Imagine you're playing a video game and there's a terrible lag. You press the jump or turn button, but your character on screen only does it a few seconds later, or does something else entirely, not in sync with your last command. During that pause, your character moves wildly, slips, or takes a fatal action, and you have to wait anxiously, watching the chaos unfold without being able to input any effective commands.
I woke up... or maybe, I was forced awake.
My body was no longer mine.
I felt a surge of power in this new body—not like a calm stream, but like an untamed typhoon. Every beat of my pulse trembled with an alien will: "Destroy!!"
Damn it, I couldn't do a thing. Watching my body violently try to destroy the seal that Milim had made from the inside shamed me. Milim must have already noticed the turmoil within the seal.
I'm afraid.
Not of death—I've already gone through death.
But of losing myself.
I'm not like Rimuru, who can trust his friends to pull him back from the brink of destruction.
This is bad... bad... I have to do something.
"Libertas, can you hear me?" I had to try, even if I wasn't sure it would work. "Can you analyze what's happening to my body?" Hopefully, Libertas can still hear me.
What?!!!
Damn it, here I am, confused about how to get control of this body back, and you're telling me something is trying to infiltrate my soul?
"Use Manipulator to forcibly manipulate my Soul, and control the Will trying to infiltrate!" I commanded, enraged.
Suddenly, an agonizing pain pulsed from the depths of my soul. Arghhhhh.... Damn it, not this feeling again!!
Suddenly, a mocking voice echoed in my mind. "It's no use. You think you can control me with that?!"
My mind instantly trembled. "Who are you?! And how are you inside my body?!"
As if hearing the funniest thing in the world, the voice burst into laughter. "Hahaha, are you stupid?"
Hearing that, a tic-tac-toe pattern formed on my temple. It felt like listening to useless prattle from a loud coworker. "Shut up! And answer me!"
The voice stopped laughing and said mysteriously, "Me? Shouldn't you already know?"
Something I should know? What is it?... If we think about it deeply, something related to Tensura lore. Hmm, what is it? A will inside a person's body? Wait!! Don't tell me?!
"Are you a Manas?" I wasn't sure, but it didn't hurt to ask. Though, it seemed unlikely given my current situation.
"Manas? What's that?" The voice sounded confused.
From its tone, it didn't seem to be lying. "Then if you're not a Manas, what are you, and why are you trying to take over my body and my soul?" I asked, curious.
"Hahaha, isn't it obvious? To destroy this world, of course!" The voice said with an extreme tone.
Suddenly, Libertas echoed in my mind.
So it's Manipulator? Damn it! No wonder it called me stupid. And the Manipulator skill doesn't work on it because it's a part of the skill itself. It's like a programmer creating a computer virus. The programmer knows exactly how the virus works, including its weaknesses and loopholes. An antivirus or virus cleaning program they created wouldn't be able to damage or delete the virus they made because they themselves are the 'master' of that code.
"So what will you do if you get out of this seal?... Will you destroy everything in your path?" I asked to make sure.
"No, no, no... Why would I do something so troublesome? Do you think I'm stupid? I know this world isn't simple. If you die, I will also perish."
The voice's answer left me silent. Did it inherit part of my personality? Yes, but it was right—this world isn't simple.
"Yeah, you're right. So what will you do?"
"How about we make a deal?" In a teasing tone, the voice offered a deal.
"That's not funny. You're the Manipulator skill, born from my deepest desires. You could say I'm your master, and you're offering a deal to your master?" I tried to test it, to see if it was self-aware, could think critically, and if I could still use it.
"No... no... this isn't a choice, I'm just telling you that I'm inside your body. And the stronger you get, the stronger my control over you becomes, so I can destroy this world gradually." Its baseless arrogance and excessive confidence made me even more embarrassed.
It felt like watching an optimistic friend with a 'get rich quick' investment plan that was clearly absurd (a Ponzi scheme or an overhyped cryptocurrency), and you just smile wryly and bite your tongue. You know exactly what it feels like to be excited by those false promises because ten years ago, you were the same person who lost your savings on a similar scheme. You hold back from saying, 'I've been there,' because you know they have to learn on their own, just like you did.
I sighed, trying not to laugh, and said, "Alright, I'll hear your terms."
"Good. Listen to my plan. We'll pit two human kingdoms against each other by provoking one of them to attack the other. With your control, you'll use Mirage to create a super-realistic illusion that the kingdom is fine. Then I'll control your body to destroy them all and harvest their souls for the Harvest Festival." The voice paused for a moment.
It knew this too? Damn it, did it just inherit my personality? But it's like a Manas, damn it.
"Once this body becomes a True Demon Lord, I'll take over and make sure to create a new body for you and transfer your soul into it so you can live. How's that? A tempting offer, isn't it?"
Hearing that made me want to laugh. Well, what could I expect from such a shady product? But the idea was not bad.
I feigned a sigh, then said in a resigned tone, "Alright, but are you sure you won't betray our deal later?" I asked with a worried tone.
Hearing my words made the voice laugh. "Hahaha, an interesting question. Listen! Betraying you wouldn't benefit me at all. On the contrary, if I use you as a pawn, it will help my plan to destroy the world gradually."
I think I know that line. Wait! Damn it. Hearing the voice's words felt like looking in a mirror. I sighed, holding back my anger, and said, "Alright, I agree."
Pretending was exhausting, like walking up a steep incline while constantly holding your breath. You might look calm on the outside, but every step you take requires twice the usual energy. It's not a burden on your back that's weighing you down, but the relentless effort of compressing your lungs.
"So now that we've agreed, what's next? Shouldn't you stop using my body to try and forcibly destroy the seal? Do you want Milim to come here and annihilate us for messing with her ex-pet dragon? You idiot," I said in a mocking tone.
Hearing my words, the voice was stunned for a moment, then replied, "You're right, alright. I'll stop now." In a commanding tone, the voice continued, "Alright, I'll leave the seal analysis to you, and I will use Manipulator to get out of this seal."
I nodded and replied, "Alright, but before that, we have to do something to make sure Milim doesn't get suspicious."
"Libertas, use Mirage to its maximum and create an illusion that the Chaos Dragon is still here, and make it go berserk." I hoped this method would be effective. I don't know if Milim's Eye can penetrate my unique skill.
Suddenly, a Chaos Dragon appeared out of nowhere and went berserk. Even though it was just an illusion, it felt incredibly real. But since I knew it was just an illusion, I had to add a final touch before leaving.
"Okay, it's your turn now. Use Manipulator to tamper with the chaotic energy so it appears to be shrouding the Chaos Dragon, as if the chaotic energy is forcibly attacking the seal." This was all I could do. If Milim could see through this Illusion, I'd figure it out later.
"Alright, wait a second.... Okay... now we can get out," the voice replied, sounding joyful.
I sighed, feeling helpless. It felt like raising a dog wagging its tail because it was being taken out for a walk.
"Alright, let's go."
A few minutes later.
The light streaming through the cracks in the cave welcomed me, as if greeting my arrival.
Suddenly, a laugh rang out in my mind.
"Hahaha, I'm finally free! Oh, World, are you ready to welcome my arrival and your destruction? Be prepared... Hahahaha." Enough, that's embarrassing. Please stop.
My face felt hot hearing those grandiose, second-rate lines. It made me want to dig a hole and bury my head.
"Okay... okay... you're going to destroy the world. Now what? Where do we go next?" I asked in a mocking tone.
"I don't know. That should be your job..."
I sighed and replied, "We're going to the western nations. If we target Dwargon, Farmuth, or Ingrasia, it'll attract too much unnecessary attention. I hate trouble."
"Alright, that's it." Spreading its wide wings, it (not me) took off and shot eastward at incredible speed.
"Wait... wait... wait!!... Where are you going?!... You idiot!... Go southwest from here, you fool!!"
"Hmm... oh, I see." Plunging sharply in the air, it turned around toward the southwest.
"And control the energy you're blindly spewing out, you idiot! Do you want to attract unnecessary attention?!" A strong sense of frustration filled my entire mind.
Using the unique skill: Mirage, I created an illusion around myself to conceal my presence while Manipulator altered the frequency of my magic energy particles to blend with the surrounding environment.
———
Minutes after we left, a creature approached the Chaos Dragon's seal at high speed. The impact of its landing created a wide crater, and the resulting sound spread in all directions, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.
A small girl, looking around 13 to 15 years old, was revealed. She had platinum-pink hair tied in twin tails, and her crystal-clear blue eyes seemed to possess the ability to pierce through everything. She wore a rather daring outfit: a single thigh-high sock, a thigh band, black underwear, and a long-sleeved shirt that only covered her chest.
She looked confused, scratching her head as she said, "That's weird, I thought someone was trying to steal my toy. But everything seems fine." She tried to ponder something, tilting her head adorably, but suddenly gave up, then burst into laughter. "Hahaha, oh well... I have to go... it looks like Clayman, Frey, and Carrion are planning something interesting."
A loud boom from her take-off, along with an overflowing surge of magical energy, sent the dragons into a panic. Only after she was gone did the dragons breathe a collective sigh of relief.
———
Several hours had passed since we left the Canaat Mountains.
How many years have passed since I entered the seal? I don't know; I forgot to set the timer on Libertas. Is Umbra alright? It should be, I suppose. Our Soul Corridor is still connected, but I rarely sense its activity. What is it doing?
It's like an actor who was supposed to take the stage at the start of the performance, but due to some reason, he fell asleep behind the curtain for the first half of the play. When he finally woke up and stepped onto the stage, the plot had completely changed, new characters had appeared, and the set had been replaced with totally different decorations. He didn't know the dialogue or the role he was supposed to play.
But I can sense that the magical energy within this body is incredibly strong and unpredictable, making my former self feel utterly terrified. If I were to fight Caelus again, it would be a devastating battle. But this time, the roles are reversed.
Clayman, Frey, Carrion—they would probably only serve as my punching bags right now. That's not arrogance; it's a fact derived from the data I've studied and concluded based on the knowledge from my previous life.
"Hey, stop daydreaming. We're almost there, time to get to work," a voice interrupted my thoughts.
In the distance, a majestic castle towered high, surrounded by walls and neatly arranged housing. Torchlight along the castle's perimeter accompanied the silent atmosphere of the night. I don't know the name of this country, but my apologies.
"Shouldn't this be your turn? Use the Manipulator to manipulate this country's King into preparing for war with the neighboring kingdom," I suggested.
"Good idea, let's do that." With high speed, (my) body broke through the air resistance, heading for the top of the palace.
With a super-level illusion surrounding me, (my) body arrived in the corridor leading to the King's private quarters. A few soldiers were guarding on both sides—some dozing off, some alert. But it was useless against me. (My) body walked right past them as if strolling in a morning garden. Upon reaching the door, the Manipulator activated its ability to enter the room as if the door didn't exist.
As (my) body entered the room, I saw a sight that stunned me into silence.
I saw a portly, middle-aged man with a bulging stomach sitting on the edge of the bed with a look of satisfied pleasure and enjoyment. Below him were two naked women with figures that were Quite Decent, and Large, engaging in an activity I never experienced in my 39 years in my previous life. Damn it, I'm jealous. Meanwhile, behind the middle-aged man, a woman was meticulously massaging his shoulders, her twin 'pears' pressed tightly against his back. Bastard, I can't stand it anymore.
"Hey, hurry up and do your job! Use the Manipulator to take control of that man and stop the activity they're doing!" I said with an annoyed tone.
"Hey, why are you upset? Shouldn't you be happy that our plan is going smoothly?" The voice spoke with a naive and clueless tone that left me speechless.
I sighed, holding back the anger that might explode in the next second, and then replied, "It's nothing, but you should be excited and immediately manipulate the man so your plan can be expedited. Am I wrong?" I said with a forced smile.
"Hahahaha, you have a point. Alright, Manipulator, active!" Instantly, ripples of magic spread out like smoke, then seeped into the man's body. And just as instantly, the man's expression of pleasure was replaced with a dull, emotionless look, as if he were a controlled doll.
"From here, how about I take over control of this man's body?" I offered.
"Fine, do as you wish. But, stick to the plan!!" The voice commanded.
"Alright... alright... no need to yell like that."
I opened my eyes after taking over the control (of the man's body) and looked down. Seeing this sight made me let out a soft sigh. Truly, not bad.
No... no... let's focus. Yes, focus. But just for a second more.
"Hey, hey... why are you just spaced out? And what's with that expression? Hurry up and do it!" The voice snapped in an angry tone.
Hearing that embarrassed me, and my expression (on this man's body) became indifferent and focused. Then I spoke:
"All of you, get out!" I said with a flat voice.
Hearing my words (in this man's body) made the three women stop, then one of them spoke:
"Why, Your Majesty? Did we not satisfy you? There are still many games we haven't played."
The woman's words stunned me, as if I had heard something I didn't understand. Then, as if receiving an epiphany, my mind exploded with ideas I had never conceived in my previous life. Damn it, so this fat pig does this all the time?!!
With an angry and irritated expression (on this man's body), I commanded them, "I said, GET OUT!!!"
Immediately, the three women scrambled out as if afraid of being killed the next second.
"Good. Now, let's start the plan," the voice sounded joyful.
"It's night, you fool. Wait until tomorrow."
The next day.
Standing in front of the mirror, staring at the dangling fat, made me sigh. Will my body look like this when I eventually evolve into a True Demon Lord? I hope not. If so, I'd rather die.
"Your Majesty, it is time for us to dress you," a maid's voice echoed from behind the door.
Dismissing the unnecessary thoughts, I replied, "Enter."
The four fairly beautiful maids entered, carrying clothes.
I raised both hands to the side, following the habits I read from the body's memories. Then, the maids began to dress me. This outfit is truly gaudy and excessive. I feel like a decorative doll. But a fat version. Seeing this sight made me sigh softly. Truly the life of a corrupt noble.
After getting dressed, I walked toward the throne room, escorted by the soldiers who had been waiting outside.
"Hey, hey, you haven't forgotten our plan, have you?" The voice suddenly interrupted my reverie.
"Relax, everything is according to plan," I answered calmly.
"His Majesty enters the room!!!"
The soldier's voice interrupted our conversation.
This man's body arrived in the throne room. I walked past the bowing nobles. Using Universal Detect, I observed their expressions. Some were contemptuous, others bore sly smiles. What a lively atmosphere.
After I (in the man's body) sat on the throne, I spoke indifferently.
"Raise your heads."
Seeing this scene made me sigh again. This feeling isn't bad.
"First, there's something I want to announce..." I paused for a moment.
"Hey, now's the time! Use the Manipulator to influence the mood of everyone in this room."
Ripples of magic spread through the air, ensuring they covered every corner of the room.
"We will attack our neighboring country!... We must avenge the humiliation they have inflicted upon us all this time!... Everyone... am I right?!" I said enthusiastically. Well, that was quite embarrassing.
"His Majesty is right!! We must go to war!" one of the nobles exclaimed.
Like burning gunpowder, sparks began to spread from one person to the next.
"Yes! War!"
"Long live His Majesty!!"
"War! War! War!"
"Long live His Majesty!!"
"Long live His Majesty!!"
"War! War! War!"
"War! War! War!"
"War! War! War!"
The echoes of war resounded through the palace corridors, leaving the guarding soldiers confused and tense.
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha... World! Prepare yourself..."
Hearing that second-rate line disgusted me, but oh well, I'll let it slide.
Now the plan is underway as intended. I hope it goes according to the ideas I've thought up. I leave it to you, Libertas, I mused.
A week has passed since my speech in the throne room.
During that time, I lived a corrupt and immoral life. Consider it an experience.
War preparations were underway everywhere, and tension enveloped the entire kingdom, from the soldiers to the common folk. Rumors were circulating among the adventurers that this was a conspiracy, but no one seemed to care about the conspiracy itself.
Led by me (in this man's body), I commanded the troops to move south. The force consisted of over 5,000 people, divided into several teams. There was a Mage Team of about 100 people, a Magic Sword Knights team of 20 people, along with 5 team captains for each respective team. Although they are like ants in my eyes, they are useful enough for the current situation. I will accept your sacrifice with open arms, thank you.
This journey took 3 days, including breaks and the like.
From a distance, a kingdom stood, encircled by high walls. It made the kingdom look like an impenetrable fortress.
I ordered the troops to halt.
Using Universal Detect, I gauged every detail, along with the kingdom's scope. It wasn't a large kingdom, but it was enough for me to perform the Harvest Festival.
"Captain of the Mage Team, immediately form a barrier around the entire kingdom. The Magic Swordsman Knights Team, prepare to attack."
Following my command, each team captain moved in different directions according to their respective tasks.
After a short while, a magic circle formed from various corners. With Universal Detect, I could see the overall situation in detail from multiple perspectives.
A gigantic, rectangular barrier surrounded the kingdom.
"Attack!!!" I (this male body) screamed.
"Attack!!!" the soldiers shouted back.
Perhaps what I'm doing is truly cruel, slaughtering innocent people for my own gain. But I apologize, I can't do anything about it. This world was flawed from the very beginning.
I raised my hand towards the Barrier. Instantly, the gigantic barrier, which had appeared glistening from the outside, seemed to fade little by little, then vanished as if nothing had happened.
"Hey, it's your turn... do as you please." Instantly, with a thought, this man's body exploded into a bloody mist.
"Hahahaha, kill!!" Suddenly, a figure appeared out of thin air. Clad in black armor, with two pairs of horns on its head, long hair streaming wildly, and a ferocious look on its face. Its black wings stretched high, and with a stomp of its foot, my body shot through the barrier.
Desperate screams were heard, from common folk and soldiers alike, killing each other. The clash of swords and the ballistic sounds of magic echoed across the battlefield.
The resulting chaos devastated everything in its path.
Observing through various perspectives via Universal Detect made me feel as if I were directly experiencing what it was like on the battlefield. I felt nothing, although a very small part of my mind felt some pain—perhaps the last sympathy from the part of me that existed in my previous life. I couldn't be like Rimuru, being too kind to others, which only makes them look down on you. I cannot. Enough is enough. I will control my own Destiny.
A sonic boom resounded in the sky above the warring soldiers, causing them to look up.
"W...w...what is that?" one of the soldiers yelled.
Accompanied by an arrogant voice and a wild laugh, my body, or the one not controlled by me, spoke to everyone below it.
"Hahahaha, are you ready? In the next few minutes, I will slaughter all of you until not a single one remains."
Suddenly, one of the Magic Swordsman Knights team captains shouted:
"Who do you think you are, you monster??!! I am Robert, Captain of the Fifth Team of the Magic Swordsman Knights!... Be honored because I will kill—"
Fool, I thought.
Before he could finish his words, his body suddenly swelled up and then exploded into a bloody mist.
"How noisy! Who told you to interrupt my speech?!... But, weak... so very weak... Slaughtering you all is as easy as popping a balloon with a needle... Let's make this more exciting... Let's make a deal... If you can survive just one of my claw attacks or punches, you can leave. How about that?"
The soldiers looked at each other, then agreed.
How naive, I thought.
Yes, and what followed was a total massacre.
Libertas calculated the accumulated souls gathered.
<2580>
<3000>
<3678>
"Hahahaha, kill!!!"
<4000>
What a cruel tragedy.
A few minutes passed, leaving destruction everywhere, confirming that something tragic was unfolding.
<5902>
<6500>
"So weak, so vulnerable."
<6666>
The screams of the soldiers and common people echoed throughout the entire scene.
"Aarghhhh, you cruel demon!!" one soldier screamed, and then his body shattered into pieces.
"Oh God, please punish this sinful Demon," he exploded into a bloody mist.
"May your soul rot in hell, and God will never forgive your sin!!!" Shouted one devout religious follower.
Hearing that scream made My Body stop its actions, and My Body approached the source of the voice.
"Sin? What is sin? Hahahaha... I don't understand what you mean, but I like this word... Fine, I've decided... From today onward, I shall be called SIN."
Hearing that left me stunned and confused. Damn it, don't just name me arbitrarily!! I thought to myself.
Suddenly, a word was engraved in the depths of my Soul: 'SIN', and my magic energy doubled.
"Hahahaha, I feel it, this body is getting stronger!...!!"
Suddenly, with a wave of My Body's hand, the person who had just spoken the words turned to ash.
While My Body rampaged and slaughtered everyone, Libertas continued to count the accumulated number of souls gathered.
<7000>
<7658>
<8200>
<8888>
Suddenly, the voice of the world seemed to resonate across the world:
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Another new skill? Just from the name, it sounds like slaughter. Forget it.
<9788>
A little more.
<9999>
<10099>
Suddenly, My Body's movements ceased.
"Why is this happening?? What's going on, why do I feel so sleepy!!?" the voice asked in confusion.
I sighed, "That's the Harvest Festival, you idiot. Congratulations, your plan succeeded." I paused for a moment and then continued, "Don't forget our agreement. Goodbye."
Hearing that made the skill manipulator's will burst into wild laughter: "hahahaha, finally!!! World! Prepare to welcome your destruction!!!" Then, my body collapsed onto the ground.
Suddenly, the voice of the world resonated.
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"Aaaaaaarhhjghhhh you tricked me!!!!"
Crack....crackk...crackkkk
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———
I was actually already awake; I was just communicating with my new Ultimate Skill, Argus.
"Argus, do you think I can still add a name for myself?"
Hearing that relieved me. It wouldn't feel right if others called me SIN—it literally means sin/transgression. That damned bastard is truly a piece of work.
Since sin signifies darkness, flaws, and other negative things, I will create a name to balance that sin itself. Yes, Light.
Lucius, Lucian... Too common. Yes, that's it!!!
"Starting today, my name is Lucien!!... SIN LUCIEN"
Suddenly, my soul core shook, causing me to almost collapse.
"Damn it, I wasn't ready... and my magic energy is only a few percent left," I grumbled in annoyance.
Material Magic: Mirror
Gazing at the naked man in front of me made me pause.
Material Magic: Clothes
Now this is alright. Yes, I am quite handsome indeed.
I have long, flowing black hair and sharp purple eyes. My facial expression looks calm and haughty. My skin is somewhat pale, and my ears are slightly pointed. I am wearing a black formal suit dominated by a long jacket or coat. The focal point is a dramatic white jabot (a ruffled neck ornament), fastened with a purple jewel brooch, and wearing black gloves, making me look even more elegant and authoritative.
It's an extremely vast comparison to my former self in my previous life. But what can I do?
Based on the data provided by Argus, all my current abilities are—
EV: 8.000.000+
Intrinsic Skills:
* Godspeed Regeneration
* Demon Lord Haki
* Universal Detect
* Chaotic Energy
* Gravitation Field
* Anti-Skill
* Transformation
Resistances:
* Pain Nullification
* Holy Attack Nullification
* Spiritual Attack Nullification
* Mental Attack Nullification
* Magic Attack Nullification
* Natural Element Nullification
* Ailment Nullification
Ultimate Skills:
1. Lord of Subjugation 'Dolos'
* Abyssal Dominion
Implants a "Mark of Subjugation" that binds the target physically, mentally, and spiritually. This Mark makes the subject perceive me as an absolute entity. "Absolute Subjugation" effect will be triggered once the target is successfully dominated, blurring their perception of reality.
* Perfect Deception
Creates illusions that affect the victim's five senses, mind, soul, and magic energy. Capable of manipulating the perception of time, space, and power, causing opponents to attack shadows or even their own allies. Capable to imitate a skill that is seen even though it is imperfect.
* Emotional Control (Passive)
Passively influences the emotions of surrounding creatures.
* Manipulation
Able to manipulate the matter, mind, or soul of lesser beings.
2. Lord of Omniscient 'Argus'
The embodiment of extraordinary intelligence and analytical ability. Grants the ability to analyze, plan, and predict with perfect accuracy.
* Thought Acceleration
* Analytical Appraisal
* Parallel Calculation
* Chant Annulment
* Omniscient Plan
With the Omniscient Eyes, Argus can analyze data and foresee several steps ahead. Every action is part of a larger strategy.
* Absolute Prediction
Capable of predicting and mitigating worst-case scenarios. Every plan has a backup plan, even a backup plan for the backup plan. What appears to be a failure is often part of the main strategy.
* Administrator
Argus is capable of processing every skill and protecting them from external attacks attempting to seize or copy other skills.
3. Lord of Destruction 'Ahriman'
* System Corruption
Able to corrupt the flow of energy, space, or even the laws governing other skills.
* Law Erosion
Actively erodes and eliminates laws established by other entities.
* Factual Distortion
Capable of altering existing data and information, creating false facts.
———
The first thing that came to my mind after seeing the data from Argus was Insane. Now, after evolving into a True Demon Lord, my mind has become calm.
The power I once boasted about is nothing compared to this.