Skills: Animalistic Rage
Physique: Mad Lion
Strength: 170
Agility: 114
Stamina: 130
[Animalistic Rage] - Physique Skill: Trade sanity for power. +40 Strength, Agility, Stamina (5-minute timer).
---
*Shit, these guys are no joke. Makes me wonder what Silas will be like.*
Lost in thought, we arrived in the room, and immediately, I felt a sinking sensation. It was as if I were trapped deep underwater. I couldn't move or breathe, and only fear coursed through me.
My body wanted to collapse, but I fought it. I hated this feeling—it was like I was about to die again. What just happened?
I shifted my eyes and saw Silas sitting up, staring at me.
[-30 Satisfaction Points]
He had long white hair and a frail body. The pressure was becoming unbearable, and I felt myself slipping away until—
[Gods Chosen Physique] - Immune to pressure. Ability to absorb other physiques. +50 to all stats. *Locked*, *Locked*.
A flood of notifications hit me, and the pressure I felt vanished as I gasped for air.
'What… just happened?'
'Right. I forgot—I'm entertainment. I'd be mad if the rewards weren't so good. But two of them are still locked.'
I refocused on the situation. Standing upright, I locked eyes with Silas.
"Grandfather, stop! What are you doing?!" Sierra turned to me with a worried look before facing her grandfather.
"Is this the boy you're being forced to marry?! I don't care how sick I am—I'll destroy that trash Sky family right now!!"
I could tell he tried to exert more pressure, but I felt nothing.
"Y-you know...? But no, it's not him!" Sierra soothed him, sitting him down.
"Yes, I learned of it recently from spies. I know everything that's been happening to you, and I'm so sorry, little one." He caressed her face.
Tears welled in her eyes as she hugged him.
"Who's the young man?" He focused on me with curiosity and interest. I had withstood his pressure quite well, even before the new physique kicked in.
"He's my friend, Akashic. He has a healing skill, and I brought him here to heal you!" She turned to me, apologizing profusely.
"Please don't leave! Whatever you wanted, I'll double it. Just don't go!" I smiled and placed my hand on her head—it felt like instinct. She reminded me of Naomi when she acted this way.
Despite almost being killed for no reason, I needed this to work for my future. Might as well get some extra benefits out of it too.
"You don't have to keep begging. I'm not going anywhere."
Her face flushed as she quickly turned back toward Silas. His eyes widened, likely from hearing I was a healer and seeing her reaction.
Though frail, he struggled to stand and gave a small bow.
"I apologize, young man. I get defensive about my granddaughter and meant no disrespect." I was impressed that he actually stood and bowed. My displeasure eased.
[+30 Satisfaction Points]
"Grandfather!!" Sierra exclaimed, shocked.
"Apology accepted. I completely understand."
As Sierra helped him sit down, I used [Observe] on him.
---
**Stats**
Name: Silas Vero
Skills: Killing Intent, Intensify, Death Vision
Physique: Death God's Kin
Strength: 4 (444)
Agility: 2 (421)
Stamina: 1 (400)
*Poisoned*
[Killing Intent] - Gained from countless slaughters. Place pressure on an enemy (more kills = stronger intent).
[Intensify] - Physique Skill: Multiply stats by sacrificing life energy or using enemy life energy.
[Death Vision] - Physique Skill: Preemptively see fatal blows aimed at you.
---
'Holy… No wonder I almost died! Every single skill is terrifying.'
Shaking my head, I focused on the poison.
Sensing my intent, the system answered before I could even ask.
'Well, that's horrifying. Next question: Can I cure it?'
The beauty of [Parallel Thought] allowed me to process all this simultaneously, so not much time passed.
I heard Silas speak again.
"I appreciate your effort, but I don't think you'll be able to heal me. I don't suffer from a sickness, but rather—"
"You were poisoned. By a soul-eating bug."
....
They shot me quizzical looks.
"I wouldn't have promised Sierra I could help if I didn't know what I was dealing with. After hearing her story, it's likely this happened during your attack on the Sky family." I had to embellish a little.
"Mind if I take a look?" I held out my hand, asking.
He nodded, allowing me to proceed. I placed my hand on his shoulder and closed my eyes.
I didn't know what to do next—I let instinct guide me.
When my hand connected with him, I could see all his ailments. Not knowing where the bugs were, I cured everything I could find first. Most were small, and with my strength, I easily healed them and continued.
Eventually, I found a split in his soul, like a pocket. Inside, I saw a giant worm surrounded by thousands of smaller ones squirming like maggots.
Disgusted, I blasted cure energy, combining it with my physique's power. Every small worm burned up instantly.
Focusing on the largest one, I used cure again, shrinking it as I slowly forced it out.
Soon…
*Retch* Silas began vomiting black bile, and a large worm fell from his mouth.
"Ew, is that it?" Sierra looked disgusted but intrigued.
I just wanted to wash my hands, even though I hadn't physically touched the worm.
Silas gasped for air as I watched life return to his body, his cheeks regaining color. It would take a while for him to fully recover, though.
"Grandfather!!" Sierra hugged him, and he embraced her back.
The worm tried to escape, but Silas already had it locked in his aura. He looked at it and obliterated it completely.
Afterward, he wobbled slightly.
"Relax, buddy. You're not 100% yet. Your soul needs time to mend. In the meantime, eat—you need to get some meat back on those bones. Your strength will return soon enough."
He stood and walked over to me, patting my shoulder while laughing loudly.
"Hahaha! Thank you! Anything you want, just ask! I may be old, but I still have connections in major cities and countries!! Hahaha!" I smiled.
He still had black vomit on his shirt, so I inched back a little.
"Come on now, don't be modest and say 'I don't want anything.' Let me reward you!"
Ha, as if I'd say that.
"I want the forced marriage contract between Alexia and your grandson Daniel removed."
...
It went silent.
"What?" No way, was that too much to ask for?
...still silence.
"Eh… is that all? You saved my life and have been very kind to my granddaughter, that's all you want?"
I mean, it's the one thing I've been tunnel-visioned on since I came back, so I haven't thought about much else after this.
I don't want to seem weird, so I'll ask for the gold standard.
"Umm, money too, I guess?"
"…You know what, I'll prepare a few gifts and send them to you in a few days' time. Anything you don't like, you can tell me." He patted my shoulder and went to sit down.
"Thank you so much, this really means a lot to me. Also, I meant it when I said I'd double it. What else would you like?" Sierra came up to me, asking what more I wanted. I was already stumped when Silas asked.
But an idea to increase my influence here came to mind.
"Well, since we're breaking marriage contracts, can you break Sierra's too?"
I already knew that was the first thing he'd do, but, extra points.
He looked at me closely again, probably trying to detect any hidden intentions.
Not finding anything, he grinned before speaking.
"I like you. Akashic, was it? I'll do everything you've asked of me today, and I still owe you. If you need me, call me, okay? Like I said, I still have some weight in this world."
He wrote down his number and handed it to me.
I thanked him and prepared to leave.
But before I did…
"Thank you, Akashic."
Sierra hugged me tightly.
"I'll have my driver take you home. I'll be here with my grandfather for a little while. Let's hang out sometime soon, in a happier atmosphere." She smiled again, but this was the best one so far.
Pure happiness. I can't imagine the feeling she has right now, but it makes me happy.
[+200 Satisfaction Points.]
I walked out of the building, hands back in my pockets, and made my way to the car.
The driver nodded toward me, and I nodded back. He opened the door, and I got in, thanking him.
Now that I had some time to rest, I realized—I did it! I stopped the marriage and prevented my death!
[+500 Satisfaction Points]
I doubt I'm completely out of the woods, but I can at least breathe now.
When I get home, I'll check my stats and prepare for Naomi's birthday.
Alexia will get the news soon. I hope she'll be happy.
I leaned against the seat and closed my eyes. Life is good.