The Price Of Freedom

Chiara liked his answer. She didn't ask any more questions. He was supposed to be a mystery to her for now.

The night of the next day, everyone was ready to flee out of the city. Akito had bought potions from the alchemist from the dealer's money. He took Chiara and the bear-like Ursa with him to check the situation. The change of the guards had just taken place. Many of the soldiers were tired and unmotivated, lately there have been no monster attacks so there wasn't much to do. Akito used their inattentiveness to kill each of them together with Chiara and Ursa. No one was allowed to stay alive, they couldn't risk being exposed. It was also retaliation for the brothers and sisters who died through slavery. The city was very quiet at night. Some drunken citizens came from the taverns, but they did not notice the group of people. The group consisted of more than 100 people. The way to the beginning of the forest was a 2 minute walk. Akito divided the group into smaller groups to avoid attracting more attention. The first group led by Ursa sneaked out of town. They were lucky no one noticed them. Then it was Chiara's group's turn. There were no problems with them either and they waited at the entrance of the forest for the last group led by Akito. When they were close to the city gate, Akito felt the presence of 3 more people. They were soldiers on their way to the gate. He ordered the others to walk quietly through the gate. They trusted him because he had helped them before. When the soldiers were just at the city gate, they noticed the group. But it was already too late. Akito jumped from the roof of a house directly into the soldiers backs. Then he took the Shadow Scythe and beheaded the soldiers. He had enlarged the sickle-shaped blade with a potion, so it cut easily through the flesh of the soldiers. Actually, they could escape now, but they knew that without Akito's abilities they would have very little chance of crossing the border. They saw that from a distance a fast shadow was speeding towards them. Shortly before them he stopped and Akito appeared from the shadow. The group wasn't very surprised, they had expected Akito to have some more way stronger skills. On the way, the group met some weak monsters. Meanwhile Akito had taken a liking to the demi humans and regarded them as allies. So he helped them defend themselves by training them to kill monsters. Many people easily increased their level. A lot of people wanted to know exactly who Akito was. They were fascinated by his appearance and his fighting style. But he had no interest in telling them exactly how he could be here. That's why he cut his story short.

"I was conjured from my world into this world. Upon my arrival, I was accused of a false identity. I was betrayed and thrown in jail. After some time I was thrown into a dungeon. There I fought the monsters and miraculously survived. Over time my level increased and I noticed the changes in my body. When I could finally escape from the dungeon, I began to forge a plan to take revenge on the heroes and this kingdom. So I traveled disguised through the country, trying to get stronger.

At first I set you free because I could see that you were betrayed by the kingdom just as I was. So I saw you as part of my plan. But after I had a closer look at you, I noticed that you were helping each other despite your cruel fate. You act like one big family with nothing to lose. It reminded me a bit of my old world. I didn't want you to end up like me. So I help you not only because I see you as allies but because you are a connection to my old world. "

The group looked a bit confused, but they were very grateful to him for the help. After about 2 days they arrived at the border. In front of them was a big wall filled with soldiers. There was also a large tent for the generals. Just as Akito was exploring the area, he heard loud voices from the direction of the tent. As he got closer, he saw a spectacle. The soldiers fought man to man with their bare fists. It was like a showdown between gladiators. The winner got the loser's ration. As he watched from a distance, Akito had an idea. He went back to the others and explained his plan to them. They should lay low and wait for his signal. Akito sneaked up on a patrol and killed every soldier almost silently.

Then he took a soldier's clothes and put them on. Now he was camouflaged and could let his fun run free. First, he arrogantly boasted that he could finish the champion in 10 seconds. Although there were other fights, everyone wanted to see if he was right or immediately sent to the ground. His bet was the rations of the three killed soldiers. The camp was too big and there were dozens of soldiers, so there was no danger that Akito would be exposed. Among the spectators, a huge soldier stepped forward. His face was full of scars, marked by hundreds of fights. Akito was barely battle tested in fistfight, yet he had the big advantage of his stats. His right arm was stronger than any soldier's weapon. To show off, he offered Akito a free blow. He just smiled back and took up position. He pulled back and swung strongly forward. The impact was immense and the soldier flew 5 meters backwards. The other soldiers made big eyes when they saw that the giant could not stand up any more. So Akito was the winner and made a name for himself. He divided the rations between the viewers. So he had won their trust. When evening came, the soldiers sat down together at the campfire. Previously, Akito checked how many soldiers were on guard duty. There were far fewer than he had expected, yet he could not be reckless. One mistake and everything he had built up to this point would collapse. After some time he saw that the soldiers had drunk the whole ration of beer. Only a few were still in their senses, most lay drunk on the floor.

"Akito, you're like a blessing. The Captain never lets us drink much, we could hardly rest and had to train with sword and shield. He didn't care if it was night or day. You must be careful, the other soldiers will be jealous of you. While they guard, we sit here and enjoy these rarities. You better think of something for tomorrow, hahaha! " (soldiers)

Akito noticed that the rest of them slowly got drunk and fell asleep. Now it was time for the next phase of the plan. He got up, went to the fire and held his right hand in. Suddenly huge black flames raged up into the sky. The soldiers around the campfire startled and saw that Akito had taken on his demon shape again. When they saw that there was a demon with white hair among them, they couldn't believe it.

"Hey, you said I was your blessing. You probably think I poisoned your food and drinks. To be honest, that's what I had in mind at first. But then I realized it was too good for you. I'd also be bored watching you beg for your life while you're making miserable attempts to keep breathing. "

Shortly afterwards, he winked into the distance. His plan was that when he gave the sign, all the people from afar should give him their attention.

Akito had been thinking. He knew the group would see him as their savior. Yet he never intended to stay in that role. He wanted to show them his true colours. It was supposed to serve as a deterrent and make them realize that his thirst for revenge led him on a cruel and bloody path. He thus made it clear that none of them should ever become like him. Akito was not a role model, he presented himself as a bad guy, because that was what he really was and wanted to be. After they crossed the line, his favor would be over. It would be better if they had no connections to Akito, they would run into more trouble.

When the group looked at him, they realized that he had become a completely different person. His eyes burned blood red and he smiled like a madman.

Most soldiers could hardly stand on their feet. One of them ran to the alarm to call for backup. But he didn't get far, because Akito caught up with him quickly with his shadow step.

He grabbed his head and lifted it up. Shortly afterwards Akito's arm began to burn. The flames rushed towards the soldier's face and his skin and muscles burned in a matter of seconds.

"Don't worry, your backup will be here soon, trust me. "

The other soldiers couldn't believe what had just happened. Akito became their nightmare. Many of them could not move from their place because of their fear. Some tried to attack him, but failed miserably. It was a piece of cake for Akito. He felt like he was in one of his computer games. It was a fight between beginners and an overpowered end boss. Suddenly Akito heard the alarm bell. One of his victims crawled to the rope and managed to pull it before he died. It didn't take long for a whole squad to surround him. One of the generals stepped forward and ordered the soldiers not to kill him yet. He himself would torture and execute him. Akito started to laugh. Through this provocation, the horde of soldiers stormed on him filled with fighting spirit and will to win. Akito just stood next to the campfire and looked at them satisfied.

"You idiots, your stupidity far surpasses my arrogance. No wonder the monsters were able to invade the country. Let me show you what pure dominance means. He took part of the flames in his hand. Immediately they turned black. Akito looked at them with fascination. Although he used it many times, he was always enthusiastic about its beauty. He pointed his hand at the fire, which turned black. Then he blew the flames in his hand into the fire. Suddenly huge black flames shot up and the fire became enormous. The soldiers retreated and realized that they had walked right into Akito's trap. Suddenly a huge vortex formed, which increased rapidly. The soldiers had fear written all over their faces. The next moment, Akito flicked once. Immediately the whirlwind raced towards the soldiers, who had no chance to evade. He had managed to create a giant tornado. Satisfied with his creation, he gave free rein to his hatred. The victims, who miraculously did not burn, he executed with his scythe. After all, the vortex had reached all the soldiers. Akito saw that one of the generals was still alive. He was frightened when he saw that Akito was running through the tornado without a scratch. He crawled back in despair, but there was no way out. Akito stabbed him in both his legs. The general cried out in pain. Akito enjoyed it, he could never have enough of it. With every scream he thought back to the time when he suffered in the jail and dungeon. He had to pay back that pain a hundredfold. The general didn't beg for his life in the first place. Rather, he hoped to die soon.

Since Akito had little time left, he was granted this favor. He took him by the hair and slowly cut open his throat. After he gasped for air one last time he died. He gave the others the hand signal. Some were hesitant to go to him. Nevertheless they joined the majority and went to Akito. When he saw the group, he noticed that some were missing. When he looked around, the rest of the people came along. They had some women with them with chains on their hands. He saw that they had dead eyes, too. The soldiers had raped them day and night for their pleasure and played with their life. Some looked like children. Akito had already expected something similar. The group asked him to take the women with them. He didn't mind as long as he didn't have to take care of it personally. He noticed that the atmosphere was very tense. That was the result of his performance, what he had wished for. After everyone was ready, he explained what to do next. First they went around the camp once. Akito knew that his show would attract monsters, so he took a torch and burned the tents. Once the monsters were at the wall, the group had a clear path to cross the border. After a few hours they arrived at the path that led to the mountains. There was a big cave there. Akito went in first and checked to see if a monster nested here. He met a huge boar-like monster with one eye. Once again Akito showed the group that he was almost a monster himself. With one attack, he cut the monster in half. He then offered the group to set up camp here. The could use the boar meat as food.

While the men started to make weapons, the women and children collected wood, berries and leaves for campfires and small houses. Akito was amazed by her skills, but his interest was not great enough to stay here any longer. But he had achieved his goal. The demi humans would fear him and be even more careful to withstand attacks. Now he was kind of a deterrent. At least that's what he thought.

Since he had no interest in a sentimental farewell, which he did not expect anyway, he turned around and left the cave. Just before the exit, a hand took his arm. It was Chiara who asked to talk to him. He had almost forgotten her. When he cruelly killed the soldiers as a deterrent, Chiara was the only one who remained calm. She could see through his plan.

"I guess that's farewell. Although I knew of your abilities, I was very impressed with what you were capable of. I know why you want to portray yourself as the bad guy in the end, but I can tell you that this plan didn't quite work out.

Suddenly two children came and gave him a necklace made of plants. On the chain hung a pendant in the shape of a wooden wolf. The children smiled and shortly afterwards they ran embarrassed to their parents. When he looked at the troop, he looked into many laughing faces. His plan had indeed not worked out.

"Guess I failes that one. Yet it should have also contributed to your safety. I hope you can do it without me. Don't disappoint me, otherwise all the effort was in vain.

Chiara looked at him depressed but at the same time relieved that he understood their intentions.

"I know you don't fit into the group. It was clear to me from the beginning. No matter how brutal and bloody the fight, you were the only one watching quietly. That's why it's even more important that you become the leader of the group. In your eyes I can see that you want to go on an adventure trip with me, but it is still too early for that. " (Akito)

Akito saw her as a good fighter but she was still too inexperienced and naive for him. He had experienced too much to take that risk. His path would become even more difficult and cruel. Besides these aspects Akito also felt attracted to her. He's never had a girlfriend before. And to lose her now because of his revenge plan was out of the question.

That's why he made her a promise. As soon as the demi humans have recovered and are able to withstand any kind of attacks, she should search for him. He knew it would take some time, but he didn't want to waste it. That was not only his wish. Chiara looked at him sadly, but then she started to smile.

"You're still a mystery to me. But I must agree with you, at the moment I am probably the most suitable person. Most of them have families, but I don't. That's why you have to promise me you won't die until I come for you."

The next moment she walked up to Akito and kissed him on the cheek.

He started blushing. He didn't know what to do. It was the first time a girl ever kissed him.

Chiara enjoyed his embarrassed face.

"Wh-whatever, I-i promise. But first you prove yourselves against the dangers inside and outside the border. Then you can look for me if you still feel like it. But be wary, it's gonna be hard to find me. „ (Akito)

Chiara said goodbye to him with a smile. Akito left the cave and made his way back to the kingdom. As he thought about what to do next, he heard a voice he was too familiar with ...

"I must say, I like your story so far. How you enslaved the dragon, amazing. I know you have questions about Grim, but more about that later. I'm not here to request for a favor, I'm here to do you one. (Amon)

The demon king rose from his shadow and handed him a piece of paper. What was written on it pleased Akito very much. Suddenly thousands of ideas formed in his head.

"I knew you'd like it. Now continue your journey, this will guide you. Then you can proof your real skills to me.

Oh, and as for the girl, good taste! But be sure that your situation will not make it easy for you to stay at her side. "

Soon after, Amon disappeared.

Now it was time for the next phase of the revenge plan.

"Time for executions!"