Prologue

[Before you dive into the pages that follow, a friendly heads-up: This is a realm of pure fiction. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all names, characters, businesses, places, and events in this book are a figment of my imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any semblance to real persons, whether alive or departed, or actual events is purely coincidental.

That's all!!

So, buckle up for an Odyssey of Lackey's Life]

In this world, opportunities sprawled across vast landscapes, awaiting those astute enough to seize them at the right time and... right place. Those who grasped these chances emerged as the greatest individuals, carving their legacy in the history.

Conversely, those who failed to capitalize on their opportunities often found themselves succumbing to societal expectations, relegated to criticizing and envying those who ascended.

Yet, amid this dynamic interplay, there existed individuals who chose a different path…. Steal other's opportunities.

This 'insidious act' was not confined to the realm of humans; it extended to every living being unburdened by guilt when it came to seizing the prospects of others.

Just like that, in a world where magic was possible… 

In that world, even monsters lurked around in the shadows to grasp opportunities….

In a certain place,

"AARRGHHHHH!!!"

"R-RUN!!"

"S-Somebody Hel----arhhh----"

The cries of people echoed through the small village, a haunting symphony of fear and despair.

Flames erupted everywhere as ugly monsters hunted their prey whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Monsters who missed their opportunities began battling others to steal opportunities...

All in all…. Everyone wanted an opportunity, whether to survive or whether to shine like a star...

In the midst of turmoil, a child cowered in the shadows, desperately trying to protect someone.

"Huff"

"Huff"

The child panted heavily, his eyes hazy, blood flowing from his head and covering his vision. 

The air around him filled with a sense of vulnerability and desperation as everyone struggled to endure the chaos.

'Thud!!'

With a loud sound, something broke into the house. 

The child immediately held the person lying on the bed, driven by a fierce desire to protect whoever it was.

"gggrrrrrr!!"

With a groaning sound, a green-coloured monster, also known as a goblin, slowly entered the house. 

But suddenly,

"BOOM"

The monster was suddenly busted like a balloon. 

The child couldn't comprehend what happened; it was then he heard a voice,

"Child"

The child was jolted, attempting to look at the person, but he couldn't clearly see who it was as his vision was already blurred by his blood.

"Child, I can save everyone, including… the person you are holding."

As soon as the child heard those words, he muttered with hope, "R-Really?" his voice a little patchy.

"Yes"

"T-The—"

"However, I need something"

"….I-I don't have any—"

"You have, child. You do….."

The child, with his blurred vision, saw a big figure standing in front of him.

"You do have something I truly need"

"M-My life?" The child asked with hesitation. However, feeling a trembling body in the bed, he asked, "If my life is enough, please sa—"

"I don't want your life, child."

"T-Then?"

"What I want is Your----"