Two Years and Six Months After Nelson Masters’ Release

  Nelson

  I met Lilith while I was still an adventurer.

  She was a prostitute at the time.

  I liked her. She was skilled—and more importantly, intelligent.

  This was about nine months after my release from prison. In a way, she inspired me. Meeting her made something click. I realized it was time to move on to the next stage of my life.

  After prison, my objective was simple: gain strength.

  I joined the Adventurer’s Guild. They didn’t use ranks—the staff evaluated you based on completed jobs. I joined multiple parties, trained relentlessly, and took whatever work paid. My skills improved. My income improved.

  But I wasn’t satisfied.

  I started noticing patterns. Monsters, regardless of type, repeated themselves. The same movements. The same attack angles. The same defenses. After a while, I could predict everything they would do.

  Eventually, I stopped needing parties.

  I took high-level missions solo.

  I kept all the money, of course. No partners meant no shares.

  As my level climbed, so did my appetite—for power, for control. That was when I met Lilith. Even the first time we slept together, I knew she was different.

  When she told me her story, I didn’t particularly care. But my father used to say:

  “The foundation of any successful business is hiring people more capable than you in areas where you’re lacking.”

  So I made her an offer.

  I would free her from that life—if she worked for me.

  She agreed like it was a joke. Probably thought it was just idle pillow talk. I imagine she’d heard it a hundred times before.

  I slaughtered her pimp and took over his operation.

  When the rest of the organization came after me, I slaughtered them too.

  They gave up after six months.

  Killing people yields massive experience. My level skyrocketed. The remnants of the defeated factions eventually joined me, and I became the new Don of the East Empire.

  They handed everything over without resistance.

  I didn’t even need to kill Don Milton myself. His second-in-command, David, did it for me and waited when we infiltrated the mansion. By then, they understood they were trapped.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  From that point on, I could earn money without lifting a finger.

  But there were still accounts to settle.

  After taking control, I received my first level-down notification. I had reached Level 457 at my peak. Apparently, maintaining that kind of strength requires constant expenditure—food, exercise, or direct combat.

  I transitioned into legitimate business.

  My level stabilized around 320.

  I dismantled a major businessman’s operation, then helped him rebuild it—under my supervision. We formed a partnership. I had him adopt Lilith and several other skilled girls we used for corporate espionage. On paper, everything looked clean.

  He worked in foraging. I expanded my intelligence network across the East Empire.

  I rescued people who had nowhere else to go—beggars, prostitutes, the discarded.

  Hope is a powerful motivator.

  Loyalty even more so.

  I tracked down everyone responsible for my downfall. Government officials were replaced. Business owners were ruined using the same methods they’d used on me.

  My network now reaches into the Shadowfall Kingdom.

  Once my organization is strong enough, they’ll be next.

  Six Months Later

  Normally, something like this wouldn’t even register on my radar.

  At the time, he was just another pebble on the road. Barely worth remembering.

  But then I read a report from the Shadowfall Kingdom.

  They called him a hero.

  That’s what they called me when I arrived in this world too.

  His name: Kaijuu Ryu.

  The report made it clear—I was dealing with another man from Earth.

  This kid had been selling unusually high-quality harvested plants. Later, potions.

  I had Lilith look into it. She worked fast. It only took a month.

  Lilith is exceptional.

  We even managed to chase him out of town.

  I forgot about him—until the report crossed my desk.

  Intelligence Report

  Subject: Kaijuu Ryu

  Origin: Confirmed Otherworlder (Earth)

  Arrived in the Shadowfall Kingdom nine months ago.

  Saved King Raymond’s life upon arrival.

  Initial appraisal: Level 24.

  Slayed a Level 124 Orc that poisoned the king.

  Subdued seven guards, including a Level 208 knight. One guard died protecting the king.

  Subject was rewarded by the crown. Married two royal women: Princess Roka and Lady Felmina.

  Princess Roka oversaw the installation of indoor plumbing and a complete sewer system in the Shadowfall Kingdom.

  Lady Felmina has no notable recorded achievements.

  Recently, a break-in occurred in Princess Roka’s quarters. The culprit was Ronald Mayburry, son of Duke Francis Mayburry. The incident was witnessed by Head Assistant Loyd.

  Ronald Mayburry (Level 150) was dominated by Kaijuu Ryu with minimal effort. The subject repeatedly healed the victim while breaking his will. Resistance was impossible.

  Post-incident appraisal: Level 27.

  Ronald Mayburry was charged with treason, blackmail, and additional crimes.

  Last known location of Kaijuu Ryu: Moonlight Farming Area Community, a district he governs as part of his original reward.

  We await your orders.

  — Cindy, Shadowfall Kingdom Intelligence

  So.

  Another hero.

  I suppose I should meet him.

  Maybe crush him personally this time.

  …

  No.

  I’ll send David.

  He has political experience.