Chapter 1

Tokyo.

The city that never sleeps.

Neon lights blazed across the streets of Shinjuku, giant electronic billboards flashing advertisements, while thousands of people rushed about without sparing a glance at one another. Everyone was consumed by their own small world.

Among the sea of people, high above on the rooftop of a skyscraper, a young man stood alone at the edge. The cold night wind tugged at his black jacket, his naturally white hair swaying against his face.

Yamamoto Kenzou.

His eyes were crimson, glowing faintly in the neon haze. He looked down at the bustling city below, his gaze distant and lifeless.

"Boring."

The single word slipped from his lips, quiet yet heavy with exhaustion.

From childhood, Kenzou had always been different. His IQ surpassed professors even when he was only ten. His body was naturally stronger, faster, more agile than his peers. Every academic challenge was solved within minutes. Every fight was won before it even began.

He had tried martial arts dojos—beating masters who were hailed as legends in minutes.

He had entered mixed martial arts tournaments—defeating opponents before they could even land a strike.

And every victory left him emptier than before.

At school, he had no real friends. His handsome face, athletic build, and genius intellect only drew people who envied, admired, or sought to use him. Their smiles were masks. Their words, empty. Love? It was never sincere.

One by one, all of these things eroded his heart until it turned to stone.

Now, at eighteen, Kenzou no longer sought meaning. He had stopped hoping for anything that could rid him of his boredom.

Below, cars rushed past, traffic lights blinked, people scurried across the streets. The world kept spinning, but to Kenzou it was nothing more than a cheap theater repeating the same script over and over.

He stood at the rooftop's edge, the night wind brushing his face. From that height, Tokyo stretched out like an ocean of light—grand, dazzling, yet lifeless.

"It's meaningless..." he whispered.

He closed his eyes, memories flickering across his mind.

Flashback

A young boy with white hair sat alone in class. Other children grouped together, laughing, playing. He stared out the window, far away.

The teacher entered, scribbling complicated math problems on the board. The boy solved them in five minutes. While the rest of the class struggled, he sat there, bored, resting his chin on his palm.

In the schoolyard, some children ganged up on him out of jealousy. Within seconds, they were all on the ground, groaning in pain. None of them had even grazed him.

He walked home alone through the crowd, but it felt like he was walking through an empty world. No one truly understood him.

End flashback

Kenzou opened his eyes again. His face remained expressionless.

"That's enough."

He took a step forward, leaning out over the edge.

"If there is a god out there... give me a world more interesting than this. If not, let me disappear."

And he fell.

WHOOSHHHH!!!

The night wind lashed against his face. The city lights drew closer. Car horns, voices, the chaos of Tokyo... all of it faded.

But before his body struck the ground, something impossible happened.

CRAAACKKK!!!

The very air around him shattered like glass. Blinding white light swallowed his body. The world crumbled, then reformed.

When consciousness returned, Kenzou found himself standing in a vast plain.

Tall grass—blue instead of green—swayed under a gentle breeze. In the distance, a black mountain loomed, piercing the sky. And the sky itself... was not blue, but a deep violet, with three moons hanging above like silver sentinels.

He inhaled deeply. The air was fresh, thick, filling his lungs with a strange new vitality.

Kenzou knelt, clutching a handful of soil. It felt real, damp and cold. There was no way this was a dream.

"...Is this another world... the kind I always read about in novels?" he muttered.

Suddenly, the sky above trembled. A golden light split through the violet clouds. Something descended slowly, radiating a divine yet terrifying aura.

Kenzou's crimson eyes widened slightly as it drew near.

A long spear, its shaft forged from white-gold metal etched with runes, its blade glowing as though it could pierce the heavens themselves.

The weapon settled into his hands as though it had always belonged there.

"Heavenly Spear..." The name surfaced in his mind unbidden.

Cold energy surged through his body, resonating with his very soul. A thin smile curved across his lips.

"So God really does want me to have some fun. Very well... I'll accept it gladly."

The spear pulsed in his grasp. It wasn't just a weapon—it was alive. He could feel it breathing, resonating, its rhythm matching his heartbeat.

A strange warmth coursed through his veins, intertwining with the chill of the night wind. His muscles felt taut, sharper, as though every fiber of his being had been reforged in that instant.

"This feeling..." Kenzou whispered, tightening his grip. "So this is what it means to exist."

On Earth, no matter how much he fought, no matter how high he climbed, there had always been a ceiling. The boundaries of humanity, the dull cage of a predictable life. Here, in this unfamiliar land under a violet sky, that ceiling had been shattered.

He swung the Heavenly Spear experimentally.

SWOOOSH!

The weapon sliced through the air with a weightless grace. Yet in its wake, the air itself trembled, leaving faint streaks of golden afterglow. The grass around him bent as if bowing before its might.

Kenzou's crimson eyes glimmered. A slow grin spread across his lips.

"This is no ordinary weapon. It's a declaration."

He could sense it—the pride embedded in the spear, the overwhelming authority that refused to acknowledge anything beneath it. A weapon not forged by mortal hands, but born from divinity itself.

The Heavenly Spear.

The strongest spear that had ever existed.

Kenzou exhaled, lifting his gaze to the alien horizon. The three moons hung like watchful eyes, bathing the plains in ethereal silver light. The mountain in the distance loomed ominously, like a titan crouching at the edge of the world.

He sank into the moment, letting the wind brush against his face, letting the alien scents fill his lungs. For the first time in years, his chest tightened—not from despair, but from exhilaration.

"So this is what I asked for," he murmured. "A world that's not boring. A world where I can... finally breathe."

His heart, which had been numb for so long, began to beat with restless vigor.

He thought back to the rooftop, to the neon lights of Tokyo, to the gray expressions of people marching like machines. Compared to this world, Earth felt like a painted backdrop, flat and hollow.

This place, however—this place was real. It was alive.

He twirled the spear again. Golden sparks scattered from its blade, vanishing into the night like fireflies. Each spark seemed to whisper promises of blood, battle, and glory.

Kenzou chuckled, the sound low and amused.

"If God really did send me here, then perhaps... He's finally worth my gratitude."

But gratitude was fleeting. What he truly felt was hunger.

His crimson eyes narrowed as he studied the vast expanse before him. Unknown lands, unknown creatures, unknown dangers. Each thought ignited his veins with anticipation.

"This world..." he said, raising the spear until its gleaming blade reflected the moons, "...will be my stage."

Yet beneath the thrill, there was also something else.

A whisper.

A faint voice not his own.

"Prove yourself, bearer of the spear."

Kenzou stilled. His grip tightened. The voice had not come from outside—it had echoed directly in his mind, resonating from the Heavenly Spear itself.

His lips curved into another grin. "So you can speak, too."

Silence followed, but the spear pulsed again, as if answering him.

Kenzou tilted his head, crimson eyes gleaming with sharp amusement. "Good. Then let's have fun together. Show me what you're capable of... and I'll show you what I can do."

The breeze picked up, swirling around him. The grass rustled like waves, the moons shone brighter, and for a fleeting moment, Kenzou felt as though the entire world was holding its breath—waiting for him to move.

He stood tall, the Heavenly Spear in hand, the weight of destiny pressing against his shoulders.

For the first time in his life, Yamamoto Kenzou felt something new.

Not boredom.

Not emptiness.

But excitement.

The silence of the plains was deceptive.

At first glance, it looked serene—a canvas of swaying blue grass under the silver glow of three moons. Yet the longer Kenzou stood there, the more he noticed. The grass didn't just sway with the wind; sometimes it rippled in unnatural patterns, as if something slithered beneath. The trees at the edge of the plains stretched high, their bark black as obsidian, their leaves shimmering faintly like scales.

A faint screech echoed in the distance, carried by the wind. It wasn't a bird's cry, nor any animal he had ever heard on Earth.

Kenzou smirked.

"So it begins."

He adjusted his grip on the Heavenly Spear and started walking toward the forest. Each step crunched softly against the grass, the sound oddly loud in the vast emptiness. The air was crisp, but beneath its freshness was a subtle metallic tang—like the scent of blood lingering faintly across the land.

The forest loomed closer.

As he entered its shadow, the world changed. The wind died. The air grew heavier, damp. Bioluminescent fungi clung to tree trunks, casting eerie green glows. Strange insects scuttled along the roots, their bodies translucent, their innards pulsating with faint light.

Kenzou's crimson eyes darted around, sharp and vigilant. His every sense was heightened, as if the Heavenly Spear had fused with his instincts.

This place reeks of danger, he thought. Perfect.

He remembered how Earth's forests had been—quiet, predictable, with nothing more threatening than stray dogs or bears in the wild. But this forest... this was different. It was alive in ways Earth could never be.

The further he walked, the more the whispers returned.

"Test yourself."

"Prove your worth."

The voice of the Heavenly Spear resonated again, not loud, but insistent.

Kenzou chuckled under his breath. "Impatient, aren't you? Don't worry. I'll find something to kill soon enough."

The spear pulsed faintly in his hand, as though satisfied with his answer.

He continued deeper. Time became strange in that forest. The moons were hidden by the canopy, leaving only the glow of fungi and insects to light his way. Every few steps, he'd catch glimpses of movement between the trees—shadows darting, pairs of glowing eyes watching him from afar.

And the sounds...

Low growls. Hissing. The crack of branches snapping, not from the wind but from weight.

Predators.

Kenzou's lips curved into a thin smile. "Good. Don't keep me waiting."

He raised the spear, spinning it once. The golden blade hummed softly, the sound like a choir note stretching through the air. The predators lurking in the shadows stilled at the noise. For a brief moment, silence reclaimed the forest.

Then—

RUSTLE.

From the brush, something moved. Heavy. Low to the ground.

Kenzou's eyes locked forward. His stance shifted, feet braced, spear angled. His body language was calm, almost casual, yet ready to strike at any instant.

Golden sparks ran along the spear's edge, illuminating his sharp grin.

"So... who will be my first opponent in this world?"

The grass ahead shuddered violently. Then it parted, revealing glowing eyes. Crimson, feral, brimming with hunger. A low snarl rolled through the forest, rumbling deep and guttural.

The creature stepped out.

A wolf.

But not the kind Kenzou knew.

Its fur was pitch black, as though it absorbed the light around it. Jagged spikes jutted from its back, glistening like obsidian. Its fangs were long, dripping with a faint green liquid that hissed as it touched the ground, burning holes into the soil.

Its presence radiated menace, primal and raw.

Kenzou tilted his head, crimson eyes gleaming. "A black wolf, huh? Fitting. Let's see if you can entertain me."

The Heavenly Spear pulsed in his hands, eager, almost trembling with bloodlust.

The wolf growled louder, crouching low, its muscles coiling like springs. The ground beneath its claws cracked slightly under its weight.

Kenzou grinned wider, the anticipation bubbling inside him.

"Finally... something real."

The wolf lunged.

The wolf's body blurred as it lunged, claws extended, venom dripping from its fangs.

Kenzou's grin stretched wider. He spun the Heavenly Spear, golden sparks bursting from its blade like fragments of lightning. And then—

DING!

A sharp chime echoed inside his skull. His vision flickered, lines of radiant text appearing midair, translucent yet undeniable.

[System Activation: Successful]

Welcome, Yamamoto Kenzou.

You have been chosen as the bearer of the Heavenly Spear.

Quest Generated: Eliminate the Black Wolf (Rank E).

Reward: +100 EXP, +5 Stat Points, Skill Unlock.

Kenzou blinked once. A laugh broke from his chest, low and amused.

"So... even a system? This really is one of those worlds. Predictable, yet amusing."

The wolf was nearly on him now, its jaw snapping for his throat.

Kenzou tilted his head, crimson eyes sharp, and stepped to the side.

SLASH!

The wolf's fangs missed by inches, venom sizzling as it splattered onto the ground, burning holes into the soil. Kenzou's spear swept horizontally, its golden blade grazing the creature's fur. Sparks flew as if metal had clashed against stone.

The beast skidded back, growling, its crimson eyes locked on him with primal fury.

Kenzou twirled the spear lazily, resting it across his shoulders. "Rank E, huh? So this is how you measure strength here. Interesting. If this is the weakest, then I can't wait to see the strongest."

The System pulsed again.

[Quest Reminder: Kill the Black Wolf.]

Kenzou smirked. "Yes, yes. Don't rush me. I like to enjoy my prey."

The wolf snarled and circled him, muscles rippling under its obsidian fur. Its movements were calculated—no ordinary animal. It was waiting, watching for an opening.

Kenzou's eyes glimmered with excitement. His blood sang with anticipation. Finally... something worth my time.

He shifted his stance. The Heavenly Spear lowered, its blade gleaming under the pale light of the moons. The air thickened, charged with tension.

The wolf struck again.

WHOOSH!

It dashed to the side, almost vanishing into the darkness, then reappeared behind him, claws raised.

But Kenzou was faster.

His body moved instinctively, as though the spear guided him. He spun, thrusting the blade backward.

CLANG!

Sparks exploded as claw met spear. The force rattled the ground, scattering dirt and leaves. The wolf growled, shoving against the spear with brute strength, but Kenzou's stance was immovable.

He laughed softly. "Not bad. You've got weight behind those claws."

The wolf leapt back, circling once more. Venom dripped from its fangs, sizzling against the earth. The smell was acrid, burning his nostrils.

Kenzou inhaled deeply. His heart pounded in rhythm with the spear's pulse. Every nerve in his body was alive. Every sound, every flicker of movement, every shift of the wind—he felt it all.

"This world..." he whispered, lips curling upward. "...is everything I asked for."

The System chimed again, interrupting his euphoria.

[Warning: Failure to complete quest will result in penalty.]

[Time Limit: 10 minutes.]

Kenzou raised a brow. "A penalty? Now you're making it fun."

The wolf roared, lunging once more. Its jaws widened, venom spraying like droplets of acid.

Kenzou tightened his grip, and this time—he attacked first.

BOOM!

His feet dug into the soil, launching him forward like a cannon. The spear's golden blade cut through the air, aimed straight for the beast's throat.

The wolf twisted mid-leap, avoiding a direct strike, but the spear's edge grazed its flank. Blood sprayed, black and steaming, hissing as it hit the ground.

The creature howled in rage. Its spikes flared, glowing faintly with sickly green light.

Kenzou twirled the spear again, eyes glinting. "So you're tougher than you look. Good."

The Heavenly Spear pulsed violently, as though urging him onward. Its whispers filled his mind.

"Kill. Prove yourself."

His smile sharpened.

"Gladly."

The forest came alive with chaos.

The Black Wolf circled, its eyes glowing crimson, its breath steaming with venom. Each growl vibrated through the ground, shaking leaves from the trees.

Kenzou stood tall in the clearing, spear in hand, his crimson eyes gleaming with exhilaration. The Heavenly Spear pulsed in his grip, golden sparks dripping from its blade like embers waiting to ignite.

The System's words echoed again:

[Quest: Eliminate the Black Wolf (Rank E).]

[Time Remaining: 09:12]

Kenzou chuckled. "So I've got a timer. Fine... Let's dance."

The wolf lunged, claws slashing downward.

CLANG!

Spear and claw collided, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the clearing. The force cracked the soil beneath Kenzou's feet. Yet his body, instead of faltering, felt light—empowered. The weight behind the wolf's strike should have crushed him, yet he held firm, barely shifting an inch.

"Interesting," Kenzou muttered, pushing back. "This body... it's stronger than it was on Earth."

The wolf snarled, snapping its jaws for his shoulder.

Kenzou twisted, the spear sweeping across in a deadly arc.

SWISH!

The golden blade carved through the air. The wolf leapt back just in time, but a shallow gash opened across its snout. Black blood hissed as it dripped onto the ground, releasing a pungent stench.

The beast howled, enraged.

Kenzou grinned, spinning the spear in a flourish. "That's it. Get angry. Show me more."

The wolf's spikes glowed brighter, pulsing with toxic energy. Its muscles rippled as it crouched low, then—

WHOOSH!

It vanished.

Kenzou's eyes narrowed. Fast. The beast blurred into the darkness, its movements so quick that only the rustling of grass betrayed its location.

"Perfect," Kenzou whispered, tightening his grip.

CRASH!

The wolf burst from the side, aiming for his ribs.

But Kenzou was already moving. His body reacted on instinct, twisting, spear stabbing forward.

CLANG!

The wolf's claw deflected the spear, sparks flying. Venom sprayed from its fangs, droplets sizzling against the spear's golden shaft. The Heavenly Spear pulsed, repelling the poison with divine light.

The wolf recoiled, growling in frustration.

Kenzou's smile widened. His breathing was calm, steady, as though he weren't fighting for his life but performing a well-rehearsed dance.

"You're quick," he said softly, raising the spear again. "But so am I."

Minutes ticked by.

The forest echoed with the sounds of their clash—metallic clangs, guttural growls, and the hiss of venom burning through soil and bark. Each exchange was faster, sharper, more vicious than the last.

Kenzou's movements grew smoother with every strike. He was adapting—no, evolving. His muscles flowed like water, his reflexes honed sharper than blades. Where once he was merely a prodigy among humans, now he was something beyond.

He thrust the spear, and the wolf dodged by a hair's breadth. The tip carved into a tree behind it, splitting the trunk cleanly in half. The massive tree groaned, then toppled, crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar.

The wolf froze for a second, startled.

Kenzou's eyes glimmered with savage delight. "See that? Even the forest can't stand against this weapon. What chance do you have?"

The beast growled, but its movements betrayed hesitation.

The System chimed again.

[Time Remaining: 06:44]

Kenzou tilted his head. "Still plenty of time."

He lunged.

The wolf dodged, but this time not fast enough. The spear's blade grazed its hind leg, slicing through muscle. The beast stumbled, howling in pain.

Kenzou pressed forward, relentless. The spear spun in a flurry, golden arcs slicing through the night. Each strike forced the wolf back, leaving trails of blood and sparks in its wake.

Yet even wounded, the creature was fierce. It lunged again, venom spraying like a mist.

Kenzou twirled the spear, the blade creating a barrier of light. The venom splattered against it, sizzling but never reaching him. The Heavenly Spear's divine aura burned it away.

"Beautiful," Kenzou whispered. His crimson eyes gleamed with ecstasy. "This is the thrill I've been craving."

The wolf's breathing grew ragged. Its flank bled heavily, its movements slowing. But its eyes—those crimson, feral eyes—still blazed with defiance.

It crouched low, preparing for one final desperate charge.

Kenzou lowered the spear, pointing its golden blade directly at the beast. His stance was perfect—calm, centered, unshakable.

"This will be the end of you," he said softly.

The wolf roared and leapt.

Time seemed to slow.

The moons glowed brighter, the wind stilled, the forest hushed. All that existed in that moment was Kenzou, the spear, and the beast.

Kenzou thrust.

BOOOOM!

The Heavenly Spear pierced forward, its golden edge exploding with radiant light.

The spear's thrust cut through the night like divine judgment.

SPLUURT!

The golden blade pierced clean through the Black Wolf's chest, bursting from its back in a flash of radiant light. The beast let out a strangled howl, its crimson eyes widening in shock and pain.

Kenzou's face was calm, his crimson eyes sharp and unyielding. His body was steady, unshaken by the force of the strike.

For a heartbeat, the forest was silent.

Then—

BOOOOOM!

The Heavenly Spear erupted in brilliance, a shockwave of golden energy blasting outward. Leaves scattered, branches snapped, and the ground quaked. The wolf convulsed, its body writhing as if resisting the divine power invading its flesh.

"Die beautifully," Kenzou whispered.

The light intensified. Then the wolf's body shattered—not like flesh tearing apart, but like glass breaking into countless fragments of black smoke. The shards scattered into the air, vanishing into nothingness.

Only silence remained.

Kenzou stood alone in the clearing, the Heavenly Spear humming faintly in his grip. Its golden glow slowly dimmed, but the divine aura lingered.

The System's chime rang again.

DING!

[Quest Completed: Eliminate the Black Wolf (Rank E)]

Reward: +100 EXP acquired

Reward: +5 Stat Points

Reward: Skill Unlocked – Spear Mastery (Lv.1)

[Level Up!]

Current Level: 2

Kenzou exhaled softly, lowering the spear. His lips curved into a faint smile. "So this is how it works."

The Heavenly Spear pulsed, faint golden light running along its shaft as though satisfied with the kill. It had feasted on the beast's essence, and now it was stronger. Kenzou could feel the difference—his grip was firmer, his body lighter, his senses sharper.

He tilted his head, looking up at the violet sky and the three moons. "A System, a weapon beyond gods, monsters that fight with venom and claws... Yes. This world might finally keep me entertained."

A new notification blinked before his eyes.

[Status Window Unlocked]

Say: "Status" to access your information.

Kenzou raised a brow. "Voice-activated, huh? How convenient."

He held the spear casually to his side and spoke aloud.

"Status."

At once, a translucent blue panel appeared before him. Text glowed across its surface, crisp and clear.

[Status Window]

Name: Yamamoto Kenzou

Race: Human (??? Potential)

Level: 2

Title: Bearer of the Heavenly Spear

HP: 180/180

MP: 120/120

Strength: 25

Agility: 23

Endurance: 21

Intelligence: 19

Luck: 10

Unassigned Stat Points: 5

Skills:

Heavenly Spear Resonance (Unique)

Spear Mastery Lv.1

Kenzou studied the glowing words, his crimson eyes reflecting the panel's light.

"So it's like a game. Levels, stats, skills." His lips curved upward in amusement. "How cliché... and yet, strangely satisfying."

He flicked his gaze over the numbers. His stats were already higher than an ordinary human's could ever be. Even at Level 2, his strength far surpassed what he'd known on Earth.

But one detail caught his attention.

Race: Human (??? Potential).

He narrowed his eyes. "Potential? What's this supposed to mean?"

The Heavenly Spear pulsed faintly in his grip, as though keeping its secrets.

Kenzou chuckled. "So even you're hiding things from me. Fine. Keep your mysteries. I'll uncover them in time."

He scrolled his gaze down to his new skill.

Spear Mastery Lv.1 → a passive enhancement that made his strikes smoother, his grip firmer, his accuracy sharper. Already, he could feel it in the way the spear balanced in his hands.

But the other skill—

Heavenly Spear Resonance (Unique).

When he focused on it, the panel flickered, revealing a description:

Heavenly Spear Resonance

The bearer's soul is linked to the Heavenly Spear. Power grows as resonance deepens. Unlock further abilities by feeding the spear with worthy kills.

Kenzou's smile sharpened. "So the stronger my enemies, the stronger this weapon becomes. Excellent."

The spear hummed in agreement, golden sparks flickering briefly along its edge.

The forest was quiet now. The wolf's remains had vanished completely, leaving no trace of its existence. Only the faint stench of venom lingered in the soil.

Kenzou tilted his head back, gazing at the moons again. His heartbeat was steady, his breathing calm. But his mind... his mind was racing.

On Earth, he had sought death because life held no meaning. But here, every second pulsed with potential. Every step promised danger, challenge, discovery.

He tapped the spear against the ground, a low chuckle escaping his lips.

"This is only the beginning."

The System chimed one last time.

[Main Questline Unlocked.]

Objective: Survive and grow stronger in this world.

Failure: Death.

Kenzou's crimson eyes glimmered, and his smile turned razor sharp.

"Survive? Don't insult me. I'll do far more than that. This world belongs to me now."

The forest was silent once more.

Kenzou stood at the center of the clearing, the Heavenly Spear glimmering faintly in his hand. His crimson eyes scanned the dark trees, but no more predators emerged. For now, the night was his alone.

He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. His body still buzzed with adrenaline, every nerve alive, every muscle tense with leftover excitement. But beneath it all, he felt... light. Empowered.

The System's translucent panel still hovered faintly before him.

[Unassigned Stat Points: 5]

Kenzou tilted his head, smirking. "So I can assign them freely? Convenient."

He thought for a moment. Strength? Agility? Endurance? All tempting. But then again... why limit himself?

"Let's spread them evenly."

He willed the points into place. The panel flickered.

Strength: 26 → 27

Agility: 23 → 24

Endurance: 21 → 22

Intelligence: 19 → 20

Luck: 10 → 11

Kenzou flexed his hand around the spear. Instantly, he felt the difference—subtle, but undeniable. His grip steadier, his stance firmer, his breath smoother. Even his thoughts seemed sharper.

"Not bad. At this rate, I'll surpass anything this world throws at me."

The Heavenly Spear pulsed in his hand, faint golden light running along its shaft. A whisper echoed again, faint but clear:

"Hunt. Feed me. Grow stronger."

Kenzou chuckled softly. "So you're as hungry as I am. Good. Then we'll feast together."

He glanced at the trees, the shadows stretching long under the light of three moons. Somewhere deeper within the forest, he could sense it—life. Dozens, maybe hundreds of creatures, each radiating different auras. Prey and predators alike.

On Earth, such thoughts would have been absurd. But here? He could feel it with uncanny certainty, as though the spear itself sharpened his senses.

The System chimed again, as if in response to his thoughts.

[Tip: Monsters defeated will grant EXP and strengthen the Heavenly Spear.]

[Warning: Stronger monsters may appear in deeper areas.]

Kenzou's grin widened. "Exactly what I want."

He twirled the spear once, its golden blade humming through the air. The sound was sharp, melodic, almost like a battle song.

"This forest is alive with challenges. Perfect. Let's see how far I can go before dawn."

The night deepened as he began walking. Each step crunched against the damp earth, the glowing fungi casting strange shadows across his face. The air was thick with mist, carrying the faint cries of distant beasts.

His mind drifted as he moved.

He thought of Tokyo—the suffocating lights, the endless crowds, the dull hum of human life. He had wanted to die because nothing there could touch him. No one could stand beside him. Everything had felt meaningless.

But here, with every step, his blood stirred with anticipation. Every sound in the forest promised conflict. Every shadow hinted at danger.

This is how life should be, he thought. Not dull routines, but battles that decide survival. Struggles that force me higher. Challenges that prove I exist.

The spear pulsed again in his grip, resonating with his thoughts.

"Yes," Kenzou whispered, eyes glinting. "You understand me."

After several minutes, he reached a small clearing. The ground here was littered with bones—animal skulls, cracked spines, shattered ribs. Whatever lived nearby was no ordinary beast.

Kenzou crouched, brushing his fingers against the bones. They were scorched, as though burned by acid.

"Venom again? Or something worse?"

His crimson eyes scanned the treeline. The forest was too quiet here. Too still.

The System pulsed a warning.

[Caution: Strong presence detected nearby.]

Kenzou's lips curved into a razor smile. "Good. Stronger prey."

The grass rustled. Heavy footsteps echoed from the shadows. A guttural growl rolled through the clearing, deeper, heavier than the wolf before.

Kenzou rose to his feet, lowering the spear into battle stance. Golden sparks danced along its blade, eager and alive.

He exhaled slowly, his voice calm but filled with anticipation.

"Come out. Entertain me."

The shadows shifted.

Something massive stirred. Crimson eyes glowed once more, larger than the wolf's, brighter, filled with primal hunger.

Kenzou's grin widened.

The Heavenly Spear pulsed violently, as if singing with joy. The night was far from over.

The clearing stank of rot.

Kenzou's crimson eyes glowed faintly as he advanced, spear in hand. Bones cracked beneath his boots, bleached white under the pale light of three moons. The forest's silence was heavier now, almost suffocating. Even the insects had gone quiet, as though the trees themselves held their breath.

The Heavenly Spear pulsed in his grasp, golden sparks running along its length. Each beat felt like a drum echoing in his veins, urging him forward.

Then—

DING!

The System's cold voice resonated in his mind:

[Quest Generated: Eliminate the Venomfang Lizard (Rank D).]

Reward: +300 EXP, +10 Stat Points, Skill Unlock.]

Failure: Severe Penalty.]

Kenzou smirked. "Rank D, huh? Finally, something above trash tier."

The ground trembled. A guttural hiss vibrated through the clearing.

From the shadows, it emerged.

A lizard, but monstrous in scale—its body nearly five meters long, scales dark green and glistening with venom. Its claws gouged trenches in the dirt as it lumbered forward. Saliva dripped from its fangs, sizzling against the ground, leaving trails of smoke.

Its eyes locked onto him, vertical slits glowing faint yellow.

The Heavenly Spear thrummed, sparks leaping from its blade.

Kenzou's smile widened. "Perfect."

The beast roared—a piercing hiss that rattled his bones. Then it lunged, claws slashing downward.

Kenzou spun the spear.

CLANG!

Metal met scale, golden sparks flying. The force drove him back two steps, dirt spraying beneath his boots. He steadied his stance instantly, crimson eyes burning with excitement.

"Good. You've got weight. But let's see how long you last."

The lizard's tail whipped around.

CRACK!

It slammed into a tree, shattering the trunk instantly. Bark and splinters exploded, the massive tree crashing to the ground.

Kenzou's grin sharpened. If that hit me directly, even this body might stagger.

The lizard struck again, tail whipping toward him.

Kenzou ducked low, the wind of its strike rushing over his head. He darted forward, spear thrusting for its chest.

THUNK!

The golden blade pierced scale, but only shallow. Black venom oozed from the wound, sizzling as it touched the spear's edge.

The beast screeched, enraged. It reared back, claws swinging.

Kenzou pulled his weapon free and twisted aside, his movements fluid, almost playful.

"Your defense is better than the wolf's. But that only makes breaking you more fun."

The Heavenly Spear pulsed, light flaring along its shaft. His body felt sharper, faster—his synergy with the weapon deepening.

The lizard snapped its jaws. Venom sprayed outward in a wide arc.

Kenzou slammed the spear into the ground, spinning it in a circular motion. Golden light flared, forming a barrier. The venom splattered against it, sizzling and popping, but none reached him.

He chuckled. "A shield too? You really are divine."

The spear hummed, proud.

Kenzou's crimson eyes locked on the beast's throat. "Time to end this."

He lunged forward, golden sparks erupting beneath his feet. His speed was blinding. The lizard swiped with its claw, but he slipped beneath it, sliding across the dirt.

The spear's blade gleamed as he thrust upward.

SPLUURT!

The weapon pierced through the underside of its jaw, driving into its skull.

The lizard convulsed, a screech tearing through the forest. Venom splattered from its mouth, sizzling against the ground.

Kenzou snarled, forcing the spear deeper. "Die already!"

The blade pulsed with golden light. A shockwave of divine energy erupted, tearing through the creature's skull.

The lizard froze. Then its massive body collapsed, shaking the ground with a thunderous crash.

Black venom pooled across the soil, burning through roots and stone alike. But the beast no longer moved.

Kenzou yanked the spear free, golden sparks scattering in the night.

The System's chime rang again.

[Quest Complete: Venomfang Lizard Defeated.]

Reward: +300 EXP acquired.]

Reward: +10 Stat Points.]

Skill Unlocked – Venom Resistance Lv.1.]

[Level Up! Current Level: 3.]

Kenzou exhaled slowly, twirling the spear once before resting it across his shoulder. His crimson eyes glimmered as he read the panel.

"Venom resistance. Useful, given how common it seems here."

He pulled up his Status Window again.

[Status Window]

Level: 3

Strength: 27

Agility: 24

Endurance: 22

Intelligence: 20

Luck: 11

Stat Points: 10

He smirked. "Stronger already. And it's only my second real fight."

The spear pulsed, golden light reflecting in his eyes.

"Yes," Kenzou whispered. "At this pace, I'll become unstoppable."

The forest rustled again. This time, it wasn't a beast.

Kenzou froze, tilting his head. His crimson eyes narrowed, scanning the treeline. The sound was subtle—too deliberate to be an animal.

Footsteps.

Human footsteps.

Kenzou's lips curved into a grin. "So... I'm not alone here after all."

The spear hummed faintly, as though anticipating what was to come.

Kenzou adjusted his grip, crimson eyes glimmering with curiosity.

"Let's see who dares cross my path next."

The forest had finally gone quiet again.

Kenzou stood over the corpse of the Venomfang Lizard, his crimson eyes burning with satisfaction. The Heavenly Spear pulsed faintly, its golden glow slowly dimming after feasting on the beast's essence.

He tapped the weapon against the soil, a faint smile curling his lips. "Two monsters down... countless more to go. But perhaps it's time I saw what this world's people look like."

He began walking.

Minutes stretched into an hour as he trekked deeper through the forest. The terrain shifted, the mist thinning. Eventually, the trees gave way to open fields illuminated by moonlight. A dirt path stretched across rolling hills, dotted with patches of wildflowers swaying in the night breeze.

And there, along the path, he saw him.

A man—broad-shouldered, dressed in worn linen and patched trousers. His back was bent as he pushed a wooden cart loaded with bundles of wheat. A lantern dangled from the cart's edge, its flickering flame casting long shadows.

Kenzou slowed, watching with faint curiosity. A farmer. So civilization truly exists here.

As he approached, the farmer glanced up. His eyes widened instantly, fear flashing across his face. The sight of a tall young man with snow-white hair, crimson eyes, and a glowing golden spear was enough to unnerve anyone.

The farmer stumbled back, nearly tripping over his own cart. "M-Monster...?!"

Kenzou raised a brow, his tone calm but edged with amusement. "Do I look like a monster to you?"

The man swallowed hard, shaking his head quickly. "N-No... forgive me, sir. I-I've never seen someone like you before. That weapon... it glows like a relic of the gods."

Kenzou tilted the spear, watching its golden sparks flicker. "Perhaps it is. But I don't care about your gods." His eyes narrowed slightly. "What I want to know is simple. Where is the nearest kingdom?"

The farmer blinked. "K-Kingdom...? Do you mean the royal capital?"

"Yes."

The farmer hesitated, glancing toward the distant horizon. "If you follow this road east, you'll reach Rivenshade Village by dawn. From there, caravans often travel to the royal capital of Eldoria. It's... three days by carriage, or a week on foot."

Kenzou's crimson eyes glimmered. So there is a kingdom, and a capital city. A proper stage for my rise.

He stepped closer, his presence looming. The farmer stiffened, clutching his cart nervously.

Kenzou's tone softened, though his words were laced with hidden command. "Tell me, farmer... this kingdom. Is it strong?"

The man blinked, unsure how to answer. "S-Strong? It is... the mightiest nation in these lands. Protected by knights, blessed by the church, ruled by the royal family. No commoner would dare oppose its power."

Kenzou chuckled. "Good. A stage with strong actors."

The farmer tilted his head, confused.

Kenzou lowered the spear, resting it casually against his shoulder. "Thank you for the directions. Continue your work. I won't harm you."

The man nodded quickly, relief flooding his face. "Y-Yes, sir. Safe travels."

Kenzou turned, gazing down the moonlit road stretching toward the horizon. His smile was sharp, his crimson eyes alight with anticipation.

"A kingdom awaits me, huh? Let's see if it can hold my interest."

The spear pulsed faintly in his hand, as if agreeing.

The sun was rising by the time Kenzou reached Rivenshade Village.

The road sloped gently downward, revealing a modest settlement nestled between hills. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the faint clatter of hooves and wooden wheels echoed through the morning air. Fields of golden wheat surrounded the village, and beyond them, a wooden palisade encircled the homes within.

Kenzou's crimson eyes swept across the sight with faint amusement. "So this is what civilization looks like here. Primitive... but alive."

He approached the gate. A pair of guards in worn leather armor straightened as he drew near. Their hands twitched nervously toward their spears the moment they saw him—his white hair, his crimson eyes, and the golden weapon gleaming at his side.

One guard stammered, "H-Halt! State your business!"

Kenzou tilted his head, his expression calm but unreadable. "I need lodging. And information."

The guards exchanged uncertain glances. It was clear they weren't used to dealing with strangers like him. Finally, one muttered, "T-The inn is straight down the main road. Just... don't cause trouble."

Kenzou smirked faintly. "Relax. Trouble only comes to those who deserve it."

Inside the village, life bustled. Merchants were setting up stalls, women carried baskets of bread, and children darted between narrow streets, laughing. To Kenzou, it was a strange blend of quaint and fragile, a world untouched by the suffocating steel of Tokyo yet fragile compared to the monsters he had already faced.

But one detail drew his attention immediately.

At the village square stood a large wooden board plastered with notices and parchment. Among them, one poster dominated the rest. Its parchment was sealed with the sigil of the royal crest: a lion crowned in silver.

Kenzou stopped before it, crimson eyes narrowing.

The poster bore an image—a delicate, beautiful young woman with flowing silver hair and eyes like sapphires. Her smile was radiant even on paper, though her expression carried a certain vulnerability.

Below, bold letters declared:

"Missing: Princess Alicia of Eldoria.

Her Highness vanished from the royal capital two days ago.

Any who possess information leading to her safe return will be richly rewarded by the Crown."

Kenzou's lips curved into a slow smile. "Princess, is it?"

Villagers gathered around the board, whispering anxiously.

"I heard she was kidnapped by bandits!"

"No, no, they say a dark cult is behind it."

"Two days without a trace... oh, the poor king and queen!"

Their voices blended into a chorus of worry and speculation.

Kenzou ignored their fear, his eyes fixed on the princess's image. Her beauty was undeniable, but what caught his attention more was the situation. A missing princess meant chaos, opportunity, and the potential for entertainment.

He chuckled softly, drawing uneasy glances from those nearby. "So even royalty can disappear. Interesting."

The Heavenly Spear pulsed faintly, almost as though urging him onward.

Kenzou tilted his head. "What do you think? Should I find this princess? Or wait for fate to throw her at me?"

The spear glimmered faintly in answer.

Kenzou turned from the board, his crimson eyes alive with anticipation. "Very well. Let's see where this story takes me."

The night in Rivenshade was quiet. Too quiet.

Kenzou leaned against the wall of the inn, the Heavenly Spear resting lazily on his shoulder as he gazed at the moonlit sky. Villagers had long gone to sleep, the only sound the chirping of crickets.

Then—

CRASH!

The gates exploded inward. Screams echoed through the night as a swarm of armed men stormed the village. Torches blazed, steel clashed, and terrified cries filled the air.

Bandits.

Their leader, a scarred brute with a jagged axe, bellowed, "Search every house! Find the girl! Tonight, Eldoria bleeds!"

Kenzou narrowed his crimson eyes. The girl?

Then he saw her.

Dragged into the square, wrists bound by rope, was none other than the very face he had seen on the poster. Silver hair glimmered under torchlight, sapphire eyes wide with fear. Princess Alicia.

Kenzou smirked. "So fate delivers her straight to me."

DING!

[Urgent Quest Generated]

Title: Save the Princess!

Objective: Defeat the bandits and rescue Princess Alicia.

Reward: +500 EXP, +15 Stat Points, ??? Unique Bonus.

Failure: Death of the Princess.

Kenzou straightened, his grip tightening on the Heavenly Spear. A thrill ran through him—not of worry, but of exhilaration.

"Perfect. Let's have some fun."

The first bandit lunged at him, sword raised.

SHING!

Golden light flashed. The man collapsed before his blade even fell, a gaping wound through his chest.

Kenzou twirled the spear, his smile sharp. "Pathetic. Send more."

And more came.

Dozens of bandits charged, shouting curses and swinging blades.

Kenzou danced among them, his movements smooth, almost playful. The Heavenly Spear sang through the night, carving golden arcs that split steel and flesh alike. Every strike was precise, every thrust fatal.

One bandit screamed as his axe shattered against the glowing spear. Another fell to his knees before a golden shockwave blasted him across the square.

Blood sprayed, torches fell, chaos reigned. But through it all, Kenzou's laughter echoed, low and amused.

In less than minutes, silence returned.

The ground was littered with groaning, broken bodies. The air stank of blood and smoke.

And at the center stood Kenzou, his white hair untarnished, crimson eyes glowing, the Heavenly Spear gleaming gold. Not a scratch marked him.

Princess Alicia stared at him in stunned silence, cheeks flushed. Her sapphire eyes trembled as she whispered, "Y-You... saved me..."

Kenzou lowered the spear, stepping closer. With a flick of his wrist, he sliced the ropes binding her wrists.

He leaned down slightly, his voice calm, reassuring yet edged with confidence.

"It's over. You're safe now."

Her lips parted, breath catching. Her heart pounded wildly as she gazed up at him—the stranger who had descended like a god of war.

Her cheeks burned red. She looked away quickly, hiding her face, though her trembling betrayed her.

The thunder of hooves echoed in the distance.

A troop of armored knights stormed into the village, banners bearing Eldoria's crest. Their leader's voice boomed:

"Princess! We've come to—"

He froze, eyes widening at the scene. The bandits lay defeated, their weapons shattered, their bodies scattered like broken dolls.

And there, standing tall with a glowing golden spear, was a young man with white hair and crimson eyes—his aura radiating strength beyond comprehension.

The princess stood beside him, safe.

The knights exchanged stunned glances. Who was this stranger?

Kenzou's lips curved faintly, crimson eyes glinting in the firelight. "Took you long enough."