Path of the Demon Ascendant

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Location: Rural Village |

[You awaken to the familiar thatched roof of a small hut, sunlight streaming through cracks in the walls.

Due to the activation of your innate talent, [Nirvaya], you will undergo accelerated growth.]

[At the age of 1 you look like a 5 year old and when you reached 5 you already look like a young man.

Your body feels strong, limbs lean with muscles no child should have. Your family calls you a miracle, a genius. You walk, talk, and think far beyond your years. The world outside, however, whispers another name: demon.]

[By now, you stand taller than most adults in your village. With broad shoulders and a sharp gaze, your presence is commanding—almost intimidating. The farm tools fit awkwardly in your hands, but your strength makes short work of plowing fields. The villagers watch with wary eyes as you carry game from the woods or load sacks of grain no ordinary child could lift.]

They whisper behind your back, words that sting:

"He grows like a beast."

"This is unnatural."

"Mark my words, he'll bring us misfortune."

Yet, your parents defend you fiercely. Your mother smiles warmly, pressing a bowl of steaming stew into your hands after a long day.

"You're our gift," she says, stroking your hair. "Never forget that."

Your father nods in agreement. "The others don't see what we see. You're our hope."

[Despite the rumors, you bury yourself in work, learning quickly. Farming, hunting, even basic survival skills—all mastered at an astonishing speed. The whispers grow louder, but your family's love is a fortress.]

[The skies turn gray, and the rains stop. Crops wither under the sun's relentless glare. The animals you once hunted disappear into the barren woods. Your village, once lively with the hum of daily work, now echoes with cries of hunger.

The village council gathers, their faces etched with desperation.]

"We must leave," one elder says. "This land can no longer sustain us."

Your father grips your shoulder. "We'll survive this, together."

[A caravan forms, a ragged line of wagons and people on foot. The journey begins. You walk alongside your family, carrying more than your share of supplies. Along the way, other displaced villagers join, swelling your numbers to over 200 souls. The road is harsh, the nights colder than you've ever known, but you endure.]

[The caravan grows more organized with each passing week. Your size and strength draw attention, and the hunting team invites you to join their ranks. You accept, eager to contribute.

Nights are spent in the wilderness, patrolling the camp's perimeter with a spear in hand. You become familiar with the sounds of the forest—the rustle of leaves, the distant howl of wolves.]

[One night, as you sit by the fire sharpening your blade, a strange unease settles over you.

You dismiss the thought, too tired to dwell on it. The camp is quiet, save for the crackling of dying embers. Before your shift ends, and you return to your tent, sleep begins to claim you.

You stagger to your feet, head spinning. Around you, people are collapsing like puppets with their strings cut. The last thing you see is a shadowy figure moving through the camp before darkness swallows you whole]

[System Notification:]

You are dead.

Cause of Death: Unknown.

Copy Completion: 30%.

Note: Not even knowing how you died is an embarrassment.

Simulation Terminated.

After returning to the fog-filled system space, Strider reflects deeply on the life he lived for more than six years in the copy world. It was an intense, immersive experience that shaped him in ways he hadn't anticipated. Every choice, challenge, and interaction seemed so real that it felt like he had lived an entirely separate lifetime. Despite the complex and demanding nature of the world, Strider takes solace in the fact that he managed to complete 30% of the copy world's objectives. This milestone indicates that the requirements for success may not be as monumental or unattainable as they initially seemed. Instead, it suggests that understanding the root of the one of world's conflicts and resolving key issues might be enough to achieve full completion.

Strider analyzes the situation he faced in the copy world and comes to an important conclusion. The primary objective likely revolves around identifying the perpetrator responsible for poisoning the entire migration group's food. This heinous act had set off a chain reaction of events, leading to chaos, loss, and despair for the group. However, uncovering the individual responsible is only part of the task. Strider must also delve into their motivations. Why would someone go to such lengths to harm the group? Was it personal revenge, political gain, or something even more sinister? Understanding the "why" behind their actions is crucial, as it would provide insight into their character, goals, and ultimate plans.

Strider's task doesn't stop at uncovering the truth and understanding the perpetrator's motivations. The most critical part of the objective lies in dealing with the main culprit. This resolution could take many forms depending on the circumstances. It might involve delivering justice, whether through confrontation, capture, or some other means. Alternatively, it could require a more nuanced approach, such as finding a way to neutralize their influence or even persuading them to abandon their harmful intentions. Whatever the case, Strider understands that resolving this central conflict is the key to completing the copy world.

As he ponders his next steps, Strider acknowledges that the journey will be fraught with challenges. The fog-filled system space serves as a constant reminder of the mystery and unpredictability that lie ahead. Yet, his experience over the past six years has prepared him for the trials to come. He knows that patience, strategic thinking, and adaptability will be his greatest allies. Strider resolves to remain vigilant, using the lessons he learned in the copy world to guide his actions in the future.

Ultimately, the path to completing the copy world is not just about achieving an external objective but also about personal growth and self-discovery. Strider recognizes that every step he takes brings him closer to understanding not only the copy world but also his own capabilities and limitations. With determination and a clear focus, he prepares to face the challenges ahead, knowing that every effort he makes will bring him closer to uncovering the truth and achieving his goal.