Simon greeted another skeleton as he made his way back up through Caelryn Cave. The long trek was far more enjoyable in reverse. No worry of traps, no mounting pressure, and he got to pass the time by experimenting with his ill-gotten gains.

  Character Sheet.

  Simon

  Class: Fledgling

  Attributes: Transmigrator, Fell-Touched

  Level: 3

  HP: 90 / 90

  MP: 50 / 50

  Strength: 15

  Dexterity: 9

  Vitality: 9

  Intelligence: 5

  Unspent Points: 4

  Two new lines had been added. The first was Attributes, displaying his status as a Transmigrator, and as a human who was now Fell-Touched. The second was Unspent Points, denoting the stat points he'd earned from reaching Level 3.

  Stat points that hadn't been automatically allocated like the ones from Level 2. Simon couldn't be certain of exactly why, yet if he had to guess...Heroic Valor was the cause.

  I haven't fought anything since Stuart. Which means I made it to Level 3 solely by receiving bonus EXP from Heroic Valor's effect. It was entirely responsible.

  He drummed his fingers on his thigh as he walked. My first Level-up gave me 3 Strength and 1 Dexterity. It happened as a direct result of killing Stuart. And I killed him in a quick ambush, where I lifted him using a boost from the Glove of Power.

  During 'normal' Level-ups – where EXP was gained from slaughter – the system probably assigned his points based on his recent life experiences. After all, it was a system designed to expedite growth using RPG mechanics as a framework. Stuart had been slain by feats of Strength with a dash of Dexterity, so those stats got the bump.

  Heroic Valor complicated matters. The system wouldn't know how to assign his stats based on EXP gained from nebulous deeds of valor. Weakening the Demon of Ruination hadn't been a feat of Strength, Dexterity, or Vitality. Intelligence was the closest, but if the stat truly was just a catch-all term for Simon's proficiency with magic, then it didn't fit either.

  So the system had done what any self-respecting administrator did when faced with a roadblock...and passed the buck to someone lower down the chain. Simon could distribute his Level 3 stat points whichever way he pleased.

  A part of him wanted to believe that this was an intentional design choice on behalf of the gods of Good. It made sense when viewed from a top-down perspective. If a champion raised their Level through killing, then their stats would largely be decided for him.

  But if they instead gained Experience through heroic deeds, then they could mold themselves into any kind of fighter they desired. It incentivized the gods' chosen champion to conduct themselves like a hero – as opposed to an aimless murderhobo.

  However, Simon had met enough project managers to know better. The stat point flexibility from Heroic Valor was likely an unintended side effect. Something about it just screamed 'It's not a bug, it's a feature!' to him.

  That wasn't a bad thing. Abusing exploits was a tried-and-true method of getting stronger in RPGs.

  Now for the million dollar question. He gazed at his Character Sheet once more. How should I spend my stats? What will help me survive?

  It depended heavily on the next type of enemy he encountered. Maybe he would have to overpower something, or outrun something, or need the durability to endure just one solid hit. Strength, Dexterity, and Vitality were all crucial for different reasons.

  Intelligence less so, but that might rapidly become his most important stat if he learned magic one day. Neglecting it now felt like an easy way to screw himself in the long run. Shoving more points into Intelligence might even be what triggered his genesis as a Valtian sorcerer...although he wasn't willing to test that particular theory. Too much risk of wasted resources.

  After much deliberation, he opted to heroically pass the buck to future-Simon. He was a smart guy. He would figure it out.

  Moving on, present-Simon went further down his Character Sheet, scrolling past the lists of Traits, Active Skills, and Passive Skills. A section had been inserted at the bottom: Demonic Skills, complete with three completely new abilities.

  His mouth split into a wide grin. Stat points may have been the backbone of his power, but Skills represented options. It was enough to send his adventurer's heart aflutter.

  Demonic Shapeshift [Right Arm] (Rank MAX)

  -Your right arm now houses Fell power, which can be unleashed by assuming its true form. When this arm is Shapeshifted, your latent Demonic Skills become usable. Shapeshifting may be performed at will and costs no MP.

  For the umpteenth time, Simon watched as his human arm morphed to a limb of demonic savagery. Silver-black scales. Wicked talons as sharp as daggers. Even the arm's muscles felt stronger, as if benefiting from a diluted Glove of Power.

  It was amazing.

  It was also something he should never show another human. Kirkelas' words still rang clear in his mind.

  'This is likely your first encounter with a Demon, which means your mind is rife with misinformation and paranoia. The weightiness of our aura can feel...stifling. However, rest assured that the untoward rumors of my kind have been greatly exaggerated.'

  People in Valtia weren't fans of demons. Shocker.

  Simon doubted that they'd cut him any slack if they saw his Shapeshifted arm. His excuses of only being Fell-Touched would fall on deaf ears. Then it was straight to the angry mob wielding torches and pitchforks.

  And looking at his other two Demonic Skills...he wouldn't have blamed them.

  Fell Harvest (Rank 1)

  -When holding a person or creature in your Shapeshifted Arm's clutches, you may drain their life force. Draining them to the point of death will increase a chosen stat by 1 point.

  -As this ability evolves, more stat points shall be gained per death-drain.

  Simon intended to use Fell Harvest every chance he got. Four drains was equal to a whole Level, and that was just at Rank 1. It would significantly hasten his long-term growth; he couldn't have asked for a more advantageous Skill to acquire early on.

  ...Yet it probably wasn't the wisest Skill to employ around other humans. They wouldn't take kindly to seeing a 'Demon' suck the life out of creatures, even if he exclusively used it on mindless Beasts.

  Although he imagined that Fell Harvest would still be better-received than his third Demonic Skill.

  Subjugate Territory (Rank 1)

  -A unique demonic ability gained by subsuming mana from Kirkelas the Conqueror. If the established leader or governing body of a village, town, city, or any similar settlement yields authority to you, then you are granted dominion of the aforementioned area.

  -Native residents of this area will feel partially compelled to follow your orders. This authority cannot be revoked except by your death, or after one hundred years have passed without a renewal of authority.

  -Subjugate Territory's Rank may increase after a successful subjugation. As this ability evolves, more benefits shall be gained.

  The Demon's title wasn't for show. He'd actually gotten stronger from conquering.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  Simon listened carefully. By now, he was far away from the bottom of Caelryn Cave. But if he strained his ears...he could barely hear the sound of Kirkelas wishing a virulent pox upon his family and household.

  It brought another smile to his face. Two days in Valtia, and I'm already making new friends.

  Unfortunately, he didn't think he was going to get much mileage out of Subjugate Territory. Not in the short term. He wouldn't be opposed to, say, unseating a dictator and usurping their capital city, but using the Skill on random settlements just struggling to get by would make him no better than the Conqueror himself.

  Simon had a few too many morals for that. Besides – pragmatically speaking, conquering places like an evil overlord wouldn't earn him any bonus EXP from Heroic Valor.

  ...Unless there was an ethical way to subjugate a town...

  He'd think on that later. At the moment, he was faced with another decision.

  The entrance to Caelryn Cave lay in front of him. Early afternoon sunlight was streaming through the opening, banishing darkness with rays of soothing radiance. The light was like one of Grace's hugs after a rough day, inviting him to step forward and leave the cave's dismal halls behind. Especially since Kirkelas would eventually settle down, regenerate his power, and begin devising a revenge plan against the upstart human who'd wronged him.

  But while Caelryn Cave was no Sanctuary Tree, its entrance was guarded by a pair of Warding Orbs. In here, he was safe from the Red-Eyed Fell Beast. Hopefully.

  Outside? Who knew. It could be inches away at any time. Lurking just out of sight...until the very instant it chose to strike.

  Inevitably, the worsening dryness in his throat pushed Simon onward. He couldn't stay here. Not when there were only several days of drinkable water left in Inventory. Before he found a renewable source of nourishment, no place was truly 'safe'.

  Risking your life in the present was always preferable to a guaranteed death in the future.

  Red-Eyes is still going to ambush me when I least expect it, though. If so...

  Simon stepped outside Caelryn Cave. The Warding Orbs tingled uncomfortably as he strode by them. Curious; they hadn't felt like that when he first entered. The change was almost certainly related to his newly-acquired status as a Fell-Touched Human.

  Thankfully, the sensation was easily ignored – and in this case, knowing the Orbs' exact range was useful. Simon kept walking, continuing on for roughly ten feet until he could no longer feel the Warding Orbs' stinging aura. He gave it another couple feet for good measure, stopping at the end of the large stone structure attached to Caelryn Cave's entrance.

  "Been a long day." The weary transmigrator stretched and sighed, leaning back against the stone structure. "Couldn't hurt to take a breather."

  Simon relaxed everything except his mind. Then, with nary a hint of concern displayed on his expression...

  He closed his eyes.

  Don't trust your ears. Don't trust your instincts. They didn't help you last time it snuck up on you.

  Just remember Kirkelas. Envision the cavern of danger and death. Crystallize what that atmosphere felt like, reduce it to a smaller scale, and–

  There. Like a tiny blip on a radar.

  Demonic aura.

  Simon was already leaping sideways before he'd even finished opening his eyes. Twin scythes bisected the air where he had been standing, carving deep scratches into the side of the cave's stone structure. He swiftly backed up, retreating to the Warding Orbs' aura of protection.

  A satisfied smile adorned his features. "Took the bait."

  Four crimson eyes turned to glare at him. The light of day did nothing to make the Fell Beast more visible – its body was still fully shrouded in concealing fog. Simon observed the Beast as it retracted its scythe-limbs, the menacing blades of steel disappearing as if they'd faded from existence.

  Relief flowed through him when the creature stayed where it was. As long as he was near the cave entrance, it couldn't approach him. The Warding Orbs had granted him a reprieve.

  He intended to use it wisely. Identify.

  Name: Red-Eyed Hunter

  Description: A patient Fell Beast that endlessly stalks its prey. Exists in a permanent state of invisibility and intangibility. Can bring itself into the corporeal world for a short time per day. The Red-Eyed Hunter is weaker than the other myriad types of Beasts, so it only hunts what it believes are easy marks.

  Estimated Level: 9

  THAT'S supposed to be weak? Simon thought, with no small amount of bafflement. It wasn't the Level that unnerved him – while still higher than his own, it was hard to be impressed with a single-digit number after chatting up the Sealed Demon of Ruination.

  Red-Eye's unique properties, however, were horrifying. Relentless. Invisible. Intangible. A perfect assassin in every way. Even if an experienced warrior could presumably repel it, this was the kind of creature that ensured children never lived to see adulthood.

  And when compared to other Fell Beasts, it apparently ranked low on the totem pole.

  How in the world have the people of Valtia lasted this long? Simon glanced back at the Warding Orbs behind him. More of those? Lots more of those. Has to be.

  Gathering his thoughts, he examined the Red-Eyed Hunter. It hadn't budged. According to Identify, the Beast could only turn corporeal for a short period each day. If he waited, it would be forced to vanish, just like it had when he took shelter within the Sanctuary Tree.

  Tempting. But the Hunter was also described as relentless. It would come for him again tomorrow...and there might not be any Orbs or Trees around him next time.

  Simon made a snap decision. He summoned his broken sword, holding it in his Glove of Power. His right arm Shapeshifted to its demonic form, silver-black scales gleaming viciously in the sunlight.

  Lastly, he put his four unspent points straight into Dexterity, bringing the stat up to 13. What he needed now was speed – enough to rush down Red-Eyes and slay the Fell Beast before it disappeared.

  I'm Level 3...it's Level 8...that's doable, Simon mused, with absolutely zero evidence to support his forced bravado. His thoughts raced as fast as his feet, the distance between him and Red-Eyes rapidly narrowing. Shouldn't have missed your opening strike. When prey is backed into a corner, ready to fight for its right to life, there's no difference between the hunter and the hunted–

  It was at that moment, when he was in the middle of hyping himself up with the first cheesy lines he could think of, that Simon realized something rather peculiar.

  The Fell Beast was completely motionless. Even its swirling fog seemed to have frozen still. It hadn't reacted at all to his approach.

  Except for its four red eyes – staring directly at his demonic arm.

  An inhuman screech of terror blasted Simon's ears. The Hunter immediately leaped backwards, exhibiting far greater speed than a meager 13 Dexterity. Its eyes were bulging with fear, their collective gaze fixated on his arm, never letting it out of sight.

  And then, like flicking a switch, it was gone. Simon was alone.

  He stood in silence until his brain caught up to what he'd just witnessed.

  "...Wait! Come back! I wanted to see how much EXP you'd give me!"