A month passed faster than I thought.
The head of the Aster family.
So, the father of the body I’m now possessing never showed himself.
Thanks to that, I was able to focus on training without having to worry about anything.
“I guess they’ve put some surveillance on me… but seeing that they don’t come to me directly, it seems like I’m really out of sight.”
In the perfect indifference of my surroundings, all I’ve been doing is running stupidly, running, and running.
I’ve never trained before, so I’ve had a few injuries where my muscles ruptured, and I’ve fainted a few times from hyperventilation.
But that was all it took to not leave a scratch on the body of the avatar with excellent recovery power.
‘No matter how you look at it, it’s a scam.’
But it was still painful… but after enduring a month of pain, I was able to achieve some results.
The first thing that stands out is my sunken belly.
If I was a pig who found it hard to walk a month ago, now I’ve become a fat person you can commonly see on the street.
At least that’s how it looked to me.
In my own eyes, that is.
“Losing weight is not an easy task.”
I didn’t know because I’ve never done it before, but it’s literally the pain of carving bones and flesh.
As I wipe the sweat flowing from the pain of dieting, Violet, who was sitting in a corner of the vacant lot, spoke to me.
“Is it because your life is at stake, you have quite a bit of perseverance. Did you also live so diligently normally?”
“…Aren’t you busy? The position of a pharmaceutical lord is not a leisurely one.”
“I’m worried about you because you’re cooped up in the lab all the time.”
Worried my ass.
That old lady shows up once a day to scratch my insides.
‘I don’t know the reason. Tsk.’
Apart from the contract, it’s to watch me suffer and struggle.
‘Crazy woman…’
Depending on the play route, she also appears as an enemy, so I know her crazy taste and ultimate goal well.
‘To become the most perfect creature in the world.’
Of course, during the play of over 80 characters, she has never ‘perfectly’ achieved her goal.
The moment she turns into an enemy, she dies by my hand or is killed by her own creation.
There was only one of two possible outcomes.
Even the “failure” I mentioned last time was a monster born from that process.
‘Especially that guy… He must be hiding away somewhere, avoiding Violet’s eyes by now.’
As I was quietly contemplating about the failure, Violet, who had been sitting on a rock with her chin resting on her hand, spoke up.
“Hmm, by the way, it’s quite interesting.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why is it that you seem less affected by the 142nd’s influence, young master? The prisoners of the Dark Royal Brigade were going crazy and dropping like flies. Even ordinary knights couldn’t bear it.”
“…Are you hoping for my demise?”
“Why would I, I like you so much young master. I can’t cry if you die.”
It’s not sadness but rather a pity, isn’t it?
Since the toy that was struggling and writhing in agony has disappeared.
I gave a slight glare at Violet, who was spewing twisted words with her intact mouth.
It was to the extent that it wouldn’t affect me.
“But I don’t understand. Is it because of the strength of the Aster bloodline that your direct descendants possess? Even though I’m also undoubtedly a member of the Aster lineage… Hmm. When I took it, it wasn’t to that extent.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
The reason I don’t die is because I’m a godly being. That is, because I’m an Avatar. But I couldn’t casually reveal such a fact.
The first hero to attain 7 stars.
Unlike the Church of Light, which is affiliated with the Holy Kingdom, the stage of King Richard’s activities, this place doesn’t recognize the name of God.
“Should I experiment on the eldest son later?”
“Father… no, the family head will be furious.”
Moreover, if my identity is exposed due to the superstition that the blood and flesh of the avatar are a potent elixir, a significant problem could arise.
In reality, while playing the game, I was assaulted and killed several times for the same reason.
Therefore, this should be disclosed at least after nearing the realm of the master, which is 6-star.
If I possess the power to defend myself, the nameplate of a divine being is a promissory note that can reap numerous benefits across the continent.
“…Anyway, so I was having trouble cutting it with a saw, so I just tried to break it? After that, when I put some strength into it, it tore surprisingly easily. The red muscle stretched out like cheese just baked in an oven…”
Even while I was lost in thought, Violet kept chattering about things I didn’t really want to hear.
Ignoring her, who talks too much, I closed my eyes to check the results of the past month.
[Traits]
▶[Laziness][Lustful][Alcoholic][Gluttony][Arrogance][Vile][Reckless][Pretentious][Weak to strong, strong to weak][Thick-skinned]…
[Status]
▶[Obesity][High blood pressure]
The [Laziness] trait, which was the biggest problem, had noticeably faded, and the [Severe obesity] status had changed to [Obesity].
‘The lack of muscle strength has completely disappeared. It’s definitely an excellent physique.’
Even though I borrowed the power of the pharmaceutical lord, the result was more than I thought.
‘Well, I only slept four hours a day and ran around day and night…’
Nodding in satisfaction, I moved my gaze to check the most important information.
▶Grade : [★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆]
▶Class : [None]
▶Age : [17]
[Owned Traits]
▶[Genius of Battle(A-)]
The trait has been unlocked. Would you like to check the detailed information? [Y/N]
[Power]
▶[29]
[Overall]
▶You’ve overcome the first hurdle in such a short time! It’s an achievement worth admiring! But it won’t do for our reliable leader, Mr. Buta. Don’t cry after getting beaten up for nothing.
‘Who is Mr. Buta.’
I’m already feeling complicated. The status window keeps provoking me with squirrel stuff and all.
Did something change in the status window when I possessed the body of Jin Aster?
‘It was fine in the game.’
I didn’t know the cause, but anyway, it was true that I was annoyed to see it.
Anyway.
My body has become much lighter than before, and my stamina has also improved quite a bit.
In addition, the trait has been unlocked, so at least I won’t be humiliated by the prisoners of the disease group.
“Well, shall we go now?”
The only thing left to do is to keep the promise.
Leaving Violet, who continues to chatter about irrelevant matters, behind, I headed toward the mansion where the temporary headquarters of the Royal Guard is located.
********
“You all wait outside for a moment.”
On a warm afternoon, the Royal Guard’s leader, Balkan Aster Aster, who had just dismissed the courtesans clinging to his sides, looked at the young boy who had come to see him.
“So, you didn’t manage to escape.”
“I wouldn’t have lasted an hour even if I tried to run. Do you think I can’t discern that much?”
Jin shrugged his shoulders. For someone who had been on the brink of execution, his attitude was oddly audacious.
Balkan Aster, realizing this, furrowed his brow slightly and gripped Jin’s right shoulder.
“You seem quite confident, huh? Have you forgotten that your life and death are in my hands?”
Kkguk-
As Balkan Aster applied a light pressure, Jin’s face twisted in pain.
Nevertheless, Jin continued to look at him steadily and spoke without hesitation.
“…I haven’t forgotten. But more importantly, I know that the Royal Guard doesn’t accept useless fools who can’t wield weapons. Are you planning to turn me into a left-handed fool?”
“Hooh?”
Balkan Aster, impressed by Jin’s refusal to cower despite the threat, let out an unexpected chuckle.
Even seasoned knights tremble and sit down when I harden my expression.
Moreover, the pitiful creature before him had been a coward who would flee at the mere sight of him just a month ago.
So, although he should have immediately humbled him, the boy continued to meet his gaze.
“I’ve heard enough about your cozy relationship with that old fox over the past month. Whatever she’s fed you, it’s certainly made you more audacious.”
“I’ve also lost a lot of weight.”
As Balkan Aster removed his hand from Jin’s shoulder, he glanced over Jin’s thick abdomen.
“Heh! You’re still chattering away in front of me. Quite something.”
“…Yes, sir.”
“Noisy. Take this.”
Ignoring Jin’s defiance, Balkan Aster picked up a cheap sword that had been lying around in a messy corner of his room and tossed it to Jin.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a gift. You’ll need a weapon of some sort to join the battalion.”
It wasn’t a high-quality weapon, just a cheap sword that could be easily found anywhere.
When Jin caught the sword, Balkan Aster scratched his oil-streaked head and continued speaking.
“You’ll come with me to the gate tomorrow.”
“I understand.”
“Aren’t you afraid?”
“If I weren’t, that would be a lie.”
The gate situated on the border between the Cassel Kingdom, where the Aster family is registered, and the Magicka. Huiseon Castle.
Among the two military groups stationed near the location of the Royal Family, most belonged to the Royal Guard, which was primarily composed of prisoners.
Either becoming a cripple at the hands of violent comrades or occasionally becoming prey for demons that break through the barrier.
And.
Among the causes of death for newly enlisted soldiers, overwhelming majority are due to the former.
No, perhaps it’s the latter… Is it?
Anyway.
For those who suffered day by day in hell, new recruits were like delightful toys.
There’s hardly any direct killing involved, but breaking bones or making fools under the pretext of initiation is common.
And.
The wounded soldiers die in battle against demons without even having the chance to wield a weapon.
“Your status among them is worth less than a piece of bread. No, it might be better not to reveal it at all.”
“I never had such thoughts.”
It was obvious.
The moment I revealed my status as an exile from the Meteor Sword Sect, it was obvious what the prisoners who had been itching to get at the family would do.
“Surprising. I thought you’d sell the family name shamelessly to survive… Well, that’s none of my business.”
Balkan Aster’s gaze, which had been somewhat surprised as he looked at Jin, suddenly grew heavy.
“If, hypothetically speaking, you were to show remarkable achievements befitting the Aster name within the Royal Guard, I would at least erase your misdeeds from my mind.”
“I promise.”
“Swear it on the name of Balkan Aster Aster and the position of the Royal Guard’s leader.”
“I will remember.”
As Jin nodded, Balkan Aster, revealing yellowed teeth, swiftly turned away.
“Well, a weakling like you will probably cry and beg for mercy in no time.”
“I won’t do that.”
Why was it?
Despite the tension and fear, an inexplicable excitement and thrill were filling his entire body.
“How long will that confidence last, I wonder? I need to take a nap now, so leave.”
“Then, until tomorrow.”
Suppressing the unknown heat boiling inside him, Jin lowered his head and left the room.
As he stepped out of the mansion, the brilliant sunlight poured down on his head.
“The weather is annoyingly nice.”
Muttering softly, Jin looked up at the sky and let out a deep sigh.
