I knew what was happening. They sold me. They were turning me into a slave, “Lovely!” the noble exclaimed and waved one of the two mages over. The two masked men in black robes shared a nod as one of them stopped chanting and left it to his colleague. I could feel the chains loosen slightly. Staying silent for now, I observed the strange magic as the chains lost some of their vibrant color and became less solid.

A large beastman walked over with the mage, his hand on the longsword strapped to his hip. He was dressed similarly to the big man in the forest, but I could tell it was of higher quality. The beastman had two pointed gray ears peeking out of his short, messy hair. It was the only beastlike feature on him. The scent told me it was another dog, but this man gave off a dangerous feeling. His face was a void of any emotion and his lips seemed stuck in a permanent frown. His right eye was closed as a small scar ran down to his cheek.

The mage pulled out a piece of paper that radiated a sort of power, “Sir, the contract.“ The noble nodded with vigor, “Yes, yes. Sign here please. Michael, be ready to activate it as soon as it’s signed. I don’t want any mishaps, understood?” he said to the mage who nodded in answer and the noble turned to the wolfman, “Clay! Get his blood for me.” Clay grunted and walked until he stood in front of me, staring me down as if challenging me. With a stoic face, he took out a dagger and tried to cut my chest. I growl. I know high-level magic is used in contracts and there was no way I could possibly break it on my own. But now, it was weakened, the only thing truly holding me back were the chains which were destabilizing by the second. This was a problem I'll have to fix myself. For now though, I wasn't going to let those two-faced cocksuckers off the hook.

The wolf hesitated as he looked at me in confusion. I started to tremble as a laugh bubbled from my chest. It quickly became menacing before I felt myself turning totally hysterical. When I stopped, my breathing slowed as my entire body tensed to an impossible degree. I sneered at Seth mockingly as he signed the contract. The next second, the constant pressure around my neck vanished. Suddenly and viciously I manage to break the chain. They didn't even have a chance to react except for Clay who, for the first time, changed his expression. He tried to grab me but I ducked and ignored him as I charged straight at Seth. Before they could fully comprehend the situation, I had already reached him. Biting into his neck, I grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled in opposite directions. He didn't even have a chance to scream.

The noble cursed in shock and ran to the carriage, “FUCKING HELL! DEAL WITH THIS! NOW!” he disappeared inside but I ignored everyone but the two scum. Seth’s face was frozen in shock as blood and guts fell out of the two halves I tore him in. I ran forward and grabbed Anya by the neck. She screamed in terror, “Atko! P-please don’t!” she begged. I couldn't have cared less as I glared at the root of all my problems. I stood taller and was considerably bigger than before. She was staring up at me with complete fear as she whimpered and clutched my hand. I slowly lifted her up to my eye level, bringing her fearful face close to mine.

As I glared at her, I could feel an erratic pulse on my fingers and her warm breath on my face. Her life was in the palm of my hand, but I wasn't going to kill her. I had something else in store for her. I just killed the only person that mattered to her and I was going to let her live with that. The best way to destroy someone is through guilt, yes? An emotional girl like her has no means to fight pain like that.

Guilt and fear will eat away at her soul until she kills herself. She’ll do it. She already lost her family and now Seth. She's all alone. This little mouse doesn't have the willpower to survive. I only need to add a finishing touch. I grin and bare my fangs as I whisper maliciously, "You know this is your fault, right? I killed him because you broke your promise. Your little schemes and lies. You brought this on yourself. Just look at that nice, bloody pile of Seth. If only you had never bought that egg, right? You should have listened to him. If you had, he would still be alive. His blood is on your hands."

Pausing for a second as I felt something invading my body again, I chuckled, "Though I will thank you for your ‘hospitality’, and truly, thank you for showing me how rotten the people of this world are. Mistakes are made but never repeated." I casually dropped her and she fell hard on her ass. Her face was filled with hopelessness and anguish as tears trickled down her cheeks. Then a gut-wrenching wail came out of her mouth while her whole body trembled. She completely fell apart, gripping her hair and screaming in misery.

I was suddenly tackled from the back, the air knocked out of my lungs. A loud curse came out from behind me as Clay accidentally impaled himself on the spikes of my spine. I growled, fighting him with all I had and managed to throw him off. A sudden sharp pain spread on my neck and wrists, burning like a bitch. I was being dragged somewhere by the three beastmen while I violently convulsed on the ground. The torture didn't stop. Glancing up with clenched teeth, I saw the two mages had their hands extended as they chanted their spells. The noose was back with a vengeance, making me feel like I might lose my head and limbs.

"What a terrifying bastard, durable too. I changed my mind, I'll give you 600 gold for him."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the noble had exited his carriage, patting his clothes from the dust. He threw a pouch of gold at Anya. She was still weeping and screaming on the ground as it actually hit her in the head. Veins bulged on my forehead from the torture, but a smile spread when I saw the bitch suffering. I was sick of this farm anyway. Tossing me in a cage, they locked it before heading to clean up the scene. The pain stopped abruptly, making me faint from the exertion.

***

Losing consciousness was getting really old, really fast. I just woke up and was back unconscious in no time. Fuck me, the situation could not be worse... I was on a wagon that was being pulled by two Raptors as two beastmen sat in the front, holding the reins. I recognized one of them from the farm.

I was sitting in a large, iron cage. The enchanted bars were somehow making my body very heavy, I could barely sit up. Even with all my strength, I could only move a little. My physical strength was high, but I was seriously starting to despise magic. I have no idea how to fight against it in the first place. I am far too vulnerable to it. I've got to figure out how to fight it, disrupt it or something. I don’t even know where to start. I tried to move around more but quickly got tired out. It was like the cage was draining all my energy as soon as it recovered.

The new collar around my neck was causing me severe pain, choking me to the point of making my neck feel like it was about to snap. It was both tight and heavy even though it was just magic, a dreadful combination in this case. My arms were no better off. This... it was so much stronger than the one on the farm. Before, it was easy to forget it was even there sometimes, but this one? It was like it would never let you forget it. I hated this feeling of helplessness.

I focus my attention on the surroundings. The beastmen in the front were talking shit about their boss while the other four people drove in the carriage which was being pulled by the Raptors. They were large, red lizards that are often used by nobility. They don't have a high combat ability, but they were more durable and stronger than Quallas. Recalling the people, I counted six. The noble, Clay, these two beastmen and the two mages. Listening in on their conversation, I managed to discover a few things. The cat was Sen and the dog Perry. They seem like nothing special to me. They both seemed weaker than Seth and reminded me of humans when they dress up for Halloween. They don't look too bright either since they still haven't noticed that I was awake and listening to every word they said.

I actually snatched some information on the Clay fellow. He seemed to be completely different from the wimps driving me. The warrior was the strongest out of the bunch. He was that noble's bodyguard. A tough mercenary known for his cold and calculating demeanor. Everything was just business to him which is why the two in the front thought their boss hired him.

I finally learned that noble’s name. Patrick, was the human who currently owned my ass. According to dumb and dumber, he was arrogant, greedy, and loved to gloat about his wealth. A very petty man, had the true soul of a business man. I truly hope someone robs and kills him, it would solve all my problems. From what I had seen, he's nothing but a weak coward. Playing with the thought of a bandit attack, I chuckle inwardly.

The mages were humans, I could tell by their scent. They were mages from the Mage Association, one of them being an enchanter. He was the one who enchanted the cage and initiated the contract. Perry and Sen proceeded to chat for the next thirty minutes without realizing I was conscious, feeding me information. Their incompetence was astounding.

Once their topics turned annoying, I hissed at them, “Will you two shut the fuck up already!”

Sen was startled whereas Perry almost fell off the carriage. They slowly exchanged glances before looking at me in shock. I glared at them with a scowl. They gaped back at me with wide eyes. Sen was the first one to speak, "Wha?! How long have you been listening?"

I shrug with a small smirk, "Long enough to hear some interesting chatter. Tell me, does your boss know you refer to him as testicle head? I don't think he'd be happy to learn that little fact. Do you think he would just fire you or make you my chew toys?" my eyes gleam as I show off my teeth. They both went pale at my clear threat. Perry decided to join in, "He wouldn't believe a monster like you. Right Sen?"

"Y- yeah," Sen said hesitantly. They didn't sound too confident.

I grinned as I flashed my sharp fangs, "Oh? Is that so? Want to find out? I have nothing to lose unlike you two. Maybe a few more lies to make sure he sticks you in my cage, haha"

They squirmed while glancing at each other. Shutting up, they turned around and decided to ignore my taunts. Too bad, I was relieving my boredom quite efficiently. They were whispering the rest of the way, thinking that I couldn't hear them. I snorted mockingly. They were seriously underestimating my hearing.

After a while, I noticed a small village in the distance. Soon enough, we were passing through the main road and I could feel countless stares on me. I paid it no mind, it didn’t bother me so much anymore. I grew out of my social anxiety a little, though I still hated crowds. Observing the village, I saw many vendors selling their merchandise along the dirt roads. There were shops, inns, and houses. It was a place very different from Earth. Streets were mostly mud and gravel. Houses built of stone and wood, some larger, others smaller. The architecture once again reminded me of traditional German houses. Flowers on the windowsills, ivy crawling up some houses giving them a cozy appearance. People were wearing clothes befitting of the medieval times such as long dresses, leather tunics, and jerkins.

The village had a lively atmosphere as people bustled with life. Well, it was a rural area. The capital was probably different. In small places like these, everyone usually knows each other. Some kids were playing with a leather ball in the street, kicking it around as they laughed. A woman was selling some flowers close to them. I stared in wonder. I have never seen flowers like that in my old world. There were so many different kinds and colors. I could smell the refreshing fragrances among all the unpleasant odors clouding the streets.

The two beastmen were shouting at people to get off the road and to stay away from the cage. When we suddenly stopped, Sen quickly ran over to the carriage and returned after a few minutes. He was out of breath as he spoke with a flushed face, "Boss said he needs to get some things. He gave us instructions to stay here until he returns. He also wants us to feed him." he made a complicated face. Perry and Sen stared at each other for a minute before shouting almost at the same time, “NOT IT!”, “I said it first!” “No way!”

While the two bozos argued, I saw the noble leave with his bodyguard and the mages. I frowned suspiciously before glancing at the two weirdoes. Perry nods as he opens a chest, apparently losing, and takes out a large piece of meat. I wrinkle my nose in disgust and gag from the horrifying smell. That. Is. Not. How. You. Preserve. Meat... The rotten color and the foul stench made it obvious that the meat had been in the chest for a very long time, not even salted or smoked. There were even bugs gathering around it.

This was the first time I felt relieved about not needing to eat. I try to breathe through my mouth as I scowl, "Put that thing away before I puke all over your ugly face, you fucking mutt."

Perry raised an eyebrow and gave me an annoyed look, "Picky, aren't you? You either eat this or nothing at all." he smirked smugly.

Narrowing my eyes, I slowly repeat myself so that his underdeveloped brain can follow, "I told you. I'm NOT eating that. Feel free to help yourself. For all I care, you can use all food meant for me as fertilizer. And if you ask me again, I will somehow make sure to shove that thing down your throat."

Sen and Perry stared at me doubtfully. I could tell the smell was bothering them too. Perry scowled, "So you're telling me you won't eat at all?"

I ignore him. They shared a meaningful glance. Perry smirked evilly as he suddenly tossed the nasty stake in my cage. I let out a disgusted growl as it hit my leg with a slap. The smell became even more unbearable up close. I've never been a picky eater, but even I wouldn’t have eaten THAT and I used to get most of my meals from a trash bin. But that was before my sense of smell and taste became dangerously acute. My previous taste buds were practically dead.

Sen and Perry were laughing at me, obviously enjoying themselves as I cursed their ten generations. Mustering the strength, I kicked the meat back and hit Sen right in the face. It took a lot of effort but it was definitely worth it. Sen let out a shout of disgust when the meat kissed his face with a loud splat. Oh, he definitely smelled it now, I laughed while Sen spit a few maggots out.

Perry gawked at me in pure shock. I didn't really understand why until he spoke, "What the... How the hell can he move like that?!" So that's what they're surprised about.

Sen coughed, tears in the corners of his eyes and gagging as he stared at me hatefully, "I- I don't know. That cage has a powerful sealing rune. They should be able to keep him from moving at all. He shouldn't be able to move a muscle, let alone his whole leg!" Sen sounded panicky as he exclaimed. Perry nodded, "Yeah... I'm going to find the boss, you keep an eye on him and, for fuck sake, get rid of that meat. I seriously can't feel my nose anymore."

As Perry ran off, Sen walked over to the Raptors and tried to feed them that awful stake. The lizards also turned away in revulsion. Not knowing what to do with it, he threw it at some starved dogs before taking a seat next to the carriage. I sighed in relief, glad that the stench was finally gone.

Laying back, I continued observing this interesting village. I noticed some drunks come out of a tavern as they slowly walked over to the flower shop with lecherous grins on their faces. I lifted an eyebrow when one of them started to hit on the florist. They were obviously harassing her when a boy ran towards them with an angry face. I guessed he was the florist's son. He kicked the man who had grabbed his mom by the arm. The drunk looked annoyed and kicked the kid down without mercy. The florist was pleading them to leave her son alone, but the guy wasn't having it. He tossed her to the ground and lifted the kid up by the collar of his shirt.

He shouted with unfocused eyes, "Do you know who you're messing with, brat? I'll teach you a lesson to respect your betters in your mother's stead!" He suddenly looked in my direction and grinned as if he had a great idea. I almost laughed at how stupid this drunkard was. I had the basic notion of what he was going to do and he did just that. He quickly walked over to my cage and pressed the kid's face against the bars while wearing a haughty grin. I could smell alcohol, tobacco, and sweat as my tongue flicked out unconsciously in irritation. I glanced at the kid who was looking at me with a frightened face. The man was grinning in confidence, probably thinking he was safe, “Lookie here kiddo! I think it likes you, bwahaha.” I click my tongue in contemplation before giving him my shiniest smile, flashing my teeth.

Before he could get a chance to move away, I mustered my strength again and grabbed him by the collar of his stained tunic. He lost his hold on the boy who ran to his mother as soon as he was free. The human wasn't laughing anymore as he stared at me with wide, terrified eyes. Unfortunately for him, I have a soft spot for kids and he just won the fucking jackpot. I pulled him with a strong tug and bashed his head into the bars, leaving a small dent from the force. He died on the spot, his head cracked open and crushed as blood flowed from his skull. I nonchalantly dropped him to the ground with a thud.

Everybody had been staring at the display with bewildered expressions. The mother of that boy came rushing and pulled him to safety while she scolded him for getting into so much trouble. Shortly, my whole body became powerless and exhausted, I went limp. The cage was vigorously draining every drop of energy I might have left.

I heard a sharp inhale behind me and tensed as I looked back. Six familiar people were gaping at me with wide eyes. Only Patrick was smiling. His face was filled with both surprise and delight. It creeped me out and gave me goose bumps, "Hehe, good work Perry! I would have missed the show if you didn't come and get me." Patrick praised with a big smile, making Perry beam proudly, “Clean that up would you?” he gestured at the corpse.

Geez. That dog's a real ass kisser, isn't he?

"My, my, I got an even better bargain than I thought. This cage could contain some really strong beasties, yet you moved despite that. Could it be that you're not a just a Predator rank? Hmmm... Even a low-tier Wrath rank should have trouble moving in those chains. Tell me, what exactly are you? Come on, don't just glare at me. Answer!" he shouted.

I felt a painful squeeze on my neck and wrists as his words rang inside my head. My breathing became heavier as I growled when I realized it was the contract. However, this was much more severe than before.

"Don't you growl at me! If you haven't figured it out yet, you're no longer a little pet. You are my slave and disobedience will not be tolerated. Every time you disobey I will punish you. You don't have the luxury of being willful anymore." he said arrogantly before pointing at me, "That collar isn't for show. I will hurt you so bad, you will beg for your mother. So be a good boy and answer my question. What. Are. You?" the smile disappeared from his face and it was replaced by a look of annoyance. I gritted my teeth stubbornly and taunted him with the flick of my tongue. I grinned, mocking him.

Horrible pain laced my body once again and, this time, I collapsed to the floor of the cage. I still refused to comply. He sighed and snapped his fingers, "Arrrggh!!!" I screamed as the mages chanted a spell. Electricity passed through me, leaving a burning feeling within my body. It stopped after a while. I was out of breath as my vision clouded, but I didn't faint.

"Do you feel like talking or do you need more convincing?" he motioned with his fingers, warning me that I'd be electrocuted again.

I could probably endure another shock... I grit my teeth as blood dripped from my mouth. Closing my eyes, I spit at him and viciously curse, “Come on fat man! I fucking dare you, bitch!”

He stepped away from the spit, his eye twitched and his cheeks reddened in humiliation. He then proceeded to electrocute me until I foamed at the mouth. Once the shocks finally stopped, I groaned in pain. Everything ached. The smell of burnt hair and flesh spread from my cage. He stared at me expectantly. I moaned softly, unable to move or speak. His face immediately brightened up and was smiling again as he let his hand drop, "You know, a little cooperation will get you a long way. You are stubborn.” he said while looking at me with expectation and turned to the mage, “Heal him.”

Another incantation later and I felt lighter. The pain was gone but the mage seemed out of breath as he panted. Patrick smacked his shoulder, “Good work, go ahead and rest up.” Looking back at me, his eyes narrowed in threat, “So?”

Completely furious, I spit the words out venomously, "I don't know! I went through a change once. I don't know what I am or at what rank. I don't particularly care either. So piss off!"

Patrick did not look pleased with that answer. I saw his smile stiffen as he let out a frustrated sigh and became lost in thought. I felt horrible shame because of this fucking human. I was sick to my stomach. Why do people always kick me when I'm down?! God I hate them. They're pieces of shit no matter the world.

The bastard's eyes suddenly sparkled with comprehension, "Oh, I see. So that's how it is... it makes perfect sense. You're a truly unique monster you know. Don't worry, I know you didn't lie to me otherwise you would be convulsing in agony right now. Hahaha! That collar prevents you from doing anything against me. Things like lying or trying to attack me, don't even consider it. Oh, and just so you know, if I die all my slaves die too. It's a little quirk I put on my assets. You will lose your life if I'm killed, so bear that in mind."

Patrick was still enjoying listening to the sound of his own voice, "You were already a Predator rank when you hatched and now you're a Wrath rank! Hahahaha! The tier is unclear but this is truly wonderful! You are going to be a gold mine! From now on, if you behave and do as you're told I might even give you some privileges. A man is nothing without his word. Kid, you've got to face reality, your life is in my hands now and I can do with it as I please, hahaha!"

All of them went on their business, leaving me dumbstruck. Even when we started moving again, I was still frozen from the hypothetical bitch slap. This was supposed to be my new reality? Just changing hands constantly? Let’s say, I kill Patrick somehow. Another snob will just take his place. I kill the next one and the next but this despicable magic makes it impossible to find a way out. All I can see in my future is a big fat loop. Humans are greedy. No. All people are inherently full of greed. Nodding slightly, I stare into the distance, dazed. I peer back and see the village was already a speck in the distance. But I already knew the nature of people... so, I just need to find someone greedy enough for the right thing... My eyes widen in realization, I need to find someone who wants to watch the world burn.

I laugh dryly, feeling many emotions overflow at once. Shock, disbelief, frustration. I wasn’t scared, just ashamed. Then I felt rage. I was furious at those scheming beastfolk, the bastard noble, the whole fucking world, but most of all at myself. The fact that I was in this new world, with a new opportunity and nothing seemed to go my way. I have everything I never had but lost the things I never truly appreciated. Freedom and anonymity.

Growling in anger, I slammed my fist on the cage floor. I was too lax, too complacent, I dropped my guard and ended up in an even worse situation. Only the strong can be arrogant, but am I really strong if all I have to show for it are corpses and a cage? How do I break the loop? Recalling the memories and experiences of my previous life and all the problems in this one, I understood one thing for certain. I am not as helpless now as I once was. If I’m still not strong enough then I’ll just keep growing until no magic can fucking touch me.

Taking a deep breath, I ignored the silent stares from Perry and Sen. So, what to do about the here and now?

***

The rest of the way was spent in dead silence. Sen had laid down to take a nap and Perry was dozing off in thought. I felt numb and occasionally yawned. I was really bored. We've been driving for hours and had already passed quite a few villages and towns. The sun was slowly setting as we pulled up in a town called Vaarn. It was significantly bigger than a village. There were plenty of workshops, residences, inns, and even brothels. I spotted some Association branches, monsters and beasts being sold. They were being auctioned off on stages set up throughout the town. This place seemed more high-class than the villages we passed through, the roads were actually paved. Prices must have been a lot higher and nobles could be seen walking in the streets. They were regularly accompanied by slaves and servants. Beasts, on the other hand, were more common for adventurers and warriors as far as I could tell. I could smell many different species but couldn't quite tell them apart. There were too many scents.

There were even human slaves, beastmen, elves and beasts that looked like exotic animals. Hell, even some other minor races. A lot of them were criminals, I listened in as some of their crimes were listed before beginning sales. I had no doubt there was a black market for this. People appeared to be cautious around monsters, but they were used to them. In this world, slavery was a widespread thing. The place was a hub of cultures and creatures.

Carefully observing my surroundings, I had already made my decision about how to proceed. I will again utilize the great and amazing power of perseverance, so I'll wait for an opportunity to present itself, a more permanent solution. I've endured before and I can do it again. As many times as I need to. I have more than enough shit life experience under my belt, what’s a few more?

I will do as he wishes. I will abuse the fact that, beneath all the pretense, he wants a return of investment and even more. I’ll use that greed and fuel it. Once he’s choking on all that gold, I won't hesitate to destroy him completely. I'll make him regret ever coming into contact with me.