Bloodlust attacked Dan like shadows creeping up to swallow their prey. Those that weren’t targeted by it felt like the temperature around Ryner suddenly dropped. His silent demeanor that seemed docile just moments ago was now replaced by the presence of a terrifying predator.

Many nervously gulped or stared wide eyed at his abrupt change. Maya and Evelyn were happy to see him counterattack. Cain felt like he was in the middle of a battlefield with allies and foes dying left and right.

The unnatural killing intent threatened to break Dan as he sweated and trembled in fear. His heart felt like it stopped and his vision became blurry.

He was about to lose his consciousness which was a natural defense system to protect his mind, but he had more tenacity than they thought.

“Hah…Kuh… D-die…!” [Dan]

With that one command that he struggled to utter, all of the knights pulled out their swords at the same time and slit their own throats. Fresh blood gushed out along with gurgling noises and they all lifelessly fell on the ground. Their deaths were too sudden for everyone to react properly and they just stared at the corpses for a while until it finally registered in their heads.

“(Damn it…)” [Ryner]

“Kuh… D-di-!” [Dan]

At the same time, just as Dan was about to speak again, Ryner retracted his bloodlust, knowing full well that what just happened was a warning shot. His plan failed. Dan didn’t lose control. Holding on to his consciousness, Dan made it clear that he would kill him if Ryner didn’t stop.

“Haa, haa, haa, you, you bastard! YOU INFERIOR TRASH!” [Dan]

Unsteadily getting up, the hero with glasses walked back to Ryner, who was kneeling on one knee, and kicked him on the head. He was enraged at being shamed like that. Like always, Ryner ruined everything for him.

“You trash! TRASH! TRASH! TRASH! Making me look uncool! DAMN YOU!” [Dan]

Lost in his furry, he hurled insults at him while kicking him his head, face and stomach, making sure not to use body strengthening so he wouldn’t kill him. He needed the man since he was asked to get him back alive. Besides, his ability was like an RPG’s inventory system. It was really useful and who knew what else he had stored in there. Also, more than anything, he wanted him to see his victory.

The others were horrified at the new casualties and at Dan’s display of unreasonable violence. Cain, seeing his subordinates killed like ants, was outraged and aimed his bloodshot eyes at Dan. Maya and Evelyn, especially Evelyn, also sported scary expressions. Their thirst for blood was clear on their faces.

But, no matter how hard they tried, none of them could move and it only frustrated them even more. Those that were stunned by the betrayal and still found it hard to believe that their classmate was their enemy, like Ryan, finally came to terms with it when he so easily killed the knights. The fact that Ryner was getting beaten up also made the blood go to their heads and they wanted to send Dan flying.

But, with no one able to move, the skinny young man continued to kick Ryner until he was out of breath. Looking around him, he adjusted his glasses and smiled as he worked to calm his heart that nearly stopped from the killing intent.

“Well now, things aren’t exactly going as planned, but it’s fine. I’ll eventually be accepted by the Holy Wings. I’m sure I just need to be even stronger.” [Dan]

He easily twisted the facts so that it became convenient for him and stared at the Artifact in front of the bruised man that had blood flowing down his face.

“But, things are still following the script. I got rid of the knights a bit earlier, but they would have died anyway. It’s all part of my backup plan. In my new army, I don’t need weaklings that can’t protect me. They need to be A rank or more-oh, look. That last bandit was following us.” [Dan]

Dan looked in the horizon, ignoring the bloodthirsty glares aimed at him, and saw the bandit with dislocated shoulders that was obeying his order to follow him further away. The pitiful injured man was limping towards the group. He had seen his allies killed while the other survivor besides himself was cut in two by the one controlling them.

He didn’t understand how this could happen. One moment his gang was attacked by a bunch of people, the next they were all captured and brought before a kid with glasses. He didn’t know what, but he did something to them and took away their free will. Now, after being transported like livestock, they were given weapons and armors and were forced to fight outside the city, against those three monsters that decimated them.

Even though he was filled with fear, his body was still faithfully following orders. He really had no luck because, with the same spell, the bandit that was reduced to a sacrificial pawn was decapitated as a blade of wind cut his neck.

“There, that should take care of that trash. It’s a given that bandits are defeated by heroes.” [Dan]

Dan said proudly, his hand that just fired the magic was now adjusting his glasses. He then brought his attention back to his captives and smiled at them with glee. He was going to reveal his backup plan to them and see their reactions. That thought excited him.

“Now then, back to my plan. You see, given how smart I am, I had prepared a plan in case something like this happened. I can’t control all of you and keep you quiet forever. That’s why I was going to get rid of the weaklings I didn’t need and have the rest become my slaves. I’ll prepare a nice place to keep you all.” [Dan]

He said happily and stretched his arms out as if he was about to receive a hug. Ignoring the little bump he experienced earlier, things were really going well for him. Showing off and feeling overpowered were wonderful.

Hearing his words, many turned pale or had disgusted looks. That only made him happier.

“Then, I’ll go back and tell them that some unknown enemies wiped us all out except for me. We’re in a world with a fantasy setting, so I’m sure they’ll believe me if I make it sound believable.” [Dan]

Dan said and pushed up his glasses, feeling smug about his great backup plan. But, in truth he didn’t have a concrete idea and was going to leave the details to those helping him out. He acted on impulse when Ryner and his group annihilated the bandits after all.

He didn’t think at all about how suspicious he would look if he came back alone after everyone suddenly died or disappeared somewhere. In short, he didn’t think at all when he acted. But, he believed that things would go well without him doing anything, just like most of the heroes in novels who had luck going for them.

“Well, what do you guys think? Aren’t you excited? Go ahead and tell me.” [Dan]

With his bragging at an end, he snapped his fingers theatrically and gave permission for everyone to talk.

“Dan! You will be punis-!” [Cain]

“YOU INFERIOR CREATURE! I WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR WHAT YOU DID TO RYNER!” [Evelyn]

Cain was about to speak with fury, but Evelyn cut him off with her voice that was smoldering with hatred. To those around her, her canines looked like fangs and her red eyes were glowing eerily, which was actually the case. Anyone else that wanted to speak words of anger or anguish was silenced by her outburst.

Maya, who was standing next to her, was trying with all her might to break the spell that restrained her. She focused all of her wrath in her limbs and tried to empower them with her destructive emotion. But, her strength wasn’t enough.

These two women were absolutely furious at Dan. He dared beat Ryner in front of them. But, their enemy, who had complete confidence in his unique ability, merely looked happy as he took on their hostility, though he did gulped nervously at first, but there was no way he would admit it.

“You did do one good thing for me, Ryner. You brought me these two beauties for my harem. You two, kneel down and be quiet.” [Dan]

Against their will, these two ridiculously powerful women were forced on their knees because of his ridiculously powerful ability. Satisfied, he approached them and put a hand on their heads, passing his hands through their silky hair.

“I’ll take my time to discipline you. Slave harems are my favorite genre.” [Dan]

“Get away from them!” [Ryan]

“Oi! Are you serious, you bastard?!” [Jayce]

“You’d really fall so low?!” [Aria]

“Dan! Please stop!” [Elena]

The insults and pleas fell on deaf ears. He was going to get rid of the guys and make the girls his women. Why would he need to listen to them? He was especially looking forward to training Elena and Aria, the top two girls in his high school. Now, he even had two mature beauties and one of them was even a beastman. With his unique ability, he was sure that he would reach the top.

The knight commander, instead of shouting again, was running his mind through various simulations. He had to find a way to escape and inform the city that one of the heroes had gone rogue. But, he couldn’t find a way at all. He looked towards Ryner who was still kneeling down, covered in bruises, and wondered if that man didn’t have any more plans in his head.

“Well, I guess I should thank you for the gifts. Though you’re too weak to join my party, you do have great taste, Ryner.” [Dan]

Dan also stared mockingly at the one with unkempt black hair while running his hands through Maya and Evelyn’s dark blue and blonde hair. These two were looking at him with incredible bloodlust, but, luckily for him, his senses weren’t sharp enough to pick it all up.

Besides a slight hesitation to touch them, he continued to act tough since he knew from experience that no matter how terrifying the opponent was, they wouldn’t be able to break his control. That was how great his special power was.

“… You win…” [Ryner]

To everyone’s shock, Ryner softly spoke such words as he looked down, hiding his expression. There was resignation in his voice. The heroes, Cain and especially Maya and Evelyn couldn’t believe what they just heard. They stared at him with wide eyes, disbelief and a bit of horror were on their faces.

Are you giving up?

That was what went through their heads. The situation certainly was hopeless, but they didn’t think that he would actually throw in the towel now. They thought he would struggle till the end. However, they were incorrect. Ryner knew he had lost. There was no way out of this mess.

“Hahaha!” [Dan]

Only Dan was happy. He defeated Ryner, he had made him admit defeat as he groveled on the ground and he was now stealing his women. Truly, it was the correct decision to have revealed his powers. He wondered if he shouldn’t just take over the kingdom in the same manner.

“Of course I-!” [Dan]

“You win…” [Ryner]

Interrupting his moment of glory, Ryner softly spoke once more, not with grief or anger, but with the sound of someone calmly admitting defeat. He had resolved himself. As such, he muttered one name under his breath.

“Alice…” [Ryner]

And with that, Ryner officially lost.

His right eye that was white glowed golden and black smoke enveloped his body instantly, surprising everyone present and making Dan jumped back. But, the worst was yet to come. For when the shroud of darkness dispersed outward and his figure could be seen, what was kneeling there wasn’t a human anymore. It was a monster.

“W-what…?” [Dan]

Clad in a black overcoat that seemed to be made of smoke, the being that was Ryner just moments ago had white feathers for hair and a black horn on the right side of the head that curved to the back. His injuries were gone from his pale skin as if they had never existed.

Even though he wasn’t supposed to be able to move, he slowly stood up, stupefying the hero with glasses. His control was broken. Such a thing should be impossible. Then, sharp, inorganic eyes stared at Dan, making him break out in cold sweat.

The right eye’s pupil was a vertical slit and the iris was like golden magma that was continuously moving. The sleepy-looking man was replaced by an expressionless creature that made everyone feel fear. It wasn’t because of his cold expression or his odd appearance. It was because of the aura he was leaking out.

It was because of what they, as living things, were naturally feeling. It was something that they were born with and that reacted to Ryner’s presence. It wasn’t the fear of death or their survival instincts. Rather, it was something more basic, more primordial.

It was the instinctual fear one felt in the presence of an overwhelming being.

““…”” [Everyone]

They were all staring at him, slack jaw and wide eyes, but no one could say anything. They already forgot to breathe. Their brains couldn’t keep up with his sudden transformation.

“Ahhh… Ahhh… Y-y-“ [Dan]

But, one person could still stutter out some sounds and that was Dan. The reason was because he felt as if a blade was pressed against his neck. But, that was just his own fear gripping his heart.

“Hiii!” [Dan]

Ryner truly unleashed his killing intent that he always concealed out of habit. Striking without showing bloodlust was a must as an assassin, after all. There was also another more personal reason, but right now, he was making Dan pathetically scream in a high pitch voice. The skinny young man with black hair suddenly had the tables turned on him and he fell on his butt.

His mouth was opening and closing as it let out unclear noises, words that he was trying to say. Tears were already gathering in the corner of his eyes and he was unsightly crawling backwards to get away from the humanoid thing that suddenly looked like a vicious monster covered in darkness.

Everyone that was in close proximity, although the bloodlust wasn’t directed at them, had the illusion that they would be cut down instantly if they approached Ryner carelessly. This made shivers go down their spine and they went weak in the knees, except for those with strong mentality such as Cain, Maya and Evelyn. However, those three were sweating and gulped nervously, though Evelyn, while being nervous, had a strange light in her eyes.

“Ah… Uh… Di… Nn…” [Dan]

Teeth chattering and his expression full of fear, Dan continued to try to speak, not losing his consciousness from the pressure. That was a given since Ryner was going easy on him. After all, he was the type that held grudges, especially the more annoying ones.

“D-d-d-d-d-dah-ah-ah-ah… D-d-d-d-d-di…” [Dan]

Trying to give out his order that could save him, Dan stuttered idiotically as he continued to crawl away. Desperately sucking in big breaths, he finally managed to say that one word.

“D-d-d-die!” [Dan]

Not thinking about who was to receive the order, his classmates, the old knight and Ryner’s two companions all moved to kill themselves like the knights who slit their own throats, much to their horror.

“Wha!” [Jayce]

“Kya!” [Elena]

“Dan!” [Ryan]

He was about to lose his harem, but he didn’t care. He wanted to kill Ryner as soon as possible, even if he had been asked to bring him back alive. However, not only did he not obey him, Ryner unleashed his own ability. Golden strings flew out of his black coat from his back and arms, wrapping themselves around the audience.

Those that were about to pull out their weapons or strangle their necks to end their life couldn’t move anymore as their limbs were held in place. Multiple strings also gagged them, preventing them from biting off their tongue.

Having been turned into puppets by the traitorous hero, they now truly looked like puppets entangled in strings. Those that screamed in fear relaxed a bit and breathed a sigh of relief when they realized that they avoided their impeding death. Many had become teary eyed as they felt their life flash before their eyes.

Dan also had tears flowing down his face because the black-clothed thing finally took a step towards him.

“Hiiii!”[Dan]

“(Impossible! How?! How?! How?!)” [Dan]

His cheat-like power failed him, Ryner turned into some scary new specimen and he was now on his butt, crying. His mind was in chaos. The situation had gone wrong in just an instant. He couldn’t understand why.

“D-d-die! D-die! D-d-d-die!!” [Dan]

He continued to weakly stutter out the same order, but it didn’t work. The horned man didn’t listen to him at all and the others couldn’t move either. His fear kept escalating because of the pressure that increased with every step Ryner took.

“Hiii! O-o-o-o-o-obey! O-o-o-obey! O-obey… Me!” [Dan]

As he moved, the strings grew in length, making sure that those being controlled wouldn’t get dragged around. He looked at the crying child whose conceited face went completely pale from dread. He was staring at him with fear-filled eyes and mindlessly forced his mouth to move, giving the same command over and over again.

“*Hic* W-why…? O-obey…! Why?!” [Dan]

With his whole body trembling, he couldn’t even consider the possibility of attacking Ryner. He was solely relying on his power to control people which didn’t have any effect at all. He couldn’t understand, no, he didn’t want to understand. After all, something as deplorable as this wouldn’t ever happen to a hero. Then again, such a turn of event couldn’t be helped.

He was just a fake hero.

“W-why?!” [Dan]

“… Why…” [Ryner]

As he steadily walked towards him, Ryner spoke in a calm voice devoid of emotion which sent a chill down Dan’s spine and made him shut up.

“Should I listen…” [Ryner]

Everyone else that was watching from the sidelines was holding their breath.

“To an insect…” [Ryner]

His voice was different from usual. It still sounded the same, but it held something it didn’t have before.

“Like you…” [Ryner]

It was undisputable authority.

“Brat?” [Ryner]

The personification of death, finally arriving before his prey, bent forward and slowly stretched his hands out towards the poor hero who was sitting on the ground and could do nothing but blankly stare back, his expression warped with despair. Those tear stained brown eyes of his reflected Ryner’s expressionless face.

“N-no…! S-stay away…!” [Dan]

The man with the golden right eye had seen this type of person countless times. They were the annoying type with annoying personalities that took a long time to fix, time he did not have. So, to make sure he wouldn’t cause trouble anymore, he was going to render him powerless. One thing kept him from killing the kid outright, and that was the teacher’s face which overlapped with his silver-haired friend, tugging at his heart.

However, the fate that he would soon bestow on Dan was considered by many, a fate just as horrible as death. Then again, the moment he touched Maya and Evelyn like they were his toys, he had incurred his wrath, the wrath of a monster that even gods couldn’t control.

As such, ignoring his pleas, Ryner held his face with both hands, eliciting a frightened shriek, and wrapped his head around golden strings that came out from the forearm section of his sleeves. His forehead had multiple strings tightly wrapped around it like a headband, holding it in place and serving as a conduit for something dreadful.

“Ah, uh, ugu, hiii!” [Dan]

From the side, it looked like Ryner was going to kiss him, but the recipient, Dan, was so scared that he couldn’t even think of fighting back and just shivered in fear.

“Don’t touch them with your filthy hands, brat.” [Ryner]

Then, his punishment began. With no warning whatsoever, visions, senses and emotions flooded his head. He was drowning in a torrent of experiences, horrifying experiences. He didn’t know where they came from, but he wanted it to stop. The pain that kept surging forth was unbearable.

“AAAAAAHHHHHH! AAHH! AAAAAHHHH!” [Dan]

Dan screamed like a madman and flailed his limbs around, shocking the heroes, Cain, Maya and Evelyn who were watching it all silently, completely immobilized by golden strings. They thought that maybe his head was being squished like an orange, but that wasn’t it. It was something worse than physical torture. It was something that Ryner had used multiple times before.

“WAAHHHH! *Sob sob* NO! NOOOOO!!” [Dan]

Ryner unwrapped his strings and let him go after a dozen of seconds. Having been reduced to a crying mess, Dan turned around and tried to escape, forgetting his pride and goal. But, after running for just a dozen meters, a single string shot at him and caught his foot, making him trip and fall headfirst.

“N-NO! NO! NO! NO MOOORE! STOP! LET ME GO! PLEASE!” [Dan]

Then, he was reeled back like a fish caught on a hook. He desperately tried to get away, clawing at the ground, but he only pulled out the grass and injured his nails. His thought process was so jumbled up that he couldn’t even use body strengthening.

So, helplessly, he returned to where he was before: in the monster’s grip. His head was constricted by strings and two hands covered by black gloves were on his cheeks.

“GAAAAAHHHH! WAAAAHHHH! AAAAAAAHHHH!! NUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!” [Dan]

The torture began again and this time, pushed to the edge, Dan fought back without thinking. He tried to pry Ryner’s hands off him and even began to punch his arms, sides and face. But, the creature with white feathers for hair didn’t even budge. He ignored it all, as if it wasn’t even worth his attention.

“NOOOO! STOP! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!! MOMMY! MOOOMMYYY!!!” [Dan]

Again, after a dozen of seconds, Ryner released him and Dan fell down, lying on his side. He curled himself up and hid his head with his arms. He trembled like a pitiful dog that was afraid of being kicked by its owner. Confidence, arrogance and the cocky demeanor of the strong disappeared entirely from him.

He continued to plead for mercy and called out to his mother, all while crying like a little kid. His current appearance invited pity from those watching as well as terror. His blood-curling screams made them want to cover their ears and invited fear in their hearts. They hesitantly turned their eyes towards the one responsible for this shivering mess on the ground. He was still expressionless.

“WAAAAHHH! MOMMY! HELP! HELP HELP! NOOOO! STOOOOOP!!!” [Dan]

Showing no mercy and ignoring the stares coming from some people, like Ryan and Elena, that were telling him to cease this madness, Ryner commanded his strings to bind the skinny and sniveling young man for a third time. They swiftly moved as if they had a will of their own and restricted all actions.

With his arms, legs, waist, chest and head constricted, Dan was pulled off the ground and his feet were a few centimeters above it. He was forced to face Ryner for a third time. But, his mad eyes were darting about. He didn’t seem to be able to register his situation anymore and only saw a monster before him, a monster that brought him nothing but pain and misery.

Still screaming and sobbing, his cheeks were gently held and that face that looked like the maw of death approached him.

“What’s the matter, brat?” [Ryner]

Ryner whispered to him.

“You only experienced half of my childhood.” [Ryner]

“AHHHHHHHH!!! WAAAAAAHHHHH!!! AAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” [Dan]

The visions, the experiences, the memories flooded his head once more, making him howl and wail like a madman. His whole body shook as if he was being electrocuted. The others looked on with horror and some closed their eyes because they couldn’t take it anymore. Even though there was no violence, the sight of Ryner holding a screaming Dan’s cheeks in front of his face made it look like a horror movie.

“WAAAAAHHHH!!! AAAAAAHHHHH!!! AAAaaaahhhh! Aaahhh…! Aahh…” [Dan]

Eventually, like a toy running out of battery, Dan’s yells of agony became weaker and weaker until they stopped completely. Silence reigned over the grassy field. The heroes as well as Cain, Maya and Evelyn didn’t know why he stopped when he was making so much noise before.

But, they soon understood the reason as their bodies stopped trying to move on their own. The spell controlling them was gone. Furthermore, one look at Dan’s face told them why which made them gasp with shock. His eyes were hollow with no light in them, his tear and snot-covered face had an absentminded expression and his slightly opened mouth had drool flowing down the corner.

Without inflicting a single wound on him, Ryner had broken Dan’s mind.

*Author* Finally reached the part that I wanted to reach in the arc. With that, I'm satisfied and can change my plans a bit. If you want the arc to end faster, go ahead and vote. I'll skim over some events or push them to the next arc.

By the way, who predicted Ryner would lose?