[Mass Release: 2/10]
...
Standing on the barren ground of the [Interdimensional Realm], Takumi's gaze fell upon the [World-Crossing Gate] shimmering at the far edge of the domain.
"According to the gate's mechanism, I'll probably be transported near a protagonist." Murmuring to himself, Takumi stepped forward and passed through the glowing threshold.
In an instant, the world before his eyes changed—lush green forests spread in every direction. Peering into the distance, he spotted a small village nestled between rolling hills.
Before figuring out exactly which world he had entered, Takumi decided to keep a low profile.
"[Beast Power: Invisibility]"
With a single step, his figure vanished completely, merging seamlessly into the surroundings. If one looked closely, they'd realize he hadn't disappeared—he'd simply become one with the world.
It was an ability he'd gained from slaying a chameleon-type monster, later absorbed into his [Beast Power] trait and greatly enhanced. It now extended not just to his body, but to his clothing through mana manipulation.
Without making a sound, Takumi slipped into the village and immediately seized control of a villager.
"[Dream Demon Magic: Memory Manipulation]"
"Tell me everything you know."
After extracting the information, he wiped the man's memory clean.
From what he'd learned, this was a world where people could level up by defeating monsters. The place he'd arrived in belonged to the Kingdom of Jioral, a remote countryside settlement.
"The Healer Hero's world, huh… never thought I'd end up here."
Realizing where he was, Takumi's eyes gleamed. He activated the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet, focusing its third ability [Penetrate] into his eyes.
"X-ray Vision."
His enhanced sight pierced through walls, scanning the entire village until his gaze fell upon a young man sleeping inside a straw hut—Keyaru.
The moment he saw him, Takumi's expression softened slightly. Keyaru's first life was infamous—he'd endured suffering beyond comprehension. Drugged, enslaved, abused… the list went on.
For half a second, Takumi pitied him. Then, his gauntlet flared with light.
"[Penetrating Light Spear]"
A glowing spear formed in his palm and shot forth, ignoring all barriers.
Pssht!
The attack pierced through the wall and straight through Keyaru's skull.
He never even had the chance to wake up.
[World-Crossing Gate Progress +15%]
[Ding! "Protagonist Slayer (Red)" triggered. Do you wish to plunder his existence?]
"Plunder."
This time, Takumi didn't hesitate.
The next moment, everything that had been Keyaru—his memories, his identity, his very existence—was overwritten.
Reality shifted beneath Takumi's feet, and when he opened his eyes again, he was lying inside the same straw hut. The corpse that should have been there… was now him.
"What a strange sensation. Like playing a life simulation game through another's body."
He quickly confirmed that this was Keyaru's first loop, before the time-reversal ability ever awakened.
Then he checked his new status window.
[Ding! Acquired Traits: Chosen Hero (Gold), Hero of Healing (Gold), Protagonist's Aura (Blue)]
[Chosen Hero (Gold): You are the world's chosen champion—its favored child. Your level cap is infinite, and your bodily fluids have a slight chance of helping others surpass their limits.]
[Hero of Healing (Gold): The power of restoration dwells within you—capable of altering reality itself.]
[Protagonist's Aura (Blue): Greatly enhances your luck, growth rate, and potential.]
"My old trait Descendant of Heroes (White) just got replaced… and this is a massive upgrade."
A thrilling surge of power rippled through his body. The "Healing" magic—engraved deep within his blood—awakened, roaring to life like a second heartbeat.
Of course, Takumi knew it wasn't truly healing magic.
Its real nature was the power to restore things to their original state.
"Basically like Doraemon's Time Cloth. Use it on the world, and you get time reversal."
He understood just how terrifying that was—and also the hidden catch that came with it. When used on others, all their memories and sensations would flood into him in an instant. Every wound, every trauma—they'd all become his.
It was both a gift and a curse. On the bright side, it allowed him to inherit their battle instincts and experience.
"If your mind isn't tough enough, that's what makes it dangerous," he muttered. "But if I could extract only their skills and not their pain… that'd be perfect."
It wasn't impossible. It just required research—on the level of soul manipulation. For now, though, that could wait.
"Before leaving this world, I'll need all the Heroic Gear—and the Magic Hero, Flare. Everything."
Takumi stretched lazily, recalling the plot. The quickest reward he could claim right now was the Blessing of the Star Spirit—though there was one issue: he didn't have the required ancient contract incantation.
He frowned slightly. "We'll play it by ear. Worst case, I'll just take it by force."
As he prepared to head out, the door creaked open.
A simple, kind-faced young woman stood there, sunlight spilling around her figure.
Her brown hair was braided neatly over one shoulder, her dress plain yet unable to hide her gentle beauty.
Her soft smile, paired with that motherly warmth, made even Takumi lower his guard.
"Good morning, Takumi," she said softly, stepping inside to open the window and let the sunlight in.
Takumi smiled in return. "You're early, Anna."
From the fragments of Keyaru's memories, he knew exactly who she was—his neighbor, his caretaker since childhood.
Though not related by blood, she'd always treated him like family… and perhaps, something more.
Out of curiosity, he checked her affection level.
[Affection: 99]
"Just one point short of perfect," he murmured, smirking.
Without hesitation, Takumi slipped an arm around her slender waist.
Anna's cheeks flushed crimson. "Takumi, you've become so… affectionate lately."
"Because I like you, Anna."
The straightforward confession hit her heart like a thunderclap.
Before she could react, Takumi tilted her chin upward and claimed her lips.
Her body stiffened for an instant—but the tenderness and familiarity in his touch made resistance melt away. Clumsy yet earnest, she kissed him back.
The world outside faded, leaving only the sound of their quickened breaths.
When the laughter of nearby children drifted in from the street, Anna suddenly jolted back to reality— her heart still racing wildly.
...
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