Chapter 3: The Lowest Rank—Only D-Class?!
Hearing the system's explanation of his new abilities, Ryuu's eyes gleamed with excitement. An immunity to all mental interference? That was practically a god-tier skill for someone with his abilities.
After all, the biggest weakness of Berserk Blood was its loss of sanity. If he went beyond his limit four times, he'd lose himself completely, becoming no better than a mindless beast.
But with Unbreakable, he no longer had to worry about going insane.
"This changes everything."
---
But then, a thought crossed Ryuu's mind.
"By the way, System… what exactly is that Scientific System?"
"The Scientific System is one of the many Demon King growth paths, allowing evolution through technological advancements."
"Uh… is it actually strong?"
"Please do not underestimate science. The host cannot yet comprehend the full extent of causality-based weaponry. For reference, think of the technology from your past life—such as the tools in Doraemon."
Ryuu's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait… are you telling me that if I had chosen the Scientific System, I could've summoned a Time Machine, a Dimensional Portal, or even a Reality Manipulation Device?!"
A deep, soul-crushing regret filled Ryuu's chest.
"Damn it! If I'd known, I would've picked Science!"
A simple phone booth that manipulated reality or a passport that turned him into a Demon Lord by default could've one-shot the hero.
Ryuu let out a long, frustrated sigh.
"All because I wanted to look cool…"
Lesson learned. Never pick abilities based on aesthetics.
---
"Alright, System, let's get serious. Can I beat Haruto with my current strength?"
"Host's current strength level: D-Class Demon King.
Haruto's current strength level: C+ Class Hero."
Ryuu's expression darkened.
"That's a massive gap."
He rubbed his chin, considering his options. Maybe if he activated Berserk Blood a fourth time, he could—
"Warning: The Host has misunderstood. Your actual power level is currently BELOW D-Class. D is simply the lowest rank displayed by the system."
A cold sweat ran down Ryuu's spine.
"Wait… are you telling me I'm not even at D-Class?!"
That meant… Haruto was even stronger than he had realized.
The only reason Ryuu had escaped was because Haruto underestimated him. If he had taken the fight seriously…
Ryuu clenched his fists.
I got lucky this time. That won't happen again.
His hatred for Haruto deepened.
---
"Ding! The System has detected an intense desire for revenge. Generating a mission…"
"Mission: Kill the Hero, Nitta Haruto.
Reward: 10,000 Demon King Points."
A wicked grin curled on Ryuu's lips.
"Now that's what I call a system that understands me."
There was no coexisting with Haruto. Their paths were set in blood and destruction.
---
As Ryuu browsed the system's interface, his eyes caught an unfamiliar icon in the corner. Out of curiosity, he tapped it.
"The Power of the Demon King."
"What's this, System? Explain."
"The innate abilities of a true Demon King."
First Authority: A Demon King cannot be killed by anyone except the Hero.
Second Authority: The Demon King possesses the potential for both Chaos and Order, meaning they can choose their own alignment.
Third Authority: The Demon King commands endless subordinates and can directly wield their power as his own.
Ryuu rested his chin on his hand.
"Not bad, not bad at all."
Especially the third one. If he could use the abilities of his subordinates, then choosing his first summon wisely would be critical.
---
Ryuu's excitement built as he navigated to the Summon Menu.
The rules were simple:
Each summon costs 1,000 Demon King Points.
Summoned subordinates are bound by an absolute loyalty contract.
Ryuu can draw power from his subordinates to strengthen himself.
Ryuu cracked his knuckles.
"Alright, System, let's do my first summon!"
"Ding! The Host currently has one free summon ticket. Would you like to use it?"
Just as he was about to confirm—Ryuu paused.
"Wait a second. Don't I get to choose which world the summon comes from?"
"Negative. Summoning is entirely random. Strength and compatibility are based purely on luck."
Ryuu's eye twitched.
"So you're telling me I could summon a literal god… or a slime?"
"Correct."
Ryuu mentally screamed.
"What kind of gacha system is this?! Even mobile games have better rates!"
---
His hands hovered over the summon button.
If he was unlucky, he might summon something utterly useless.
But then, another thought struck him.
"System, what about anti-summoning?"
"Anti-summoning allows the Host to personally travel to a random world. The Host may negotiate a contract with a chosen individual, who can then travel to this world freely."
Ryuu's eyes lit up.
"So instead of rolling the dice, I can go pick my own subordinates?"
"Correct. However, there are restrictions:
The Host can only form a contract with up to three individuals.
The individuals cannot be vastly stronger than the Host.
If an individual is too incompatible, they may reject the contract."
Ryuu's dream of assembling an army of world-ending monsters immediately died.
"Tch. Fine. Quality over quantity, then."
He needed at least someone at C-Class. Otherwise, fighting Haruto would be impossible.
---
"Please note: If the summoned subordinate is too powerful or too incompatible, they may refuse to obey."
"Pft. Like I'd be stupid enough to recruit someone who would betray me."
His mind briefly flashed back to Sayuri's cold indifference.
A faint pain settled in his chest.
It didn't matter. That was the past.
"My fate was decided the moment they threw me away."
His golden pupils ignited with flame-like patterns.
"Fine, then. If the gods want me to be the villain, I'll become the Demon King they fear the most."
---
Ryuu exhaled slowly, calming the raging emotions inside him.
The first step of his plan? Gathering powerful subordinates.
The first target? Haruto.
Ryuu's lips curled into a smirk.
"Nitta Haruto… I can't wait for our next meeting."
With that, he closed his eyes.
His golden pupils vanished, turning back to black.
"System—initiate anti-summoning."
---
"Ding! Anti-Summoning initiated! The Host will now be transported to a random world."
A massive magic circle formed beneath Ryuu's feet.
Glowing blue light surged around him, consuming his body.
As the radiance intensified—
Ryuu vanished.
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