"So this is it."

I thought to myself.

I could feel the cold crept closer.

My hand pressed against the stab wound.

Blood seeped steadily, but oddly, I wasn't afraid. Death didn't terrify me—not really. My only regret was never marrying. Perhaps that was a blessing in disguise.

At least I wouldn't leave a grieving wife or fatherless children behind for my mother and sister to care for. God knows our extended family wouldn't lift a finger to help. 

Learning from my father's mistakes, I made my will years ago. Every cent was carefully allocated, and those leeches in my family? They were cut out entirely. 

As my vision blurred, memories surged—a chaotic montage of my life. Is this what they meant when they said your life flashes before your eyes?

I was born in a strange family.

In a society steeped in patriarchal traditions, ours was ruled by a matriarch—my grandmother. She despised her sons, save for my eldest uncle. Perhaps it was because they reminded her of her husband, a gambling, womanizing deadbeat who'd vanished, leaving behind nothing but debts.

My father bore the brunt of her hatred. He resembled my grandfather too much, and for that, he suffered.

During his twelve years of schooling, my grandmother bought him only one oversized white T-shirt. One. It wasn't until bullies tore it apart in middle school that she grudgingly replaced it.

She even spun some absurd tale about how my father gave away his shirt to a homeless child. A noble lie, I suppose.

When he got into a good university, she "rewarded" him with a motorbike. It nearly killed him when it burst into flames. Father called it a cheap knockoff, but I suspect she knew exactly what she was doing.

Despite her cruelty, my father excelled. He landed a high-paying job, made smart investments, and built a comfortable life for my sister and me. We lived well, basking in the envy of our extended family during every Tết holiday.

But tragedy hit when my father, burdened by unresolved trauma, suffered a stroke. He was gone in an instant.

My uncles and aunts forced my mother to hand over nearly all his assets to my grandmother. She, in turn, gave everything to them. In just five years, they squandered it all on indulgence.

Left with a rundown house by the river, my mother worked three jobs to support my sister and me. I took on part-time work to save for our education. I turned down relationships—romantic and platonic alike—focusing solely on our survival.

In university, I finally built connections. I followed my father's teachings: keep relationships shallow but wide, a network of lukewarm alliances. I learned how to talk, how to look, how to become indispensable. If I couldn't do something, I'd find someone who could and make them owe me.

Those skills paid off. I built wealth, sent my sister to a prestigious university in Australia, and ensured she had a bright future. She married a good man and became a citizen there. My pride and joy.

But today, my instincts failed me—fatally so.

I'd taken on a client without digging deep enough. I didn't know he was a gangster until it was too late, and now I was caught in the crossfire of a gang war.

When I tried to slip out through the back exit of a karaoke bar, a lackey blocked my way. I showed him my lawyer's card, hoping he'd let me pass. Instead, he stabbed me, claiming I had looked at him the wrong way.

I blacked out, and when I came to, the thug was dead at my feet. My hands were bloodied, my heart pounding. In the chaos, a packet of white powder fell from his pocket—cocaine.

I'm a good man. At least, I try to be. I pay my taxes, donate generously, and volunteer at soup kitchens. But in that moment, as death loomed closer, fear gripped me.

I crouched over the cocaine, reasoning with myself. If reincarnation isn't real, what does it matter? I'd already killed someone, however unintentionally. My karma was in tatters. What was one more sin to soothe the terror clawing at my chest?

But before I could snort it, darkness claimed me. Blood loss had already won.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Am I dead? 

I opened my eyes.

I found myself lying a rocky floor staring up at the ceiling of a cave.

The surrounding was dimly lit with luminiscion mushrooms.

I groaned and slowly sat up.

My head was hurting.

I touched my head with my hand, I could feel something wet, I am guessing blood, and there was something else, pointy.

Hmmm? Pointy?

There are three horns on my head.

I slowly looked around my surrounding, humanoid creatures with one and two horns.

Some were laughing and talking but I couldn't make out what they are saying. It is because of a concussion or is it because I don't know their language.

They were forming a circle around me and another three-horn.

I am guessing this is some sort of battle for the leadership position.

"Give it up, Ereshar. You can't win."

I could finally hear again. The laughter and the talking was now on full blast.

"Oh just shut up." 

I yelled out while grabbing my head it was hurting like crazy.

"You talk too damn much."

I raised my fits.

"Still hasn't given up?"

I planted my feet firmly, taking a deep breath to steady the throbbing in my head.

The three-horn lunged forward, claws outstretched, aiming for my face.

I slipped to the side, and countered with a quick jab to the ribs.

The hit landed with a satisfying thud, and the three-horn stumbled back, clutching his side.

Before he could get back up, I delivered a crisp one-two combo to his exposed jaw, knocking him out.

That was easy?

I stood over him. 

The crowd, once jeering and laughing, fell silent.

"He killed him."

Before erupting into panic.

"Just be quiet. I didn't kill him. Go check if you want."

I walked toward the crowd, they spilt apart to let me through.

I looked for a corner somewhere and sat down.

It really hurts.

Just then a girl with one horn came over to me.

In her hand, there was a gooey, slimy blue blob. 

"Tricrown, I already told you not to fight. Now look at this."

"Consider the fact, you always make fun of me back in our cavern."

She shoved it into my hand.

The blob was mushy, squishy, and wet too.

I looked in her eyes.

"Thanks. But what am I supposed to do with this?"

She looked at me with wide eyes and then laughed.

"What is this? You lost your memory or something?"

Only when she caught my quiet demeanor.

"Oh crap. Really? This is bad."

"Why so?"

The girl grabbed the blue blob and put it on my head, gently rubbing it all over.

"Hey. What gift?"

Suddenly, the pain stopped.

"That's amazing."

"Okay. How much do you still remember?"

"None. Nothing at all."

The girl let out a sigh.

"Who is the dumbest person here?"

"Here? I'm not sure. But back in our cavern, that would definitely be Vorrin."

"Alright, explain it to me like you'd explain it to Vorrin."

Without missing a beat, she puffed out her chest, put on an exaggerated face, and began.

"Guh guh guh. Gha Gha Gha."

I was dumbfounded. I am hearing this correctly or is she speaking in a language I don't understand?

"Okay. Enough. Enough."

I said, raising a hand to stop her.

"Just tell me the important bits."

She chuckled.

"Alright, listen up. About a thousand years ago, our ancestors came to this world in great aircraft, dreaming of conquering it. But they weren't prepared for the dragons—mighty, terrifying creatures that ruled the skies. The dragons overwhelmed them, and they were forced to flee, crashing down to the surface below. The surface was a wasteland, filled with toxic ash. Survival seemed impossible. So, to escape the deadly environment, they carved their way into the earth. Over generations, they built a vast network of interconnected caves to call home."

"Wait? So what happend to the aircrafts?"

Before I could say another word, she placed a finger firmly over my lips, silencing me.

"Patience, It's tradition for each cavern to send out their young, those who've come of age, to start life on their own, to continue expanding the cave system. That's the important part."

Her hand now back to caring for my head injury.

"So what happend to the aircrafts?"

"Why are you so focus on the aircrafts? It is because you are a Tricrown?"

She rubbed the horns on my head.

It felt oddly tickling.

"Odd. The horns are supposed to be the most sensitive part. Is your brain even working properly?"

"I do feel something. It's tickling."

Her hands didn't stop, and her rubbing became more playful.

"Well. Our race is divided by our horns, you know. The one-horned Novathorn are the laborers. They're physically strong, able to work tirelessly for hours, but... well, they're not exactly known for their smarts. There's the two-horned Dualsages, the scholars. Brilliant minds, but they couldn't swing a pickaxe to save their lives from cavecrawlers"

"And then there's the three-horned Tricrowns—leaders, the best of both worlds. Strong and smart, they guide the rest of us. Only the most exceptional Tricrowns are allowed near the aircrafts now, up at the very top."

"So you are a Novathorn then?"

I took a moment to observe her. She appeared fit, with a well-maintained figure, though not someone I'd imagine doing strenuous physical labor. Her curves were noticeable, with a slim waist that accentuated her balanced proportions.

She giggled, grabbing my hand and guide it on her head.

One horn. And just behind it, partially hidden under her hair, a smaller second horn.

Leaning closer, she whispered into my ear.

"In our culture, only parents and lovers are allowed to touch the horns. "

"Wait… seriously? Me and you?"

I couldn't help but grin inwardly. Struck gold—or maybe diamond—the moment I got isekai'd? Grandfather, wherever you are, thank you.

"I don't even know your name."

"My name is Veshira. And don't worry—I won't push you into anything uncomfortable. But just so you know…"

She leaned even closer to my ears.

"I'll make sure you fall in love with me all over again."

She then pulled back and pointed a finger in my face.

"But right now, what's important is this: go find Thalvyr and apologize. Starting a fight out of jealousy is _not_ something a leader should be doing."

So that was it. The original owner of this body was the top dog among his brood. But now that position of his was being threaten by other tricrowns from other broods, he'd lashed out—unable to handle the sight of another Tricrown talking to his mate. I could understand the insecurity, but honestly, it was a little too much for my taste.

"Alright."

I stood up, brushed the dust off my clothes, and started walking. Veshira accompanied me as we headed toward where Thalvyr was sitting. He was awake now, being tended to by members of his brood.

The moment they saw me approaching, they tensed. The Novathorns formed a defensive wall at the front, their imposing physiques blocking my path, while the Dualsages stood behind them, watching carefully.

"What are you here for? Picking another fight?"

A dualsages male yelled out.

"Relax relax. I just want to apologize."

I raised my hands in a gesture of peace.

The atmosphere was not pleasant to say the least.

"Let him through."

Thalvyr's voice rang out, cutting through the silence.

His brood hesitated but obeyed, slowly parting to allow me passage. I walked forward until I stood face-to-face with him.

"How are you doing?"

"My head is still spinning in circle."

"Well, sorry about that."

"I'm sorry about that. I really mean it. I let my emotions get the better of me, and it was wrong. I hope we can put this behind us, especially since we'll be living together from now on."

Thalvyr studied me for a long moment, then sighed.

"Fine. Apology accepted. I was looking for you to discuss something. I was actually looking for you to discuss something important. I asked your mate about your whereabouts, and, well..."

"Anyway. Now that you're here, we need to talk—Tricrown to Tricrown."

Reaching into his satchel, Thalvyr pulled out a curious machine. Inside, it housed three glowing mushrooms: one red, one yellow, and one orange.

"It has been 21 orange glows and still, none of the other broods have arrived. Even the elders from the higher levels remain absent."

"I propose that we organize a scouting party to go look for them."

I nodded, appreciating his decisiveness. Being proactive was always better than sitting idle, waiting for things to spiral out of control. I'd never liked being the passive one.

"Agreed. Have you got anyone in mind? "

"Not yet. Though I think one of us should stay behind to maintain order"

Both roles had their advantages.

Leading the scouting team would mean working with the strongest and fastest, those capable of quick action. But staying behind would offer the opportunity to establish authority, ensuring everyone in the brood recognized who kept things running smoothly.

It was a question of strength versus influence. And sometimes, influence could outweigh brute strength. 

I should stay behind.

But before I could voice the thought, Thalvyr spoke up.

"Considering I'm still disoriented from our earlier fight, I think the honor of leading the scouts falls to you."

Well, so much for that idea. Maybe knocking him out hadn't been the most strategic way to end our fight. Stupid. Stupid.

"Very well then. I'll handle it."

"Come back here after 5 yellow glows. My dualsage will have finished picking out people for this task by then."

I placed my right hand on my left shoulder and inclined my head—a habit I'd picked up from watching too much anime back in my old life. It just felt natural now.

Thalvyr and the others looked at me with confusion.

Without offering an explanation, I turned and left, Veshira falling into step beside me.

"Veshira, bring me with you. I would like to meet the others."

Veshira gasped dramatically, clutching her chest like she'd just witnessed a miracle.

"You have finally growth up. I'm so proud. You used to dump all your responsibilities on me and disappear somewhere to get high on mushrooms."

"How much of an insect was I? And why did you even become lover? What were you after—Power? Authority?"

Veshira just giggled and didn't answer my question.

---------------------------------------------

Five yellow glows later, I returned to Thalvyr, with 5 others, 4 Novathorn and 1 Dualsage.

Thalvyr was waiting with five others, making it 8 Novathorns, each brimming with physical strength, and 2 Dualsages who radiated sharp intelligence.

Together we descended deeper into the cave systems, the glowing fungi casting faint, flickering light on the rocky walls. The air grew colder, and the faint echo of dripping water filled the silence.

I managed to befriend them all. That's a good step.

---------------------------------------------

"I had quite the long day eh."

Staring at the advancing wave of cavecrawlers.

The multi-limbed insects were terrifying up close—chitinous bodies glinting in the dim light, razor-sharp claws clicking menacingly as they swarmed toward us.

Plottwist, it turned out that my brood and Thalvyr's were the last to arrive.

As fate would have it, some overzealous Tricrown from another brood thought it was a brilliant idea to expand the cave system further without the elders guide.

Their digging hit the jackpot—the heart of the cavecrawlers' hive.

The chaos was immediate. The elders, having only just arrived, had scrambled to intervene, trying to save what they could. Their plan? Collapse the newly dug tunnels to seal off the hive. Explosives had already been laid, but there was a problem—they hadn't been detonated yet.

And now, here we were.

"We need to buy time for them to warn the others."

Without hesitation, one of the Novathorns, a hulking figure named Zorrik, hefted the Dualsage Yrith and Hitzek onto his back. The smaller figures clung tightly as Zorrik broke into a sprint toward the main tunnels. Their mission was clear: alert the rest of the broods and get reinforcements.

That left the rest of us to hold the line.

"Our priority is to set off those charges. We hold them here as long as we can."

They nodded, their trust in me clear.

"Form a wall!"

Their sheer strength was incredible—they batted away cavecrawlers with powerful swings, their thick arms acting as shields against the onslaught.

But there were too many.

I sprinted toward the explosives, tucked away in a crevice of the newly dug tunnel. The faint hum of the detonator was reassuring—it was still operational.

"Hold them off for a little longer!"

I shouted.

As I crouched by the explosives, setting the charges to detonate, a shadow loomed over me. A cavecrawler larger than the others had broken through the line— probably some kind of alpha.

I barely had time to react as it lunged at me.

It's sharp claws pierce through me.

I slammed my hand down on the detonator.

"Fall back!"

The cave trembled as the charges went off, a deafening explosion echoing through the tunnels.

---------------------------------------------

Darkness swallowed me whole, and for a moment, there was nothing—no sound, no pain, no thoughts. Just an endless void.

Then, a faint, mechanical hum stirred me back to awareness. Slowly, I opened my eyes, my vision swimming with flickering lights. When I finally focused, I realized I was staring at a screen.

Strange symbols flickered for a moment before morphing into something I could read.

**CANDIDATE EVALUATION: STATUS - CRITICAL FAILURE**

A second line of text followed, glowing in bold, crimson letters.

**A GOD CANDIDATE SHOULDN'T DIE THIS QUICKLY.**

I blinked, trying to process the words. 

God candidate? What the hell does that mean?

**ANALYZING LAST ACTIONS... RECKLESS, BUT COURAGEOUS.**

The voice that followed behind me wasn't mechanical, but smooth and calm, almost amused.

"Not bad for a first try. You managed to save your team, but sacrificing yourself so soon? Tsk, tsk."

"What's going on? Explain yourself."

"Straight to the point. I like that."

"I died back on Earth?—so why this... whatever this is?"

"You're here because I brought you here."

"I suppose you could say I'm dead, though that's not entirely accurate. I am a being born before time and space—a fragment of existence itself. The new gods couldn't destroy me, so they did the next best thing. They sealed away my essence, the thing that makes me... me."

It let the words hang for a moment before continuing.

"And here's the twist: only a being with divinity can unseal it. That's where you come in."

"Wait? How's that working out for you? I can't be the first person you've tried this with." 

"Sharp observation."

The voice replied, sounding almost amused.

"Indeed, many before you have become gods. Strong ones. Wise ones. But none of them accomplished their ultimate purpose. None succeeded in freeing me."

"Doesn't sound like your track record's too great. Why not just give up?"

The voice laughed, a rich, echoing sound that carried no malice.

"Give up? Why would I? Time is nothing to me. I am endless. I can afford to wait, no matter how long it takes."

"Didn't you die to some insect too? That little punk who ended your life probably didn't even finish middle school. You must understand how I felt, being brought down so easily by something so insignificant ."

"If you agree to help me, I'll send you back to your world—alive, as if none of this ever happened. And to make it worth your while, I'll grant you a wish. Anything your heart desires."

"Make it three, and you've got yourself a deal."

The voice laughed again.

"You are quite an entertainment. Fine, three then. I will also grant you some of my power to help you out." 

The voice yawed.

"Now I am going to send you back. I am exhausted. Oh, and try not to die again. Once the trees get you, well… there's nothing I can do about it. Ciao, ciao!"

Before I could question what "the trees" meant, everything went black.