Chapter 6: Gar Velud von Arcadia
Don't you kill her...!
Fuck fuck fuck fuck FUUUUUUUUUCCCCKKK. I don't want a short life. Not when I'm finally healthy.
Gar, or more accurately 'I', was grabbing Ruby by the neck and was getting ready to really torture her.
The thoughts of killing her and making her regret being born was outweighing my unconsciousness.
I needed to somehow bridge the gap into subconscious if I wanted any hope of affecting him.
But the me right now had no influence over Gar.
He was doing whatever.
Just as I was losing my mind about all this, a screen popped up that scared the living shit out of Gar.
[System activated... Initiating protocols...]
[Scanning user... Please wait until completion...]
"What in the world is this madness?" I spoke in a tone unbefitting a man born in the modern era.
It looked like this place really was old-fashioned.
The only good part about this was that Gar was so unnerved that he let go of Ruby Swordwick's neck.
That side character whose only purpose was death.
"Begone. I shall entertain whatever excuses you have tomorrow. Wherever you may sleep, it better not be with another man." Gar threatened the terrified young woman with blonde hair. He shooed her off.
This wasn't his first time being poisoned, so it was no surprise he was unnervingly calm about it all.
The only reckless action being nearly attacking her.
Since he had regained his bearing somewhat by the strange situation, he focused more on the 'System'.
He moved around a little and saw that not only was the blue screen in the air in front of him, but it also following him. It was a bit funny seeing how he was acting like this. Different from in the book.
As you'd probably expect, the only times Gar was mentioned in 'Steelwell Chronicles' was when he did bad things. Even sins were the only things that would be mentioned by others when it's about him.
He walked out and watched the pitiful girl leave, all while looking at her shiver in her nightgown coldly.
Then turned towards the screen floating next to him.
"Did the poison affect me?" He murmured.
Err... This was probably Enigma's doing. I remember he wanted to give me something to help my growth.
That was probably this blue system interface.
But did he lie about me having a loving family?
...This bastard.
BASTARD!
Gulp. My intense wave of emotions seemed to have bubbled up to the surface. My longing for affection.
In response to that, Gar started thinking about his own desire for affection he'd forgotten over time.
Or even if there was a time he had longed for it.
The faces of the people he cared about flashed through my head, and he started walking himself.
Going the opposite direction from Ruby.
As someone who was familiar with the palace, it didn't take long for him to find the right room.
But where was this little guy heading to...?
He ended up right in front of a particular door, and was just about to let himself in... He hesitated.
What for?
It didn't seem like there was anyone who'd stop him.
Still, it seemed to take great courage for him to enter the room. His body creaked and ached momentarily.
The room inside was pink and frilly in nature. A big bed laid close to the door. Likely for one reason.
That being the particular girl sitting inside.
I was a bit surprised.
There was tiger tattoos on her body along with a tail and ears. She was definitely what you'd call a 'Beast'.
Or one with the blood of one flowing through them.
She had radiant colours highlighting her hair and outfit. It made her seem pretty extroverted in nature.
Moreover, there were other tattoos besides tiger stripes on her body simply shown through her clothes. As one would expect, she was showing off a lot of skin compared to regular girls in my world.
It was likely the change in societal norms.
It made me realise that this demonic kingdom truly was the melting pot of different races and customs.
Also known as the dreaded 'Valkcry Empire'.
—(Concept Art)—
Gar secretly gulped while looking at the girl's back.
She seemed to treat him coldly despite how he felt.
Not even turning around when he arrived.
"Nyaura, I think... going crazy." He stuttered and couldn't form proper sentences in front of the girl.
I started to feel his guilt and animosity towards her.
A strange mix of emotions, but the most prevalent emotion among them was the feeling of trust.
"What's wrong?" Despite her initial coldness, she seemed to become more worried at his weakness.
Acting like he was being strange right now.
"T-there... I can see something there. Please tell me this isn't simply my delusion. Sister, I think I'd accidentally overestimated myself this time. Am I going to die?" His tone became more childish.
He was afraid this was the result of poisoning. That he was seeing illusions before experiencing death.
"Sit down. Come here." Nyaura gestured and got him closer to her, then spoke: "What can you see?"
Gar started to open up to her without thinking.
It was an action I couldn't believe the monarch described as 'cold, unfeeling, wicked' would take.
Considering his current age, he seemed to still be a prince of Valkcry Empire at this point in his life.
There wasn't information I could get regarding it.
From what I knew, his first appearance in Steelwell Chronicles was in 15 years. Which would be when the main character and Ruby Swordwick's newborn younger sister would be old enough to journey.
I had no information to go off besides that.
Only that there was a good reason he was overreacting about poison in a world of magic.
"Did you say poisoned?" While they were talking, it looked like they breached the subject from earlier.
It looked like Ruby tried to poison me, or should I say 'Gar'. Which was a bad decision, after all…
"I should have become immune by now, but it looks like I was blinded by hubris." He spoke in that posh tone that was infecting me at this point. It was hard to tell which parts were my own words between 'his'.
[Scanning complete.]
[Name: Gar Velud von Arcadia
Job: ??? (Unrecorded)
Personal Skills: ??? (Unrecorded)
Intrinsic Skills: ??? (Unrecorded)
Unique Skills: ??? (Unrecorded)
Ultimate Skills: … (Unavailable)
Power: ??? (Unrecorded)
Agility: ??? (Unrecorded)
Speed: ??? (Unrecorded)
Defence: ??? (Unrecorded)
Magic: ??? (Unrecorded)]
Honestly, I gave up reading the pop up due to the staggering number of 'unrecorded' specs on it.
Gar reacted a bit differently.
"What happened?" Nyaura asked after seeing him hide behind her back. Looking at thin air fearfully.
"The illusion has changed." He spoke with dignity.
Even if hiding behind his dear 'sister' was the most cowardly thing to do, he still showed his emotions.
…What was wrong with this 'Demon King'?
I get that he's young, but how was he able to survive thing long in a society that despises 'weakness'?
To the point that there were no such thing as healers in this country. Since the weak SHOULD die.
This was the sort of crazy world I was reborn into.
No, should I call it a crazy empire or society instead?
The kingdom they were most wary of, Drakeyol, at least had things like healers among their ranks.
These stupid-
"What are the rules of this delusion?" Gar asked a smart question rather than shrinking in cowardice.
It looked like Nyaura egged him on to say that.
[1. The System can only record existing Skills with relevant experience. New skills must be learnt.]
[2. You cannot trade or lose Skills. Knowledge of the recorded skills shall stay fresh in the user's mind.]
[3. 'Skill Retention' is the only ability the current system is capable of. Please evolve me for perks.]
Gar told Nyaura what he saw in the messages, and the girl thought about what this was seriously.
"I think you have awakened a Unique Skill." Just as she said these words to him, the system acted up.
[Congratulations!]
[Unique Skill: 'System Interface' is now recorded.]
Enigma made him awaken a Unique Skill? Nice~ It looks like I got a cheat on top of his existing traits.
"It looks like you're right. The screen now says I've recorded my Unique Skill." Gar started to say calmly.
It looked like he finally adapted to the blue screens and pop ups. I wonder how this'll be interpreted.
"Does that mean the danger had forced you through your awakening? But what does 'Skill Retention' mean?" Nyaura asked about the first privilege the system gave him. Admittedly, it didn't seem strong.
"Let me try it." Gar spoke while unknowingly becoming more intimate and honest with her.
From the way he hesitated earlier in front of her door, I guessed they usually didn't speak like this.
There seemed to be something I didn't know here.
Well, I also never knew he had a blood-related sister since the novel said he was unique in bloodline.
Gar, unlike his caring sister, didn't have feline ears or even a tail. He seemed completely human.
That was his most unique trait in this empire.
Literally everyone here had the blood of monsters and beasts through their veins. Even him.
However, how was Gar still born as a 'Human'?
Instead of thinking more of this useless thought, I watched as he 'recorded' his first Skill into the system. There was a circular loading symbol that filled up as he started emitting waves of power.
[Intrinsic Skill: 'Dark Origin (S Rank)' has been recorded. Stability has undergone changes.]
[Details: The source of the user's Dark Mana. The attribute and Skill that empowers using shadows.]
I could feel a distinct change in the System Interface after recording this skill. It didn't take memories.
The astral body I was using, formed by Gar's unconsciousness, touched the Skill on the interface.
I didn't see any memories, but the physical knowledge of someone experienced the magical energy and Attribute of darkness coursed through my veins- No, should I say it was already there?
Now this was a neat little trick…
Normally, Mana could only be moulded through conscious effort… but now a change occurred.
Likely because my ego existed deep in his heart.
Gar's consciousness and ego was so strong that I couldn't influence it, but his Mana was different.
[Detecting unconscious influence over Mana.]
[Recording data… New Skill is being formed…]
[Intrinsic Skill: 'Dark Origin' has evolved thanks to certain conditions being met. Parameters increased.]
[Intrinsic Skill: 'Imperium of the Abyss' has been recorded. Update has increased control and ability.]
"My power… I think it has improved." Even though Gar was already naturally talented, he now had an even greater control over his limitless powers. The abilities he'd only understand after fully maturing.
I waited in anticipation for him to record another Skill into the system, but Nyaura stopped him.
"Don't. We aren't sure what it does." Although she felt his power change, this was concerning instead.
"Why?" Gar didn't understand her.
"What's the details for it?" When she asked this, the young man unconsciously looked at the screen.
[Details: Your unconsciousness will now affect your mana. Effects unknown. Allows to use Skills in the state of unconsciousness.] These words suddenly made him realise what this evolution truly entailed.
"This is…" Not only was he disappointed, he started to look anxious upon realising the implications.
Having his unconscious embedded into his Mana meant that chaos might happen when he's asleep.
"What effects does it have?" Nyaura seemed worried now. Even though he had been so eager to answer earlier, the fact that he became silent meant that her suspicions about his Unique Skill were warranted.
"Is it something dangerous?" She continued while raising a brow at him, but he still kept his silence.
"…I'll tell you later." After a while of thinking, Gar finally decided to brush it off until he was certain.
"But Gar-"
"Princess Cheshire, your mother and our father would be disappointed if you called me by my given name. As a concubine's son, I'm obligated by royal command to not cause any further distress. I shall take my leave." Translation: 'Screw it. Bye now.'
She didn't seem to take his words to heart. Even as he was taking this chance to pretend he didn't come.
She looked like an extrovert, but her personality didn't match that colourful hair she was sporting.
Simply waving him goodbye.
From what I could tell, Gar was still a prince at this point and he'd yet to slaughter everyone in sight.
Good situation, but that's just for now.
If he ended up going the exact same path, both of us were going to have a horrifying and tragic death.
To stop that from happening, I need to influence him. Gotta work on his obviously evil personality.
I mean, there's no way a good kid can become bad enough that he'd want to destroy the entire world.
Looks like I needed to educate him myself.
And the best way to do that was…
[Would you like to record a Skill?]
Although it was unfortunate I couldn't get the legendary 'Absolute Mastery of Dark Origin' that Gar innately possessed, that only meant I needed to do some experiments to use Dark Mana for myself.
I watched as rather than heading to his shared room with Ruby, the young man headed to the servant quarters. The place where the rooms for servants that lived inside the absurdly large palace had slept.
Gar seemed to be aware that Ruby had a close relationship with a certain cat girl sleeping there.
When he saw the familiar blonde hair that was unique in this place, Gar nodded and turned away.
Looking a little depressed…
Did he have feelings for his wife?
…No, this was too complicated for it to be just affection. He didn't hate her, so that was good.
And it looked like he was rational enough to know he should control himself rather than doing it outright.
Even if he killed her, it'd be better not to take blame.
Else the heroine will kill us in the future.
After leaving, he went back to the room his wife and him were sleeping in earlier. I felt something odd.
Fuck, why was my manhood straightening itself up?
Was there a military protocol?
My question was answered when he started to breathe heavily. The evil look from before returned.
He opened the door to his room.
Nobody was there at first.
But it didn't take long for me to realise that there was someone else in this room being hidden away.
Gar's blood started rushing as he headed towards the underside of his bed. Reaching out underneath it.
From there, his hands touched a soft arm that had been hidden under the bed… along with the person.
He tugged the individual, and what appeared was a woman with similar blonde hair to Ruby Swordwick.
But there was one part of her completely different.
This girl had elven ears…
"Hmmm~ Hm~" Her mouth was stuffed and covered with a cloth. A gag for a particular purpose.
"You behaved so well today. She didn't even notice you were here. How was it today? Good?" Gar had that red blush of lust all over his face. Smiling like an idiot while untying the cloth gag around her mouth.
I started to notice other things in the meantime.
It looked like he'd tied her up in a way that made each subtle movement grind the rope on her crotch.
Was he always this good at binding people?
Urgh… What kind of wicked relationship does he have with her? Since she's an elf, a race known for their high pride… did that mean she was forced here? But the expression on her face was strange.
There was a happy smile under that gag.
—(Concept Art)—
"Hah… Hah… Master, that was so thrilling. You're the best at this~!" She spoke while snuggling close.
Gar lifted her up and gently placed her on the bed.
His hand unravelling the red ropes that had been tying her until recently. Showing mark on her body.
Still, it didn't seem to bother her whatsoever.
"Hold still. The knot is a little hard to untie." Gar leaned her on his chest and started working himself.
Dutifully untying the rope with attention to detail.
Even though he was being covered in her sweat, the boy didn't seem to mind. He liked her scent.
There was the faint smell of incense from her body.
Was this how elves worked?
The way they looked at each other definitely spoke of a servant-master relationship, but they seemed very close. I didn't know that was even possible. Was she some sort of masochist that liked being tied up?
"Master, where has your wife-"
"Shush…" He patted her head affectionately, then spoke directly into her long ears: "I need your 'care'."
Her eyes brightened up at the thought of it.
Before he could untie her arms, she pushed him over and pressed her chest against his naturally hard abs.
Untrained, but rougher than a woman's bosom,
Through him, I felt the sensation of the breasts under her clothes. It made me feel tortured.
Damn this egotistical body…!
"Please give me some love, Master." Again and again she called out to him by that name while writhing.
"I'll use your body well." Gar spoke before locking lips with the woman. Putting his hands all over her.
Before this got weird, I started using the 'Mana' learnt recently to move my awareness elsewhere.
I had no intention of interrupting my conscious.
The sensations he was feeling still poured into me as usual, but I was able to keep my mind off of it.
There's some things that needed taking care of.
Since the only way to communicate to him was through this System Interface, I made myself known.
[Attempting connection… Success…]
[Personal Skill: 'CQC Mastery (Grandmaster)' has been recorded. Experience is being compiled…]
I could feel my personal memories flowing into the system interface. Becoming a trap for Gar.
Hopefully he liked the 'gift' I left for him.
Since he was doing his business with that girl, I decided to give him some space and train myself.
Readying myself for the inevitable confrontation.
For that reason alone, I let myself become a background extra and allowed him to take reigns.
He'll fall for my tricks sooner or later.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone