That is death.
Like a squirrel, I suddenly jumped and rolled a few times, just in time to see a circle of fire pass right next to me.
Along with that was Rosal's scream.
"Die! How dare you tease me!"
Damn it, so young and already insane?
My eyelids twitched, I basically couldn't find any commonality between the quiet and somewhat eccentric Rosal in the game and this brat.
But now is not the time to think about that.
Since Rosal had changed her way of attacking, I was forced to pay more attention, so that every time she threw a circle of blazing fire at me, I could dodge in time.
And it seemed that Rosal had also realized my intention, so her steps became even more urgent.
Yes! Keep it up!
I thought to myself, while continuing to dodge. Rosal was about to go crazy.
"Stop right there! You coward!"
She was trying to provoke me, but girl, your words are so immature.
Suddenly, Rosal's arm stopped in mid-air, blocking her next strike.
My eyes widened at this sudden turn of events, then I realized I couldn't move either.
It was as if an invisible wall was surrounding my entire body.
What happened?
Just as I was bewildered, a deep male voice rang out.
"Let's stop here."
Immediately, I felt the restraints around my body disappear.
Turning my head, I saw a man approaching. He was a middle-aged man who looked quite gentle and polite.
Just as I was about to say something, Rosal shouted.
"Father! I…"
"Rosal, you lose. Stay there."
Although he still spoke in a gentle tone, his tone still contained a certain severity.
Rosal was momentarily silent, looking at me resentfully.
And I found out that this man was Rosal's father.
"Alright boy, come inside. You seem to have a story to tell?"
The gentleman extended his hand, and I was led numbly inside the city hall.
As it turns out, this man is not only Rosal's father, but also the mayor.
Mayor of Polin.
Standing before this man, I carefully arranged the story in my head, then used my somewhat immature voice to tell the story of how I had a strange dream. A dream in which a hole was torn through the middle of the city, causing terrifying existences to appear there and kill everyone. And after waking up, I discovered that I had awakened a strange power.
I didn't say what this power was, since I was just a "beggar child". But the mayor immediately understood that it was a [Unique Skill].
After telling the story, I sat still, my hands clutching my ragged shirt, showing my confusion.
The mayor was lost in thought.
Normally, what I say would be considered sleep talking, meaningless. But when I add the [Unique Skill] element, the weight of the story changes.
Because even if he didn't believe in my dream, he would still have to admit that I did indeed possess and demonstrate [Unique Skill], which would inadvertently increase the credibility of my story.
After all, [Unique Skill] was already a miraculous existence.
"Okay Arthur, tell me where you were when you had that dream."
After a moment of contemplation, the mayor said to me.
I knew he had some confidence, so I wanted to confirm it.
So, I honestly reported my location. The mayor then called someone over, giving orders that I couldn't hear clearly.
Then he smiled at me.
"Arthur, you must be tired, let me take you to rest."
Having said that, he called a servant over and guided me to a private room.
The servant who led me away furtively covered his nose and held his breath, seeming to not like me very much.
But that's okay, I stink right now.
Entering my private room, I lay down on the white bed feeling as if my body was melting.
So tired.
Accept the situation.
Test [Unique Skill].
Think of a plan.
Causing chaos in front of the city hall.
Fight... err, run away from Rosal to avoid being roasted.
Lie to the mayor.
Today has been a long day, too long.
For the first time I realized how long a day could be.
"How long has it been?"
I mumbled, my eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.
I have been used to this life of wandering around in my room for so long that time has become an experience for me.
I only know what I should do at this moment, when bored I work, when bored I play games, when hungry I eat.
I lived like that.
Because, I have nothing left, except myself.
Sleep came over me, drowning out my fleeting thoughts.
…
When I woke up, the sky was turning yellow, it was almost sunset.
I stared blankly out the window for a while before finally noticing my "system".
Mission to defeat Rosal completed.
Although I don't know how this system judges, but that's fine.
A familiar green treasure chest appeared in front of me. I focused on it and the treasure chest with a green halo opened.
Immediately, I felt my mind seemed lighter than before, a feeling so strange it was hard to describe.
"So this is Aether replenishment?"
I muttered to myself, then excitedly activated [Reinforcement].
But nothing has changed.
This puts me in a bad mood.
I remember now, this damn [Unique Skill] can't increase in power.
"Damn it, how did I get into this..."
I muttered in annoyance, then sighed.
At least I still have [Unique Skill], which is better than not having one.
I consoled myself.
It seems that the Aether replenishment reward has no other use except for helping me extend the duration of [Reinforcement].
But the more I think about it, the more uncomfortable I get, because I can't accept reality like that.
Thinking about the terrifying World Eater army that is about to land, if I only have my current strength, do I have a chance of survival?
It's really too far away.
So, I can't just sit around waiting to die!
I have to think of something.