Transmigrating to Modern Earth from the Future-Chapter 96: Malachi

Lumen walked through the ruined village, the Octahedral Relic safely stored in his inventory, his thoughts consumed by the new quest that had unfolded before him. The idea of creating a city intrigued him, not only for the rewards it might bring but also as a potential path back to Earth.

However, excitement was soon replaced by a sense of uncertainty. The quest had offered no guidance on how to begin this monumental task. Lumen was no city planner, and he had no idea where to start. He needed information, resources, and like-minded individuals who shared his vision.

For now, he decided to put the city-building quest on hold. There were more immediate matters at hand—the goal to find and eliminate the boss who had ordered the slaughter of the unnamed village. Lumen’s resolve remained unshaken, and he was determined to bring justice to those who had suffered.

As he ventured deeper into the forest, tracking the trail left by the attackers, he couldn’t help but wonder about the nature of the threat he was facing. Who was this boss, and what motivated them to commit such heinous acts?

He already most likely had the answer to his second question, as that Octahedral Relic was clearly his goal from the beginning. Clearly the idea of being the first human to establish a city and even further being the first human to make their way back to Earth was quite an enticing one for people with great ambitions like this boss.

The forest grew denser, and the air became heavy with tension. It was clear that he was approaching his destination, wherever the boss was hiding. His senses were on high alert, every rustle of leaves or distant sound setting off alarms in his mind.

After what felt like hours of careful navigation through the forest, Lumen came upon a clearing. At its centre stood a large, dilapidated structure—an old fortress that had been hidden from view until now.

Lumen’s heart raced as he approached the fortress. It was clear that this was the lair of the boss he sought. The building itself seemed to radiate malevolence, and the air around it was charged with an ominous energy.

He cautiously stepped inside, ready for whatever awaited him within. The interior was dark and foreboding, with passages leading in various directions. Lumen chose a path and moved forward, his senses sharp and his resolve unwavering.

As he delved deeper into the fortress, he came across signs of a recent presence—footprints, discarded weapons, and other remnants left by the boss and their lackeys. He followed the trail, his anticipation building with each step.

Finally, he reached a massive chamber at the heart of the fortress. There, sitting atop a throne-like chair, was the boss—a formidable figure cloaked in darkness, their face obscured.

The moment Lumen entered the room, the man sitting atop the chair let out a great pressure built up using his mana in a bid to intimidate Lumen.

Yet Lumen stood there unbothered by this intimidating demeanour, as he already knew he had nothing to worry about the moment he laid eyes on the man, specifically with his Identify skill.

[Human - Level 34]

He didn’t read any further into the details of the man as he didn’t need to know them the moment he saw that he was level 34, a whole 16 levels below himself.

’Well that was a little anticlimactic for such a grand looking fortress...’’

’It seems that I charged quite ahead of the other humans in other tutorials in terms of levels...’

"Clever trick with the pressure from releasing your mana." Lumen was the first to start the conversation.

The boss, his face still obscured, chuckled darkly in response to Lumen’s nonchalant remark. "You’re perceptive, I’ll give you that," he said, his voice dripping with an air of arrogance. "But perception alone won’t save you here."

Lumen’s lips curled into a confident smile. "I have a feeling you’re not going to be much of a challenge."

The boss leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he examined Lumen more closely. "You’re quite bold for someone who’s walked into the lion’s den," he remarked. "But who am I to turn away an interesting guest? You may call me Malachi."

Lumen filed away the name, knowing that information about his adversary could prove useful. "Malachi, why did you order the attack on the unnamed village? What was your motive?"

Malachi reclined in his throne, his gloved fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

"Motives, motives," he mused. "Do you really think it matters? The weak are always prey to the strong. Survival of the fittest, my dear Avenger."

Lumen’s patience was wearing thin, and he had little tolerance for such callousness. "That doesn’t justify slaughtering innocent people."

Malachi’s masked face contorted into a twisted smile. "Innocence is a relative concept, my friend. In this world, power is the only currency that matters. I simply took what I needed to survive and thrive."

The conversation had reached a standstill, and Lumen had heard enough of Malachi’s twisted philosophy. Without warning, he unleashed his mana, releasing a torrent of energy that filled the throne room. The very air crackled with power as his aura surged, and the room’s temperature rose dramatically.

"Man, that’s the first time I’ve done something like this with my mana, I can tell why people like you would want to use it to threaten and pressure others, it does feel quite exhilarating."

Malachi’s eyes widened in shock, his face paling instantly as he struggled to maintain his composure. But it was clear that he was outmatched in both strength and skill. Lumen’s mana overwhelmed that of his adversary, leaving no room for argument.

"I don’t have time for your delusions," Lumen said, his voice carrying a weight that echoed through the chamber. "You ordered the slaughter of innocent people, and for that, you’ll pay the price."

Malachi’s defiance crumbled, and he knew he had met his match. In the face of overwhelming power, he had no choice but to submit. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

"What do you want from me?" he finally conceded, his arrogance replaced by resignation.

Lumen approached Malachi, his expression unwavering.

"Your death will suffice." Lumen’s reply was quick and cold, striking immediately after without even batting an eye.