Chapter 6: An Orc Then, A Human Now.
"Where am I?"
Laine was currently in an unknown place. His memory was a bit hazy, but he remembered most of the incidents that happened in that barren place. And he was sure that what had happened there wasn't a dream. But wasn't he supposed to train with The Grand Dragon, Kiyo, and take on an enemy superior to her?
"Was I deemed unfit to continue?"
If his memory served him right, he had collapsed after using up too much of his energy. Was that the reason?
"Well yes, but not for the reason you currently have in your mind."
It was the same voice that had helped him remember what had happened back then.
"You were strong enough to clear the test, but you still had some lingering regret. You are not allowed to set foot in the heavens. I was the one that decided for you not to fight the Fallen God, but only because you will have another chance."" The voice continued.
"Can I ask you something, stranger?" Laine finally opened his mouth.
"Why are you helping me out so much?" He continued.
"Kid, have you ever read the book A God's Memoir?"
"Yes," Laine answered.
"Then you should also have heard about there being a head God in the Heavens?"
"Yes," He answered. Again.
"Well, it's nice to meet you, kid. My name is Zeus, and I used to be the Head God of the Heavens."
These words didn't shock Laine, mainly because he knew that the person who was in his mind was not a simple existence. He was ready for it to be someone far worse, like Astaroth himself.
"It doesn't seem as if you need a minute to digest all this, so let me continue. As for the reason that I chose to help you, it is very simple. You can protect the lives of humans once, but can you guarantee their safety when your soul vanishes?"
Laine didn't answer that. Instead, he stood there contemplating. Whatever Zeus had said was the truth. He couldn't guarantee his safety, so how can he guarantee the safety of the entire race.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't have asked you this question if I already didn't have a solution to it. The solution is simple. Become strong enough to defeat all the gods in the council of eternity, make them regret losing to you, make the heavens a better place, and become the absolute overlord of that place."
This sentence shocked Laine. 'Aren't you supposed to be the head God? What do you mean by becoming the absolute overlord?'
"I know that this request might sound absurd, but you need to believe me. The current heaven is far inferior in terms of management than the heavens in the past. Loopholes have made it quite easy to toy with the current system of things. Also, all the gods there are too vain. Not having any regrets has made them complacent. That is why I need you to show them how much it hurts to be defeated by a mere human."
"Human?" He was confused. He was a demon, right?
But then, he noticed something. This body was different than his previous body. It was leaner, and his muscles were well-toned. His height was also greater than his previous body, which made him feel like this was a body that was more suited to martial arts like Drake. But there was also one particular thing.
"Are my horns gone? Have I been reincarnated as a human?"
This was like a breath of fresh air for Laine. He particularly didn't mind being a demon, and horns could be hidden by certain spells, but he was still happy that he was now a human.
Because now, he was one of the people he wanted to protect.
"It is good that you are fast on the uptake. Now that I have given you an explanation about the current situation and your goal, I have an offer for you." The voice said.
"What is it, Zeus?" Laine answered.
"Dropping the honorifics already? I still am a heavenly being you know..."
"But from the looks of it, you need me more than I need you," Laine answered
There was no way Zeus was doing all of this only for Laine. If that would have been the case, he wouldn't have made the goal that Laine had to reach filled with so many thorns laced with poison.
"I guess you are right. You are not in the wrong to have suspected me of being a selfish person. I am a selfish person to the core." Zeus said, with a voice that wasn't of Drake. It was his voice.
His voice was domineering, so much so that Laine felt pressure just by hearing the previous sentence.
"If you consider me an equal, I will give you the same consideration. Now, let's talk about the offer." He continued.
"I had the body placed in this forest because I wanted to train my successor to death. Due to certain limitations, you cannot use any magic spells. Also, your aura has been completely suppressed, just like when it was in the Soul realm."
No Aura? No spells?
"On a related note, 7 high-tiered monsters are marching towards this place. You can only use martial art skills. If you die, then everything is finished. You can only use your aura and spells when you can achieve the level 'harmony with the surroundings'."
"Zeus, what is my current level?" He asked, with his lip quivering.
"You are 2 levels below the High tier, the intermediate tier," Zeus answered.
There are 6 tiers in total.
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Super, High, Grand, and God.
In his previous body, he was the second-highest tier.
However, now, now he was the second-lowest tier.
"You..." Laine gritted his teeth.
"I don't think you have time to be angry at me." Zeus chuckled.
Suddenly, a greatsword came flying towards him. It was larger than his entire body in size, and it was aimed straight at his head.
"Dragon wrist flick!"
Just as the sword was about to connect, he used his counter move and changed the direction in which the greatsword was heading.
His left arm started to throb. The move helped him survive that attack, but still, the power behind it was too much for him. The pain was unbearable.
His legs were shivering. His arm was throbbing. But still, he wasn't afraid.
Because he was no longer the same Laine.
He had to improve! That was the main goal for now. And so,
"How could I let such a golden opportunity pass through my hands?"
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