nd Chapter: ---and that's how I met him...

Ever since I was child, I was praised constantly as a genius.

Weather it is either my parents or an outsider, teacher, seniors, juniors... All of them looked at me as if I'm a myth.

Though they view me that way, I don't think so in my perspective.

At a young age of 10, I have already reached Tier I.

At an age of 12, I reached Tier II.

At 15, I reached Tier III.

At 18, I reached Tier IV.

At 20, I miraculously reached Tier V.

At 23, I reached Tier VI.

At 25, I reached Tier VII, which is known as the peak strength of Humanity.

In a world where strength is the bases of social hierarchical status, at an age of 25, I stood at the peak of Humanity and became one of the it's hegemon and pillar.

Why is the status based on strength...?

Simple, because of the current situation of Humanity that is brink on its Extinction.

Why are the humans were on its brink of extinction...?

It is because of the Demon Devouring Beasts that is running rampant.

In a very distant past, which is already been forgotten they said and declared as a deleted timeline, it is said that the reason of the apocalypse and caused everything that is happening right now was all because of the will of a single man.

Though there is no solid proof to prove that the story is true, this story was passed down from generation to generation by my Ancestors.

It's a little bit detailed and as well as a bit lacking.

Because of how a little bit detailed it is, most viewed this story as fiction.

Anyway, the story goes of a tragic story of the said man.

In the distant past, there are four forces that is ruling the world.

The Fairy Clan, also known as Elves.

The Demon Clan.

The Beast Clan.

And the last but not the least, the Human Clan.

As for the relationship between the four, all of them are complicated because of the Greediness, Lust, Envy and Pride of the Human Clan.

Too much pride that ended up looking down on the Beast Clan because of their half Human and Half beast appearance, Greediness and Envying everything that Elves owns and slandering the Demon Clan as Heretics because of their horns.

Shockingly, for some unknown reasons, although the human clan was indeed in the bad side because of their traits, the two clans, Elves and Beast men, remained forgiving all the crimes that Humans created.

But, unfortunately for the Human Clan, unlike the other two forgiving clans, the Demon Clan fought back with them.

That's the era where Demon Lord's and Heroes began to show up.

Because of the cruelty and way how demons kill the humans, the humans fought back the Demons as if they are the righteous ones.

Without even knowing that the reason behind the fight between them was all because of their own race, the Demon Clan was branded as an existence that should perish in Human History.

If the other two clans didn't exist and live to tell the tale, my Ancestors told us that the truth behind such history might never come to light.

And so, countless years have passed, the fight continued between the two Clans until... The Hero of the Human clan and Demon Lord of the Demon Clan fell in love with each other.

In addition to that, the princess of the Fairy clan and the princess of all the Beast Clan, which is the dragon princess, also fell in love with the Hero of the Human Clan.

Because of the righteousness of the Hero of the Human Clan, after knowing the truth behind the conflict, he took all the burden and blame of the Human clan and made peace with all of the other three clans.

Coincidentally, he has the power to do so.

Long story short, the conflict ended up in a peaceful ending... But not for long.

Sadly, after creating peace between the four clans, he married the Demon Lord of the Demon Clan but refused to marry both of the princesses of Beast Clan and Fairy Clan.

Upon hearing such declaration of the Hero, both of the princesses of each clan were heartbroken but... they still expressed how strong their love is to the very end. And that is, they also declared that both of them will never marry any other man except the hero for all lives.

As for the reply of the Hero, he never gave any reply at all and remained silent as he continued his Happy life with his wife, the Demon Lord.

A year later, the happiness that the Hero is experiencing didn't last.

Why...?

Because a coalition of all four clans was created to go against him.

The reason of the Demon Clan and Human Clan is that... they cannot coexist.

To erase the proof of coexistence, they thought of killing both the Hero and the Demon Lord.

As for the Fairy Clan and Beast Clan, because of it's immense power that serves as a huge threat, they view that the Hero is a dangerous character that can destroy the balance of the four clans and his unborn child within the Demon Lord's womb.

In addition to that, he is also the main reason why the royal blood of each clan will be cut off in this generation. With the stubbornness of both princesses that refuses to marry other man than the hero, it's obvious that she can't have a descendents alone.

Well, such hatred is quite reasonable if that all there is but... there is indeed much more than that. Conspiracy and Greed that is.

And so, with the intent to kill, all four forces attacked the house where the Former Hero and Former Demon Lord is currently living in.

When the news reached the ears of both princesses of Fairy Clan and Beast Clan, they rushed out immediately to save the Hero and the Demon Lord.

Because the Former Demon Lord is currently pregnant, she didn't have any combat prowess at all, leaving the Hero to take all the fight by himself.

Without a choice, the Former Hero was thinking of sacrificing himself on that place and make sure his wife and his unborn child is safe until... both of the princesses came as his aide.

Assured of the trustworthiness of both princesses, the hero left his wife under their care and made them escape.

Simultaneously, he fought and stopped anyone who try to pursuit the three women.

Everything is going smoothly at that time. There is no error or anything with the actions carried on but... the error lies beyond that.

It lies on the trust that the Hero given to the four clans.

While fighting alone intensely to a coalition army of four clans, he suddenly heard a large explosion in a very distant place.

For some reasons, when the hero heard that explosion, his entirety trembled with fear while thinking of the worst case scenario.

He went towards the place of explosion with all his might, neglecting everything including the pain and his worsening wounds.

All that is enveloping him at that time is... fear.

Unfortunately for him, when he reached the place of explosion, all he saw was the corpse of the two princesses of the each clan that died cruelly with dismembered arms and legs.

Although they indeed died that way, it was said that it can be seen in their eyes that they died fighting heroically until the end.

As for worst sight that the Hero have seen, it was his wife crucified while having a blade embedded on her belly.

Seeing the sight of the three women's sorry state, everything felt like a nightmare in the Hero's perspective.

For who knows how many time passed by after his silence, the Hero gathered the three corpse with all gentleness he could give while moving like a puppet.

When the coalition forces saw the Hero's condition and the death of the three women, all they did was observe the Hero as if they are an audience.

Seemingly confident of their forces or they have already achieved their goal, they let the Hero do everything what he wanted to do.

Confusedly in their perspective, they thought why did the Hero didn't bury the three women but let them like down on the ground...?

After making them lie down on the ground and clean up the blood and dusts on them, he looked at the three women with full of love.

After that, he slowly stood up and laugh loudly and maniacally like a mad man.

After laughing like a mad man, he turned his head and asked both of the King of two clan, Fairy Clan and Beast clan simultaneously.

"---Isn't the deal between the three of us... I will not marry both of your daughter but in exchange, their safety and well being is guaranteed. Why did both of them die here cruelly in this place?"

In my Ancestors story, these words are absolutely the words that the Former Hero said at that time.

Even if the story conveyed from generation to generation deviated a little bit, these words were strictly conveyed, word by word.

In addition to that, it was also said that at that time, the Hero could only live a year or two for some confidential reasons, this is one of the reasons why he refused to marry the princesses of both clan, which, possess a long life span.

After asking the two kings of the two clans, he then turned his head and asked smilingly to the Human and Demon Kings.

"Isn't the deal between the three of us as well... You can have my life but not my wife nor my child... What happened to the deal?"

After those words left on the Hero's mouth, the Human King smirked, The Demon King laughed loudly, the Beast Clan feeling depressed and ashamed and Fairy Clan looked at the Hero sternly as if he is in the right.

Seeing the different reactions, the hero continued smiling until... the weather changed and thunder clouds gathered above the Hero.

It was also stated clearly by my Ancestors that the words spoken by the Hero at that time was---

"---Since no one is trustworthy within any of you, since you took everything away from me, my wife, my lovers, my unborn child... you don't mind me wiping out all of your clan right...?"

Hearing the declaration of the Hero as if his voice came out from hell, all of them laughed at the Hero's madness.

Looking at the Hero's current feeble condition, killing a chicken is even a hard task to complete.

But soon enough, all of them begged in mercy and asked for forgiveness.

Gray Lightning Descended on the Hero and his strength elevated and broke the record of the History,

He reached the power which is mythically known as... Tier X.

Shockingly and confusedly, he didn't kill anyone at that time but he cut all of their limbs, hands, and foot cruel.

After doing all that while laughing maniacally like a mad man, he took the dead bodies of the three women and went somewhere else.

A year later after that, one night, in the Demon Clan's territory, blood flowed like river as countless corpse were seen that died cruelly.

The year after that, the Fairy Clan experienced the same fate of the Demon clan.

Mystically, after the incident in the Fairy Clan, the Beast clan vanished like thin air as if they never existed at all.

As for the Human Clan, they were caged like livestocks, let them live and made them guinea pigs for the Heroes research.

What kind of research...?

That is, to revive... resurrect the life of his three women and his unborn child.

In addition to that, to extend his life as well.

Of course, such an ambition is impossible through normal means.

And so, knowing that it's impossible through normal means, he did it on the other way.

It was said that he viewed nothing of value at that time except the three women and his unborn child.

Soon after that, decades passed by and the existence of the Former Hero vanished like thin air.

No one knows what happened to the Hero.

Did he died of old age...? Did he died because of his failed experiments...? Did he died because he received a Divine judgement from God...? No one knows.

Another countless decades passed by. My Ancestors said that the Hero's failed subjects he experimented on soon broke out in his lab and enveloped the entire world.

As what kind of existences his failed subjects he experimented on... those are the current Devouring Demons that is running rampant in this era.

Killing, massacring, devouring and sabotaging every human being on it's sight.

My Ancestors said that our Ancestors were once the former hero's test subjects and breed like livestocks. After the failed subjects escaped from the Lab, they also desperately escaped and seek livelihood.

Though my Ancestors indeed escaped, they never expected that the failed subjects that the Hero experimented on haunted them down one by one.

Desperate to live, they ran and ran for countless of years.

Why did they run...?

It's because, the Demons, the failed experimented subjects that the Hero created, have an unbelievable adaptation to it's environment and the ability to grow even stronger several times than Humans.

For who knows how many years that passed by, until now, all what my Ancestors and my generation could do was to defend from being devoured by those demons.

End of story.

Now, recalling the fate of that man... I feel like his fate is somewhat similar to mine.

Why, me, a Hegemon and Pillar of the surviving humanity is currently dying on this place today...?

Why do they have to plot on me who is only concerned about the survivability of it's race...?

Why do they have a lot of hatred towards me, who didn't do anything bad on them...?

Why did they turn their backs on me...?

For what purpose and gain will they receive after eliminating me...?

Why----

WHY?!

WHAT IS THE CAUSE?!

Is it because I refused to marry 6 men at the same time...?

Just for the purpose of annexing relationships between clans, my extraordinary capabilities and the probability of giving birth to a strong offspring... I have to marry those six silk pants men and give each clan a child...?

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!

I am not their livestock to manipulate and breed on just like that!!!

Was it taking the fame of successfully eradicating the Devouring Demons in the area...?

It can't be as simple as that!

... Was it because I overshadowed all of them and caused jealousy and envy because of my latent talent and capabilities...?

Or... was it because of those women that blamed and slandered me for taking their husbands and lovers attention towards me...?

D*MN IT!

I am just purely working hard to reach everyone's expectations!

That's the only reason why I reached my standing!

Attracting husbands and lovers...?

D*man those b*tches!

Why are you blaming me for that reason?! Can't they see that it's their lustful partners fault?!

I am purely innocent in this matter!

But... why did my family abandoned me as well...? that's not all there is to it, right...?

Why... why did I end up this way...?

Although I am not a narcissist, I can't deny the fact that I do get countless attention when people see my appearance and my strength is a necessity for the surviving humanity to live.

Is it because of my Beauty....? Strength...? Ambition....? Or... all of them...?

Did they view me as a threat just like the Former Hero in the story...?

Threat for what?!

Or... is it just purely because of jealousy, hatred and envy towards me...?

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY?! JUST WHAT IS THE REASON?!

Solely looking at the bigger picture, my existence is a powerful asset for humanity's future but... Why did they---

"Madame, It seems like Princess Ling Yue is still alive. What should we do?"

"Hmph, she is huh... She really is a tough one! Can she still be saved?"

"Well, there is a possibility but... although she will indeed survive, she will loose her former strength. Basically speaking, she will start from square one if she survived."

"Eh...? So, her wound is that serious?!"

... There are people in the vicinity...? How many people are there...?

"Oh, good timing, Madame, I happen to know a famous brothel. Why don't we sell Ling Yue at that place...? I am sure she will fetch a huge price. More so, I believe that she is quite famous to countless men. I don't believe that there is a man on this world that didn't imagine Ling Yue servicing them!"

"... Hm, ok, let's just do that way. We can profit through that. By the way, why are you calling her Ling Yue directly and not Princess Ling Yue...?"

"Ha? isn't that obvious. Why should I respect her now that she no longer have strength and support of her family...? More so, she is the reason why my lover broke up with me. Madame, do I have a reason to respect her?"

"... Well, whatever, take her and clean her up. Sadly, Because of all the blood, dirt and dusts, I can't see the beauty that everyone is talking about. A beauty that can topple down nations, a breath taking beauty, a goddess descended, a beauty that can make the moon hide... There were a lot of descriptions. Anyway, were moving out. I can just look at the number one Beauty they are talking about later."

... D*mn these b*tches... I'll absolutely make everyone of you pay the price in the future...

After cursing, I passed out.

When I wake up, all I could hear is a crazy woman laughing out loud while being reprimanded.

"You idiot! She is a top class merchandise! How could you destroy her just like that?! Ah! There is no way the contract will continue like this! Marie, take her out or else... I'll personally kill this b*tch."

"Yes Madame."

"Haha, serves you right, you fox! That's you get for tempting my husband!"

Waking up sluggishly, I feel itch and pain all over my face.

Looking at my disarrayed dress and dyed with color red substances, I trembled with fear.

Did I lose my chastity...? --- is what I thought first while panicking.

As a woman, of course, I also have my fantasies of giving my first time to my beloved.

And so, just thinking of losing my chastity, it made me want to cry.

Fortunately and unfortunately, the blood is not caused by losing my chastity but... my face was wrecked to the point of mistaking my face as a pile of grind meat.

Although I have indeed lost my beauty, for some reasons, I don't feel bad at all as long as I am still keeping my chastity.

Weirdly, a voice within me is resounding continuously as if it is comforting me.

'Wounds heals but not dignity.'

Along with such phrase, I seem to see a man's silhouette saying those words... or it's just my imagination.

Trying to feel my current strength and what can I possibly do at the moment, I Listened carefully to the sounds coming from the next door.

"---Yes, I'm very sorry. Given her appearance at the moment, she needs a Top Tier Medicinal Herbs to recover. Yes, she is indeed Ling Yue, the former princess of the Ling Family. Yes, she is currently in sedation---"

Looking at my hand that is currently chained, I thought of escaping this place immediately as soon as possible.

... Tier I huh... Physical Enhancement will do. --- Is what I thought confidently.

"---Eh? 50% Decrease of the former deal?! We-well, she is indeed have a wound on her fact bu-but... Ok, I agree. Sherry, go to Merchandise 906 and clean her up. Her buyer is coming."

"Yes Madame"

Looking at a woman that is full of muscles in the distance, I frowned.

Thinking of a better idea of escaping since earlier... nothing came out. And so, I executed my last resort.

... I broke my wrist and cut my hand off.

Such act is painful indeed but... in my perspective, it is much better than becoming a toy of some man out there.

"Madame! Merchandise 906 is escaping!"

"What?!"

Although I lost my former strength, it won't change the fact that I've experienced a lot of struggles already and gained countless experiences.

And so, with my condition and the blood dripping from my arm, escaping this place is a hard thing to do but not impossible.

Long story short, I've successfully escaped.

Wandering within the cities, I've finally seen the dark side of the society, which, I have no way of knowing in my previous standing.

Men that doesn't have the strength to fight back were killed like ants.

Women were violated as if it's a normal thing to do.

Fortunately, with a destroyed face, no man have pushed his way on me.

In addition to that, no one was able to recognize me with my destroyed face. If they inspect me through Mana frequency... that's another story.

There was a time that I saw a woman who also destroyed her face to escape and survive such humiliation of being violated but... she never escaped such fate.

Beyond her destroyed face, a fat and ugly man saw her beautiful eyes, smooth skin and cared silky hair. He then ordered his servants to heal that woman's face immediately as if he is a kid who is playing a gacha.

Without much more story, that woman never escaped of becoming a toy for that ugly fat man.

Seeing such scene, I looked at my silky white hair and my skin that is as smooth as Jade and... Unhesitatingly, destroyed it.

As for my eyes, I can't just blind myself. And so, I just decided not to take an eye to eye contact with anyone.

Honestly speaking, with the Humanity's situation that is on brink of it's extinction, I can't believe that such acts without any unity at all but selfish desires were happening within the surviving humanity.

As I am currently within reach of my family's influence and the other 6 great families, I thought of escaping this city... no, this country itself.

Do I have someone left to trust on and stay...?

None.

Experiencing having all of your family, subordinates, allies, friends and mentors backstabbing you in a dangerous mission, do I still have the courage to trust someone in my current feeble condition...?

No, I can't.

And so, I left the city with the goal of getting my former strength back and make them pay to what they've done. Everyone, regardless of the reason.

Without any safe route of escaping from their network of influence, I decided and went deep into the woods where the Devouring Demon were lurking.

Soon after passing through that forest, I continued my journey on leaving the country.

Well, fortunately speaking, as I've already fought countless devouring demon beasts, I've already basically got used to their nature of fighting and eating.

With such experiences, although I only survived by a breadth of hair because of lack of strength, I successfully left the country with great difficulty through wits and knowledge.

Along with my journey of leaving the country, I encountered two siblings that we're about to be eaten by those Devouring Demons.

As my conscience can't just let those two die hopelessly, I helped them and became my companion in my journey.

For several months, I seem to enjoy bringing those two siblings along with me until... they betrayed me.

One day, I woke up in an unknown ceiling.

"--- What are you saying! We've brought you a woman. How can you just break off the deal we had! Let my sisters go!"

"Yeah, right, squirt. You indeed brought a woman... BUT! Can I sell such woman with an ugly face?! In addition to that, she has no hands on her left arm and had a mutilated body! Think rationally squirt! What I want are goods that can be sold! Not some junk!"

Hearing an argument not too far away from me, something within me is breaking apart.

I can't believe that those two siblings... I thought those sisters were someone I could talk to but... Reality is cruel, they sedated me and sold me for their own favor huh...

From the conversation they had, I can speculate that they sold me out to retrieve their sister.

Though, I, indeed somewhat sympathize with their situation... I can't just let go of the fact that they turn their backs on me.

If it were not for me that time, they have already lost their lives.

This treatment I received after saving them... I won't forget it.

Fortunately, I had a destroyed appearance.

Just as I thought of escaping once again, something unexpected happened.

Unexpectedly... Or should I say fate, this is one of the turning point of my life.

A large explosion exploded nearby and caused everyone to look at the direction where the explosion came from.

There, at that place, Several Men and Innumerable Women were marching slowly towards my direction.

"Everyone, Run! That's the famous Organization that is newly built this decade---"

"What?! They are the Famous Organization known as... Valkyries' Attacks?!"

Several clamors and trembling shouts were resounding everywhere when those group of people came.

Valkyries' Attacks...? What's that...? -is what I thought perplexedly.

In no time, I am speechless on how strong this Organization is.

Tier IV, Tier V, Tier VI and even Tier VII... I can't believe such forces were like cabbages in front of me.

What's more than that, women, who were thought to be weaker than men were more in numbers compared to men in this group.

Without taking an hour, they successfully saved every enslaved women and killed all the people that is responsible for enslaving them.

Quite unexpected in my perspective, only women were enslaved and... the organization, Valkyries' Attacks, is quite gentle to us.

Seeing that everything is already alright... or should I perhaps say... I hoped so, I listened attentively to every conversation that I can hear within my vicinity.

If I hear something wrong... I'll definitely escape no matter what it takes.

As for the existence of the siblings that sold me out, I'll forget their debt towards me and consider that their lives are not mine to take... IF, I don't see them in my sight.

I can't just waste my time looking for them. I still have bigger goal at the end after all.

"Now, what should we do with this guys?"

"Patrick-sama, they are not guys you know, they are gals."

"Ah! Why are so annoying?! Catherine, aren't you supposed to be my Valkyrie? Why are you so against me everytime I speak?! What I mean is that... these women are too many for us to take care of. Food supply, support, manpower and other more... they are basically a handful of people without a purpose! How do we handle them?"

... This is bad... If they thought of doing something fishy like enslaving as back or some sort of sacrifice... I don't have the confidence of escaping.

Adding that they have several Tier VII individuals---

"Patrick, why are you so dumb in this kind of situations."

"Rebecca, You!"

"What we should do with them is simple. Patrick, they are females, natives at that, they Tier Leveling is faster than native males and outsiders like us. Don't you think, taking all of them along with us can increase our forces by making them Valkyries'?"

... Valkyries'...? What do they want to make us...?

"Valkyries' huh... I guess there is no other choice. Leaving them here where danger is lurking everywhere... Ok, Good. Let's take them home along with us!"

"*Sigh*... Why did the higher ups choose you as the leader of this brigade...?"

"Oi, Rebecca, I can hear you!"

"Patrick-sama, I gained some good news!"

"Oh, Marry, What news did you get?--- Ouch! Rebecca! Stop pinching my waist!"

"Oh, Patrick, I don't know what your talking about. Well, I just want to ask, why are you full of smiles when your talking to Marry while your pissed off when talking to me?"

"Ha?! Isn't that obvious---!!! Ah! Stop it Rebecca! Stop!"

... That dense man... Can't he get any hint at all...?

As if without care of what is happening, the woman named Marry continued speaking up her report.

I thought it was some kind of confidential information but... It's just the story of my Ancestors that passed down from generation to generation. The story about the reason of the current apocalypse of the Humanity.

Weirdly enough, my expression when I heard that report is entirely different with this people.

"Demon Clan, Fairy Clan, Beast Clan and Human Clan huh... This is quite unexpected. Isn't this place our mother planet, Earth? How come such races other than Humanity existed? Is professor David mistaken about his creation about time traveling in the future?"

"Who knows. Maybe that's just a story made up or some kind of folklore. Remember, Earth have rich History and stories as well, like Gods, Dragons, Mutants and other more mythical creatures that said to exist."

"Hmm, Whatever it is, this kind of story needs to be reported to the higher ups---!!!

Marry, get prepared, immediately. Rebecca, call everyone out and get all the enslaved females to get ready. I feel some kind of Demon Tier Beast coming at such a high speed towards us."

"--- Don't Tell me...!!! Tier VIII Demon...?"

"I don't know, but I feel a lot of tension."

"Ok, got it---"

After that, the organization, Valkyries' Attacks took us in.

After a lot of thought if I could trust these people, I finally gave in after making sure they are indeed good people.

Only one thing I am unsure of is that... These people, they deny that they are natives of this world.

What are they...? Aliens...?

With no time to speculate where they came from, I focused on Leveling my Tier.

I can worry about other things after making sure I have the strength to fight back--- Is what I thought.

Before taking us in, they let us chose.

Will we serve them, the Organization, as Valkyries for a duration of time and receive shelter...? Or leave us alone in this place.

I chose the former.

Living alone in this dangerous world is a bad idea even for me, who is an experienced individual.

As for what Valkyries' is... They are purely just an aide, a companion to their incoming amateur soldiers.

Because they lack of personnel to train their incoming amateur soldiers, they left the job to us, Valkyries'.

Thier incoming amateur soldiers were incapable of fighting for the time being, and so, we, the Valkyries', are the one responsible to fight for them at first.

For their incoming soldiers to progress faster in mentality, gain experience, until they can fight for themselves and reach Tier III, we, the Valkyries' have to support them.

The entire contract is that... If we can raise an at least Tier III incoming amateur soldiers they have, we can choose if we want to stay or leave this place.

That's the end of contract.

If we get stronger or remain weak during those times, it's our freedom to choose our future after the contract is done.

Of course, during that service as Valkyries' or even if were not yet chosen, everything from food to shelter, my rights as a woman and other more were guaranteed.

And so, with such contract, I agreed to become a Valkyrie.

Of course, although there is indeed such contract, I'll violate it immediately once I see that something is wrong.

I'm just following their instructions as long as it's not against my policy.

Mystically, the Tier Leveling in this place... or in this environment, the headquarters of the Valkyries' Attacks, were too rich in Mana and made the progress of Leveling Tier faster.

In just a month, I finally reached Tier III.

And so, thinking of becoming a Valkyrie in this place for a time being is not such a bad idea.

Once I reach Tier VII once again, I'll leave this place immediately and make my revenge.

If I do find this place wonderful, i'll, of course, finish the contract first before I leave. I'm not some kind of ungrateful being who will leave without a word to those who were good to me.

Currently, I have only two thoughts in mind, to get my revenge and know the reason why do they have to turn their backs on me, my family, friends, allies... Everyone!

Anyway, after that, they branded us as slaves.

Though they branded us as slaves, each and every one of us were not treated badly. In fact, we are quite treated in a good manner like a normal person.

The word "Slave" is just a convenience to their incoming amateur soldiers they said. A sense of superiority to make them at ease.

A beautiful woman named "Catherine" said that we should be at ease and don't need to panic.

If we are lucky to find a wonderful "Master" like she did, our future is guaranteed to be like her, who is as free like a bird that soars within the skies.

Looking at the man named "Patrick", a dumb and dense young man in the distance... I just brushed the idea if I will have to take care of such handful guy.

A year after that, innumerable numbers of my fellow batch mates were chosen as Valkyries'. As for me, none chose me.

Well, that's a given. I have destroyed face, mutilated body and a left arm that is lacking with a hand.

Who would pick me as his/her Valkyrie...?

Though there was a time that a Tier V and even Tier VI tried to heal my wounds, I circulated my Mana all over my body to interfere their healing.

Why...?

Why do I have to heal the body I have gone through so much to destroy...?

Should I ignite envy and jealousy around me once again...?

No way!

And so, I was left with my current "Pile of Meat" Condition.

A lot of people argued on continuing on taking care of my needs as I became nothing but an idle mouth to feed without a purpose.

Well, I couldn't care less about their reprimands, continuing on Leveling my Tier takes priority.

One day, an Old woman came and looked at me.

The way she looked at me makes me feel like I was seen naked in front of her.

She smiled and spoke to me in low voice.

"---Interesting. So, your here all along after all."

....!!! Does she knew about my identity?!

Hearing the declaration of the old woman, I trembled with uneasiness.

"You worry too much. Well, I won't interfere with your plan if you don't want to be healed. I am a woman as well after all.

Did you reach Tier III by only absorbing the Mana within the vicinity...? Whatever, since you've reached Tier III, I'll tell you a secret."

How did she knew I am already at Tier III?! ---is what I thought panicking.

I didn't show any signs of having a Tier III strength, how did she know it as well?!

After that, she spoke about [Status Call], the ability to see your own status,[Analysis Call], the ability to analyze and see the information about your target and... There is a Hidden Stages behind Leveling Tiers.

"--- When one reached Tier III, as you can feel it, there are changes within your body... specifically, within your blood. Sublimate your blood into different colors and gain additional strength---"

There, she begun explaining without asking my permission at all.

After speaking everything that she deemed necessary, she stopped and went out.

Perplexedly, she used her authority and make sure that I'll still receive my meals even if I am an idle mouth to feed without a purpose.

Out of nowhere, her voice resounded in my ears after she left.

"I hope you can take care of yourself and meet him soon... Or else, he might once again go mad and destroy everything on sight if something bad happens to you. "

... Who is she talking about?

"Oh, I almost forgot, when you meet him... Please help me convey my words to him. "I'll wait no matter how long it takes". Good bye for the time being, Elder Sister Yue."

After that, everything went silent.

I perplexedly thought.... Who is she talking about...?

Who is "Him"...?

Why did she addressed me as "Elder sister Yue"...? She looks older than me...

Why am I the senior between the both of us...?

In addition to that, she never named herself and her status in this organization as well.

The next day after that, I tried doing what she taught me.

Surprised about the usefulness of the knowledge she imparted to me, I once again thought who is that old woman....

Another year passed by again just like that, no one chose me as their Valkyrie just like usual until... the day 'he' came.

"Oh! Welcome newbie, your in luck! Today, we have a lot of beauties that you can choose from. What Valkyrie do you want? Young? Middle-aged? Sexy? Foxy? Matured? Immature? Blonde? Guess what, we also have a rare ****----"

An ordinary looking young man with black hair and sapphire blue eyes came and started to choose a Valkyrie.

The Manager introduced a lot of females but... he refused all of them.

My first impression on that guy is... Choosy.

He have a lot of complaints on each individual.

From his looks, he is about 17-18 years old.

What a young choosy individual, he is just like a sassy woman.

Well, who cares, it's not like he will come here and take me. He has nothing to do with me at all. ---is what I thought.

Strangely enough, the moment I laid my eyes on that young man, my eyes never left him at all.

... What is this strange feeling of familiarity? ---is what I thought confusedly.

Just as I was contemplating about this strange feeling of mine, his gaze suddenly landed on me.

Another strange thing happened, that is, when he laid his eyes on me, his gaze never left me no matter what the Manager of the Valkyries' speaks off as well.

After looking at me perplexedly with frown, he walked towards me and spoke.

"---Have we ever met before?---"

Now that he put it that way... it really feels like I've seen him before...

"Hey, Newbie, if your picking up girls... I recommend you the other girls. This is one is---"

At that time, as if time stopped, both of us looked at each other without care of what the Manager is speaking out.

---And that's how I met him.

I can't believe that this feeble looking young man, would one day, make me entrust my heart, my life... My Entirety, to his crude and rough hands.