"By the way, Damon... in the fight or any other battle, you didn't use any magic. All you did was swing your axe. Is there any reason for that?"
One of the people in Bardok's group asked, eyeing the destroyed axe Damon held in his hands.
Magic and elements were common topics among the people of this world. Fighters and adventurers openly revealed their elements and powers—especially those chasing fame.
Hiding one's element, like protagonists in web novels, wasn't a practice of this world. In fact, concealing one's magic was something people would question rather than admire.
"You fool. He's already so strong! Didn't you see how easily he finished off his opponents? With skills like that, why would anyone use magic unnecessarily?"
Instead of Damon, it was Bardok who replied, shaking his head.
"Isn't that right, brat?"
Looking at Bardok, Damon didn't answer immediately. He took a moment, pondering how to respond.
"Well… you're half right about that."
Finally, Damon muttered as everyone's curious gazes turned to him.
"What do you mean by 'half right'?" Hakuya asked.
"Hm? D-does that mean you don't know magic?" Poncho added, puzzled. It wasn't uncommon for some tribes to lack proper magical knowledge due to their unique ideologies.
"No. It's nothing like that," Damon shook his head before an idea formed in his mind. He gestured for the group to follow him to a less crowded area near a tree.
"See, I wasn't born with a conventional element. The element granted to me at birth was the Dark Element."
""D-Dark Element?!""
Poncho and Bardok's group shouted in surprise. The Dark Element was a rare affinity—many lived their whole lives without ever meeting a user of it. To possess it was a big deal.
Hearing the outburst, a few people nearby turned toward the source. Damon didn't mind the attention; in fact, he welcomed it. His plan required witnesses.
Approaching the tree, Damon placed his hand gently on its bark.
"My ability is what I call Nature's Blessing."
A golden aura began to swirl around him—its radiance blinding. Golden petals of light danced around his giant frame, his hair lifting as a gentle wave of energy spread outward, enveloping the tree.
"It allows me to connect with nature—to control the elements and wield them as I wish."
The withered tree, once thin and frail, began to transform. Its trunk thickened, branches strengthened, and vibrant green leaves sprouted one after another. Within moments, it stood tall and majestic—a vision of life and divinity.
"My god…"
"Heavens… t-this…"
The onlookers stood frozen, their jaws dropped, their legs trembling. The rejuvenated tree, glowing under the golden light, looked like something straight out of a divine painting.
"A Saint…" a woman whispered unconsciously, collapsing to her knees.
"Saint?" An old man beside her repeated, gazing at the radiant figure before him. The image etched itself into his mind—a man bathed in holy light before a sacred tree.
"Yes… if not a Saint, then who could perform such a miracle?" the man said, his legs giving out as he fell to his knees.
"Saint!"
"Saint!"
One by one, the people began shouting, their voices rising in unison as they knelt before Damon.
"My my… things have gotten pretty dangerous here," Hakuya muttered, realizing the gravity of what was unfolding. He knew all too well what such a title could do to people.
Poncho prostrated himself, and Bardok's group clasped their hands together reverently.
'How troublesome,' Hakuya thought, watching the scene. 'This will create waves far beyond what they imagine.'
***
The world may have been filled with magic and wonder, but at its core—it was still a **medieval world**.
Its people were simple, ruled by faith and superstition more than reason. In times of chaos—when demons roamed and kingdoms burned—figures of destiny always arose.
This era was no different. It gave birth to heroes who carried the weight of nations and carved their names into history:
The Saintess of the Empire, the Empress Maria, the Great Man Emperor Fuuga Haan, who founded the largest empire in Landia's history, and the Wise King Souma A. Friedonia.
Each of them shone in their own way, but what truly made them great?
The answer was simple—the fans. The people
It was the people's faith that elevated them. Their worship, their trust, their need for hope—that was what made these individuals the chosen of their era.
Souma's summoning as hero that garnered all attention followed by the brilliance in governance made him the Wise King.
Maria's compassion and position as empress birthed the Saintess.
Fuuga's strength, charisma and might crowned him the Great Man who went on conquering the continent.
And now, Damon's goal was to kill Souma Kazuya.
But having gained a human body and will, Damon's ambition had evolved. He didn't simply wish to end Souma's life.
It wasn't just about killing a man, it was about destroying Parnam itself. And that required more than strength. It required power, authority, and followers.
Power that only the support of people could provide.
To destroy Parnam—to rival Souma—he needed an army of loyal men. He needed influence, recognition, and fame.
Saying it was easy. Achieving it was not.
But today's performance was the first step—a crucial move in a long and calculated plan.
First, he needed to publicly establish his magic—to create a record of his abilities for the world to see. Revealing a vague, flexible power like "Nature's Blessing" allowed him to use multiple abilities without raising suspicion.
Second, he needed to craft an image—a divine figure chosen by nature itself. The name Nature's Blessing invoked holiness, serenity, and reverence. It was something the masses could easily believe in and worship.
Assassins, politics, schemers—none of them worried him. With his power and adaptability, such threats were trivial. Such were the perks of being absurdly overpowered
Hiding in the shadows was for protagonists of cliché tales. Damon had no need for that.
The world was changing, and to capture it, he had to stand in the light—not skulk in the dark. The world would be beyond recognisable in a few years and to achieve his goal playing in dark would just slow his progress whereas the Recognition he would get would hasten everything.
And the final purpose—fame.
He needed to attract the attention of those who mattered—the ones whose roles were essential in shaping his future.
***
"Did you hear? A Saint has appeared in the capital!"
"Saint? Really?"
"Hah, what Saint? You people exaggerate everything. The man himself said he wasn't one!"
Parnam buzzed with excitement as the rumor spread like wildfire.
"Apparently, that man has the power to communicate with nature and heal trees!"
"Really?"
The whispers spread fast, reaching the ears of a certain someone.
"Excuse me… can you tell me more about this Saint?"
A beautiful dark elf—clad in sturdy armor and carrying a sword—approached the gossipers' table, her eyes serious and intent.