Moments Later…
The sky was completely dark—it was night now.
Xenon closed his eyes, a hollow feeling settling inside him. He couldn't ignore how much he had changed. He was no longer the person he used to be.
Back in his old world, he was an archaeologist, fresh out of university, eager to uncover the secrets of ancient ruins. He had never killed anyone before. But everything changed the moment he stepped into a mysterious cave and was teleported to this strange world.
Here, the Arrogant Incarnate System bound itself to his soul, reshaping his mind and personality. Now, even when surrounded by blood and death, he felt nothing.
Yet, a small part of his old self still lingered. If not for that, he might've already ordered Gustav to massacre an entire village just to gain more Hate Points.
When Xenon first arrived in this world, he woke up in an open field. That's when he met Elia, a kind and gentle woman who found him lying in the grass. She was 23, just like him, and lived alone in a small house far from the village.
Elia was kind, beautiful, and selfless. She didn't question Xenon's fake story about who he was. Instead, she gave him 10 copper coins to help him settle in the village and even gifted some food. She even tell many things to him about the village.
At that time, Xenon had sworn not to use the system. It required him to act arrogantly and dominate everyone. He didn't want to be that kind of person.
But everything changed the very next day.
Elia was killed in a demon beast attack.
What hurt him even more was the villagers' apathy. They didn't care. That moment opened Xenon's eyes to the harsh, cruel reality of this world.
Even though he'd only known Elia for a day, her kindness had left a deep mark on him.
---
"Young Master, we've arrived at Stone City," Gustav said, snapping Xenon out of his thoughts.
Xenon opened his eyes and looked ahead. The city loomed before them. Its massive stone gates stood tall, surrounded by towering walls that seemed to touch the sky.
"Wait," Xenon said. "I need to take care of something first."
He opened the system interface and checked his Hate Points.
Hate Points: 4,111
'Time to use some points to grow stronger,' he thought. 'I'll pull two Beginner Chests and save the rest for the normal chest"
He selected the Pull option, and a bright light flashed in front of him.
[Congratulations, host! You've successfully pulled Smoke Man, Martial Apprentice Stage 7!]
Encouraged, he pulled again.
[Congratulations, host! You've successfully pulled Venom Fang, Martial Apprentice Stage 9!]
Two men materialized before him, kneeling immediately with their heads bowed.
Smoke Man had a strange, smoky aura swirling around him, while Venom Fang looked powerful, his muscular frame hinting at his fighting skills.
"System, show me my panel," Xenon commanded.
---
[Host Information Panel]
Name: Xenon Invictus
Age: 23
Martial Realm: Martial Apprentice Stage 1
Skills: None
Hate Points: 3,111
Subordinates: 3
Gustav - Martial Apprentice Stage 9
Venom Fang - Martial Apprentice Stage 9
Smoke Man - Martial Apprentice Stage 7
---
Xenon closed the panel, his confidence growing. With these subordinates, he was ready to enter Stone City without any fear.
'Too bad they can't teach me techniques'
he thought. But I'll find what I need inside the city.'
"Let's go," Xenon said as he stepped toward the city gates.