After reading the note left by the one who had granted me this new life, I finally understood what had happened to me. Now I had a clear grasp of the situation, and I decided to head toward Orario. The Great Sage confirmed my suspicions — it was there that the Tower of Babel rose, beneath which lay the Dungeon.
I walked across a blooming field, admiring the white clouds in the clear sky. In this world I felt free, yet the thought of my family would not leave me. I couldn't simply abandon my parents to fate. Sooner or later, I had to find a way back to my world and make sure they were safe. But for now, that seemed impossible.
I had already been walking for about four hours, and still I felt no fatigue. In my former body I would have slowed long ago, but now… it was as if I never tired at all. Out of curiosity, I lifted a few heavy stones and realized: this body was much stronger than my old one. Perhaps the reason was magic?
On the way to Orario, I sensed mana — it was somewhere in my chest. I even managed to cleanse my body of sweat with a skill. Half the journey still remained ahead.
And then I noticed a wagon.It was approaching, drawn by a pair of horses. As we passed each other, the driver glanced at me, blushed deeply.
"Good day?" I said uncertainly.
His response was to faint on the spot.
"W-what?.. What the hell?.."
Only then did I realize how melodic my voice was. Incredibly beautiful, almost enchanting. Even my voice in this body sounded too perfect. Hopefully, that wouldn't be a problem in Orario…
A couple of hours later it began to grow dark, and soon I couldn't see past my own nose. In the distance the city lights shimmered, but traveling at night seemed too risky. I decided to make camp.
Turning into the forest, I lit a fire — fortunately, the backpack held a lighter. The night air was cold. To distract myself, I checked the contents of the bag: a temporary pass to Orario, a flashlight, a pouch of coins, a folding knife, some dried meat, a bottle of water, and a hooded cloak. Putting the cloak on made me feel a bit warmer.
At that moment I decided to try out the "Predator" skill. I focused on a large rock nearby. Black smoke burst from my hand, and I felt my "inventory" expand. When I raised my palms again, the smoke gathered once more — and the same stone materialized in my hands.
"Whoa… So I can use 'Predator' just like Rimuru?.." I breathed. "He was considered one of the strongest beings across all anime universes…"
Warning: the fire has attracted a pack of wolves with hostile intent. Do you wish to use the 'Predator' skill to consume them?
"Wolves?.. They'll tear me apart… Fine. Use it, Great Sage."
In the next instant my body moved on its own. Black smoke poured out of me, engulfing the pack I hadn't even seen. Not a single tree or bush was harmed.
Warning: Predator skill has consumed 11 wolves.
"Unbelievable… But now I feel exhausted.Great Sage… if I sleep for a bit, can you wake me if danger comes?"
Answer: Yes. I am capable of analyzing your surroundings even while you sleep.
"Perfect… Thank you."
With those thoughts I drifted to sleep by the fire.When I awoke, the sky was already lightening, the fire had long gone out, and a new day awaited me — along with the continuation of my journey to Orario.