I smiled.

"Hearing about the Fantasy World from my friends was something worth living for," they'd say. "The Hero is the best! He gets to save the world from the Demon Lord, has insane powers, the coolest gear, and—" Gil would always add with a smirk, "he has a massive harem, too!"

But my smile faded, a sigh escaping as reality set in. "Just stories from authors and game devs," I muttered. Imagination has nothing on reality. Though, one thing the authors get right is that the Hero always defeats the Demon Lord… that bastard, the very reason I'm here in this cursed world.

I chuckled darkly. "My story is different. The system is broken. Death here is like day and night, always lurking, in new and twisted forms."

"Do you know what it feels like to become a hero, Your Majesty?" I leaned forward, my gaze fixed on the obese man slumped on his blood-streaked throne, barely breathing.

"Bastard," he gasped, struggling for air. "After all we've done for you… You ungrateful Hero!"

A low, mocking laugh escaped my lips. "Funny, isn't it? Well…" I rose, brushing the dust from my cloak. "I have a parting gift for you—a token of my appreciation." I smiled, glancing out the window. "It's on its way right now. You'll love it."

I strode to the castle's brattice, watching the darkening sky. "Ah, it's here," I said, turning back to him with a smirk. "Farewell, Your Majesty."

Outside, the sky churned as a horde of demons descended upon the kingdom. "Enjoy your services," I laughed, spreading my black wings and taking flight.

"ALISTAIR!" The king's anguished scream echoed from his chambers.

Suddenly, a red holographic screen appeared before me:

[YOU HAVE BEEN CURSED BY KING THETFORD]

[TITLE GAINED: "OUTCAST"]

[Curse Level: A ]

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