Somewhere on the demon continent, a deep, booming laugh echoed through the crowded tavern, resonating over the lively music and chatter. "Ha ha ha ha ha!" The man's laughter was as rich and powerful as his presence, commanding attention. "Come, my friends! Drink, eat, don't be shy now! Let us all have a damn good time!" He raised his mug high, foam spilling over the edge as he took a hearty gulp. Around him, the atmosphere was electric, his magnetic charisma filling the room with an undeniable sense of celebration.
He was a towering figure, standing at an imposing seven feet. His head was bald, gleaming under the dim, warm lights, while his skin had a peachy hue that complemented his strong, angular features. A neatly trimmed beard framed his square jaw, adding a refined touch to his otherwise rugged appearance. His chest, broad and muscular, was bare except for a leather strap crossing over it, emphasizing his powerful build. Around his waist, he wore a rough brown fur wrap, contrasting against the sturdy leather trousers and black fur-lined boots that completed his warrior-like ensemble. He looked like a conqueror out of legend—bold, unrestrained, and reveling in every moment.
Five stunning women of various races surrounded him, each captivated by his energy. An elven woman with silvery hair, a sly smile playing on her lips, poured him another drink, while a lithe cat-beastwoman with emerald-green eyes laughed at his every jest. Beside them stood a succubus, her scarlet eyes flashing with mischief, and two bunny-eared beastwomen, their delicate faces flushed with excitement as they leaned close, hanging on his every word. They seemed utterly enchanted, their smiles and laughter genuine in his larger-than-life presence.
Just as the laughter and festivities reached a peak, the doors to the tavern burst open. Five demons stomped in, their expressions dark and unfriendly, eyes narrowed as they zeroed in on the lively scene around the man. The joyous atmosphere dimmed as patrons glanced toward the newcomers, the uninvited tension prickling in the air.
The man's eyes gleamed with an amused sparkle as he noticed them, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. He leaned back in his chair, folding his massive arms across his chest, clearly unfazed and even entertained by the arrival of the uninvited guests. He raised an eyebrow, his deep voice dripping with playful menace. "Well, well… Looks like we have some new guests. What's the matter, boys? Jealous?" He let out another hearty laugh, his enjoyment only growing as the men approached.
The five demons stood in a tight group, each of them bristling with hostility. Their leader, a demon with horns twisted like a ram's, narrowed his blood-red eyes and motioned to his comrade. "Is that him?" he asked, his voice low and gravelly.
One of the demons nodded eagerly. "Yes, sir, unmistakably. That's the man."
The leader turned, pointing a clawed finger toward the towering man in the middle of the tavern. "You there! How dare you take the virginity of our lady!"
The man barely looked up, still lounging with an amused glint in his eye. "Huh? What the hell are you talking about? Who the hell are you? Get lost. You're ruining my fun." He waved a dismissive hand, more interested in his drink than the demon's accusations.
The demon leader's face contorted, his expression twisted by mounting anger. One of his lackeys stepped forward, his tone indignant. "You bastard! Lady Ariana… You sullied her sheets and stained her reputation. How do you expect her to marry now?"
The man finally set down his drink and looked at them with a smirk, unfazed. "Ariana? There's too many to remember, pal. You'll have to be a bit more specific."
The demon leader's face flushed with rage. His voice rose in a shout, trembling with fury. "The Duke's daughter, you brute! You defiled the Duke's daughter, and now you're going to pay for it!" With a dramatic flourish, he unsheathed his sword, the blade glinting menacingly in the tavern's dim light.
The man's laughter erupted, hearty and cruel. "Oh, that one? You're calling her a virgin? Ha! She was no virgin when I had her. A right little slut, she is!" He threw his head back, his laughter booming across the room.
One of the demons stepped forward, trying to muster some composure. "You must come with us. You'll marry her and restore her honor."
The man cocked an eyebrow, a smirk of amused disbelief on his face. "Me? Married? You must be out of your minds." Rising slowly, his massive frame loomed over the table in front of him. With a careless bump, he sent it crashing to the floor, drinks spilling everywhere as the women around him scrambled to step back, clearing space around his imposing figure.
The demon leader's confidence wavered as he took in the man's size and undeniable strength, but he straightened, glancing at his comrades. "We have orders from the Duke. If you don't come peacefully, we'll use force."
A heavy silence settled over the tavern, thick with tension. The patrons, clearly accustomed to such scenes, began slipping out one by one, as if this were a routine occurrence. They seemed to know instinctively to give the man space, clearing the area with practiced ease. Even the women who had been laughing beside him moments earlier stepped back, wide-eyed, as they hurried out of harm's way. It was as if the entire tavern held its breath, bracing for the inevitable clash, each person moving as though they'd seen it all before.
The demons glanced at the fleeing patrons, noticing their hurried exits, but they brushed it off, assuming the crowd simply didn't want to be involved in a potential brawl. The atmosphere had grown tense, but the demons seemed unfazed, even as the tavern fell silent.
As the last of the patrons exited, an elderly barkeep approached the towering man, a slight scowl on his face. "Better not make too much of a mess this time," he muttered gruffly. "Break it, you pay for it."
The man rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. "Why do I always get blamed for everything, like it's my fault?" His deep voice was edged with frustration, but he quickly dismissed the old man's remark as the bartender grumbled and walked away, leaving the tavern entirely empty.
The man stretched his shoulders, casting a lazy grin at the demons. "Well, shall we get started?"
The demon leader sneered, gripping his sword tightly. "So, you don't want to come quietly, huh?" With a quick lunge, he launched himself at the man, sword raised, aiming directly for his neck. But as the blade connected, it shattered into pieces on impact, as if striking solid steel. The man didn't even flinch, his expression one of mild annoyance.
"Huh? What was that?" he asked, glancing down at the broken sword fragments littering the floor. The demon leader's face twisted in shock, his brain struggling to process what just happened.
One of the other demons stared intently at the man, his eyes narrowing as he tried to place his face. "Wait… this guy looks familiar," he mumbled, his voice tinged with fear.
Before he could speak another word, the man grabbed the demon leader by both shoulders, lifting him effortlessly. With a grin of cruel delight, he pulled in opposite directions, ripping the demon's body clean in two. Blood sprayed across the tavern, splattering the walls, tables, and the four remaining demons, who stared in horror as their leader's remains fell to the floor.
Barely giving them a moment to process the gruesome sight, the man moved with blinding speed. In an instant, he lunged toward one of the demons and delivered a bone-crushing punch to his skull. The demon's head burst like a ripe fruit, blood and fragments splattering across the floor.
Turning to the next, he grabbed the demon by the arm and hurled him with such force that he crashed through the ceiling, disappearing into the sky, destined for some unknown location. The remaining two demons quivered, their legs shaking uncontrollably, frozen in terror.
With a smirk, the man took a step forward, aiming a powerful kick at one of them. The demon's body contorted under the force, limbs snapping and twisting until it was nothing but a mangled mess, blood pooling beneath what was left of him.
The last demon fell to his knees, shaking and pleading. "Please… I didn't know… I didn't realize it was you… Y-You're… the great Hercules."
Hercules grinned, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, so you've heard of me, have you?" He laughed heartily. "Since you recognized me, I'll let you live. Now get the hell out of here!" The terrified demon scrambled to his feet and bolted out of the pub, leaving a trail of blood in his wake.
As silence settled over the room once more, a young man, no older than fifteen, entered the pub and surveyed the bloody scene with a sigh. "Oh dear, looks like you've made quite the mess again."
Hercules shrugged, giving the young man a bemused look. "What can I say? These lowlifes always come looking for trouble. Can't a man have a bit of fun around here?"
The young man handed Hercules a rolled-up poster. "Actually, I think I may have found a way to solve our money problems." He unfurled the poster, revealing a bounty notice. "Look at this—an Oni with a price on his head from the Dark Adventurers' Guild."
Hercules raised an eyebrow as he looked over the bounty poster. "Five million gold coins? Just for one Oni?" His grin widened, eyes glinting with intrigue. "Now, who'd he have to piss off to rack up a bounty like that? "Must be a tough one". "And all the way on the Blazing Star Continent, too…" He chuckled, rolling up the poster. "But for five million? That's a trip I'll gladly make."
Known far and wide as the strongest human, Hercules was a demigod feared and revered by all. Little was known of his origins, but his reputation was legendary. He lived without rules, reveling in drinking, partying, and the company of beautiful women. For the right price, there was no job he wouldn't take on, no matter how dangerous or morally questionable.
On the Black Mist Continent, nestled amid rolling hills and shrouded in mist, lay the myagical city of Firecrest, a sanctuary of magic and wonder. Firecrest was a marvel, home to dragons and magicians alike, its streets lined with enchanting tools and artifacts that made life for its citizens remarkably easy and comfortable. Here, crystal lamps lit pathways with soft glows, floating carriages moved silently through the air, and storefronts displayed magical wares that shimmered with arcane energy.
At the heart of this city stood the Engineers' Tower, a towering structure of dark stone and gleaming metal, where the study of arcane engineering was paramount. This tower, a beacon of magical prowess and knowledge, was under the command of a mysterious and formidable woman known only as Zero. She exuded an air of authority and mystery, her presence drawing both respect and awe from those around her.
Zero's appearance was as striking as it was enigmatic. Her skin, a deep, rich brown, seemed to glow faintly with a subtle, magical sheen, adding an ethereal quality to her presence. Her face was partially obscured by a sleek, black mask that covered everything from her nose down, leaving only her piercing violet eyes visible—eyes that sparkled with intelligence and intensity. Short, jet-black hair framed her face, adding to her effortlessly fierce look, while two small, dark horns curved forward from her forehead, a mark of her otherworldly heritage.
She wore a grey leather jacket that hugged her figure, its edges lined with intricate, enchanted stitching that shimmered faintly in the light. Beneath the jacket, a black, V-neck shirt revealed hints of her collarbone and the faintest glint of a rune tattoo. Her skin-tight black leggings wrapped around her legs, accentuating her form while allowing her to move with agility and purpose. Knee-high metal boots encased her legs, each step she took resonating with a low metallic thud that commanded attention.
A single metal gauntlet covered her right hand, engraved with glowing runes that pulsed softly with arcane energy, hinting at the immense power she controlled. Draped around her neck and trailing behind her was a long red scarf that doubled as a makeshift cape. The scarf, marked with an old, faint scar that wrapped around her neck, extended down to her knees, billowing gracefully with her every movement, adding a regal, almost warrior-like element to her appearance.
Zero, a figure both revered and feared, held a unique place in Firecrest. The citizens viewed her with a blend of admiration and caution—an ally and protector, yet undeniably a force to be reckoned with. She was as much a mystery as she was a master of her craft.
In her workshop, Zero was hard at work, sparks flying as she welded a piece of intricate metalwork. The goggles on her face glowed faintly from the reflected heat, and her hands moved deftly, almost playfully, as she shaped the weapon's frame. Her brow furrowed in concentration, yet a faint smile played at the corners of her mouth, enjoying the process as if it were child's play.
The door burst open, and a young woman—Jacky—rushed in, her voice breathless. "Zero! Zero! Have you seen this? Everyone's going crazy over it!"
Zero paused, lifting her goggles and wiping a smudge of soot from her cheek. "Hmm? What's got you all riled up, Jacky?" She set down her tools, glancing curiously at her apprentice, her violet eyes alight with mild amusement.
Jacky hurried over, thrusting a poster into Zero's hands. "The wanted poster! Take a look!"
Zero took the poster, her expression quickly shifting to a frown. She examined the details, her brow furrowing further. "What the hell is this, Jack? Are we so short on funds that we're accepting missions from the Dark Adventurers' Guild now?" Her tone was light, but the hint of disapproval was clear.
Jacky winced, looking a bit sheepish. "Well… I know it's risky. But come on, just this once? Five million gold coins could fund our research for months!"
Zero sighed, glancing at the poster again before setting it down with a shake of her head. "You're right; the Archmage has slashed our budget. But going after innocent people? It doesn't sit right with me." She crossed her arms, staring at the poster with a mix of contemplation and reluctance.
Jacky's eyes brightened, clearly excited by her mentor's consideration. "But it's 'dead or alive,' right? You wouldn't have to kill him, just bring him in. You're strong after all! He wouldn't stand a chance."
Zero let out a laugh, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Ha! True enough, Jacky. Perhaps I could capture him without a scratch." She tapped a finger to her chin, her tone playfully thoughtful. "And maybe, if he's smart, he'll manage to escape once he's handed over… wouldn't that be something?"
She paused, considering the logistics. "Only catch is, he's all the way over in the Blazing Star Continent. That's quite the trek."
Jacky shrugged with a grin. "Guess we'll have to book an airship. Teleportation is impossible between the continents after all."
Zero was a rare and powerful hybrid—a fusion of human and dragon, embodying the strengths of both her lineages. This unique heritage granted her the ingenuity and precision of a human which granted her the job systems that only humans can get alongside the raw, ancient strength of a dragon, and her humans side granting her a job as an arcane engineer.
A rare job exclusive to humans, she possessed an unmatched mastery over energy and enchantments, crafting advanced devices and weapons that few could rival. Her human side provided her with the skills needed to wield arcane energy, a feat that other magicians found challenging due to its volatile nature.
In her world, energy was divided into two forms: mana and arcane energy. They were like two sides of the same coin, connected yet distinct, much like hot and cold. Mana was neutral and stable—a steady force that powered most spells and magical tools. It flowed predictably and could be controlled with ease by skilled magicians.
Arcane energy, on the other hand, was wild and intense, an unpredictable force akin to blazing heat or a fierce storm. It was powerful but dangerous, demanding exceptional focus and resilience to wield. Most magicians avoided it, finding it impossible to control. However, Zero's human blood allowed her to manage and refine arcane energy, something few others could achieve.
Her dragon side, in turn, granted her a deep connection to the Universal Law, a powerful essence tied to the very fabric of reality. This connection gave her a unique understanding of forces that went beyond mere human knowledge, allowing her to tap into powers that blended the magical with the elemental. Together, her dual heritage made her not only a skilled arcane engineer but also a formidable figure in Firecrest, feared and revered for her unmatched mastery over forces that were nearly impossible for others to tame.
In the grand capital of Vita, within a chamber of unmatched luxury, sat King Lionheart III, ruler of the Vita Kingdom. The room was adorned with fine tapestries, golden accents, and an opulent chandelier casting a warm glow over the scene. King Lionheart himself, a figure of authority and grace, exuded a powerful presence as he reclined in his high-backed throne, his sharp eyes taking in every detail.
Standing beside him were two of his closest advisors. To his right was Marcel, a towering royal knight standing at an impressive 6'4". His armor, though appearing metallic, was crafted from star dust—a rare, enchanted material as flexible as leather yet tougher than titanium. A dark cloak flowed from his shoulders, and at his waist hung a sword marked with intricate, glowing patterns, hinting at hidden enchantments. Marcel's vigilant gaze never wavered, his stance one of readiness.
On the king's left stood Fin, the head eunuch and overseer of palace affairs. Fin, a shorter man at just over four feet, wore a tailored suit and wire-rimmed glasses that perched on the bridge of his nose. His long, well-groomed beard and calm demeanor radiated wisdom. Just now, he had presented the king with a letter from Abigail, which the king now read with intense focus.
Fin adjusted his glasses and leaned in. "Your Majesty, may I inquire as to its contents?"
King Lionheart's voice was firm, laced with authority. "It seems the Oni intends to purchase the very land he laid waste to in the Great Forest."
Fin nodded thoughtfully. "That is indeed good news, Your Majesty. In that case, we will avoid losing face on this matter."
The king's gaze darkened slightly, his tone unwavering. "But this… troubles me. The Oni should be rewarded for his actions, not burdened with buying land."
Fin's eyes gleamed with a subtle cunning as he responded, "Your Majesty, if I may suggest… what if we sold him the land at a substantial discount, or even granted it to him outright? We could announce to the nobility that the transaction was for an extravagant sum. This way, we appease those wary of demi-humans and retain our image, while privately supporting the Oni's efforts."
King Lionheart's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Yes, I see your point. Ha ha! We'll make it known publicly that he paid a fortune, while secretly, we'll offer him the land for practically nothing. And… it would be good to meet this Oni myself."
Marcel, the royal knight, cleared his throat, his tone firm yet respectful. "Your Majesty, you aren't thinking of traveling to Forest Hill City, are you?"
The king's gaze turned cold, his voice sharp. "And if I am? What of it?"
Marcel shifted uncomfortably. "Your Majesty, tensions are high. Many are displeased with the abolition of slavery, and your safety is at risk even here in the palace. To travel outside… it would be unwise."
The king leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "That is precisely why you are here,