Zeke lay on the sofa, his fingers tapping absentmindedly on the armrest as his mind raced.
"Sure, increasing attributes is tempting, but leveling up from 1 to 2 is only a quantitative change, not a breakthrough.
A few points more in stats won't mean much when facing powerful Demon-level or even Dragon-level monsters. But the King Engine—that's different!"
His thoughts became sharper, more focused.
"This is a 'field' type skill! If I raise it high enough, the pressure and soundwaves it emits might flatten weak monsters instantly or disorient stronger ones, preventing them from attacking…"
"That would basically give me a passive fear aura!
And in a world where enemies don't know the truth, invisible pressure and psychological intimidation are way safer than throwing a punch that doesn't even hurt!"
"More importantly, it fits the character of King! What could be more iconic than scaring away a monster just by activating your heart engine?
That's the mark of the so-called 'strongest man on Earth!' A King who just charges in swinging like a brute? That's not even in character."
With that realization, Zeke didn't hesitate any longer.
"Yes. This is it. Intimidation is rooted in fear, and investing in the King Engine means reinforcing the very source of that fear!
Strengthen the brand first, and the rest will follow—safety, survivability, and more points!"
He willed the command into the system:
Would you like to spend 200 Intimidation Points to upgrade the skill "King Engine"?
"Yes," Zeke answered firmly in his heart.
The moment the command was confirmed, a strange sensation swept over his entire body.
It wasn't a physical change—it was something deeper, an intuitive understanding of sound and presence, flooding his mind and heart like an unstoppable tide.
Intimidation Points -200
Skill: "King Engine" proficiency upgrading...
His heart suddenly clenched… then expanded.
Not in pain—but as if his heart had become the central piston of an engine. Every pump was stronger, deeper, resonating with a mysterious force within his chest.
"King Engine" proficiency upgraded to: Adept (0/600)
Skill Effects Updated:
1. Regal Might (New): The King Engine now produces significantly enhanced sonic pressure, inflicting strong psychological stress on ordinary people.
2. Condensed Aura: The red aura intensifies. Its color darkens to a more oppressive shade, its shape more refined, like smoldering dark flames. Visual intimidation increases sharply.
3. Intimidation (Passive – New): When the host senses intense hostility or killing intent, the engine automatically emits shockwaves and faint aura. (Can disrupt surprise attacks and provide early warning.)
4. Minor Mental Resistance Boost: While the King Engine is active, the host gains slight resistance to mental effects like fear or confusion.
Adept!
Zeke shot upright on the sofa, eyes gleaming with excitement.
He pressed a hand to his chest.
Thump… thump… thump…
Even without consciously activating it, his excited state alone made his heartbeat slow and heavy, like the drum of a war machine.
It wasn't just a sound anymore—it was a force.
He could feel each powerful beat sending tiny pulses through the air around him.
Though the red aura hadn't fully manifested, Zeke could almost see it in his mind—an engine pulsing with unstoppable force, waiting to ignite.
"The passive effect… this is a literal life-saver!"
Zeke clenched his fists, thrilled. These 200 points were worth every single one.
The passive function alone could turn the tide in critical moments.
And that mental resistance bonus?
That confirmed it: the King Engine wasn't just about projecting power—it was beginning to shield him, too.
A wide, genuine smile spread across Zeke's face.
It was the first time since becoming King that he felt a true, confident sense of security.
"This… feels amazing." He whispered to himself, then his gaze drifted to the closed guest room door.
Inside lay a soft-bodied, helpless Demon-level monster—Mosquito Girl—who could steadily generate more Intimidation Points.
.....
The next day.
Afternoon sunlight poured lazily through the blinds of the guest room, casting long, thin shadows across the floor.
Mosquito Girl's long lashes trembled slightly. Her blood-red eyes slowly focused.
The first thing she saw was an unfamiliar, clean white ceiling.
Then came the pain—sharp, tight pressure from her waist and upper thighs.
She tried to struggle, terrified, but with all four limbs gone, her body couldn't move.
She was like a butterfly pinned to a display, only able to twist and writhe against the restraints. The motion pulled at her not-yet-healed wounds, sending a wave of searing agony through her.
"Ugh…" A stifled cry of pain escaped her pale lips.
Then her memory surged back like a freezing tide.
The crimson swarm of mosquitoes blotting out the sky. That relentless cyborg, Genos, and his blazing attacks.
And then… him.
The man in the cheap yellow jumpsuit… bald… expressionless.
He hadn't even looked serious.
Just slightly annoyed… as he raised his hand—
Smack!
A casual, almost lazy backhand… that tore through the sky.
In that moment, she felt her proud, hardened proboscis shatter like paper. Her skull nearly ripped clean off her body.
The impact turned her into a blazing comet, hurling her through several buildings.
Her precious blood sac had burst like a balloon, draining her of every last drop of power… and life.
"Huh…"
Mosquito Girl began trembling uncontrollably. Her red pupils shrank to pinpoints of panic.
That bald head.
That plain, unimpressive hand.
And the sheer annihilation and soul-wrenching despair it brought—it was now branded into her DNA like a primal scar.
Just remembering it made her chest tighten with suffocating fear, as though that bald monster might burst through the wall at any moment.
Creak—
The door to the guest room opened quietly.
But to Mosquito Girl, that soft sound exploded in her ears like thunder.
She stared at the doorway, every fiber of her body tense.
Zeke stepped inside.
He still wore his simple loungewear, but his expression was no longer relaxed. He carried himself with that carefully maintained calm and coldness unique to "King."
In his hand was a glass cup, filled with a thick, dark-red liquid.