As if I was the protagonist of a rom-com, I came home, and the first thing I saw was my little sister pouting. No, no, no, I meant Ma-ri-a.

"Did you have fun cheating? Huh, cheater? Cheater." She sulked.

I called it a home but it was just a room. Was this really suitable for a princess? Well, I knew that it was simply her dorm room because she was also a leader of The Branch, currently at war. But still, such treatment for a princess... Maybe the hierarchy was somewhat different. I didn't know.

"How about you? Did you abduct another human?" I countered, acting all smug.

Of course, I was still my merciless self. I wasn't like this when I was with Livia because I was more focused on extracting information about the war, the aliens, and most importantly—the woman known as Livia. I sort of had a feeling that she was aware of that, hence why she brought up such an intriguing topic. But...

I'm no idiot.

Appearance—tantalizing beauty, containing plenty of skincare and makeup; strength—a leader of The Branch, one of the strongest; and intelligence—knowledge of the infrastructure, geographical concepts, and everything I wanted to know. Throughout our time together, she tried her best to be perfect or prove herself superior to me. Simply put, the person known as Livia was... narcissistic or someone who had a superiority complex.

I then glanced at Maria.

"Meanie..." She continued to pout and sulk.

And this girl had a father complex. But aside from that, for some reason, I felt like I... didn't need to analyze Maria. I recklessly and mercilessly bantered with her, forgetting the situation I was in. Was I perhaps more comfortable with her than I thought? Well, whatever. I still didn't take a break from all of that thinking and new information.

I'll deal with all of this tomorrow. I'm tired.

I ignored bantering with Maria and dropped myself on the soft, comfortable bed.

Wait a minute... ONE FUCKING BED?!

"Oh my, Cain. You really know how to tense a woman up and then calm her down~" She began removing her clothes.

Wait a damn minute!

"As punishment, I won't let you sleep tonight~," she said in a sultry tone, then she giggled mischievously.

I buried my face in a pillow, preventing my pure eyes from witnessing anything indecent.

No! This is completely weird if you think about it! I'm using her father's eye. Who knows, he might be watching through it!

"Fuuu!" She blew her warm breath against my sensitive ear.

"Eeuaaahh!" I freaked out, and instinctively jumped back to protect my head from further torment.

Unfortunately, my instincts always made bad decisions when death wasn't involved.

"Huh?" My eyes were fixed on her.

To my surprise—or disappointment, ahem—she was wearing her pajamas.

"Cute~I knew that you were vulnerable to my assertive and sexual attacks, but I didn't expect such a cute reaction," she remarked, finding pleasure in the result.

She was right. I was also surprised.

Maybe today was more tiring than I thought. I couldn't even keep my guard up. As I fought against my fatigue, I pondered on my locked heart. Instead of allowing her to constantly penetrate my barriers, and attack the lock to my heart, wouldn't it have been better for the both of us if I unlocked it?

Noticing that I was struggling to keep my eyes open, she pulled me in her embrace and caressed my hair. With my eyes no longer responding, my sense of touch heightened. With her caress being more effective, it didn't take long before I fell asleep.

"ZZZ...."

"Cain, nobody really says that," she whispered in my ear.

----------------------------------------

If I opened my eyes and everything was a dream, I would've...

"Boop." Maria poked my nose. "Wake up, sleepyhead. It's morning." She then poked my cheek. "Hey, are you listening?"

This woman loves touching me when I am asleep, huh?

"Oi, stop that." I yawned and then opened my eyes.

Ah, wait a minute. I was expecting her to be standing or something like last time, but...SHE WAS FUCKING LAYING BESIDE ME! IN BED! The bed was against the wall, so I couldn't get off from my side. I didn't want to crawl over her, and getting off from below was also a pain. Which meant that I was at her mercy.

"Eh... I mean, pl-ease r-refrain from engaging in such activity on a sleeping person, o beautiful Maria."

"Oh? Praise me more~" She grinned mischievously.

Over my dead body—well, hers...

I grew agitated and opted to crawl over her.

"Oh my, Cain. Are we going to do it this early~?"

"For fuck's sake! Just how badly do you want to do it with your father?!"

She gasped, and I screwed up, sullying her mood. That was meant for my thoughts...

"...Did Livia tell you?"

I averted my gaze, feeling guilty.

I didn't respond. Instead, I proceeded with my morning routine. Being considerate, she didn't push the topic further.

"Ah, let me make breakfast." She got up quickly from the bed.

"Don't make me a portion. I'm going to eat out with one of the leaders."

"...Okay."

I glanced at her before I finished my routine.

What a fucking way to start the day.

"...When will you be back?" She asked softly.

"Hopefully soon. I don't want to suffer from another information overload."

"I...see..."

I hope she didn't interpret it as me not wanting to show her my vulnerable side again.

After finishing my routine, I stopped at the door and looked back at her once more.

"Maria," I called out to her.

"Y-yes...?"

Several suggestive words were running through my head, each harsher than the other. Even if I lied about my feelings, I meant it when I said that I wanted to give our relationship a try, albeit half-heartedly because my vulnerable, fragile heart was still locked. Thus, I decided not to use any of those suggestions, instead I improvised for a change.

"Let's go on a date later, okay?" I asked after my lips tugged a smile.

She briefly looked shocked, but after considering my time she responded with a simple grin.

I hate how my words can easily change her mood.

----------------------------------------

After inquiring the secretary about the whereabouts of the leaders of The Branch, it turned out that Leon was busy training; Maxwell was busy—I didn't know with what, and the fact that he didn't specify meant that he either didn't trust me or didn't want to converse with me; Vera was available, but she was the least suspicious person, so I wanted to leave her for last; and as expected, that anonymous guy didn't say anything about his whereabouts. But, after Livia, he was the next person I was wary of.

I stepped outside, and the smell of salt was less potent than yesterday. Maybe my body was growing accustomed to the change in space. That aside, I didn't mind not being aware of his location. This way, I could freely explore while being under the premise that I was searching for him.

But of course, I do want to see him.

However, as I expected, being alone brought a lot of attention to myself. I said this many times, but I'll say it again, humans weren't distinguishable from aliens. Despite that, I still stuck out like a sore thumb due to my silver eyes. To the aliens, it was a symbol of their king, who was renowned for this so-called 'King's Eye'. That most likely had something to do with why I had the potential of a king.

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But then again, can having some sort of resemblance to their former king really be enough to have the potential to be one?

I didn't know how and what traits were required to rule the alien nation. It could either require royal blood, omniscience, or strength. I had neither.

Hm, but if I have the 'potential'—being only resemblance as a card—then doesn't that mean I have influence?

Even if I thought about it, it wasn't something that needed to be known. It was best to put it on hold until I gathered more information. As a fragile human being, I could only close the gap in strength using intelligence.

Ah...there he is.

It was that mysterious man, sipping coffee in a café.

Shit. I should've asked Maria for money. Entering a shop without the intention of buying anything feels criminal. Should I wait for him to leave, or... Screw it! Let's just get this over with.

I entered the café tentatively and then occupied the seat in front of him.

Well, it feels less guilty knowing that they will at least receive payment from him.

"So, I'm next, huh? Even after I displayed such a strong impression, big boobs won." He said calmly while sipping coffee.

"Are you jo—wait...how did you know I went out with Livia yesterday?" I looked at him skeptically. He left the building before Livia invited me yesterday, after all.

"Who said I was referring to Livia? Is that the trait you use to distinguish her from others?"

"Eh... stop with the jokes, and just answer my question already." I averted my gaze out of shame.

He gently placed his coffee cup down before he pointed at my head with a sly grin.

"I can read your mind, kid."

Is that so, you piece of shit?!

"Yes, that's the case, you trash."

Well, fuck...

"You really like cursing, huh? Is it because your brain is too incompetent to construct better sentences using a more exceptional vocabulary? You won't stand out from the crowd like that."

This bastard! I can kill him, can't I?

"Unfortunately for you, I'm not that high-grade alien. I won't lose to a mere human, an insolent one at that." He got up and then coldly looked down at me. He didn't only want to display his superiority through words alone.

"Then why the fuck are you picking a fight with me, huh?!"

I didn't know someone could rile me up that much. It was like he knew what points to hit.

"To test whether you can stay cool-headed in any situation or not." He reached for his wallet to place a bronze coin on the table. "Unfortunately, you keep on disappointing me. Instead of inquiring about my mind-reading ability, you responded aggressively like a kid." He then walked away. "You still have a long way to go before becoming worthy of knowing my name."

"You say that, but I haven't heard you say anything profound or 'exceptional' thus far. All talk and no show, huh?" I countered.

He stopped in his tracks which made me smile triumphantly.

"It seems—despite using layman's terms—my words still flew over your head. I called you stupid, so why would I say anything complex when conversing with a monkey?" He sighed before exiting the café.

Like the sore loser I was, I followed him outside.

"Monkey see, monkey do. Even following me outside. Kid, Are you that content with your incompetence?" He looked at me with pity in his eyes.

"You keep on calling me 'kid', but you don't seem to be that old, huh?"

"Is your insignificant brain still fried from yesterday's information overload? It was under the context of mentality. Even if I was younger than you, I would've still been the man between us. That's just how mediocre you are, kid."

He even knows about the information overload? Isn't that too much of a cheat ability?

"Why do you keep on consulting your mind instead of confronting me? Are you perhaps...scared~?" He asked, grinning derisively.

"That's enough, you as-"

"Help! He robbed me!" An old lady interrupted.

The robber swiftly dashed past me. He was about to pass the mysterious man.

"Get the hell out of my way, fucking bastard!" The robber cursed.

Not bothered to stop him, the mysterious man allowed the robber to bump his shoulder and run away. The mysterious man nonchalantly brushed the dust off his shoulder.

"Noooo!" The old lady screamed in agony.

"Good grief. Why do you kids keep on cursing?"

Shit! I was expecting the mysterious man to stop him, but I guess I have to do it myself!

Just before I was about to pursue the robber, the mysterious man stopped me.

"Wait. How many times do I have to tell you to calm down? You have so much potential, but it's tainted by your irrationality." Even in the face of a robber who was already long gone, he remained composed. As if...he won.

"Is now really the time for a lecture?! He's getting away! No—he's already gone!"

Normally, I would ignore it, but I'd like to believe that aliens are different from humans.

"Despite all of those trash monologues and heartless thoughts, you truly are...kind. But, don't worry," he reassured while snapping his fingers. "Answer my call, [Pride of the Drawing Shot]" A bow appeared in his hand, but there were no arrows nor a quiver.

Suddenly, upon drawing his bow, an arrow appeared.

image [https://i.imgur.com/UMqfhJj.png]

"My arrow strikes true."

While he charged his shot, another robber ambushed him with a sword from behind. Since I wasn't the target, my curse and instinct didn't react. By the time I saw him, he was already near the mysterious man.

"Behind you!" I warned, but he smiled confidently.

"[Bullseye]"

Both—the ambusher and I—were perplexed. Why was he ignoring the attacker from behind? But then, my question was answered when he shot.

Despite seeing a single arrow being drawn, it doubled upon the shot. Not only that, but the second arrow changed trajectory, accurately striking the heart of the attacker behind him. The first arrow avoided all of the citizens and continued to pursue the first robber who was way ahead.

I said that, but it only took a mere split second for both of the arrows to hit, regardless of the distance. That's just how fast the arrows traveled. Of course, I didn't see it but I needed to narrate it.

The ambusher dropped to his knees, breathing his last breath. The mysterious man turned around and stood in front of him, looking down coldly.

"How impudent and ignorant of you. Your opponent can also create a surprise attack. You're not even above yet you had the audacity to be foolish and complacent."

"Huh?" I was shocked after witnessing the man's body slowly decaying, starting from the targeted area.

"Disappear, arrogant trash."

It appeared that the arrow piercing the attacker's heart wasn't tormenting enough for the mysterious man, so he continued to stab his heart using words. Anyway, it didn't take long for the man to decay into nothingness. It was truly brutal.

After everything, the mysterious man released hold of his bow, causing it to disappear and then he looked back at me.

"Aren't you also heading back to The Branch? Come." He walked in the direction of The Branch, and I followed suit, paying no mind to the crowd gathered.

Honestly, I was scared to ask him anything, but I would've learned nothing if I hadn't.

"H-hey... what was that...just now?"

"The weapon called Pride of the Drawing Shot was granted to me after conquering the Tower of Ascension. Same as the ability called Bullseye."

The Tower of Ascension?

"And what about your mind-reading?"

"That too. They were all rewards for conquering the Tower of Ascension."

"...and what is this so-called Tower of Ascension?"

"Hm. Where to start?" He pondered before glancing at me. "How do you think the war is going?"

There it was again. Just like Livia. They asked a different question and it somehow led to answering my question. It was best to just play along.

"That's a good question. If you have many people as strong as you then humanity should more or less be finished by now."

"If that was the case, then why are we still in a different space?"

"Now that you mention it..." I began pondering.

"It's because the war didn't start yet," he answered.

That was surprising. Maria woke me up under the premise that there was an emergency, but then this guy told me that the war hadn't even begun.

"Even though it's been a month already?" I asked.

"Correct. Do you believe in the Almighty?"

Waaahh... how surprising. I didn't expect him to be religious.

"Have you forgotten that I can read your mind?"

"...Sorry. Anyway, I'm not sure. I believe I've been cursed, but the perpetrator doesn't necessarily have to be God, right?"

"True. Not believing in things that you haven't seen nor confirmed is wonderful and all, but sometimes it takes assumptions and belief in oneself to create awareness of the unprecedented."

As I thought. This man...

"Hm? What about me?" He looked at me with an obvious fake smile.

"So? Why did you ask?"

"Because there's a known demiurge that maintains the balance of this world."

Damn... I already thought that the aliens were strong, but now he brought up a supreme being.

What a pain in the ass this is turning out to be.

"Are you sure about this?" I glanced at him skeptically.

"I said he's known, didn't I? He's the creator of the Tower of Ascension."

"I-I see..." I was at a loss for words. Maybe I was accepting these fictional concepts a bit too easily.

"When one conquers the Tower of Ascension, they are given a divine weapon, more commonly known as a heavenly weapon. They are unbreakable. It was created by a deity, after all. Other than that, they're given a title with an ability based on their personality and achievements in the tower. There are also rare cases when they receive two abilities or a sin title. Those with a sin title are known as singularities," he explained.

"Hm... so your heavenly weapon is Pride of the Drawing Shot, and your ability is Bullseye?"

I thought the aliens would be overpowered, but it was somewhat manageable considering that they were limited to a single ability.

"That, and..." He then took off his glove, showing me a lion symbol on the dorsal side of his hand. "I'm the Sin of Pride, one of the Seven Singularities. I have two titles, therefore I have two abilities: mind-reading from my Sin of Pride title; and Bullseye from my God of Archery title."

"Wait... God?"

"It's just a title. It holds no power other than the given ability."

I breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing about one deity was enough for me. More? No thanks. That aside, he was being awfully generous for someone who was previously condescending. I raised an eyebrow, expecting some answers.

"You don't need to look at me like that. I told you before, didn't I? That I wanted to reap the benefits dry. I want to earn your trust."

"Why?"

Honestly, it sounded shady that he was hell-bent on earning my trust.

"Because you, a mere human, defeated a high-grade alien. I'm sure there's something special about you." Once again, he gave me a fake smile.

He wasn't lying, but I could tell that he was hiding something. However, as I looked at my powerless hand, I couldn't do anything about it. So, for the first time, I seriously thought about attaining the ability to be on equal footing in terms of combat, if not more. I clenched my fist and cursed my weakness.

"If you want to earn my trust, then tell me your name."

"No can do. That's something I'll tell you once you earn my trust. For now, like everyone else, call me Mr. Unknown."

Yeah, I expected that bullshit response. That aside, we stopped when we reached the entrance of The Branch.

"Kid, I showed you my lion symbol, correct? Currently, five of the seven sins are known: Pride, Lust, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth. Each of them has a symbol on the dorsal side of their hand. Also, they're all good people. However, nobody knows about Greed and Envy. If you ever come across someone with gloves or have a symbol of either of those two sins, then be wary. It's ironic, but sin abilities are stronger than god abilities. If the Sin of Greed or Envy happens to be an enemy, it'd be best to run."

He then patted my shoulder reassuringly before entering first.

"Ah, lastly..." He paused briefly before continuing, "Like I said, the Demiurge is in charge of balance. Currently, the two species have a vast difference in power which would result in an imbalance if they had a war. Hence, the Demiurge is halting the war until he come up with a way to balance the war. Basically..." He pointed at me. "Like the Tower of Ascension for aliens, the Demiurge will give you, humans, a chance to grow tremendously powerful. Now then, adieu~" He waved before disappearing from my sight.

I once again looked at my clenched fist.

That means I will get a chance to stand on equal footing, right? So, for now, I just need to endure this inferiority.

"Sin of Pride, huh..." I turned around and looked at the bright sun.

That explains his hubris.

"It's still early. I guess it's possible to have that date with Maria," I said to myself before entering The Branch.