Final Boss

I turned my attention to the crowd, their stunned faces were a sight to behold. Their disbelief was almost palpable, a mixture of fear and realization sinking into their expressions.

"Wait a second… where's that mother maid?"

A genuine curiosity crept into my mind. Scanning the crowd, I found her cowering inside the carriage, her face pale as if she had just witnessed the end of the world.

Good. That meant the idea of my newfound strength had taken root in her mind. Soon, the rest would follow suit. A shift in perception was exactly what I needed.

"I trust that none of you will question my authority again," I said coldly, my voice laced with an unspoken warning. "Next time, I won't be so merciful."

A shudder rippled through the onlookers. The transformation was complete. The incompetent, spineless noble they once despised was now someone they feared.

Smirking, I stepped into the carriage, leaving behind the shaken crowd. The mother maid sat stiffly, avoiding eye contact. Her hands trembled as she gripped the reins, but she said nothing.

By the time we returned to the castle, night had fallen. The ride had been long and quiet—just the way I liked it. I had even managed to get some sleep along the way. To my mild surprise, I woke up without a dagger pressed to my throat.

"Accompany me to my chambers," I ordered as we arrived.

She flinched at my words but clenched her teeth and nodded.

I followed her down the familiar yet unfamiliar halls, still unable to fully grasp the castle's layout. Maybe I needed another month to get used to it.

As I entered my room, I turned to close the door—only to realize she had followed me inside.

"Huh?" I raised an eyebrow.

Then it hit me.

Ah. She misunderstood my words.

To her, "accompany me" had meant something… else.

For a brief moment, an awkward silence hung between us.

"Leave. I don't need your company," I said flatly.

Relief flooded her expression, a complete contrast from her usual scowl. Without hesitation, she turned and all but fled the room.

Watching her go, I sighed before collapsing onto my bed—the same bed that had tormented me with its irresistible, seductive comfort since day one.

It had been calling me. I could almost hear it whispering, luring me into its embrace.

This time, I didn't resist. Come to me baby!!!!

---

I woke up the next morning to an unexpected sight.

My maids were in my room.

Not just one or two, but all of them, standing in formation like I was some revered monarch.

One was fanning me. Another was massaging my legs—wait, when did she even touch my legs?

I quickly pulled them back, an uneasy feeling creeping up my spine.

The room smelled of freshly prepared food, an assortment of dishes spread across the table. Their faces bore expressions of utmost sincerity, but I wasn't fooled.

They were trying to butter me up.

They wanted me fat again.

They wanted me weak.

"Tch."

I swung my legs off the bed and stood up, stretching. "Why are you all here? Get lost before I lose my patience."

They hesitated, exchanging quick glances before attempting to protest. "Master, we only wish to—"

I shot them a glare.

They shut their mouths immediately.

Good. They were learning.

Once they scurried away, I went about my morning routine. Brushing my teeth, bathing—it was all standard procedure. But as I stood beneath the stream of water, a nagging thought surfaced in my mind.

Something wasn't adding up.

"System," I called out. "Be honest with me. Am I getting stronger faster than normal?"

A brief silence, then a response.

[ Host's hunch is correct. You are growing at an accelerated rate. This is due to your physique: 'Chaos Incarnate.' ]

I narrowed my eyes. "Explain."

[ Chaos Incarnate: Your body is infused with chaos—the essence of mayhem, destruction, unpredictability, and defiance. As a child of chaos, you possess limitless growth potential. ]

[ Physique Traits ]

1. Immeasurable Potential: Your body has no growth limits. The rules of the cosmos do not apply to you, allowing endless strength progression without conventional advancement.

2. Eldritch Ascension: Enhances learning and mastery of abilities. Currently restricted due to your weak body and mind.

3. Restricted

4. Restricted

I let out a low chuckle.

Eldritch Ascension. Now that was a sick name.

I had been expecting some mediocre physique, but this? This was different. This was monstrous.

I had the potential to break through every limit.

A grin spread across my face.

Wasn't I supposed to be a social outcast? A forgotten reject?

Then why did my physique make me sound like a final boss?

"Hah…" I exhaled, leaning back against the wall. "So I'm broken, huh?"

[ (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) ]

The system's response made me chuckle again.

"You were hiding this from me, weren't you?"

[ System didn't think you were ready. ]

"Of course, you didn't."

Still, I couldn't be mad. Not when the revelation had filled me with renewed purpose.

I had work to do.

I had strength to build.

And most importantly…

I had an affinity to awaken.

A slow smirk formed on my lips.

Because now, I knew exactly how to ensure that my affinity would be the most broken one of them all.