A year had passed since I had been reincarnated as an octopus and defeated the Frost Titan. In that time, I had earned a reputation. Phenix City's inhabitants now called me the Mad Witch of the Abyss. Children ran screaming whenever I crossed their path, and adults gave me wide berths, their faces pale with fear. Their whispers followed me like shadows, filled with rumors of my deeds and the dark magic that swirled around me.
Yet, the isolation didn't bother me—it thrilled me.
In my past life, I had been invisible in a different way. People ignored me, or worse, tried to drag me down. Chief among them was my class bully, Angel—a name far too benevolent for someone so cruel. If ever there was a person who embodied Lucifer, it was her. But those memories belonged to a life long gone. Here, I wasn't a victim. Here, I was a predator.
And I had grown stronger.
At level 20, I was the highest-leveled individual in Phenix City, an achievement that meant there were no challenges left for me here. I had completed every difficult quest, fought every fearsome creature, and claimed every reward worth taking. The city that had once been a crucible of danger now felt more like a stagnant pond.
It was time to move on.
As I approached the city gates, the usual whispers followed in my wake. Some assumed I was heading out on another deadly quest, but they were wrong. This time, my destination lay far beyond the familiar boundaries of Phenix City.
Once I was safely out of sight, I activated one of my newer abilities: The Gait of the Abyss.
Dark energy coalesced in the air before me, forming an enormous, ominous magical circle. Slowly, a sickle-shaped portal materialized, its black and violet hues pulsating like a heartbeat. At ten meters tall, it was a spectacle of power—proof of how far I had come.
With a flick of my hand, I focused on my destination: the capital city of Lernaean And. The portal shimmered, locking onto the coordinates.
"Time to see what the capital has to offer," I murmured before stepping through.
The transition into the Abyssal Gate was disorienting, as always. Swirling currents of darkness and light twisted around me, pulling at the edges of my form. In this in-between space, time seemed to stretch and compress, the sensation both exhilarating and nauseating.
To distract myself, I summoned my status screen to take stock of my growth.
Name: Octavia
Age: 1 year
Level: 20
Skill Points: 25
Race: Abyssal Octopus
Title: Mad Witch of the Abyss, Wielder of the Forgotten Flame
Stats:
Strength: 18Agility: 16Mana: 25Dexterity: 10Affinity: Abyssal
Skills: Black Tendril, Shadowflame Barrage, Soul Bind, Nether Grasp, The Gait of the Abyss, Hell Summon, Soul Split, Soul Suck
I smiled, satisfaction curling through me. Each number, each skill, was a testament to my tireless effort. The Gait of the Abyss was perhaps my most useful acquisition, but Soul Suck had proven invaluable in close combat, draining my enemies' life force to fuel my own. Hell Summon—now, that one had caused a few sleepless nights for those foolish enough to cross me.
The portal deposited me at the outskirts of Lernaean And, its towering spires visible even from this distance. The city stretched as far as the eye could see, a labyrinth of stone and steel pulsating with life. Unlike Phenix City, where chaos and violence ruled, Lernaean was a fortress of order and ambition.
As I approached the main gates, I couldn't help but notice the stark difference in the atmosphere. Soldiers patrolled the walls, their silver armor gleaming under the midday sun. Merchants bustled about, hawking their goods to a diverse crowd of travelers. The air buzzed with energy, a stark contrast to the grim silence that often shrouded Phenix City.
"State your business," a guard barked as I neared the gates. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowing as they took in my unusual attire and the faint aura of magic that clung to me.
"I seek entry to the capital," I replied smoothly.
"Purpose?"
I met his gaze with an unwavering stare. "To challenge its strongest."
The guard blinked, clearly startled by my boldness. After a moment's hesitation, he waved me through, muttering something about reckless adventurers.
As I stepped into the city, I was struck by its grandeur. Wide avenues lined with marble statues led toward an enormous central palace, its golden spires reaching toward the heavens. Markets brimmed with exotic goods, their colors and scents assaulting my senses. Yet, despite its beauty, I could feel the tension in the air.
This was a city driven by power and ambition—a perfect place for someone like me.
I wandered through the bustling streets, listening to snippets of conversation. Whispers of a tournament reached my ears, tales of warriors from across the land gathering to test their mettle. It sounded exactly like the kind of opportunity I needed to establish my dominance here.
Lernaean had no idea what was coming.