Haruto's eyes fluttered open, his vision adjusting to the dense jungle surrounding him. A cool breeze brushed against his skin, carrying the scent of damp earth and wild flora. He pushed himself up, scanning the unfamiliar terrain.
"So. this isn't a dream," he murmured, his voice steady. "Let's see where exactly I am."
Closing his eyes, he pressed his hand against the ground, activating his tracking skill. At once, a huge map was created in his head, detailing the terrain in careful definition. It was mountainous terrain, full of life—or rather, peril. Five thousand monsters infested the land, including two thousand goblins and a thousand Big Fang Wolves. The remainder were smaller monsters and random threats. His skill specifically tracked food sources and monster dens.
Haruto let out a sharp breath and opened his eyes. "This is great. A training ground where I can hone my strength without holding back. If I put my powers to use carelessly, my body won't last long."
Without delay, he summoned his threads of invisibility, spinning an almost undetectable barrier across the entire zone. A supporting illusion disguised it as a dead end, preventing any creature from entering or departing. His mouth twisted into a sneer.
"Now. let's see if my Sword God Technique works."
Calling forth his sword, he whispered its name. "Eclipsion."
The obsidian-black sword appeared in his hand, its crimson-lined edges glinting menacingly. The careful dragon-engraved work on the hilt looked like it was imbued with power. Haruto couldn't help but gasp at how beautiful it was.
"This. is so cool."
He swung the blade in a swift arc.
A deafening blast ripped the air. The very atmosphere shook. Trees, monstrosities, and the very ground itself were torn apart by the sheer power of his assault. The once-lush jungle was leveled into desolate wasteland. Haruto stood amidst pure devastation, panting.
"Now this is badass! Let's—" A jagged pain ripped through his chest. His breathing caught. Blood burst from his lips as he fell to his knees. His eyes went dim.
Darkness.
---
Haruto woke up with a forced laugh. "I knew something like this would happen. but I didn't think I'd fall down and spit up blood."
A message flashed in front of him. With a grimace, he opened it.
[ System Report: Because of a lack of mana, you cannot utilize high-level abilities. Mana creation is not possible at the moment until your body gets stronger. ]
Haruto sighed. "What a bummer. So, what do I do now?"
His Leadership Ability kicked in, filling his head with a step-by-step plan—step-by-step instructions on how to train, survive, and become stronger.
"Okay," he grumbled. "First, I master my skills. Then, I conquer the world."
And so he trained without letting up. In two months, he had total mastery over his mana core, generating and holding energy effectively. Within a year, he was an expert in all his skills, holding himself up with food creation and reviving the forest using his own abilities. Another five months of intense training saw him master his skills and call forth the Dead Army, bringing back the very beasts he had killed. After two years, Haruto had exceeded even his own expectations—perfecting each aspect, even inventing his own: electricity.
The moment arrived.
Standing upon a cliff, he looked out at the mountains that now called him home. A deep breath. A slow bow.
"Thank you. for taking me in."
A wind gust replied him. And then, he vanished.
Haruto flew like the speed of sound, cutting through the air as he headed towards a village he had felt in the distance. But as he got nearer, a heart-stopping scream interrupted the quiet.
"Please! Release me! Someone, help me!"
Haruto's face became dark. He traced the sound, moving fast and quiet, placing himself behind a huge boulder. What he saw made him nauseated.
Two old women, naked, bloodied, swords stuck in their weak bodies. The utter savagery of the scene turned Haruto's stomach inside out. His fists clenched, his hands shaking with rage.
Humans. are crueler than monsters.
A bandit laughed as he pushed a quivering young girl in front of his group. "Hey, kid, wanna see a horse?"
The frightened weeping of the girl was heard in the clearing. Her body shuddered as harsh hands groped for her clothing.
Something within Haruto broke.
Time. Stopped.
In an instant, he transported the girl to his private world, safe. Then he called forth two of his dead soldiers. "Take those women. give them peace."
The beasts bowed and took the lifeless elders away.
Time started again.
"Where did that gir—" One of the bandits didn't even get the words out before Haruto's hand closed around his throat. With a ghastly crunch, he tore the man's groin open. A blood-curdling scream echoed through the air.
The others tried to run, but Haruto's army appeared, ensnaring them in a net of corpses.
"S-Someone help!"
Haruto's eyes held no mercy. He destroyed them one by one, their pain-filled screams filling the night air. He pummeled them with rock missiles, their bodies smashed into unrecognizability. And still, he denied them death.
Flames burst from his palms, setting the twisting bandits ablaze. Their flesh bubbled and flaked away, but they still lived. Their agony stretched out. Their screams eternal.
Only when the final gasp of pain had faded did Haruto move away.
In his own domain, the girl slept curled up, shivering. Fear clung to her even in sleep. Haruto sat beside her, putting a light hand on her forehead. A warm, gentle glow surrounded her.
"Rest, child," he said. "No one will ever hurt you again."
For the first time since he had come to this world, the corner of his mouth curved into a small, bitter smile.