#### A New World, A New Purpose
Arin Sato moved through the dense forest with the precision of a predator. In this strange new world, his instincts had sharpened, his mind constantly assessing and calculating his next move. He had always been methodical, but Etheria demanded more than mere strategy—it demanded ruthlessness.
The system's directive echoed in his mind: **"Copy any skill by eliminating its owner."** Simple, yet powerful. This world was filled with magic, where strength was determined by the unique abilities individuals possessed. Arin's goal was to understand, master, and ultimately control this power. His curiosity, once passive, was now a driving force, urging him to explore the depths of Etheria's potential.
His first encounter with Elara, a kind and trusting soul, had been an eye-opener. Her death had provided him with his first skill: Basic Light Manipulation. The ability itself was modest, but it had given him a taste of what was possible in this world. As he walked through the forest, he conjured a small orb of light, watching it float above his hand. The sight of it filled him with a cold satisfaction—proof of his growing strength.
But Arin knew he needed more. Much more.
#### The Village of Aradia
After hours of navigating through the forest, Arin emerged into the open, where the dense trees gave way to fields and scattered farmhouses. In the distance, he saw a small village—Aradia, the place Elara had mentioned. It was a quiet, remote settlement, perfect for furthering his understanding of Etheria's magic. Here, he could continue his work without drawing too much attention, honing his abilities and preparing for what lay ahead.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the fields, Arin approached the village cautiously. The villagers were winding down their day, going about their routines with an air of peaceful contentment. To Arin, it was just the right environment to conduct his experiments.
His gaze swept across the village, assessing the potential targets. He needed to be careful, to avoid unnecessary risks. The villagers were likely to have only minor skills, but even a small mistake could draw unwanted attention. Arin was patient, methodical—he would wait for the right moment, the right opportunity.
As he observed, his attention was drawn to a group of children playing near the village well. They chased each other around, laughing and shouting, their carefree joy a stark contrast to the cold calculations running through Arin's mind. One boy in particular caught his eye—a lanky child with quick, agile movements that set him apart from the others. The boy darted through the group with surprising speed, almost as if he were gliding over the ground.
Arin's instincts told him that this boy possessed a skill, and his mind began to work out the details of his plan. But he knew that any direct confrontation with the child would require caution. He couldn't afford to arouse suspicion, not yet. He needed to lure the boy away from the others, to a place where he could act without being seen.
#### The Trap is Set
Night had fallen by the time Arin put his plan into motion. The village square was nearly empty, with most of the villagers retreating to their homes. The children had been called inside as well, but the boy Arin had targeted lingered by the well, seemingly reluctant to go home. It was the opportunity Arin had been waiting for.
He approached the boy, adopting the guise of a weary traveler. His clothing, taken from Elara's belongings, was simple and nondescript—a far cry from the business attire he had worn in Tokyo. His demeanor was relaxed, unthreatening, and he wore a friendly smile as he called out to the boy.
"Hey there," Arin said, his tone gentle. The boy looked up, startled at first, but then curious. "Why are you still out here? It's getting late."
The boy hesitated before replying, his voice small. "I like the quiet at night. It's peaceful."
Arin nodded, his smile widening just a fraction. "It is peaceful. But it's also a bit lonely, isn't it? Mind if I walk with you?"
The boy studied him for a moment, then nodded, apparently reassured by Arin's harmless appearance. Together, they began to walk, leaving the square behind and heading toward the edge of the village.
As they walked, Arin engaged the boy in casual conversation, asking about his life in the village, his friends, and what he liked to do for fun. The boy, whose name was Lyle, eventually mentioned his skill—a minor one, he explained, that allowed him to move faster than others, almost as if he could slide over the ground. Arin listened intently, every word confirming his suspicions.
When they reached the outskirts of the village, Arin guided Lyle toward a small grove of trees. "Why don't we take a shortcut through here?" he suggested, his voice still warm and friendly. "It'll get you home faster."
Lyle hesitated, glancing at the darkened grove, but Arin's reassuring presence won him over. The boy followed him into the shadows, unaware of the danger that lurked behind the kind smile.
Once they were far enough from the village, Arin moved swiftly. He didn't need to draw his blade or resort to violence; instead, he activated the ability he had taken from Elara. With a subtle gesture, he created a blinding flash of light, overwhelming Lyle's senses. The boy's speed was useless when he couldn't see or react.
Before Lyle could recover, Arin moved in close, placing a hand on the boy's forehead. The system responded instantly, channeling the boy's skill into Arin. Lyle collapsed, unconscious but unharmed, as the transfer completed.
**Skill Acquired: Swift Step**
Arin stood over the boy's motionless body, feeling the rush of a new ability coursing through him. The thrill of acquiring another skill, of growing more powerful, was intoxicating. The boy would awaken with no memory of what had happened, none the wiser to the fact that his ability was now in Arin's possession.
Arin tested the new skill, feeling a surge of energy as he moved, faster and more fluid than before. The skill was simple, but it had potential, especially when combined with others. Arin's mind raced with possibilities, already planning his next move.
Etheria was a world brimming with power, and Arin was determined to claim it all. The villagers of Aradia were just the beginning—small, insignificant pieces in a much larger game. But they would serve their purpose well enough.
As he stood in the darkness, the thrill of the hunt still thrumming in his veins, Arin couldn't help but smile. This world had no idea what was coming. But soon enough, they would learn to fear the man who walked among them—a man who looked like a fool but hid the mind of a monster.
And as Arin Sato left the grove, his steps silent and swift, the night seemed to close in around him, as if the world itself was holding its breath in anticipation of the destruction he would bring.