Chapter 52: Overlord World

Looking at his blood-stained jacket Gojo sighed in mild disappointment.

Their feeble attempts posed no real challenge.

Nonchalantly shedding his blood-stained jacket, he revealed a pristine white silk shirt underneath.

He had refrained from using his Limitless technique, Instead, he chose to savor the raw experience, allowing the rush of dopamine and adrenaline to course through his veins. craving the unbridled rush of danger that the weak monsters failed to provide.

"Whew, quite a workout!" Gojo said loudly, trying to lessen the tense atmosphere. "Those mutts really put up a fight. They were quite strong right?"

The villagers stared in disbelief. How was this man claiming the wolves put up a good fight..?

Isn't he the one who single-handedly defeated the Alpha... no isn't he the one who was playing with it like a toy..?

This man instilled so much fear inside the Monster Wolfs that they fought each other and died... Healed the dying Wolf and made the Monster his pet!?

'T-This person seems very humble...' everyone thought but-

Gojo grinned at their confused faces. "What, you guys aren't thinking a few mangy wolves could scratch me, are you."

"N-no!" everyone shook their heads. 'This man is a beast!....' everyone noted mentally. (A/N: '...')

They were all afraid.

He walked over to the Adventurer duo, who cringed back weakly.

Gojo chuckled softly. "Good job Albert and Chloe, still standing. Knew you guys had it in you."

The Lightning McBlue peered up at him from behind, sensing his master didn't mind he rubbed his head on Gojo gently and Gojo also patted the Lightning McBlue.

(A/N: Pfft.. ok ok, I will change its name..... lol)

"Your nickname would be Blue, ok?" Gojo's casual friendliness toward the beasts was astounding to the villagers.

Turning back to them, Gojo spoke in a light, reassuring tone. "Well then, I'd say it's safe to come out now. Monsters won't be bothering you folks anymore, thanks to me!"

His flippant words and cheerful demeanor helped diffuse the horrific tension that still hung thick in the air.

The villagers began to smile and murmur thankfully amongst themselves.

*****

****

Gojo woke up as the morning sun filtered through the windows of the village head's home. He stretched and let out a large yawn, still feeling energized after the previous day's events.

As he made his way downstairs, the smell of breakfast drew him to the dining room. The village head and his family greeted Gojo warmly. "Please, join us for a meal. We cannot thank you enough for saving our village," the head said sincerely.

Gojo smiled. "Think nothing of it. I'm just glad I could help."

He had sternly demanded money to save them and had prepared a dialogue if they refused but to his surprise, they happily obliged.

The village head collected coins from every villager and handed a large sum to Gojo.

After smelling the delicious food, he enjoyed the hearty breakfast, engaging in light conversation with the villagers.

Their fear and tension from before seemed to have eased into gratitude.

After eating, Gojo made his way outside where Albert, Chloe, and Blue were waiting. The wolf greeted him enthusiastically. Gojo patted his head then turned to the adventurers. "So, shall we get going then?"

The Adventurer duo had also talked with him and although afraid, they considered Gojo as a good person.

The trio loaded up their supplies onto the covered wagon pulled by Blue. As they prepared to depart, the villagers gathered to see them off.

The head addressed Gojo. "Please return anytime, you will always find a welcome here. May the rest of your journey be safe."

Gojo nodded in thanks then climbed onto the wagon. Albert and Chloe joined him as Blue set off down the road,

As the wagon bounced along the dirt road, Gojo turned to his traveling companions. "So tell me more about magic and Mana."

The duo became confused, "Y-you are kidding right..? you don't know about mana..?"

Gojo gave them a deadpan look and they trembled lightly.

Cloe glanced at Albert before answering. "W-Well, you see.. there are various tiers of magic aptitude. At the lowest level are those with a small innate ability, like myself. I can barely manage a few parlor tricks - my fireballs are more smoke than substance." A light blush crept onto her cheeks.

"That's why I focused on sword training instead..... With my weak magic, climbing the ranks as a proper battle mage would have taken decades. As it stands, I can provide only minor support spells in battle."

That piques his curiosity - what defines a person's affinity and how magic is taught? Cloe and Albert can't offer much insight into the mechanics.

As the sun sinks low, Gojo suggests Cloe try releasing a fireball to start practicing.

"O-ok..."

Cloe took a deep breath, steadying herself. "Ignis ferventis, ignitus ardentis, Ardor in tenebris, flamma in obscurum!" she chanted, summoning a tiny flickering flame in her only hand. 

But when she tosses it, the wind snuffs it out in seconds.

Gojo took a deep breath and calmly repeated her incantation.

To everyone's surprise, a tower of flames erupted in Gojo's hand, dwarfing her small fireball.

Cloe and Albert stared in shock and fear at the immense display of magical skill.

With a simple "shoot", Gojo flung his wrist and the fireball roared away into the distance.

*Boom*

It struck a far-off hillside with a deafening boom. The force of the impact rippled across the countryside.

As Cloe and Albert struggled to comprehend the sheer scope of power they had witnessed, their attention turned back to Gojo. Already he was summoning another inferno, squeezing the shimmering flames between his fingers without incantation.

Gojo narrowed his eyes and willed the fireball forward 'Shoot'.

*BbooOOmMM*

An earth-shaking explosion reduced a distant mountain to dust, its echo rolling through the landscape.

Albert and Cloe stood dumbfounded in awe and trepidation, trembling at the unimaginable forces before them.

/To be continued..../

___________

A/N: Don't be stingy and hand over your power stones!