As the village reconstruction unfolded, the labor force diligently executed my instructions, fashioning houses with robust stone walls—a subtle but crucial upgrade. The collective effort of the villagers during my absence resulted in a stockpile of resources, ready for deployment. The impending task was roofing, scheduled for another day. The goal was not only to shelter but also to create smooth surfaces for painting and to craft superior furniture for the entire community.
"Eto," I beckoned, "your unique abilities will be invaluable in our quest for resources. Assist in gathering materials for my village."
Eto responded, "As you wish, my lord." He nodded silently and set to work. Despite my lingering unease, I acknowledged the potential of harnessing his abilities for the betterment of the village.
Contemplating the future, I found myself grappling with ideas. A surge of inspiration struck—exploring other kingdoms for insights and innovations could be the key to furthering our progress. Yet, before embarking on such a quest, a viable source of income for the village needed to be established.
The decision was made to initiate this economic endeavor with the creation of a food establishment, offering villagers a place to purchase nourishment. Simultaneously, plans were set in motion to remodel the inn and establish a tavern. However, a significant challenge loomed—space constraints.
Summoning Eto to the scene, I issued a directive for him to clear additional trees on the right side of the village, emphasizing a non-destructive approach. "Clear more trees, Eto, but don't be destructive. I just want a little more space on the right side. Don't exaggerate, please."
Eto, demonstrating both strength and restraint, diligently undertook the task, ensuring the expansion of our territory while providing a valuable resource in the form of wood.
Acknowledging that I would be absent during this critical phase, I entrusted the temporary leadership to Gulaino. However, recognizing the potential volatility of Eto, I cautioned Gulaino to handle the responsibility with care, specifically advising him not to provoke Eto.
Approaching Eto, I transferred the responsibility of command, stating firmly, "You will follow Gulaino's orders while I am away, understood?" Eto, displaying a momentary hesitation, ultimately acquiesced to the directive. "I will follow your command, my lord."
Before my departure, curiosity led me to seek Eto's advice on potential kingdoms to explore. "Eto, what is a kingdom I should visit?"
Eto then replied, "Well, you shouldn't visit Misao since I've killed the guards from it, so you should visit Urthur. I've heard good things about it, and I know people from there. It's also the second-largest kingdom in our land."
I curiously asked "What do you mean 'Lands'"
Eto unraveled a deeper mystery—the existence of three lands. "There are three lands in this world," he explained. "The one we are on right now, and there are two others, which the only way to get to them is either by boat or teleportation. If someone goes to another land, they never come back, so we don't know anything about the other two lands. The only thing I know is that two other demon lords are in the other two lands, while only me and two more are in this land."
The revelation added an air of intrigue and peril to the undiscovered realms.
Seeking guidance, I turned to Eto, asking, "Where is the Kingdom of Urthur?" Eto's response resonated with determination, "It's far in the landscape. If I'm not wrong, heading straight from here should lead you to it." With a nod of gratitude, I set forth on this new journey, the path to Urthur unfolding before me.
As I ventured towards the distant horizon, the perspective shifted. Back at the imposing castle, another cut of the point of view revealed its grandeur. The narrative delved inside, into a sizable room, not entirely shrouded in darkness. At the heart of it, a blue-haired girl sat on a throne, surrounded by 12 figures kneeling below.
The one at the forefront of the figures addressed the girl on the throne, "Ma'am, apparently the kid is being protected by the 3rd Demon Lord, Eto Tratarossa. This isn't good. As long as Eto is with that boy, he won't let anyone get near him without severe consequences, possibly injury or death."
The blue-haired girl spoke with unwavering authority, "I don't care if you guys get injured or not. Kill THAT BOY! He will be impossible to deal with if he keeps getting stronger. He is only 8 years old, and I can sense his aura from this far. It's too dense. NOW, BE SURE AND KILL HIM!"
Back in my point of view, I ascended high into the sky propelled by flames, my mana reaching an impressive 1030. With such reserves, fatigue was a distant concern. Yet, mindful of the unpredictable nature of magic, I kept an eye on my mana levels, not wanting a repeat of a free fall from thousands of feet.
Seizing the opportunity, I decided to level up, pushing the boundaries of my abilities. I turned to Daiki, inquiring about the location of the Lava Ryots. "Where are the Lava Ryots?" I asked. Daiki, a presence in my mind, responded promptly, "The Lava Ryots are 5 kilometers from here. It would take 45 minutes walking and 3 minutes flying. Want directions and auto-pilot?"
Curiosity piqued, I probed further, "What do you mean, auto-pilot?" Daiki explained, "I can control your body if you wish me to, Tatsuya-sama." Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. "Let's give it a try then."
As Daiki assumed control, I marveled at the sensation of movement without conscious effort. It was a strange yet exhilarating experience as I traversed the skies effortlessly, guided by Daiki's control. The landscape shifted beneath me, and I found myself arriving at the Lava lands without a clear sense of my own actions.
Surveying the surroundings, I spotted numerous Lava Ryots—a promising hunting ground. Intent on leveling and capitalizing on the valuable resources they offered, I prepared for a productive hunt. Their heads and gems were not only trophies but potential sources of income.
With strategic precision, I engaged the Lava Ryots, harnessing the power of my magic and the newfound efficiency granted by Daiki's guidance. Each encounter was a test of skill and strategy, as I aimed not only to level up but also to accumulate resources for future endeavors.
After an intense five-hour hunt in the Lava lands, I found myself perched on a hill of defeated Lava Ryots. The spoils of battle were substantial, and my status had elevated to Level 603. My stats now reflected the significant progress:
● [Title : The Hero] - 50% more Total HP/STR
○ [Passive Skill : Vampirism, Predator, Cold Resistance, Fire Resistance, Breathless]
● [Race : Vampire]
[Level : 603] [EXP : 1,233/31,850]
• [STR : 2,410 (50%+)] - Strength
• [HP : 6,150/6,150 (50%+)] - Health Points
• [STM : 6,100/6,100] - Stamina
• [SP : 0] - Skill Points
• [MP : 1,230/1,230] - Mana Points
° [Skills : Trident Strike, Ice Manipulation, Aura sense, Aura Conceal, Fire Manipulation, Water Manipulation, The All Knowing - Daiki,]
° [Inventory]
Empowered and ready to gather the spoils of my successful hunt, a sudden intrusion disrupted the tranquility. A cloaked figure emerged behind me, delivering a powerful fist to my face. The impact catapulted me towards a nearby cliff, shattering it upon impact. The pain was real, and it cost me 500 HP. Shaken but determined, I readied my scythe for combat.
The mysterious figure closed in swiftly aiming to grab my face. As I attempted to retaliate, the figure evaded my strikes effortlessly, showcasing incredible agility. I launched a kick, but it barely fazed the assailant. Gripping my legs, the figure spun me around and sent me soaring into the sky.
He then teleported ontop of me,, landing a devastating kick to my stomach, when I hit the ground, I created a crater from impact, I felt blood spilling from my lips, and my HP dwindled to 3,200.
Fighting against both physical and mental strain, I refused to surrender. Gripping my scythe tighter, I engaged in a desperate struggle. The figure, unfazed, dodged my attacks with ease. As I attempted a slash, the figure swiftly avoided it and closed the distance, delivering a series of punishing blows. Each impact created shockwaves, and I spat out more blood.
In a moment of resilience, I evaded the figure's kick, stood up quickly, and tried to retaliate. However, my efforts were in vain as the figure, with unmatched speed, disappeared and reappeared behind me, launching another attack. The exchange intensified, and I found myself struggling against an opponent of superior skill.
As he stood far from me, with a sudden blink, the figure vanished, only to reappear in front of me, preparing to deliver a devastating blow. But before the final strike, a black, slimy circle emerged on the ground, and two hands reached out. It was Eto.
Eto's presence brought a momentary pause to the conflict. The figure, as soon as he saw Eto, he stepped back and revealed himself as a man with green hair, black eyes, and a distinctive spider mark on his cheek, spoke with an icy tone, "My majesty wants you dead. So will be it."
As Eto emerged from the black, slimy circle on the ground, concern etched across his features, he questioned, "Are you okay, my lord?" My response carried the weight of the recent struggle, "I'm everything but okay right now...."
Eto's attention shifted to the green-haired man, his gaze unwavering. With an air of authority, Eto declared, "I don't care what your majesty said. It's either you leave, or I will personally make sure you take your last breath right here and now." The man, seemingly undeterred, focused on his ominous objective. "Eto Tratarossa, The Third Demon Lord who now is the servant of this mere boy. I will make sure to crush you and take your spot as the Demon Lord," the man proclaimed.
Eto's response cut through the tension, "The title of Demon Lord is too big for someone like you." Unfazed, the green-haired man remained determined, prompting Eto to deliver a warning, "So you don't want to leave. I see. Bad choice."
In an instant, Eto materialized in front of the man, effortlessly blocking his attempted strike with a single finger. The sheer force of the impact sent ripples through the surroundings, shaking the trees and creating an overwhelming pressure. Even I felt the weight of the confrontation.
Eto reinforced his earlier statement, "As I said, the Demon Lord title is too big for someone like you." As the man attempted to retreat, teleporting away, Eto effortlessly followed, appearing in front of him once more. Swiftly seizing the man by the head, Eto delivered a stern admonition, "Don't ever. HURT MY LORD AGAIN!"
In an instant, Eto's power manifested, as he forcefully slammed the man's head into the ground. The impact created a colossal shockwave, carving a crater into the earth as if a mountain had been unearthed. The man's fate was sealed, a death on impact. No pulse, no sign of life. Eto's display showcased a mere fraction of his formidable power, a testament to the depth of his commitment to protecting me.
The aftermath lingered, the silence broken only by the echoes of the recent clash. Eto stood tall, a guardian unyielding in his dedication, and I, though battered, now carried a deeper understanding of the forces converging around me.