From Failure to SSS-Rank Demon Lord

Mars emerged from the dungeon into the cool night air of Greythorn Forest, the weight of the Necromancer's Core in his inventory reminding him of his hard-earned victory. The forest was quiet, save for the rustling of leaves in the breeze, as if the land itself was holding its breath. His body ached from the relentless battles within the dungeon, but his mind stayed sharp. He had no intention of delaying his return to Greythorn Village—this was only the first step of many.

As he approached the village outskirts, the dim glow of lanterns dotted the streets. Players and NPCs alike went about their routines, oblivious to his achievement. Mars's presence drew a few curious glances, but no one paid him much mind. He tightened his grip on his sword and made his way to Elder Drecker's house, the old building standing silent and unassuming at the edge of the village.

Drecker greeted him with a look of surprise when Mars placed the pulsating Necromancer's Core on the table. The faint glow from the artifact illuminated the elder's weary face. "You succeeded," Drecker said, his voice heavy with disbelief and relief. "I didn't think it possible, not so quickly." Mars simply nodded, his expression calm. "The necromancer is gone, but I suspect his corruption has left deeper scars on this land," he replied.

Drecker straightened, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. "You've done Greythorn a great service," he said. The elder reached for an intricately carved seal from a drawer and handed it to Mars. "Take this. It's not just a token of gratitude—it's a mark of your standing within Morrath Kingdom." The system chimed in Mars's mind.

[Quest Complete: Mystery of the Black Lake.]

[Rewards Earned: Title—Baron of Morrath Kingdom, Reputation Boost: Honored in Greythorn Village.]

[Bonus: Rare Artifact—Necromancer's Core.]

Mars's lips twitched into a faint smile as he read the notifications. He tucked the seal into his inventory, turning his gaze back to Drecker. "This isn't over," he said, his tone resolute. "The corruption may have started with the necromancer, but I'll make sure it ends with me."

 News Spreads Like Fire

Mars stepped out of Drecker's house, the chill of the evening air greeting him once more. This time, though, the atmosphere in the village had shifted. Players and NPCs turned to look at him, whispers quickly spreading as the glow of his newly earned title radiated faintly above his head. "Baron?" one player murmured, their voice tinged with disbelief. "How did he manage that?"

The square grew more crowded as villagers began to gather, some bowing their heads respectfully while others stared in awe. Mars walked with measured steps, his crimson eyes scanning the growing crowd. He could feel their curiosity, envy, and admiration, but he didn't let it distract him. His focus remained sharp, even as the murmurs grew louder.

A group of players near the fountain whispered among themselves, one of them stepping forward to intercept Mars. It was Thren, a rogue known for his sharp tongue and sharper daggers. "Baron of Morrath Kingdom, huh?" Thren said with a smirk, his arms crossed. "Guess you've been busy."

Mars stopped, his gaze steady as he regarded Thren. "You could say that," he replied evenly. Thren's smirk widened, but there was a hint of tension in his stance. "Don't let it get to your head," he said, his tone light but edged. "Titles don't mean much if you can't back them up." Mars didn't bother responding. He walked past the rogue, his calm demeanor unshaken.

The system chimed softly in his mind as he moved through the village.

[Reputation Update: Greythorn Village—Honored.]

[NPC Services Unlocked: Discounts and Rare Items Available.]

Mars paused, stepping to the side of the cobblestone path, away from the curious glances and murmurs. His crimson eyes darted around briefly before he brought up his stat window with a simple thought. A translucent screen materialized before him, detailing his current progress.

[Player Name: Mars]

[Title: Baron of Morrath Kingdom]

[Class: Mage-Knight]

[Level: 9]

[Stats:]

Strength: 22

Agility: 20

Intelligence: 10 (1 point = 10Mana)

Stamina: 8Vitality: 15 (1 point = 10Health)

Health: 150/150

Mana: 100/100

[EXP Progression:]

EXP Earned: 7,500 (Quest Completion + Dungeon Clear Bonus)EXP to Next Level: 3,000

Mars allowed himself a faint smile. Three levels in one quest, not to mention the bonuses from slaying the necromancer and his skeletal army. It was a pace most players couldn't hope to match, even with the same opportunities. "Not bad for a day's work," he muttered.

Switching tabs, he opened his inventory to assess his monetary gains. The gleaming icons of coins and loot filled the screen, accompanied by neatly organized figures.

[Inventory:]

Bronze Coins:320

Silver Coins:4

Loot Items:Necromancer's Core (Rare Artifact), 12 Skeleton Fragments, 3 Common Swords.

Mars's lips twitched. Four silver coins may not sound like much, but at this stage of the game, it was a small fortune. For comparison, the average player barely scraped together a single silver after days of grinding. His gaze lingered on the Necromancer's Core, the pulsating artifact glowing faintly even within the menu. Its value wasn't just monetary—items like this could shift entire game economies, especially in the right hands.

[System Notification: Quest Rewards Allocated.]

Gold Coins Received:2 (Equates to 200 real-world dollars)

Bonus Reputation: +30 within Greythorn Village.

Special Reward Unlocked: Baronial Seal of Morrath Kingdom.

Mars exhaled, his grip tightening on his sword as he closed the menu. The rewards and recognition were significant, but they also came with pressure. His rapid rise would draw attention, and not all of it would be friendly. This isn't just about rewards, he thought. It's about building something bigger.

Straightening, Mars adjusted the blade at his side and continued walking, his expression calm but his resolve burning brighter than ever. The attention was inevitable, but it was also a reminder of the challenges ahead—and the opportunities that awaited.

 A New Directive

The night grew quieter as the villagers and players dispersed, though Mars could still feel the weight of their gazes lingering on him. He returned to the blacksmith's forge, where the rhythmic clang of Harlan's hammer echoed through the air. The burly NPC glanced up as Mars approached, wiping his hands on a soot-stained cloth. "Baron, huh?" Harlan said, a grin breaking through his gruff exterior. "Didn't think I'd see the day Greythorn earned someone like you."

Mars stepped closer, unsheathing his worn stone sword and placing it on the anvil. The blade bore nicks and cracks from countless battles, its edge dulled from the dungeon's trials. "I need more than repairs," Mars said, his tone firm. "This sword won't cut it for what's coming next."

Harlan nodded, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the blade. "You're right about that," he said, running a calloused hand along the sword's edge. "You've pushed this thing past its limits. You've got two choices, Baron: I can upgrade this sword into something stronger, or you can sell it to me and pick out a new blade entirely."

Mars raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's the difference?"

Harlan pointed to the weapon rack at the back of the forge, where a variety of blades gleamed in the flickering firelight. "Upgrading this one means keeping what's familiar. I'll reforge it with iron and reinforce the core with mana-infused alloys. It'll be sturdier, and I can add a small elemental effect—fire or frost, your pick. But that takes time, and it'll cost you a good chunk of those coins you're hoarding."

He gestured to a sleek longsword resting on the rack, its hilt wrapped in dark leather and its blade etched with faint runes. "Or, you can trade this old thing for a new one. That longsword there? Balanced, sharp, and already enchanted with a minor damage boost. It's ready to use, but it won't grow with you like an upgraded weapon would."

Mars crossed his arms, weighing the options. Upgrading his current weapon meant preserving its familiarity while giving it long-term potential, but it required both time and resources. The new sword was immediate and efficient but lacked the personal connection and adaptability. "How much for each?" he asked, his tone even.

"For the upgrade," Harlan began, "you're looking at 10 silver coins and five mana-infused alloys. If you don't have the alloys, I can substitute them for two Peak Tier Mana Crystals." He gestured to the longsword. "That one's 15 silver coins flat, no extras needed."

Mars opened his inventory, his gaze flicking over his available resources.

[Inventory: 2 Gold Coins, 4 Silver Coins, 320 Bronze Coins, 2 Rare Items.]

His lips tightened slightly, he had enough to buy the new sword, but he didn't yet have the mana infused alloys or peak mana crystals for the upgrade option.

"I'll need some time to gather what's required," Mars said, closing his inventory. "But I'll let you know once I decide."

Harlan nodded, returning the stone sword to the anvil. "Take your time, Baron," he said, his voice steady. "Whatever you choose, make sure you're ready for what's coming next. Word's spreading fast, and not all of it will be friendly."

Mars exhaled, turning toward the weapon rack as an idea formed. He opened his inventory again, selecting the three common swords he'd looted from the dungeon. "What can you give me for these?" he asked, placing them on the counter.

Harlan picked up one of the swords, examining its blade with a practiced eye. "Decent condition for common steel," he said, testing its balance. "I'll give you a silver coin and twenty bronze for each. Fair deal?"

Mars nodded.

[Transaction Complete: +3 Silver Coins, +60 Bronze Coins.]

[Inventory Updated: 2 Gold Coins, 7 Silver Coins, 380 Bronze Coins.]

The additional coins gave him a small sense of relief, but he knew he still needed more for the upgrade. "That'll help," Mars said, taking back his stone sword. "I'll be back once I have everything."

Harlan grinned. "I'll be here," he said. "And I'll make sure you get the best blade this forge can produce."

Mars nodded, his expression resolute. "Thanks," he said simply, before turning to leave the forge.

Later that night, Mars returned to Drecker's house, where the elder waited with a map spread across his table. The old man's expression was serious as he gestured for Mars to sit. "The corruption near the lake is only part of the problem," Drecker explained, pointing to a marked location deeper in the forest. "There's another site—an old ruin where the necromancer's power might have originated. If it's not dealt with, this will only happen again."

Mars leaned forward, studying the map intently. "I'll handle it," he said, his voice steady. Drecker nodded, his faith in Mars evident. As Mars stepped back into the quiet night, he felt the weight of his new title and the expectations it carried. The first step is done, he thought, his gaze fixed on the distant forest. Now to ensure no one forgets the name Mars.