Chapter 11:Mastermind(4)

Aris entered the cave the air thick with dust and the glint of sparkling treasures in the dim light.Mountains of gold coins, rare gemstones, and priceless artifacts were piled high, tempting even the steadiest of hearts. But Aris remained focused, his heartbeat calm and steady. The allure of riches wasn't enough to distract him from his true goal—the cultivation art hidden deep within this cave.

He walked past a chest overflowing with emeralds, a sword encrusted with rubies, and a crown that seemed to pulse with magical energy. These treasures almost called to him, each more enticing than the last, yet Aris didn't waver. His gaze remained sharp, scanning the stone walls for any sign of the ancient scroll he sought. Finally, his eyes landed on a dusty, hidden alcove. There it was—the cultivation art scroll. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and carefully tucked it into his pants, feeling its weight against his skin. With a smirk, he turned and made his way out of the cave, the treasure long forgotten.

As he climbed back up the winding road, Aris kept his hand near the scroll, ensuring it was still secure. The sun blazed overhead, but his mind was elsewhere—focused on what lay ahead. That's when he heard them.

"Aris, you fucking son of a bitch, you tricked us!" The shout echoed across the road. Aris turned to see the group he had deceived earlier standing in his path, faces twisted in anger. The leader of the group, a girl with a sneer plastered across her face, stepped forward. "You think you can just walk away with that treasure, huh? You worthless bastard!"

If there was one thing Aris could never tolerate, it was someone insulting his mother. His calm demeanor vanished, replaced by a cold fury. His eyes locked on the girl, and before anyone could react, he vanished from his spot, reappearing in front of her with terrifying speed. The crowd gasped, but Aris didn't care. His hand was already wrapped around her throat, fingers pressing down hard enough to cut off her breath.

With a voice like a low growl, he whispered into her ear, "Do not insult my mother again, or you will die."

The girl's eyes widened in shock, but she was stubborn, her pride too big for her own good. Even with his hand tightening around her throat, she spat out the words, "Please, what can you do? You're nothing more than a useless son of a b.i.t.c.h."

**Pah!**

The sound of Aris's slap echoed like a thunderclap, so loud it made the others flinch. The force of the blow twisted the girl's head so far to the side it was as if her neck had spun a full 360 degrees. Her expression shifted from anger to disbelief, her eyes filled with shock as she gasped for breath. But it was too late—her body collapsed, lifeless, at Aris's feet.

Before her last breath escaped her lips, Aris leaned down and whispered, "Know your place, mortal."

His eyes glowed with an eerie light as he spoke, his voice heavy with authority. The rest of the group, seeing their leader fall, shrank back in fear. Not one dared to challenge him. Their faces were pale, eyes wide as they realized just how dangerous he truly was.

...

On the way back, Aris noticed people staring at him. Their gazes were filled with a mixture of fear and revulsion, as if they were looking at a monster instead of a man. Whispers followed him as he walked through the streets, but he ignored them. His mind was focused on the battle within himself. He had killed someone today—snapped her life away with a slap—and the weight of that was pressing down on him like a heavy stone.

Feeling the need for a distraction, Aris checked his Echoer. A holographic display flickered into view, showing his current stats.

[Name: Aris (Mastermind)]

[Class: ???]

[Talent: Inspiration (SSS-Level)]

[Strength (Temporary): 10,000]

[Agility (Temporary): 10,000]

[Physique (Temporary): 10,000]

[Charm (Temporary): 100,000]

[Spirit (Temporary): 10,000]

Aris stared at the numbers, feeling a pit in his stomach. He knew what was coming.

[Temporary stats wearing off in… 00:03:00]

[Since your body can't take the toll, you have two options:

1. Transfer the burden to your real-life self.

2. Take on the burden with your game self.]

His hands shook as he weighed the options. How could he choose between facing hell in real life or suffering in the game? His mind spun in confusion, and the looming decision brought tears to his eyes. On top of that, the memory of the girl's lifeless face haunted him, making the burden even heavier. What had he become?

It seemed horrifying yet exciting.