Chapter 1: The Strongest
In a barren landscape, a lone figure of a human stood. The figure, from its features, seemed humanoid, but no one would want to associate it with anything remotely resembling a human. Tattered clothes, a sword pierced through the torso, a spear lodged in the right thigh, and numerous arrows struck on the back—it seemed as if this person had been involved in a massive battle. Yet, the only thing surrounding the battlefield now was mist.
The mist was so red that it would put even the darkest of rubies to shame. This mist had formed from the blood of this person's enemies. Who was he? His name was Leomord Vance, the emperor of the human race. Yet now, his condition was so dire that even his family would not be able to recognize him.
His chapped lips, dry from dehydration, parted as he let out a faint voice.
"It seems that this is the end."
Suddenly, space started to distort in front of Leomord, and a crack appeared. Alarmed, the man could do nothing but weakly look in the direction of the crack as a claw tore it open. Five figures emerged.
Their appearance was unlike anything Leomord had seen in his life.
The figure standing at the extreme right had the appearance of a humanoid creature on its hind legs, its body covered in fur. Two large fangs protruded from its jaw, and its back was lined with sharp spines. It looked as if someone had fused a porcupine, a wolf, and a bear to create this abomination. The creature opened its jaw and spoke in a terrifying voice, "Grrr, it's always so fun to arrive in a pure realm. The ona here is so dense that it's practically begging for invasion."
One of the figures, a glowing ball of light, noticed Leomord and spoke, "Oh, look! It seems we have company."
Everyone turned to Leomord, who was still standing. Seeing him, a figure resembling a humanoid with molten lava flowing through its body said, "To be standing in the presence of us five—it speaks of this person's strength. But it's unfortunate he's about to perish. Otherwise, he could have been a useful pawn."
The figure at the center of the five, a humanoid with silver skin and blue tattoos etched across its body, carrying a spear, spoke. "Human, I am impressed by your strength. Thus, I will grant you the chance to ask one question before your death."
Leomord had many questions, but he carefully chose one: "I believe you are not from this world. What is your purpose for coming here?"
The last figure, a humanoid serpent with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a snake, hissed, "To think this human is worrying about the fate of this world before his death—he's amusing."
The blue-tattooed humanoid replied, "The answer to your question is simple: to carry out the wishes of our ruler."
With a mocking smile, the humanoid launched his spear toward Leomord, intending to decapitate him. But, to the intruders' shock, Leomord caught the spear by its tip.
In a loud, determined voice, Leomord said, "If you're here to carry out your ruler's wishes, I guess he wouldn't mind receiving some heads as a welcome gift."
With this declaration, Leomord shouted,
"O heavens, be witness to my bravery and grant our world the strength to fight these invaders! I sacrifice all my lifeforce for one attack—please, give me the strength to kill at least one of them!"
Under the bewildered gazes of the five, Leomord's aura began to soar, betraying his ragged appearance from moments ago. Leomord roared:
Innate Technique: Maximum Output – Supernova.
In a split second, a massive ball of energy shot toward the five intruders. They hurriedly sprang into action. The beast abomination grew in size and became even more hideous, standing in front of the energy ball. The ball of light intensified its glow, forming a force field around them. The lava humanoid placed its hand on the ground, creating a barrier of molten rock. The serpent humanoid transformed into a massive serpent and launched a beam of dense miasma from its mouth.
The energy ball collided with the miasma, splitting it in two. It then tore through the molten rock barrier. A blinding flash of light erupted, followed by a massive explosion that scattered the blood mist and cleared the battlefield. The explosion left the already barren land even more desolate, wiping out every sign of life.
When the dust settled, the valiant body of Leomord Vance, the human emperor, was nowhere to be seen. The five intruders, though battered and less intimidating than before, were still standing. Today, the human emperor Leomord Vance had perished.
In a void, a translucent figure floated. From its rough features, one could tell it was Leomord Vance—or rather, his soul.
Leomord, still conscious, thought, What happened? Did I get them? Where is this place?
A calm voice spoke from the void: "Calm yourself, my child."
"What? Who are you?"
"I am the will of the world you lived in. While you were alive, you exchanged your lifespan for power to kill one of the intruders. But it wasn't enough. Even your soul was extracted. Now, you are trapped in this void, unable to return to the cycle of life and death."
"I don't care about that!" Leomord interrupted. "Just tell me—did I manage to kill one of them?"
"Unfortunately, they are all alive," replied the world.
Leomord gritted his teeth. "They're here to destroy you, aren't they? Shouldn't you do something about it?"
"Listen, my child. The creation and destruction of a world is a natural cycle. But worry not—for being in this world, the intruders are paying a suitable price. I have a proposal for you."
"What is it?" Leomord asked.
"If I cannot reincarnate you, I can turn your soul into a parasite with one purpose. What will your purpose be?"
Leomord answered without hesitation, "To assist someone worthy in fighting the intruders."
"So be it," said the will of the world.
The void lit up, and Leomord's consciousness was wiped away.