CHAPTER 20 - A Corrupt World. Part 2.
(17 hours and 21 minutes remain to return to World 1.)
Get ready to die, Demon King…! Huh? He turned into a plate of beans?! Ugh, I'm hungry. Alright, time to eat! Nom, nom, nom! A tortilla… Here it is! Nom, nom, nom! I love controlling my dreams! I can't taste the food 100%, but I can a little. I feel so…! Uwaaah!
A fist came out of the plate?! It punched me in the face! Ouch! Now a leg kicked me in the stomach!
T-This isn't happening in my dream, is it? Wake up, Daniel!
I open my eyes, and the first thing I see is men beating me…! Uwaaah!
They kicked me in the stomach, knocking the air out of me!
Why are they waking me up like this?!
"Huh?!"
They grab my shirt and lift me off the comfortable bench. W-What's wrong with them?! What did I do now?!
There are three older men wearing completely white masks and matching white outfits.
N-No, they're robbing me…! Oh, I don't have money, so I'm not worried about being robbed. Well, I do have money, but it's from another world… Why am I not worried?! Idiot, they'll beat you worse when they find out I have nothing! I need to defend myself!
"This is our territory!"
"Vagabonds aren't allowed here!"
Oh no, they're gang members. How shitty do you have to be to beat up a homeless person?! Damn scum! They messed with the wrong vagabond!
Honestly, I don't want to fight, but I'm sure they'll try to hurt me. I'd better prepare to defend myself.
They have weapons tucked away; they'll use them on me if they get the chance. I need to catch them off guard.
"I-I didn't know, I'll leave right away."
"You're not leaving without your punishment!"
Damn it, I knew it.
One punches me in the face with his right fist, and I fall to the ground. It hurt a lot, I won't lie, but this gives me the opportunity I need.
They start kicking me on the ground, laughing, achieving my goal: making them lower their guard.
Do they really enjoy torturing a defenseless kid? Then they leave me no choice!
"Muslar asio!"
I see a foot in slow motion, about 5 centimeters from crushing my nose, and I catch it with both hands. I push it with all my strength, sending him flying several meters… What?
I… broke his leg… Literally, his leg bent in half, but not backward like a normal leg would—it bent forward! I broke his leg, and it hurts just looking at it… All the blood that splattered on my face. His bone is sticking out grotesquely. So disgusting.
No, no, no. Why? I-I only pushed him. Why did it bend like that?!
A deep sense of guilt washed over me. I can't stand seeing people suffer, even these men who beat me. I overdid it; I need to control my strength better. His screams of pain echoed in my head, and each one sent a stab of remorse through me.
I just wanted to push him, not hurt him like that.
"Huh?!" his companions shouted, startled by my sudden action.
Taking advantage of their distraction, I push off with my feet and leap away from them. It still hurts to hear that man's screams, but my life's in danger. They could pull their weapons and kill me any moment. I have to defend myself.
I leap again and stand up.
I feel like a monster. I'm scared knowing that man might lose his leg, but they have weapons and attacked me just for "entering their territory." They're dangerous gang members, so it's possible they've already killed innocents. I feel guilty, but not enough to let my guard down and try to help him. Sorry, but these are the consequences of preying on defenseless people.
"Please, leave me alone."
"Damn you!"
I need to stop them from grabbing their…! No, they didn't go for their weapons. What are they…? Huh?
One's right arm turns to metal, and he charges at me. Why not use his weapon? Well, better for me.
He tries to punch my face, but I easily dodge by moving my head to the left and wrap my arms around his massive arm. If I pull too hard, I could rip his arm off, so I'll use half my strength, or at least try.
I kick his legs with some force, making him lose balance, and before he hits the ground, I start spinning like a top.
I glance at his friend—he's about to pull his weapon! Now!
I hope I aim right.
I release him, sending him flying, and… Yes! I hit the other man with his companion's body before he could aim his weapon at me! I won! And this time, I didn't break any arms or legs. Using half my strength, I spun multiple times carrying that man's body without any difficulty… If I use all my strength to push something, I can bend any limb. If I hit directly? I could probably crush a head.
My strength is… simply dangerous for humans.
If I try to hold back and not use my full power, my enemies would have the advantage because I'd be trying to defeat them without killing them, giving them the upper hand since I wouldn't dare use other methods out of fear of killing them.
Every day, I understand more why God told me not to be afraid of killing. Kill a few to save billions of humans. Killing might be wrong, but I won't risk my life and billions of others just to feel human.
I know I'll become a monster, but it'll be worth it.
I looked at the men on the ground. The one with the bent leg passed out; I can see his chest moving, he's still breathing. The other two aren't moving, but I think… Yes, they're breathing too.
"Sorry, but you started it."
Water…? No, it's blood, and not the blood that splattered from him—it's coming from my nose. They hurt me pretty badly with their kicks. There's a fountain nearby; I'll wash my face. But first…
I approach them and take their weapons, just as a precaution.
Good.
I walk to the fountain and toss the weapons into the water. I wash my face, cleaning off the blood. My clothes have a few stains, but nothing serious; I'll wash them at home. I hope my grandma doesn't worry too much about this… Wait…
Speaking of worrying…
I look around. It's empty? No one's nearby. This is weird for a city. No cars running. Nothing. Am I in a restricted area? I'd better leave; I don't want more trouble. But first…
I touch my forehead with my right index and middle fingers. No, I'm not teleporting, though I wish I could to go to my grandma. Here's what I'm doing.
"Freins Dreis Cure."
I feel much better and sigh. That healing spell may not regenerate body parts, but it's very effective for relieving pain and healing small wounds. I wonder if there's a superior version. The closest thing I have is the revival spell.
I glance at the men one last time and walk away. They're the bad guys, Daniel. Don't think about them. It's them or you; that's life. Just don't think about it and go!
"Yeah, I think I should go. Vels!"
I run off at high speed… Pfft. "High speed." Isn't there a better way to describe it? I wonder how many kilometers per hour I'm going. Maybe… 150 km/h.
I need to get out of this area; I don't want to be attacked again. Ugh, and I was so comfortable. Sleeping like a baby… Huh? I'm losing a lot of energy. I'm getting tired. Of course, I'm running too fast! I need to walk to save energy.
But is it a good idea to stay here?
"I can't use the flight spell because they'll ask for a license, and I don't want trouble."
I can't fly away again; I need to save as much energy as possible for my fight with the Demon King and my mom. Leaving this city isn't an option, especially now that I wasted so much energy with "Vels." I need to stay in this city and hide from that gang. Ugh, I wish I had more info about them. How dangerous are they? The villains I defeated a few hours ago also wore white outfits, but without masks. Are they from the same gang? Arghhh! They're definitely coming for me!
I pull two coins from my pants.
"Gold is very valuable in my world, but calculating its value in World 1, gold isn't as valuable there. Its value depends on the amount of gold available in the world. Is it valuable here…? Maybe I can sleep in a hotel."
I stop running and start walking. I've reached a relatively active area; there are lots of people on the streets. It'd be dangerous for that gang to attack me here. I'll be safe. I'll look for a pawn shop to sell the gold. I hope they give me enough, at least for food. I'm starving.
No one's called me out for running, and some people saw me. Do they think I'm a hero? Well, well… I'll keep walking and try not to draw more attention.
I look at the people around me; some are normal, others have some kind of mutation. It's fascinating. I don't think discrimination exists here, and I like that. I really hate people who mock others just for being different. Not everyone is born with the same economic status. Not everyone is born with the same skin tone. But we're all still human. Mocking someone for being different is… Ugh, stupid. I'll never understand why people enjoy doing that.
But at least in this world, there's no discrimination… Well, or so it seems.
What if there are people without powers? Or people with simple powers like making ice cubes? Ugh, that sounds worse. Being a kid without powers in a world where almost everyone has them would make you seem inferior, an unevolved human. Poor thing.
No, Daniel, no! Don't get depressed! I'd better go… rest… Huh?
Who's that man? He seems important.
I see a very fat man, morbidly obese, one of the worst cases I've ever seen, bald, sitting on a huge throne carried by four men in completely white masks. Well, well. Those men can lift all that weight. The throne seems to be made of… gold? Yes, gold and diamonds. It must be heavy.
People kneel as he passes. That man also wears a completely white outfit. Is he someone important? He must be. I recognize those masks. I think he's the gang leader or something.
"Is he important?"
He's getting closer to my position. Should I kneel? I don't want to, definitely not; he seems like one of the bad guys. I don't like judging people without knowing them, but his minions beat me, and people kneel before him. I suspect he's some kind of unstoppable villain or someone with a lot of money and social power. I don't want to kneel, but I'd rather avoid trouble. I need all my energy.
Here he comes. Well, well. I really hate doing this.
3… 2…
"Stop!!"
Huh?
Just as I was about to kneel, the man shouted, and his men stopped. What's going on? Did he recognize me…?! No, he's not looking at me; his gaze is fixed on someone else.
The four men lower the throne, and the fat man stands and heads toward a girl. Pfft. He waddles like a penguin. I know it's wrong to mock, but I couldn't help it; it's the first time I've seen someone so obese walk like that. Plus, I think he's one of the bad guys. The girl is crying in fear.
Speaking of her, that girl is interesting. She has literally white skin, completely black eyes, and short black hair that looks like strips of paper, not human hair. So cool! She has a great design for a heroine, but she's wearing black pants and a pink blouse, which takes away some of her coolness. Her tears are black and stain her clothes in a curious way. Does she cry ink?
Don't worry, everything will be fine. I won't let them hurt you. I just need to wait; I don't know his intentions, and I might be misinterpreting this.
"You'll be my girlfriend for tonight."
…Well, well. Yup, confirmed—he's a rapist villain!
"I-I…"
"Filthy bitch!"
What?
N-No…
D-Damn… Damn shitty fat bastard!!
That scumbag slapped her with his obese hand, leaving her on the ground with a swollen cheek.
And that wasn't enough—he lifted her off the ground by her hair. He doesn't care that she's already suffering; he squeezes her cheeks hard with his hand.
No one does anything for her; they all look away or keep walking. Seriously, no hero's coming to save her?! He's a villain! Are the heroes corrupt?!
"You want me to kill you?! If I say you're my girlfriend for tonight, you're my girlfriend for tonight! Answer with a yes, now!"
She nodded.
Forcing women to do what you want… This world is rotten. I thought it'd be a safer place with heroes protecting people, but corruption is here.
Fine, if no one will save her, I will. I waited because I hoped a hero would come, but I see no signs of that.
You, disgusting fat bastard, you'll regret this.
He grabs her right arm and pulls her. The girl doesn't resist and walks beside him.
"Tch. You got my hand full of ink, bitch!"
He wipes his hand on her face mercilessly, turning her white face black with ink, humiliating her.
Everyone laughs at her, but I don't feel they're mocking her; it feels like they're doing it out of obligation. Huh?
A girl grabbed my hand. What?
"Laugh," she said, standing in front of me so the fat man wouldn't see me.
Does he get mad if people don't laugh at his nonsense?
Bastard. I hate people like you. And I don't care if you're important; you can't force a girl to do something she doesn't want.
I'm done with you!
"We'll have so much fun toni…!"
"Disgusting shitty pig!!"
Someone needs to teach you a lesson, and I have the power to do it.
The girl immediately let go of my hand and stepped away from me. You were worried about me, and I appreciate that. Thank you.
The atmosphere grew heavy, tense. A deathly silence fell over everyone, broken only by my ragged breathing. The tension was almost tangible, like a rope about to snap. The world seemed to stop as everyone turned to look at me, their eyes filled with a mix of shock and fear.
"Hey, fatso!! Ignoring me, pig?! I'm talking to you, shitty legs!! Answer me!!"
The spectators' eyes widened further, their expressions a mix of horror and disbelief. They probably thought I was crazy for insulting someone so obviously powerful. But I didn't care. I didn't know the man, but I didn't need to. What I saw was enough: an abuser exploiting his strength.
Yes, it might be a mistake to confront someone whose power I don't know, but an innocent girl was in danger. I couldn't let a repulsive being like him get away with it. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, my muscles tensing for the inevitable.
The people in front of me parted, creating a path between us. He turned slowly to face me, his face contorted with rage. His eyes were two dark pits of hatred, but I won't let him intimidate me.
"P-Pig?"
"Oink, oink! I said 'fuck your mother' in your language!"
Sorry for cursing, Grandma, but the angrier he gets, the easier it'll be to defeat him.
He just growls at me, and I exchange glances with the girl. She moves her lips, and I think I know what she's trying to say. "Run." Worried about me, huh? The women in this world are so kind.
"You can't force a girl to go with you! Leave her alone!" I say, approaching him.
Everyone in the place runs off, screaming. I guess they think I'm crazy for challenging him.
"That guy's an idiot!"
"He's a dead man!"
Yeah, I'm a dead man, in about 3 or 4 years. But not today.
"No one… calls me… FAT!!!"
He releases the girl and extends both hands, aiming at me. Will he shoot a fireball or something?
"DIE!!!"
No, it doesn't feel like something basic like a fireball. I have a bad feeling. It's definitely something much worse!
"Muslar asio!"
Huge black spheres shoot from his hands, heading toward me at incredible speed. Even with the spell, I can see them approaching like someone threw a paper ball—not too fast, but not slow either, just enough for me to barely dodge. They're the size of a soccer ball, making them harder to avoid.
•
•
Daniel dodged the spheres, and though it looked easy, he was pushing his body too hard. His leg muscles tore with each push and stop, and his bones were slowly getting damaged. If this went on for 10 more seconds, his bones would break. Daniel realized this and decided to risk it all to end it quickly, running straight at him. The best decision he could've made.
One of the black spheres hit a car, and the car vanished mysteriously. Poof. It disappeared instantly. Not even dust or a gradual fade. No. Gone in a flash. But Daniel didn't notice, so if one of those things even grazes him, he's done.
"Come on, Daniel, you can do it! Kill that shitty pig!" said a Goddess, drinking a beer next to God, both watching Daniel through a magical mirror.
"Feeling your muscles tear with every move and your bones about to shatter, yet pushing forward, ignoring the pain, as a complete novice in fighting. Is this the peak of a human soul's potential?" said God, awestruck by such a display of willpower.
•
•
(Pov - Daniel.)
What do those black spheres do exactly? I don't know, and I don't want to find out right now.
Every move was torture; my muscles were tearing, and my bones creaked under the pressure. I'll never underestimate physical training again. With a stronger, more resilient body, I could move more agilely without so much pain.
I couldn't keep dodging forever. Each step felt like my bones were about to break, but I couldn't stop. Let's end this once and for all!
I ran straight at him, an impulsive but necessary decision. It was now or never.
"Die already, damn it!!"
The closer I get, the harder it is to dodge. I need to stop his hands from aiming at me… Wait…
We're keeping the same rhythm. Maybe if I break it… Let's see.
Left, right, left, right. Now!
Instead of stopping and pushing left, I pushed right again, and he aimed left but corrected to point at me.
0.5 seconds to react. I'll only have a 0.5-second advantage; I need to make it count. If I combine it to immobilize him, I'll win.
Left, right, left, right… Now!
"Vels!"
My speed surged, and in less than 0.2 seconds, I appeared under his arms. He noticed me but could only look at me in fear and surprise. He's terrified. Why? Because he likely can only attack with his palms, and since I'm under him, he can't hit me first. Plus…
"Arghhh!!"
I broke his arms by hitting them from below. If a simple push could bend a leg, I can easily break his obese arms. They bent completely at the elbows, and I used his scream of pain to position myself behind him.
I glanced at his minions or bodyguards. They stand still, doing nothing. Why? Are they scared of me? Aren't they powerful? I'll keep an eye on them. I won't let my guard down with anyone.
I pushed his short, greasy legs, and he fell to his knees. I grabbed his ears, keeping him from collapsing fully. I want you on your knees, scum.
Look at the crybaby sniveling. You disgust me, bastard.
"Life's full of twists, huh? The great pig, on his knees before a complete stranger. What? Not gonna yell at me?"
I stood in front of him and crushed his hands with my feet.
Having his head at my crotch level disgusts me, but seeing him cry and tremble in fear makes me feel…
"Nothing."
Just pity. Is it because I hate violence? No, this feeling is stranger. I don't even feel satisfaction. How odd.
"How many women have you raped?"
…Refusing to answer?
I gave him a "hard" slap. I held back enough not to hurt him too much but enough to make it sting. He fell to the ground, and I lifted him by his huge cheeks.
"S-Stop!"
"Why should I? I'm just returning the harm you did to that girl."
Well, well. I'm tired of hearing his whining.
"You know, I'd normally feel terrible doing this, but since you're a rapist who abuses his power, seeing you suffer doesn't make me feel bad."
But it doesn't make me happy either. Who'd feel joy watching someone suffer? These are the consequences of your actions.
"Move your hands, and you're dead," I said, holding my fist two centimeters from his face.
In a desperate attempt, he tried to spit in my face, but I dodged. The spell's still active, bitch.
"That's all you got?"
"Y-You… Who the hell are you?"
Perfect moment for an epic scene. The humiliation will be worse.
"I'm Daniel, the one who makes the impossible possible."
I punch him hard in the face with my right fist, sending him flying several meters. I tried to hold back, but I think I overdid it; I felt his bones break.
Watching him roll across the ground like the ball of fat he is is hilarious. You deserve that and more, damn rapist.
…Uwaaah! "The one who makes the impossible possible"?! What a cringeworthy line! Idiot, stop saying stupid things! Ugh, I want to dig a hole and hide in it for the rest of my life!
I-I sound like an… W-Well, well. I was going to say an otaku who thinks he's an anime protagonist, but I'm kind of an otaku, and I'm in another world with magic… Nooo! I don't want it to go to my head! I don't want to act ridiculous!
I'd better drop it. Out of the corner of my eye, I see the girl. Why didn't she escape? Everyone else did.
I turn to look at her, sitting on the ground, watching me. I don't sense fear from her, at least not toward me. So, yeah, that man's the villain, and to her, I'm the good guy in this story.
I wonder how much power that gang or criminal organization has, considering no hero does anything.
"You okay?"
I approach her and extend my right hand.
"Don't worry, you're safe now."
"Y-Yes. T-Thank you."
Well, well. What a cute reaction. She didn't blush red; it was black. That black blush matches her white skin perfectly. And now that I notice, the ink on her face is gone? It was all black before because of that idiot. Did she absorb the ink? I guess she can control it.
She takes my hand, and I help her up. Wow, her skin feels rough, like a sheet of paper. Ink and paper. A paper woman! Cool! I wonder if her power lets her create living drawings.
Huh? I hear hurried footsteps. What's happening?
I turn to my right. Well, well. They finally decided to react.
The four men lift the fat man.
"We'll tell the boss!!"
"You're a dead man!!"
"You two are dead!!"
"We'll come for you and your whole family!!"
…Huh?
They run off quickly, like the cowards they are.
They seriously threatened me before leaving? What idiots.
Ugh, I really didn't want trouble. Who's that man? Why's everyone scared of him?
"Who was that man?"
"Y-You don't know who he is?"
"Nope. Is he a corrupt hero or something?"
"T-That was 'Minsfel,' the son of the dictator 'Froulen.'"
Minsfel? Froulen? Weird names.
The son of a dictator, huh? No wonder he can do whatever he wants without legal consequences. His men threatened us. I don't matter since I don't live here, but she does. If I let them escape, she and her family are in danger. I'll leave this world soon; I can't protect her.
So, I need to stop him now.
"Dictator…? Well, well. I see. So he can do whatever he wants here, right?"
"Y-Yes…"
"H-Hey!"
She almost fell, but I caught her in my arms. Did she lose all her energy? Is she about to faint?
I'm not surprised; the dictator's minions threatened to kill us and our families. Fear's flooding her body.
I get it. If someone threatened to kill my grandma, I'd be boiling with rage, but your case is different. I have the power to save her, but you're just another civilian; you must feel helpless and guilty.
"O-One of them said, 'You two are dead.' T-They threatened our families too. T-That means they'll kill me. T-They'll kill my family…"
Her black tears started flowing again, filling my heart with… fury.
The dictator's son thinks he's untouchable. The dictator thinks he has the right to take any life. People live in fear, forced to obey their orders.
How many women has that fatso raped? How many innocent lives have been lost?
An entire country, living in fear, like slaves…
"We're dead."
No, you won't die!
I wipe her tears with my fingers and smile at her. Look at me, I'm not afraid. Have hope in me. I'll fix this problem.
"Don't worry, there's a solution."
"B-But we can't escape; it's impossible to hide from them."
"Hide? No need for that."
I step away from her and look at my fingers, covered in ink. The tears of a girl who thinks she'll lose everything.
But soon, I won't have ink on my hands… I'll have blood.
There's only one solution to this problem given my time constraint. In a world with powers, the dictator must be the most powerful. Jailing him is impossible; he'd escape.
Killing is inhumane, but they've likely taken thousands of lives. They'll just get the karma for their actions.
"Sword Dex."
The sword appears in my right hand, and I grip it tightly.
Killing, an action I never imagined doing a week ago. They're not demons; they'll be humans this time.
I'll kill humans. I revived Sandro, but this time, I'll kill humans, like I did with the Kings.
With the Kings, I at least tried to talk, but this time, that won't work because I won't be here to ensure they keep their promises.
Killing them will ensure peace (or so I hope).
Choosing to kill without thinking too much… I wonder, am I changing too much?
Ugh, no time for an ethics and morality lesson. They'll get away.
"If I take care of them, they won't come for you."
"What?"
I walk away from her and clasp my hands.
"Search!"
My vision cuts through the streets, and I see the four men loading Minsfel into a red sports car. He barely fits in the seats. Why do people get so fat? I know it's wrong to judge, but I'll never fully understand it. Why ruin their lives like that? Well, well. It's true. How do they wipe their butts? Their arms don't reach back there.
Arghhh! Don't get distracted, Daniel!
"Alright, I found them."
I turn to the girl.
"Don't move from here, please."
I still need to keep you safe while I handle this.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'll take care of them. I guess you know what I mean. Arches Nexus!"
I fly off.
That guy rapes women. Those men working for the dictator abuse their power. Do they really think I'll let someone like that go?
In this world, unlike the other, there are laws. If I kill, I'll get in legal trouble… But I'm not from this world, so I don't care.
I'll kill him.
•
•
The girl's hair fluttered as she watched Daniel fly, and black heart drawings began appearing all over her body.
And she wasn't the only one excited by it.
"T-That guy's amazing. H-He's awesome!" she said, her pupils turning heart-shaped.
The Goddess with God started clapping, annoying the other Gods, who were just trying to drink in peace.
"A polite, good boy who's never done anything wrong in his life can kill without any remorse! Kya! He's perfect for me! Muah, muah!" she said, kissing the mirror.
God sighed and crossed his arms, because Daniel's reaction was far from normal. He's someone capable of doing what's necessary to save people, but killing without much thought is something he'd never do, even under the pressure of limited time.
"Since his mother appeared, he's been acting very strange, and I sense changes in his heart. Tiny, but I feel they'll explode at any moment. Why?" God thought.
Suddenly, God's eyes widened, and he stood up, witnessing something troubling.
Daniel's right eye glowed red for 0.1 seconds. The sign of a massive change.
"Fufu. This is about to get much more interesting," said the Goddess.
"Tch. That idiot. What's she planning now?" said God, thinking of a certain Goddess.
A small adventure has just begun.