I am Hikaru Yoshida.

28 years old, someone who hasn't had a social life with anyone other than my younger sister.

At least, that would be my description if I were to ask someone...

The truth? Well...

My life isn't that bad, so far I haven't had any problems with this way of living.

I've spent the last 13 years of my life like this without any major stumbles.

I feel like I should change things up a bit. Maybe a girlfriend?

Nah, that wouldn't change much.

Actually, it would take away more time from my younger sister than I currently invest in her...

Hmm, if this were a forbidden love story like in manga, I would have been the most generic protagonist of it.

Maybe I'm not the most interesting person, but I have a background straight out of a depressing novel.

Think of it this way, a negligent alcoholic father who only knows how to spend his money on gambling, where he loses more than he wins...

Sounds like a tragic past, my sister and I are lucky it didn't go further.

Our mother.

She, who had a marriage based on lies and fights, chose to simply abandon us when she saw the deplorable condition of our family.

She made a decision that could be described as the "icing on the cake."

Instead of doing what a mother would do, giving love to her children, she decided to leave us to fend for ourselves and left.

Quite a cowardly move if you ask me.

But what can I do? Somehow, I don't feel resentment towards her.

I think it's because she's our mother... Pfft, yeah right.

Anyway, after that separation, our father didn't take long to do the same.

At that time, I was only 15 years old, wondering what our life would be like in a dark room with a strong stench...

Such an unusual youth, isn't it? I didn't enjoy it much.

I saw no other option but to leave school and start working. At first, I was scared of the idea.

But I couldn't just sit around waiting for our life to magically sort itself out...

It was time to grow up.

I thought it would be difficult to find a job given my age and education level, but it was actually quicker than I thought.

One day, I started as a delivery person for printer paper, and within 3 years, I had a position in an office company. If you put effort into something, you can achieve it.

But life wasn't all rainbows. There were times when my sister experienced bullying at school, and it got so bad that she considered the idea of suicide."

As her older brother, I had to step in. I suggested to her that until she felt comfortable returning to her studies, she could stay home for as long as necessary. Sometimes, I take her out to eat her favorite food, buy her favorite books, or visit amusement parks.

And... that brings us to where I am now. I haven't had any stumbles or setbacks since then, my sister is still at home under the pretext that she's not ready yet.

Clearly, it's just an excuse to not leave the house and play her dating sim games.

But that's okay, she's my little sister, and since the day our parents abandoned us, I swore that I would do everything in my power to make her live the childhood she lost back then.

It's okay like this, but... how do you plan to change things now? Will she be willing to step out of her comfort zone and seek something more in life?

Perhaps meeting someone or finding a new hobby would help her have a more interesting and fulfilling life.

I can't just stay in the same place and wait for things to change on their own. I have to take action and do something about it...

Anyway, even though my life isn't the most exciting, I try to be a good brother and I'm doing what I can to take care of my sister. That's something I should value and be proud of.

In summary, I need to take the initiative and do something to change her life and make the most of the opportunities that come up.

Right now, I'm buying a game she wanted.

And a few days before its release, I looked up the game's story and played it...

Unfortunately, it's an Otome game.

Why am I playing an Otome game?

The answer is...

It's for my sister.

"Fantasy Otome Romance School."

Let me give you a brief summary of the story.

In short, it's called "OFS," and yes, as the name suggests, it's a dating game aimed at a female audience.

I don't hate it, but as a guy, I prefer gal games.

The story is about a middle-class aristocratic girl named Emilia who enters a prestigious institute, meets a prince, and they fall in love.

Sounds like a good story, right?

Yes, it is a good story, but the villain in this story is an organization of assassins.

What has happened, you might wonder?

Emilia, the middle-class aristocratic girl, falls in love with the prince while studying at an exclusive elite institute. However, her happiness is threatened when an organization of assassins hired to kill the princess and the queen is discovered, and Emilia is blamed for the events. With the help of the prince and his friends, Emilia must fight against the organization of assassins to prove her innocence and save her life and the queen's life. Meanwhile, her relationship with the prince deepens as they together face the challenges.

"I believe..."

I played it reluctantly, so my memory is hazy.

Oh, there's also a secondary character. This character has high magical attributes and great magical power.

But they never reveal or display it.

However, they're killed under false pretenses.

It's a hidden story in the game, and I accidentally unlocked it by a twist of fate.

And I had no choice but to play it and read their diary. My opinion? It left a bad taste in my mouth.

The sadness and injustice that character felt deeply resonated with me.

Perhaps you could delve deeper into that hidden story, delving into the motives behind the character's death and the emotional consequences it had.

Moving away from the game's story.

It was 40 super painful and lengthy hours, why?

I accidentally told my sister that I had played it.

I know her personality...

She would pester me day and night to talk about the game.

The hardest part is that I've spent 6,297 yen just to please my sister.

Ugh.

I was walking down the street while having a conversation with myself. I was wondering if a new episode of my favorite anime, which aired every Tuesday, had been released. Before I knew it, I had arrived at a bus stop to wait for the red traffic light.

Suddenly, a young woman with her child approached me.

"Mom, I'm hungry! Please give me the chocolate you bought."

The child was crying and asking for some chocolate. The mother tried to calm him down, but he insisted on having it now.

"Just wait until we get home."

"Mom, I want it now."

Finally, she gave him a chocolate bar, and he started eating it happily.

Long brown hair and honey-colored eyes...

Too beautiful to see up close, maybe she's a model?

I was taken aback by the mother's beauty, with long brown hair and honey-colored eyes. I couldn't help but think she might be a model.

Well, it doesn't matter.

As she tried to find something in her bag, I watched her struggle with her child and felt a wave of empathy towards her.

While lost in my thoughts.

I snapped back to reality and noticed that the young mother exchanged a look with me, accompanied by a smile.

Yes, she's very beautiful.

If you look at that young mother's index finger, she's not married or anything like that...

"Mmm."

I wanted to say something kind, but my shyness and lack of self-confidence held me back. However, I gathered the courage to approach her and flirt with her a bit, and she blushed slightly.

"Dear mother, the two parts of your body that do the dirtiest things are-"

"?"

"Mmm, I..."

But that's easier said than done. I'm a shy guy with little self-confidence, which makes it difficult for me to approach women.

Moreover, my job as a graphic designer in a small company doesn't leave me much free time to socialize.

But today is a different day.

I snapped back to reality and noticed that the young mother exchanged a look with me, accompanied by a smile. I mustered the courage to flirt a little, and she blushed slightly.

"Can I help you with anything?" I asked, getting a bit closer.

"No, no... I'm fine," she responded with a shy smile.

"You look very beautiful today," I continued, watching as she blushed even more.

Now, I'll apply my legendary 3 steps.

"Oh my..."

She's blushing.

Step 1: Say something nice - done.

"By the way, would you love to have a coffee with me?"

"Oh, but... I'm really busy, I'm sorry."

Step 2: Invite her for coffee - failed.

What a shame...

I really wanted to have coffee with her...

It's not time to give up yet!

I recently saw a social experiment from a university, it aimed to find out what kind of men women liked, of course.

This was outside Japan, and it might be different... but it's worth a try, right?

This experiment involved figuring out whether women prefer nice and attentive men or indifferent and attractive men.

In the first case, a less attractive man passed by a beggar, he stopped and gave the beggar a food tray.

In the second case, the attractive man just walked by while looking at his phone.

Of course, the winner was the kind and less attractive guy.

"If you'd like, I could invite you another time, but... Have you ever been told that you're as beautiful as a Goddess?"

I took the opportunity to get closer and tuck a strand of her hair.

"U-uh... This..."

I got closer and whispered into her ear as I touched her chin. "Could you give me your phone number?"

"Yes... But, I have a son... and we don't know each other."

She had a shy reaction.

"U-uh... This..."

I got closer and whispered into her ear as I touched her chin. "Could you give me your phone number?"

"Yes... But, I have a son... and we don't know each other."

She had a shy reaction.

"That's true, but we can get to know each other better, right?"

When I tucked the strand, she thought, "Wow, what a handsome guy, wouldn't it hurt to get to know him better?"

"Would you like to?"

I asked again.

"Y-yes!"

She responded with excitement, but within seconds of her taking out her phone to give me her number, she turned toward her son.

"Eiji!"

The shout that the young mother let out at the top of her lungs was the realization that a truck was speeding toward her son, who was in the middle of the road.

Grabbing the cat she had seen seconds before.

I started feeling a tingling in my legs and the need to run as fast as possible.

He could die...

But that doesn't matter. With a willpower I had never felt before, I ran towards the child. It was the only option.

Vague and painful memories flooded my mind.

Memories I had sealed, memories I didn't want to reopen.

Memories of cruelty I didn't want to experience again, and among those memories were three kids...

Three boys torturing a poor cat, and I wondered...

What did the cat do and why is life so unfair to people and beings who haven't done anything to deserve it?

Is it the person's fault, or is it because they haven't done anything to prevent this from happening?

Why does the world suck?

One of the boys, noticing my confusion and hatred towards them, approached me and whispered, "If you're going to stop thinking about it so much, why not give it a try?"

I couldn't get those words out of my head, I remembered them day and night for months and years, and to this day, I'm still scared.

But my fear wasn't just for those kids, it was for myself too. Hadn't I become what I hated the most? Hadn't I also caused suffering and pain to other innocent beings?

Sadness and regret overwhelmed me, and every time I closed my eyes, I saw the poor cat, suffering and crying.

I began to feel immense loneliness, a void in my soul that nothing could fill.

Now then.

What is death?

Death is a reality that's everywhere, and life is full of lies.

But that boy, that boy...

He doesn't deserve this.

Unlike me, he has a life ahead of him...

The words I hated so much came back to me.

"If you stop thinking about it so much, why not give it a try?"

I looked at the truck and started running as fast as I could to get the child away from his own death.

I had to save him. Because if I didn't, I'd regret not doing anything.

But the truck didn't stop, it was getting closer and closer, time seemed to have stopped.

The sound of screeching tires mixed with my gasps as I ran.

Meanwhile, a whole new world opened up before me...

A completely new world I had never experienced before...

You never know what you'll find until you're in the last year of your life.

But it didn't matter, I had to do something to help that child... I lunged toward the child.

The mother screamed in desperation as the truck got closer and closer. Everything seemed to be in slow motion, and I could see the concern in the driver's eyes.

The truck was getting closer and closer, and I was just a few meters away from the child, ready to jump and pull him off the road.

But then, something strange happened.

Time seemed to stop, and everything fell silent.

I looked at the truck and saw that it was suspended in the air, as if it were frozen in time.

That's when I heard a beautiful voice, a voice that seemed to come from another world.

"Stop, Hikaru," the voice said.

I couldn't move, I didn't know who was speaking to me, until I saw a beautiful woman with blonde hair and honey-colored eyes dressed in an elegant Japanese kimono.

I was stunned by her beauty, and for a moment, I completely forgot about the situation I was in.

"Who are you?" I asked.

"My name is Akira, and I am a messenger of fate," the woman replied with a reassuring smile.

"A messenger of fate?" I repeated in astonishment.

"Yes, I am here to guide you and help you on your path, but it won't be easy," Akira said.

I looked at the truck and saw that it was suspended in the air, as if time had ceased to exist.

"What's happening?" I asked.

"Time has stopped," Akira explained. "This is what happens when destiny calls."

I looked at the child and saw that he was safely on the side of the road, and then I looked at the truck driver, who was frozen in his seat.

"What should I do?" I asked, feeling the urgency to act.

"Let fate take its course," Akira said calmly. "The child is safe, and the truck driver can't harm anyone else as long as time is frozen."

I nodded in understanding, although I was still surprised by the strange situation.

"... Why are you here?" I asked Akira.

"Because you have been chosen for a greater purpose, an experiment. Your path will be difficult just like your destiny," she replied with an enigmatic smile. "You have a challenging destiny ahead, Hikaru, and I am here to guide you on your path. When the time comes, until then, please don't give up."

I looked at the truck suspended in the air, and then back at Akira.

"How do you know my name?" I asked.

"I know everything about you, Hikaru. I know you were born into a complicated family, I know you work day and night for your sister, I know you struggle to get a girlfriend, I know everything," Akira replied with an intense gaze. "And I am here to help you fulfill your destiny, your death."

A shiver ran down my spine, but at the same time, a strange sense of peace and certainty washed over me.

"I will die, that's clear, I have a damn truck inches away from my face, but what should I do? Let destiny decide?" I asked.

"You must move forward with your life, Hikaru, in a new world, a new person, a different lifestyle, different family members, a different environment. Suffering, just like life, will be different," Akira said with a soft voice. "Destiny will guide you to where you need to be, and I will be with you every step of the way, you just won't know it... until the day arrives."

I nodded silently, feeling the strange force of destiny guiding my life.

I looked at the truck suspended in the air, and then back at Akira.

"Thank you," I said in a trembling voice.

She smiled gently, and then time started moving again.

I felt a strong impact and total darkness. I could hear a loud noise and then... silence.

I woke up in a white and minimalist room with bright details that added a touch of elegance. The blonde woman next to me seemed to know me, but I had no idea who she was.

Where am I? Is this the afterlife?

I looked to my left and saw a blonde girl with crimson eyes, dressed in a maid uniform, holding my hand tightly.

And tears slowly streaming down her beautiful face.

Who is she?

"Mr. Dante, thank God you're alive. I was worried about you," she said with tears in her eyes.

"Dante... Mr.? Hmm, do I know you?"

I was very confused when I heard that name, who is Dante?

"...This can't be, you can't have forgotten my name, or worse, you can't have forgotten me!"

"..?"

Seeing my confusion, she covered her mouth with her hand and looked at me silently.

Then she stood up, put her hand on her cheek, and started pacing in circles, muttering something I couldn't understand... After a few seconds, Eileen climbed onto me, shaking my body.

My head hurts...

I remember everything.

I recall the details of what happened.

It seems I was reborn as the son of a famous duke...

His son is named Dante... Dante Bearelf?

As the situation became clear, I discovered that I had been reincarnated into the body of a famous duke's son, Dante Bearelf. He had suffered an accident that left him unconscious for a day, and when I woke up, I had gained all of his memories and knowledge.

It was to be expected.

And this world, this kingdom, is called the Azzai Kingdom...

Apparently, it's a land of...

Peace...

No, no! Reincarnation? That was the most cliché word I've heard! But does that mean I'm dead?! Did I manage to save that child?!

Relax, you've got a pretty girl, so be more manly!

The maid on top of me is named Eileen...

Oh, really, why is she so beautiful?!

-...

Inhale and exhale, and now try to talk to her.

"Hello, gorgeous, how are you?"

"...?!"

Eileen is bewildered by this unexpected greeting.

Her face is clearly marked with the word "What?"

As if she had left her body and gone on an astral journey and never returned.

When I try to get out of bed, Eileen immediately reacts and tries to convince me to lie down and rest, but I refuse.

"Dante-sama! What on earth are you doing? Don't move! What are you going to do if you fall again?"

I'm sorry, Eileen.

I don't care what you say, I'm not going to listen to her, I want to know what I'm facing, I want to be able to accept what's happening to me.

I head to the door with blurred vision.

I grab onto something to avoid falling, but Eileen approaches and steps on her own maid uniform, slips, and I fall to the ground with her.

"Whoa!"

"Kyaa!"

I ended up in an awkward situation, as Eileen let out a very sexy scream; I fell on top of her, with my right hand touching her amazing breasts, my knees brushed against her panties, and our lips met.

"Nnnn~."

Experiencing a situation that could be considered one of the most typical in anime, manga, and light novels.

On the other hand, it's not unpleasant.

It's one of the most satisfying things I've experienced.

However, it's a bit unbelievable that after dying, all of this is happening to me...

Is this what they call a "perverted luck"?

And what's more important, it was my first kiss! Her lips were incredibly soft!

It was also a sensation I had never experienced before.

Oh my God!

I forgot to mention that I could also feel voluptuous breasts in my hands for the first time in my life.

I see, my hand fits perfectly...

Mm, it's perfect.

"Nnnn~... Stop squeezing me..."

Seeing Eileen's annoyance and discomfort, I quickly removed my hand and helped her up.

Damn it.

After everything that has happened...

I noticed her discomfort as she touched her lips with her delicate fingers while looking at the ground with a tomato-red face, and she ignored me every time our gazes met. I should apologize properly and thank her for taking care of me.

"I'm sorry, I hope you can forgive me!"

She tilted her head.

...It's obvious that a simple apology won't earn her forgiveness.

"Don't worry, Dante-sama, I know it wasn't your intention!"

Oh, she apologized.

"If you sa-."

Looking at myself in the nearby mirror, I began to remember which character Dante Bearelf was, yes.

I reincarnated into a supporting character among all the characters.

I forgot the name, but I knew what he looked like.

I approached the mirror and said.

"Wow, all the characters are so beautiful..."

Dante Bearelf, the second son of a high-ranking duke, one of the characters with excessive caution.

When the protagonist was falsely accused, Dante defended her because he was in love with her.

Yes, unrequited love.

When Dante was abducted by the royal guards, he was brutally tortured.

Day after day, he suffered endlessly, but he shouted at the top of his lungs that it was all lies.

But unfortunately, no one believed him, and his love for her never waned...

His family was imprisoned, his brother committed suicide, his stepmother and father were beheaded.

He was completely broken, mentally and physically.

He didn't expect anyone to help him or understand what had happened.

His only and last hope was (the protagonist Emilia), thinking every day that his dear friends would come to rescue him...

After a while, they stopped torturing him and locked him in a cell.

Tired of waiting, he used [Alchemy] on the handcuffs to create a key he would use when he escaped.

When he escaped his cell to save his unrequited love.

He used his skill [Search] to get almost to where she was, slowly he heard moans coming from where she was...

I don't want to say it, but...

He saw his unrequited love having relations with the prince. No, the king of his new country.

His spirit was completely shattered as he tried to stay alive, a dream he had prepared by fleeing with Emilia.

He disappeared.

Seeing this, the current king decided to cut off his head. However, to do so, he sought the approval of the current queen.

(the protagonist Emilia), but when she heard it, she stepped aside without responding.

Under the understanding that the current king had given his approval.

Dante's eyes lost their shine, and he remained speechless, gestureless, expressionless.

His inner thoughts were different from what he showed on the outside, his emotions had changed...

And then the last conversation was:

"Prince, no, King Ryle, promise me you'll be kind to her, that you'll love her, that you'll spend the rest of your life loving her, giving her the food she likes, taking care of her, protecting her... Protect her because she has decided her future is with you, not with me. If you hurt her, I swear I'll come out of hell and slowly kill you. I'll make her know the hell I've suffered in the last years of my life."

"You talk a lot, but I promise you everything you've said, now I'll let you die in peace."

The King responded calmly and dryly.

After that conversation, the rest is history.

This hidden story is too intense, to the point that I'm disgusted with the protagonist Emilia and the prince.

Being a game targeted at the general female audience.

I would never have believed this situation.

But reincarnating into Dante was the most unsettling part of the game. A Death flag appeared automatically...

Oh, crap! Crap! Crap! Crap! I admit the situation very quickly, but...!

...I know what I'm supposed to do.

Today is February 4th, and in the fifth week, classes begin at Bacti University.

I have to prepare and I shouldn't interact with Emilia...

Oh, who am I kidding! I won't die a second time!

I'll save the princess, I'll save the queen, I'll save Dante's family!

I'll change this shit for my own good, for the good of my family!

"Dante-sama, is something wrong?"

Eileen interrupted my negative thoughts, her face very close to mine, giving me a confused and worried look.

"Don't worry, Eileen, I feel fine thanks to you... Thank you very much."

I gave her a small smile.

"Really?! I'll prepare some tea for you!"

When she found out I was okay.

She jumped for joy as if she had just heard the happiest news in the world.

As Eileen happily leaves the room.

Alfred enters, the butler Alfred, tall, blue eyes, sixty years old, sword master, magic master.

An expert strategist, and one of the people Dante trusted the most.

"It's good to see you looking well, Dante-sama."

"What can I do for you, Alfred?"

"Yes, Dante-sama, your father wishes to speak with you."

When he said this, Alfred looked at me seriously and made it clear that what my father wanted to tell me was something I should listen to attentively.

As I understand it, this will be an important conversation about what will happen next. But the Dante from the game was foolishly in love and didn't care about that.

"Excuse me, if you don't need me, I'll go."

Finally, Alfred decides to bow and leave.

"Alfred, wait! I need a favor."

As he listens to me with a serious tone and expression, he realizes what I'm going to ask. And in return, he responds with the same intensity.

"You want me to train you, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Do you know how tough this training is?"

"I do."

"Tell me why."

"There's no reason, I just want you to turn me into a killing machine."

The warm joy from a few moments ago had given way to a dark and somber atmosphere.

The thing is, Alfred was one of the most terrible assassins of his time, and when he talked about killing, he got serious, his words carried weight.

It was like he was activating a button he shouldn't have.

But there's no turning back now.

I didn't expect this Otome game to have a dark and dangerous world. However, I decided to change the story of this wretched game.

For that, I must ask the most dangerous people in the world to train me. N'Beat Hunter.

"All right, I won't ask further about the reasons."

"Don't worry, Dante-sama, I just want to train for five weeks."

Yes, I'm aware that I'm asking for five weeks of training.

I know Dante knows about fencing and magic, but I feel that with focused training, I can achieve better results.

"Fuajajajaja, I understand, Dante-sama. Your training will take place tomorrow at a suitable time."

"Thank you, Alfred."

Thanking Alfred, I left the room and headed to Dante's father's study.

Walking down the hallway, it was expected that the house of a high-ranking noble would be very grand.

The hallway was adorned with high-end sculptures and portraits of what I imagine were his ancestors.

Almost reaching Dante's father's office, a faint sound could be heard from the room, and as I approached, I could hear Dante's father conversing.

When I reached the office, I could hear Dante's father talking through the door.

However, I couldn't make out what he was saying very well.

"Don't worry, Miss Elizabeth."

(Miss Elizabeth... who is he talking to?)

"Dante, come in."

I could tell he was behind the door... He has great perception.

I entered the room and saw Dante's father, dressed in a black suit with a goatee.

Smoking a joint as he looked out the window at the background landscape. While a vinyl record played classical music.

"Good morning, Father."

My vision... is getting blurry...

"...I see you're feeling better."

...H-his presence is really intimidating.

How could Dante have such a terrifying father? My legs are trembling, it's hard to breathe or articulate words.

"...Y-yes, I'm feeling better..."

"Hmphf, that's to be expected, since you're my son."

"Y-Yes..."

"Do you know why I've called you?"

I've got it... A proposal that the old Dante rejected because he was in love with her.

"I'll get straight to the point. Father, you want me to protect the princess, don't you?"

I ended up reading the diary that Dante conveniently left as an Easter egg.

And I read it thoroughly because it was interesting.

From a dating game that was obviously for girls, to having a damn intense hidden story.

Honestly, I don't know the rest.

Dante's father is asking me to protect the princess in the shadows while I'm at Bacti University...

Bacti University, an institute for the nobility.

This is where most of the main story takes place.

A university with highly educated scholars and well-prepared professors.

Additionally, I have to change the story, so I don't know what would happen if I were to die again.

In any case, the world of this damned game is just characters.

There's no reason not to doubt.

"I see you're ready to go."

"Yes, Father. I promise I won't fail in this mission."

This task is my future.

And I pledge that I'll avoid all the death flags that come my way.

"We are the Bearelf, and what do the Bearelf do?"

He said as he cleaned the blade of his sword.

"Eliminate all the scum that wishes to harm this pure land."

"That's right, our job is to rid this pure land of all the trash that harms it. Now, son, you have five weeks to prepare, and when you're ready, your hunt will begin."

"Yes, Father!"

Indeed, in five weeks, I'll be ready.

I'll eliminate all the scum that stands in my way. And I swear I won't fail.

Dante walked through the forest, observing the trees and creatures moving around him.

 Although he had been reincarnated in the Azzai Kingdom, his mind remained attached to his previous life in Japan.

He remembered his sister Hanae and their home, where they had lived together before dying.

As he walked, Dante pondered reincarnation. Was it real or just a human invention to cope with the fear of death?

Did life truly exist after death, or did everything end with the final breath?

But as he continued walking, something caught his attention.

A small rabbit moved around him, hopping from one bush to another.

Dante approached the rabbit and crouched down to get a closer look. Instead of fleeing, the rabbit nestled in his lap.

Dante smiled, gently stroking the rabbit's head. "What do you think, little one? Do you believe in reincarnation?"

The rabbit looked at him with curious eyes before leaping from his lap and running into the forest. Dante stood there for a moment, lost in his thoughts.

Finally, he stood up and continued walking through the forest, enjoying the feeling of fresh air on his skin and the gentle breeze blowing around him.

He knew he had much to learn about his new life in the Azzai Kingdom, but he also knew he couldn't forget his past.

He continued walking, thinking about his sister and all the things they had shared. He knew he would miss her forever, but he also knew she would always be in his heart.

With the sun shining on his face, Dante felt, for the first time in a long while, at peace with himself and the world around him.

Dante stared at his status window, trying to comprehend what he saw.

His full name was clearly displayed at the top, "Dante Bearelf." In the statistics section, he noticed he had a magical power of 30, but he wasn't sure what that exactly meant.

However, it was the skills section that intrigued him the most. The first skill that appeared was "Magic Combination," something he hadn't heard of before. He wondered what it meant and how he could use it.

He scrolled down and found another skill called "Concentration." Dante vaguely remembered hearing about it before, but he wasn't sure how to effectively use it, along with the other skills.

After a few minutes of reflection, Dante returned to the Bearelf mansion.

"Sir Dante, where were you? It's time for your training," Alfred said with a stern look.

"Yes... Alfred."

When I asked Alfred to train me...

I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be.

From the moment I woke up until now, all I've been doing is wielding my wooden sword.

I mean, I understand the basics of fencing. But I've never actually tried it.

Alfred taught me eight different attack angles. Which ones?

A direct strike downward from above.

A direct strike downward from below.

A diagonal strike downward to the left.

A diagonal strike downward to the right.

A diagonal upward strike from the right, with the right and left sides leveled.

I also need to know how to grip the sword correctly and how to extend my body at a 45-degree angle with the left foot in front of the right.

There were moments when I got tired, but I kept using magic to strengthen my body and not get exhausted.

Additionally, Alfred taught me defensive techniques to protect myself from my opponents' attacks. He taught me how to block attacks with my sword and how to dodge them with agile movements. I also learned how to anticipate my opponent's moves and how to counterattack at the right moment.

The training was exhaustive, but I knew it was necessary to become a strong and capable warrior. Every day, my technique and endurance improved, and soon I would be ready to face any challenge that came my way.

However, I knew the real test would be in actual battle. But with the skills and knowledge gained from Alfred, I was confident that I could protect my kingdom and people from any threat. And so, with determination and courage, I continued my training, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"[Dark Attribute Recovery Technique Phase 1: Healing Shadow]"

I knew how difficult it would be.

But I would do anything to save my future! Plus, I don't want to have problems on the battlefield, right?

So, I'll endure this training no matter what!

I believe. Certainly, I want to be like Musashi Miyamoto or nearly the same.

Becoming an excellent swordsman in every aspect.

Being like those guys with overpowered abilities that appear in manga and anime.

Or even like that black-clad swordsman who teleports into an online game.

Come to think of it, aren't they almost the same? It could be...

But with the difference that I got hit by a truck while saving a child's life and ended up with the worst luck as a character marked by death.

Well, I'm not complaining about my situation. The swordsman had to survive so he wouldn't be killed.

I'd rather not worry about it anymore.

I'm a supporting character, right? When it's over, I'd like to live a peaceful life, yes...

I've also thought about becoming a spy...

Do you know those amazing people from movies who do their job without being detected?

To carry out high-risk missions, infiltrate organizations, disarm bombs, save the world from a possible world war, or form a team of spies?

Well, something like that.

Or maybe I want to let fate decide my future.

By the way, in the Azzai Kingdom, people have unique magical abilities that set them apart from each other. These abilities result from having a high concentration of magical energy in their bodies, allowing them to perform supernatural feats.

However, not everyone is equal in terms of the quantity and quality of their magical energy. Some have powerful and unique abilities, while others have simpler and less outstanding skills. Additionally, there are people who don't have magical abilities at all.

In my case, I still don't know how to "differentiate" that magical power in different people.

For those who possess magical abilities, their usage depends on the ability to control and focus their magical energy. While some can easily use their abilities, others may struggle to control them; it's also said that every living being has its distinct light.

There are magical abilities for healing, defense, attack, elemental manipulation, etc. Each of these abilities has its strengths and weaknesses, and their effective use relies on the understanding and skill of each individual.

Furthermore, some mages can combine abilities to create more powerful and astounding effects. I include myself in this group, however, combining abilities requires a great deal of energy and control, and only the most talented and experienced mages can successfully do it.

In the Azzai Kingdom, magical abilities are valued and respected. Those who possess them are considered significant in society and are recruited to serve in the military or as bodyguards for nobles.

However, there are also those who abuse their abilities and cause harm to others. These individuals are pursued by magistrates and judged for their actions.

Overall, magical abilities are an integral and esteemed part of life in the Azzai Kingdom, and those who possess them are a force to be reckoned with in both society and on the battlefield.

Right now, I'm doing 999 out of 1000 moves, and when I finish, Alfred tells me.

"1000 more moves."

Just when I thought I was done, Alfred gives me the order for 1000 more moves...

"What? But Alfred, my arms feel like they're falling off."

"Are you afraid, Dante-sama?"

"Alfred, is that even an option?"

"Well... Out of all the people I've trained, you're the only one who lasted on the first day."

"I don't know why, but I feel so flattered."

"Jojojo."

"Hahaha."

Alfred and I burst into laughter.

The fear has disappeared since I faced death, but fear sometimes acts as a warning.

And I think I've mentally changed since I died. And yes, I've thought about my actions.

"In my past life, I was always a serious person, had no friends...

I had no romance!

And worst of all...

I died without losing my virginity!

Thinking about it, Dante felt sad and at the same time ridiculous. What was the point of worrying about those things now that he had died and been reincarnated in another world?

But Alfred's laughter interrupted his thoughts.

"What's up, Alfred?"

"Nothing, just... it's funny how you think about such trivial things. But don't worry, Dante-sama, I'm sure you'll have plenty of opportunities here to meet people and... experience new things."

Dante didn't know whether to be glad or uncomfortable about Alfred's insinuations.

"Hey, don't push it!"

But even as he tried to hide it, the idea of having new experiences and adventures in his life in the new world excited him.

"Huh? Oh, yes... If you... say so... Dante-sama." Alfred said it slowly, then paused.

"Do you want to face me?"

He draws his sword.

I thought he was just going to continue the training, but I looked more closely at what was in his hand...

It wasn't a training sword; at that moment, I realized Alfred was serious, he had a real sword.

"W-what are you doing, Alfred?"

I exclaimed with a voice filled with concern and a smile mixed with desperation.

"W-wait... What are you going to do!?"

Right then, his expression changed from a formal smile to a sadistic seriousness. Don't hold back, Dante-sama, use your inspiration to survive.

Alright then, if he's serious, I feel like I should respond in kind...

Alfred, who was right in front of me, disappeared in an instant.

He disappeared?! I can still feel his aura!

...?!

I used my mana to create a sword and avoid the deadly attack.

If I don't dodge this attack, I won't escape unharmed.

The clash of swords resonated.

"Ugh!"

Fortunately, I managed to parry it.

The swords clashed against each other, cutting through the air and slicing the ground.

Alfred was truly powerful, every one of his movements was fast and precise, leaving no room for error.

My muscles ached, and my movements slowed, while Alfred continued to fight with a sadistic smile on his face.

I tried using my mana abilities to try and find an opening, but Alfred seemed to anticipate each of my moves.

"Gah!"

A cut tore my shirt, leaving a shallow wound on my chest.

Old fool, he wants to kill me!

Shortly after, it began to rain.

He really means business!

I still don't understand his goal!

But...

But Alfred, you can't keep playing like this!

Once again, the clash of swords resonated as they cut through the water.

The battle continued with ferocity, Alfred's speed and precision in his movements left me breathless. Each of his attacks seemed intended to finish me, and I struggled to defend myself.

My movements were slower than his, but I wouldn't give up. I used my mana to increase my speed and attack power, allowing me to keep up with Alfred.

Cuts and thrusts followed relentlessly, but neither of us managed to defeat the other. Our bodies were covered in sweat, breathing heavily, and our muscles tense.

"Kuh!"

Distance is key now, just a few steps away.

But this won't help against Alfred.

Alfred disappeared again, moving towards me with unimaginable speed.

Discouraged by his movement, he appeared in front of me, and I managed to raise my sword to block his attack.

Then, I immediately changed to counterattack.

I have to dodge Alfred's attack using "Parry"!

Surprised, I repositioned myself and turned to attack.

Deflecting his attack as I repelled his sword.

To find his blind spot and direct my strike.

"?!"

The distraction of repelling his sword didn't seem to work.

My mind and body were exhausted, but still, I couldn't afford to let my guard down against Alfred.

Concentrating my mana, I tried to cast a spell that would immobilize him.

But the moment I began to shape the magic, Alfred attacked me again.

His sword was approaching my neck.

"I won't allow it!"

Using the last of my remaining mana, I managed to halt his attack.

Our swords clashed with incredible force, and the sound resonated throughout the room.

I realized I couldn't win against Alfred with just physical skills.

I had to use my mana to enhance my power.

"Take this, Alfred!"

I launched a fireball with all my might.

But Alfred simply evaded it with an agile movement.

"What's the matter, Dante-sama? Are you already tired?"

I couldn't respond; my breath was short, and my body was sweating from fatigue.

Alfred smiled and attacked again.

"No! I can't lose here!"

Concentrating all my energy into my sword, I raised it.

The clash of our swords resonated again, but this time, it seemed I was gaining ground.

I could feel confidence welling up within me.

"I will do it! I will defeat Alfred!"

He feigned a move and kicked me in the groin.

"Kuh!"

His sword movements were so fast that no ordinary person could follow them with their eyes.

"Uh-oh, uh-oh, uh-oh."

Breathing rapidly, I looked into Alfred's eyes and saw a monster.

A true demon reflecting a THIRST FOR BLOOD.

How can the NPC project all of that?

In my astonishment, a voice suddenly echoed in my head.

[I've noticed that you've made a mistake by saying NPC. According to your ****** memory, it's NPC, not NCP. How many times can you forget what you've heard? Please don't be so foolish next time.]

When I heard the voice resonating in my head.

I couldn't react with surprise to the situation I found myself in.

[... Ahem! Well, focus on the battle and good luck.]

The voice stopped sounding in my head.

Ah, I'll talk to you when you reappear.

I eased the tension in my arms and exchanged words with Alfred.

"You're strong... Alfred."

"Jojojo! I'm your teacher, after all, of course, I'm strong!"

"Damn old man, being narcissistic in this situation."

"Jojojo! That hurt, Dante-sama."

The short conversation ended.

The battle resumed.

Exchanging more than 10 moves with our swords.

Cutting through the water again.

Which turned into small sprinklers.

After a few minutes, the rain stopped.

Revealing a rainbow in the skies.

Dante unleashed his sword and turned it into a dagger.

Breathing more relaxedly and stretching his arms to calm his nerves once more.

"What? Don't you like your sword?"

Alfred mocked, laughing.

"Shut up, will you?"

I decided to change strategy and use only my daggers. Alfred seemed surprised by my decision but didn't say anything and kept attacking.

With my agility and dexterity, I managed to dodge his attacks and counterattack with my daggers.

The battle became more intense, the movements were faster and more precise.

Alfred didn't seem accustomed to fighting against someone who only used daggers, which gave me a slight advantage.

But I didn't get complacent; I knew that Alfred was a master swordsman and could change his strategy at any moment.

I stayed focused on the battle, trying to find any opening I could exploit.

Finally, after several minutes of intense combat, I managed to land a precise blow on Alfred's shoulder, forcing him to step back a few paces.

"Well done, Dante!" Alfred exclaimed, smiling with pride. "I expected nothing less from you."

Despite the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, I felt a great relief upon hearing his words. But...

I found a weakness in his speed.

Alfred can only disappear for about 8 seconds within a 6-meter radius.

It's like my ability (Vanish).

But with Alfred, if you're within his radius, you'll be overwhelmed by his ability no matter how he uses it.

But I'm not worried; I've discovered your ability, so I can win and end this soon.

Alfred, I can tell you've dug your own grave by underestimating me.

I hope your mind can handle what's about to happen; brace yourself...

The games are over.

"Alfred... What happens if I take ten steps back?"

I took one step back and then another.

Now tell me, "How did you figure it out?" You've truly entertained me!

"H-how did you figure it out? W-well... It doesn't matter."

"Heh..."

My emotions were completely scattered, and my face reflected a wicked grin. - [Vanish]

For three seconds.

I disappeared from his sight, and for three seconds, I had enough time to send him to hell.

This feeling...

The desperation emanating from Alfred seems to be what some of us are made for.

Hunter and prey.

Show me fear.

I want to see it, the despair of dying.

Tell me how it feels.

Come on, say it, say it, say it, say it!

"Stop!!"

Right at that moment, Eileen stops us.

Eileen? Did you fix your hair...? Isn't that another servant dress? How many dresses do you have...?

The girl who was about 20 meters away screamed in desperation.

With tears in her beautiful crimson eyes.

Eileen comes and stands in front of me.

"Dante-sama!"

She cries and raises her hand to deliver a strong slap.

A slap that I hear from several blocks away.

It was definitely my fault for getting so carried away, but why?

Is it because I don't feel any resentment if I had killed my loyal servant?

Am I an emotionless monster?

Is it because I believe they're just simple NPCs?

I don't know, I really don't know.

Eileen looks at me with desperation and sadness.

"Why, Dante-sama?! How can you fight like this against someone who has been loyal to you all this time?"

-Eileen... I'm sorry....

I have no excuse for my behavior.

I feel ashamed for letting myself be carried away by the thrill of battle and losing control.

"I'm very sorry, Alfred. I shouldn't have attacked you like that."

I bow my head.

Alfred looks at me with a smile and a gesture of acceptance.

"Don't worry, Dante-sama. As your servant, I'm here to protect you even if it means fighting against you."

Alfred starts laughing.

It's impressive that he's acting so naturally after nearly being killed.

"That's what I've always liked about you, Alfred. You're loyal and you're always there for me."

I realize how fortunate I am to have someone like Alfred by my side.

And I promise to be more mindful of my actions in the future and treat my loved ones with more respect and care.

"Eileen, please forgive me."

"It's alright, Dante-sama. But please, think before you act next time."

I nod my head and thank her for her understanding.

Looking at Eileen, a smile of tenderness appears on her face.

Well, it was nice to see that look, that smile on her face.

...

..

.

A few months have passed since that incident in the rain. Since then, I've been working hard to help my servants in the mansion. I learned that they're not just NPCs, but living beings with their own stories and personalities.

Now I treat them kindly and respectfully, and they respond with the same attitude. They're always happy to see me and greet me with a smile.

Even Alfred, my master and sword rival, has changed his attitude toward me. He now takes the time to teach me more sword techniques, and we're on good terms.