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My name is Kyouya, and not so long ago, I was your average otaku. Everything changed when I tripped and died—because I didn't get enough sleep. Live by the sword, die by the sword, they say. I guess it applies to sleep deprivation too.
Now, here I am, standing in front of a monster at least nine meters tall. One strike from this thing could send me to the afterlife for good.
"Howl! My subjects, stand back and witness the power of a Fenrir!" the beast roared, its voice echoing through the battlefield.
I raised a hand nervously. "Can we, uh... not fight, mister Fenrir?"
In response, the air around me shifted violently as the beast lunged, claws slashing through the space where I had just stood.
"That was close," I muttered, jumping back. "Guess there's no room for negotiation. Fine. Let's go all out."
I released my energy, channeling it into my flames. The temperature surged so high that the air itself seemed to burn, draining oxygen from the surroundings.
The Fenrir growled, its eyes narrowing. "Not bad, human." Despite its bravado, its stance wavered.
"You could retreat, you know," I offered, half hoping it would back down.
"Don't mock me!" the beast howled. A massive gust of wind erupted, forcing my flames back.
The wind shifted into a thunderous storm, and lightning cracked through the air. I barely dodged, the bolt grazing past me.
"Alright, my turn," I muttered, focusing Aetherion into my legs. My speed surged, and I launched a punch that connected with the Fenrir, sending it skidding back. Its claws dug into the ground to stop its momentum.
Not giving it a chance to recover, I conjured a blazing fireball and hurled it at the beast. The Fenrir countered with an earth wall, deflecting the attack.
I gritted my teeth. "This isn't working."
Focusing my energy, I created a heat barrier so intense it distorted the air around me. The Fenrir snarled, raising its claws.
"Earth Lance Barrage!"
Earthen spikes shot toward me, but the heat barrier incinerated them before they reached me. Using the moment of confusion, I closed the gap and landed a direct hit. Flames scorched the Fenrir's fur, but it remained standing.
"Pesky human!" the beast roared, releasing a surge of energy. Its claws grew larger, crackling with dark flames and lightning.
I braced myself as the attack came, my heat barrier absorbing the flames, though the lightning shredded parts of my clothing.
"I guess it's time to stop holding back," I said, releasing my full power. My horns extended to their true size, and my hair stood on end. With all my strength, I conjured an enormous ball of fire, its heat radiating across the battlefield.
The Fenrir shielded its subjects from the blast, taking the full brunt of the attack. Its body collapsed, smoke rising from its charred form.
"What... are you?" it asked weakly.
"I'm an Oni," I said, towering over it. "A proud warrior race."
The surrounding dire wolves cowered, their tails tucked between their legs.
The Fenrir gave a weak chuckle. "I was the fool... to underestimate someone like you... someone who could have ended the war but chose peace instead. What an idiot I was..."
With those final words, the Fenrir took its last breath.
I stepped forward and used Abyss Devour, absorbing its body into the void. It might've seemed disrespectful, but I needed its skills to survive. The dire wolves fled, and I let them go to honor their leader's sacrifice.
Turning back, I surveyed the ruins of the battlefield. The Boaroth stones were destroyed.
"Alright, everyone!" I shouted. "Your territory has increased!"
Cheers erupted from the crowd as we celebrated our victory with a modest feast of fruits.
---
Later that night, Pascal and another elder approached me, bowing deeply.
"O Great Lord Zereth, will you lead our tribe?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "I wasn't planning on staying long..." I hesitated. "But I'll help you get back on your feet for now."
The two nodded, their faces filled with gratitude, before leaving me to my thoughts.
---
The next day, I tested the skills I'd gained from the Fenrir. Elemental magic, dark magic, and, most importantly, a combat skill called Null—a versatile ability with debuffs, buffs, and other sub-skills.
While I was experimenting, I noticed someone hiding behind a tree.
"You can come out, Missy," I called.
She stepped out hesitantly. "So, you're not human after all... What do you plan to do now, Lord Zereth?"
"Hey, don't worry," I said, grinning. "I'm not going anywhere. And I've got an idea."
I extended my hand. "Let's make a pact."
Her eyes widened. "You want to tame me? I won't be anyone's pet!"
"It's not like that," I explained. "With my skill, Sovereign Pact, we can form a soul connection. It'll make you stronger."
She hesitated before nodding. "Fine. But I won't lose my freedom."
"Deal."
The system's voice echoed in my head: [Soul Link Request Accepted]
[Soul Link successful. Would you like to give her a name?]
[Yes] [No]
"Yeah, sure, why not? What should I name her? I usually call her 'Miss,' but that sounds too plain. Hmm... aha! How about Missanya?"
Her face lit up. "I like it."
As soon as the pact was formed, exhaustion overwhelmed me. My legs gave out, and everything went black.
---
When I woke, four days had passed. I found myself lying on a stone bed, with Missanya sitting nearby.
"You're awake!" she exclaimed, looking different. Her features were more human-like now—her skin, her pointed nose, her pink, elf-like ears.
"What happened to you?" I asked, sitting up.
"I think it's because of the pact," she said. "It's like I've become what you imagined me to be."
---
In the days that followed, I worked to teach the tribe everything I could—basic survival skills, crafting techniques, and ideas from my old world. I trained a squad to defend themselves, ensuring they'd be self-sufficient when I eventually left.
But as I looked at their hopeful faces, I couldn't shake the questions swirling in my mind.
This world was similar to legends of Aetherion , yet different. My powers weren't as they once were, and my overpowered skills were missing or nerfed. Was this hard mode?
I sighed, staring at the horizon. "A lot remains unanswered. But one thing's for sure—I'll make the best of my time here."
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