---
It's been two weeks since I've been isekaied into this world.
I've been roaming the area, observing the development around me. Surprisingly, it's not as bad as I initially thought. My role here is more that of a supervisor, not for a single group but almost all of them. If I had a knack for sewing, I could have become a pro by now, but I don't need to—thanks to Aetherion, I can easily materialize clothes. I even handed out some samples, but the most embarrassing part of this venture was crafting and wearing female clothing for testing. I'll never live that down.
---
Standing before the gathered groups, I faced them for my first-ever speech. Looking into their eyes, I realized how far I'd come—from an ordinary background character to...well, a king. A king of individuals who don't even qualify as NPCs. Maybe my delusional skill is working overtime.
I cleared my throat.
"Ahem. I've called everyone here today because I have important news. I've decided to venture deep into the forest to meet with the Illusion Dragon."
The moment I mentioned the dragon, disorder broke out.
"Zereth-sama, we can't let you go out there!" someone protested.
"Zereth-sama, the dragon is a vile beast!" Missy added, her eyes filled with concern.
"I understand your concern," I said, raising a hand to calm them. "But the way we are now, we won't accomplish much. We need outside allies, friends, subordinates—resources that can only be gained by venturing beyond the forest."
Missy stepped forward. "I'm coming with you, Zereth-sama. I may not be strong, but I know the forest well enough to guide you safely through it."
Pascal nodded. "The soldiers may not be strong enough to help, but if anything goes wrong, they can buy you some time."
"Everyone's life is important, Pascal," I said firmly. "I want you all to live to the fullest. I'll take Missy, a select few, and some capable fighters. But trust me—we won't need to fight."
Though their faces were clouded with worry, they relented.
[Seal 100 has been opened.]
---
As we departed, the others waved from the gates we built to shield ourselves from sudden attacks. I felt...happy.
Heading toward the direction I first came from, it felt like I was returning to my birthplace. The dense energy in the air sent shivers down my spine. Missy skillfully navigated the terrain, marking checkpoints to ensure we wouldn't get lost.
Soon, we reached the Great Forest of Illusions, home to the dragon.
"Should we ready our weapons?" one of the fighters asked.
"There's no need," I replied. "The dragon hasn't been hostile, and we shouldn't provoke it either. However, if things go south, I want you all to retreat immediately."
The aether density here was suffocating. It could easily reduce any lesser being to pure aether. I activated Abyss Devour, drawing the excess energy into my domain. "From here on, walk beside me," I instructed, noting their struggling expressions.
---
(Who are you?)
The voice echoed in my mind, unheard by the others.
(My name is Zereth, and I've come to speak with you.)
(You expect me, the Great Dragon, to entertain your request?)
I expanded my search but couldn't locate the source of the voice.
(You're...different from the others.)
(Different? In what way?)
(I've lived for centuries and never encountered your kind before.)
Hmm, so I was right. Becoming an Oni due to my unique in-game evolution truly made me one of a kind.
(I'm an Oni, a species evolved from ogres.)
(Ogres? They're unintelligent brutes. What's your story? Don't lie.)
I needed to tread carefully here.
(I was a mere goblin, a reincarnated soul with a human-like mind. I evolved naturally over time.)
(Reincarnated? Are you a hero, then?)
(No, I'm no hero. Just an Oni here to speak with you.)
(Interesting. I recall an Oni clan from over a millennia ago. They were wiped out entirely.)
(Perhaps we should discuss this face to face?)
(Ha! You and your companions wouldn't survive.)
I could feel the weight of the dense aether pressing down. Still, I stood firm.
(I'm confident I can handle it. Show yourself.)
---
A path opened before us, revealing the way.
"Missy, stay here with the others," I said.
"But, Zereth-sama—"
"I'll be fine. Trust me."
Following the path, I reached the forest's center. The energy here was dark, oppressive. I absorbed as much as I could into my domain to maintain reserves. Then, I saw it—the dragon.
Unlike what I expected, it wasn't your typical dragon. It was an Amphiptere, a serpent-like dragon with two feathered wings that resembled hands.
"Now, do you fear me, Oni?" the dragon's voice boomed. "Few gaze upon me and live to tell the tale."
"I'm here to negotiate," I said firmly.
"Negotiate? Ha! What arrogance. Do you have the power to back it up?"
I had to project strength, to prove myself as her equal.
"So, you wish to negotiate with me?" she sneered. "I don't see you as my equal. Unless...you can force me to."
---
The air crackled with tension as the dragon lunged, her massive form tearing through the air. I dodged, conjuring chains of magic to ensnare her, but she shattered them with ease, her aether overwhelming mine.
She charged, her claws colliding with my hastily formed barrier, shattering it instantly and sending me flying into a boulder. Pain lanced through my ribs, and blood dripped from my mouth.
"Cough...so this is what it feels like to bleed."
The dragon leapt toward me, but I was ready. Activating Null's sub-skill Rend, I slashed upward, unleashing a dark blade of energy. It struck her side, leaving a deep gash. Steam rose from the wound as she began regenerating—but slowly.
She roared, her energy erupting like a storm. The ground trembled as five dragon clones appeared, each wielding a different elemental breath. I nullified their attacks, but they vanished, leaving me vulnerable. The real dragon wrapped her tail around me, constricting my body.
"You're not bad, Oni," she hissed. "But this is the end."
---