That kobold… was a real man.
Weakened, bleeding, and clearly outmatched after watching his goblin buddy turn into a kebab—he still charged at me like he was the protagonist.
I panicked, obviously.
'Shadow Bind!'
Nothing.
The spell fizzled like soda gone flat.
'Shit.'
Even a lowly E-rank monster, the kind children laugh at in bedtime stories, was stronger than me in raw stats. I barely managed to dodge the incoming claw swipe, tumbling like a potato sack down a slope.
Desperate, I raised my hand and yelled:
'Shadow Bomb!'
BOOM!
The explosion blasted the kobold back—and me with it. My shoulder throbbed from the impact. What do you expect from a zero-experience villain cosplaying as an MC?
After that enlightening welcome to combat, I decided to grind—real hard.
Five days later…
I had reached Level 3.
Killed over 40 monsters. Let's be honest—only E-rank ones. Anything higher, I respectfully bowed out and ran away like a noble.
'System, show my stats.'
[
─── STATUS WINDOW ───
Name: Ashen (Reincarnated)
Level: 3
Race: Human (???)
────────────────────
➤ Physical Strength: C
➤ Mana Capacity: SS
➤ Speed: E
➤ Charm: S
➤ Luck: E
────────────────────
➤ Elemental Affinities:
Shadow
???
???
???
???
────────────────────
➤ Skills:
▸ Shadow Bind – Binds a target using shadow chains.
▸ Shadow Bomb – Creates a volatile orb of shadow mana that explodes on impact.
▸ Shadow Creation – Materializes weapons or tools from shadows.
────────────────────
➤ EXP Progress:
Level 3 → 4: ▓▓▓▓▓░░░░░░ (40%)
Kills Required: 20 more
────────────────────
]
'Only 20 more kills to level up... Easy.'
But enough grinding—let's talk about the main course.
Volkin.
A silver-furred wolf said to be faster than thought itself. In the OG timeline, the protagonist made a contract with him without a fight. According to his future self, Volkin wanted to explore the world and was chained by some noble family.
So what did the MC do?
He bought him. Simple.
I thought I could do the same. Just go up to him, put on my most charming villain smile, and say:
'Dear puppy, come to mama. Mama will show you the world~'
That's it. Easy peasy.
And then… I found him.
Standing in a misty grove, silver fur shimmering like moonlight, claws glinting with latent power, and golden eyes looking straight into my soul.
I opened my mouth to say those sacred words.
But the look in his eyes?
Yeah. Not having it.
Abort.
I quickly changed tone.
'Oh almighty Volkin, I am here to free you from the chains that bind you. Join me, and together we shall see the world. Be my contract beast, and share my journey!'
He narrowed his eyes and snorted.
[You are too weak. Why would a beast like me bind with a weakling? My ancestors would mock me.]
'Weak?' I scoffed. 'I may look weak, but I've slain over 200 monsters in this forest—regardless of rank!'
I said that with the confidence of a compulsive liar and the soul of a delusional protagonist.
Volkin's ears perked. His mouth curved into something resembling a smirk.
[Very well. But if you're lying… your body will be the first thing I shred.]
He stepped forward.
I gulped.
'Test me?' I asked weakly.
He bared his fangs.
[Prepare yourself, human.]
'...I'm doomed.'