Chapter 14

Rey was shaken to his core. His secret that he planned to take to the grave was already found out after just a few days? And by the soul who was bound inside of him as well. As if sensing Rey's rising panic, Jinbe gave him a reassuring smile.

"Do not panic, Young One. Not only am I on your side and your main supporter, your situation is actually not as rare as you might think. We call those that come from other worlds like you, Outworlders. For some, Outworlders are seen as heroes who are meant to fulfill great prophecies. But, there are those who have hatred and fear of the Outworlders, as they could either be our greatest heroes or the worst villains Terria has ever seen. But even with the existence of Outworlders, your case is still unique." Jinbe said in a scholarly tone.

Hearing that Jinbe won't make his life hell because of his secret was a relief, and hearing that there were others like him called, Outworlders, was an even bigger relief. But, hearing the mention of prophecies, those who hate Outworlders, and his case being unique, made Rey feel like this was some kind of foreshadowing that led to his new life becoming more difficult than it already was.

"It seems that just before you were transported here, this world's Rey was captured and tortured by a group known as, Vanguardians. They apparently learned of a prophecy where he was to be known as the, Dark Master, where he brought all manners of evil and death everywhere he tread, tore the gods from their golden thrones, and forever changed the world as we know it. Though that Rey was actually known for being virtuous and possessing a golden heart, the Vanguardians had total faith in the prophecy." Jinbe said shaking his head.

"Though that was all I could gleam from the scattered memories of his soul, it isn't hard to tell what likely happened. The grand ritual to destroy him mind, body, and soul had failed, and somehow led you into taking residence within this body instead. Though they likely believe you are now dead, you must remain cautious. It is the Vanguardians that also had part in the joint destruction of the Shinigami Sect... They are not to be underestimated, Young One." Jinbe said in a grave tone as bitter memories sprung back in his heart.

"Who's underestimating them?! The bastards already killed me! Damnit, what the hell do I do now? My Low-Novice level means jack-shit if even the Shinigami Sect couldn't stand against them!" Rey complained, feeling like he was in a hopeless situation.

With a heavy sigh, Jinbe looked at Rey with a look of pity. "Though you may not like it, you will need to leave this village and those you met in it. Though that Harris and Jory are very powerful, they alone can not stand against our enemies. On top of that, I can already tell that guilt would consume you if any harm were to befall them because of your presence," Jinbe said, saying the possibility Rey already feared in his heart.

Harris, Rory, and Jory have been incredibly good to him, and clearly moved to the middle of nowhere to get away from trouble. Rey wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he brought trouble to them because of his presence.

"Then.. what do I do after I leave? Just spend the rest of my life in hiding? I'd rather die now than live like that." Rey said with a mix of resolution and anger. He was tired of being weak and having to tiptoe around those who sought to ruin his life for no reason.

Seeing Rey not fall completely to despair, a small smile grew on Jinbe's face, happy that it was Rey who found the Inheritance Scroll. "I have one plan, but it will take a long time and be very dangerous. I would like you to rebuild the Shinigami Sect and take control as it's leader."

Rey stared blankly at Jinbe for several long seconds before he his eyes widened in surprise. "Are you serious?! I'm no leader, and no offense, but didn't the Shinigami Sect already fall to these guys a long time ago? What could I possibly do to change that outcome when the enemies are likely stronger as well!" Rey exclaimed, slightly panicking, as who wouldn't in this situation.

"That is true that the old Shinigami Sect fell to our enemies long ago. It was mostly my own weakness that led to the fall. The sect had been declining for years thanks to inner politics, foolishly sticking to old, outdated traditions, and every decision taking weeks, months, or years to decide, thanks to the different leaders having to come to a vote. Though I was technically the Master of the sect, I had lost much of my power long before the destruction of the Shinigami," Jinbe said in a saddened voice before he continued.

"I want you to rebuild the sect with an entirely new structure. Instead of many Elders fumbling around and giving votes, I want you to be the absolute leader. Though Elders are helpful for the day to day operations, all of the power of the sect must stay with you. Also, we were too open and arrogant. Making enemies left and right because we thought we were untouchable. These are just a few of my many mistakes that led to our fall. But, you are different. You are young, charismatic, and have a certain viewpoint from another world that this one just might need to thrive. I leave the sect's overall goal for you to determine, but only you can rebuild the Shinigami." Jinbe declared as his look of deep-seated regret turned into one of determination.

Rey was shocked, to say the least. The thought of him creating a group that stands at the top of the world does sound enticing, but he has never been one to vie for power or be the controlling type, but since this seemed to be his only option at having somewhat of a peaceful life, he would do it, and do his best to be the badass he'd always dreamed of.

"Fine, I give. Okay, then what's the next step? Can't exactly do anything in this empty, white space." Rey said, making Jinbe smile from his agreement to rebuild the Shinigami.

"That's where I'm afraid you're wrong, young man. Like the Training Dungeon you have not had the chance to use yet, this space affords us a unique opportunity to train in a pocket dimension separate from time. Since you will leave this family as soon as you wake up, you will need to learn a few spells and be proficient in them so that you may protect yourself. First, access the Inheritance Scroll hidden within you." Jinbe said as he gestured towards Rey.

Rey had completely forgotten that the scroll hide itself inside of him while when he passed out. If Harris had walked in and saw it on his lap while he was passed out, too many questions would be asked. Closing his eyes and trying to focus on the connection with the scroll, he felt it flying from inside of him. When he opened his eyes, the scroll was now floating in his face, unfurled to the section for the inheritance. The Novice section was unlocked and now had a number of new items.

[ Novice:]

Runecraft-basic

Rock Bullet Spell (Novice)

Water Blade Spell (Novice)

Mana Wall Spell (Novice)

Spark Spell (Novice)

Shinigami Sect Master Robes

Shinigami Sect Mask

Abandoned Shinigami Sect Safehouse

Rey was impressed this time around, as he got a lot more things than the Commoner stage and these looked markedly better as well. There were descriptions that went long with each item.

Runecraft-basic was basically the knowledge of different Rune arrays, formations and how to draw and disarm them. According to the description, though he may have the knowledge, he'll still have to practice and gain experience in order to master the craft.

Rock Bullet was simple, as it was just the knowledge of the incantation and Rune to draw the spell. The spell basically shot a jagged, sharp rock at the enemy. It was a very simple spell, but it had a decent attack power and range.

Water Blade was a spell that condensed mana into a crescent blade made from water. The blade has decent damage as well as a wide range compared to most Novice spells.

Spark, like most Novice spells, was simple and straight to the point. Casting this spell will generate small arcs of lightning in ones hand. You could use it to enhance a punch and get a small chance to cause paralysis, or you can fire short bursts from a distance. It's speed being one of the fastest and amongst all of the Novice spells, but the range wasn't the best.

The Shinigami Sect Robes were interesting. Apparently, they had special Runes to enhance all physical and magical capabilities, a self-repairing and cleaning function to mend all holes and tears, and was apparently a Soul-Bound gear that adjusts and grows along with the wearer. And since it was Soul-Bound, he could also summon and unsummon it on himself with just a thought.

Rey had see tons of gear like this from the games he used to play, which is why he became so excited. Not only did Soul-Bound gear evolve and get stronger as the wearer gets stronger, it usually meant that it could also never be stolen as well.

The Shinigami Sect Mask was like the robes, being that they were both Soul-Bound gear. The mask was Runed to hide the wearers identity, provide perception abilities, as well as have a unique look that differentiated it from any other mask, as its black, smooth surface was featureless and didn't even have holes for eyes. Since Rey wanted to lay low for a while as he got stronger, this mask along with the robes were absolutely perfect.

The last one was completely mysterious. The Shinigami Sect Abandoned Safehouse was apparently one of countless Shinigami Safehouses that was left abandoned even before the fall of the sect, forever getting lost in the passage of time. It was said to be a separate pocket dimension that was cloaked at a physical location.

But, the description mentioned many mysterious and forgotten secrets hidden within this place that left Rey excited to explore the supposed ruins. Plus, he needed his own place after he left the farmhouse.

Done looking at the last description, like before, all of the rewards were beamed into Rey, his consciousness fading as the last thing he saw was Jinbe giving him a peculiar smile.

Waking up, not moving, but gasping for air like a fish out of water, Rey quickly calmed his breathing and looked around slightly to see he was on his bed in the farmhouse. Feeling something warm, heavy, and unbelievably soft on him, Rey looked down to see a barely dressed Rory clinging to him asleep, tears still in the corners of her eyes. Rey didn't notice her tears at all as he immediately entered the toughest battle any man has ever fought with himself.

She wore a thin, loose night gown that came down to just past her soft, thick thighs. The view that he had as he looked down gave Rey a generous view of her large, perky breasts which were currently pressed against him, seeming all the more alluring. She was so close that her every breath danced along Rey's fur as her pheromones entered his senses, nearly sending him to the edge.

Taking several deep breaths and promising to beat one out as soon as he was in the clear, Rey slowly pried himself away from Rory and stood up, admiring her beauty as the light from the moon shined on her. It was only then that he realized he was naked with bandages wrapped all over him. Not only that, but he also noticed a sticky wet spot on his thigh, and when wiped his hand over it and smelled it, a broad smile formed on his face as he looked to the slumbering Rory who's inner thigh were still slick.

"You're lucky I'm not lesser of a man, or I would've taken a bite out of you right here. But, I'll definitely have to punish you the next time we meet." Rey whispered as he lightly kissed Rory's cheek as he pulled the covers over her, making sure she was nice and tucked in.

The next morning, Harris was startled by a sudden bawling from Rory and came running fearing the worst. When he entered the guest room, he briefly wondered why Rory was in Rey's room scantily clad before he saw that not only was she crying over a letter, Rey was no where to be found.

Heaviness suddenly took hold in his heart. Though it was only for a short while, Rey had grew on them, and Harris was glad to see his granddaughter finally being happy again.

Coming to her side and pulling her into an embrace as she cried into his broad chest, Rey gently took the letter and started reading it.

'Dear Rory, Harris, and Master Jory,

It won't beat around the bush with a long wordy letter. You guys have been so good to me and literally saved my life a few times now. Though I haven't knowingly made any enemies since waking up in that forest, that hasn't stopped unknown enemies from coming to hunt me down. Though you haven't told me you're story, it's clear that you moved out here to get away from some trouble. I wouldn't forgive myself if one of you got hurt because of me being a freeloader, so I'm off on a journey to get stronger and hopefully deal with these assholes that nearly killed me.'

'I really hope we meet again soon one day, as each of you have become special to me. Also, I left 4 Gold coins as both repayment and as a treat to my personal angel, Rory. Since the old man is cheap, this is to be used for Rory to go out and live her life. She deserves the world, and I will do what I can to make sure she gets it.'

Harris read the letter, looked over at the nightstand to see a small stake of gold coins and lightly shook his head. 'You need those coins far more than we do, brat. But, he just might be right about, Rory. I've kept her sheltered for far too long and it's time she goes out and learns about the world. But, I'm not going to just let her wander around aimlessly like that damn brat of an apprentice of mine, who I will make sure to give a good beating for making us worry like this.' Harris thought to himself.

With a heavy sigh, Harris looked down at his granddaughter and the exquisite looking 'hairpin' she wore holding up her hair.

'It seems that it truly is impossible to run away from fate... I suppose it's time that I call in that favor. She always did beg me to let her go to an academy.' Harris thought with a heavy heart.