I stared out of the window of my inn, watching the golden glow of the setting sun bathe the city in warm light. The burning sensation on my skin was both calming and hot at the same time, like it couldn’t decide whether to comfort me or remind me I was still alive.

  "What should I do now…"

  I had gotten stronger, I had proven myself, but… now what?

  "The knight?"

  For a moment, I thought about him. The bastard who had humiliated me, the one who had tried to kill me back then.

  I exhaled through my nose. "I really don’t care about him anymore. Well… if I do see him, I’ll most probably kill him."

  I leaned my forehead against the cool glass. Was that who I was now?

  I sighed.

  "I’ve been given a second chance at life… Was I? Did I? Do I even deserve this?"

  I thought back to my old life.

  I was always chasing something.

  As a kid, I chased survival. My father made sure of that.

  I remember his booming voice, the way his fists would crack the walls, the hatred in his eyes whenever he looked at me. "You couldn't even save her. What use are you?"

  He never told me what really happened to my mother. He just beat me, screamed at me, hated me for something I couldn't control.

  So I chased power.

  I studied harder than anyone else. Became stronger. I refused to be the weak, helpless kid that just took every hit life gave him.

  At eighteen, I joined the military.

  Six years of discipline, sweat, and blood. By the time I became a sergeant, I had already seen death more times than I could count.

  But I wanted more.

  I left the battlefield and threw myself into engineering. I studied like a madman, barely slept, pushed myself to the edge. Aerospace Engineering wasn’t for the weak, and I had never allowed myself to be weak.

  I had everything planned. My life was finally mine.

  And then—

  I clenched my jaw.

  I died.

  Somehow, for some stupid reason, the world had decided that my story wasn’t over.

  Now, I was here. A swordsman, an adventurer, in a world where magic and monsters existed.

  I let out a low chuckle.

  "What the hell am I even doing?"

  I stared at my own reflection in the glass, the fading sunlight casting long shadows across my face.

  "Do I get stronger?" I muttered. "For what? For who?"

  I didn’t have anyone to protect. No family. No comrades. No reason to push forward except for the sake of it.

  I had spent my first life chasing strength, pushing myself to the absolute limit, always preparing for the next challenge, the next battle, the next goddamn struggle.

  And now…

  "Maybe this second life was given to me to rest."

  Maybe I was supposed to slow down. To finally breathe.

  I let that thought settle for a moment. The idea of just… living.

  No wars. No expectations. No crushing weight of responsibility.

  But even as I thought it—it felt wrong.

  I clenched my fists.

  "Or is it?"

  I had never been the type to just sit back and accept life as it was.

  If I was here, if I was alive again, then there had to be a reason.

  I turned away from the window, letting the last sliver of sunlight disappear behind me.

  "Fine."

  If I didn’t have a goal, I’d make one.

  If I didn’t have someone to protect, then I’d find a reason to fight.

  Because one thing was certain—

  I wasn’t going to waste this second life.

  ...

  I stepped outside, stretching as the sun warmed my skin.

  "Now that I’m outside… what do I do?"

  I glanced around, taking in the lively streets. Merchants shouted, adventurers huddled around quest boards, and carriages rattled down cobblestone roads.

  "Level up again?"

  It wasn’t a bad idea. I had already gotten stronger, but there was always room for more.

  [SYSTEM]

  [Name]: Kelvin

  [Class]: Former Sergeant (Aerospace Engineer)

  [Level]: 22

  [STRENGTH]: 33

  [VITALITY]: 112

  [AGILITY]: 57

  [ENDURANCE]: 35

  [DEXTERITY]: 44

  C13314 (Mythical)

  — Durability: Infinite

  — Piercing Lance

  — Regeneration

  — Weapon Transfiguration

  — Enhanced Reflexes (Passive)

  Everything looked fine.

  Oh yeah, my [Piercing Strike] changed to [Piercing Lance].

  I opened the skill details, curious about what had changed.

  [Piercing Lance]

  Description: Enhances thrust-based attacks, significantly increasing range and piercing power. Now generates a visible energy lance that extends up to five meters, capable of penetrating armor, magical barriers, and thick-skinned monsters. Damage scales with Strength and Dexterity.

  I smirked. "Not bad."

  Before, it was just a power boost for stabbing attacks. Now, it had range, armor penetration, and better scaling.

  I closed the UI and rolled my shoulders.

  Time to decide my next move.

  I glanced at a broken mirror propped against a wall outside a shop, the fractured reflection distorting my features.

  "My outfit right now isn’t that bad," I muttered. It was simple, practical, and comfortable—a huge step up from the suffocating formal attire I used to wear.

  I reached up, adjusting the half-mask covering the upper half of my face.

  "I should get something more concealing."

  If I was going to keep standing out—killing wyverns, breaking knights' legs, making bold declarations in the guild hall—then I might as well do a better job of hiding my identity.

  A full mask would be better. Something that covered my entire face, maybe even my head.

  I exhaled, rubbing my chin.

  Where the hell would I even find something like that?

  "I guess that scammer is my only choice."

  Not exactly my first pick, but when it came to rare or unusual items, shady merchants were usually the best bet.

  ...

  The streets were packed with vendors shouting deals, adventurers haggling over gear, and commoners bustling around. But amid all the chaos, one eerie market stall stood out.

  Why?

  Because everything on display was rotten.

  Wilted herbs, rusted trinkets, half-broken weapons. A real dumpster fire of a shop.

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  But here’s the thing—all the good stuff was hidden behind the vendor.

  I could see it, just barely—a glint of polished steel, a hint of enchanted cloth, a faint glow of something magical.

  "Shady as hell," I muttered. "Perfect."

  I stepped closer, resting my hand on the stall’s warped wooden counter.

  "I need a mask. Full coverage."

  The vendor, a grinning old man with missing teeth, leaned forward.

  "Ahh, a man of taste! But… rare things cost rare prices, my friend."

  The old man stroked his scruffy beard, his grin widening as he reached under the counter.

  With a slow, deliberate motion, he placed three masks on the table in front of me.

  The first one was sleek and black, covering the entire face with dark glass lenses over the eyes. The surface had intricate engravings, almost like runes, and the edges gave off a faint metallic sheen. It looked durable, maybe even enchanted.

  The second mask was unsettling. Pure white, featureless, and smooth, with no visible openings—yet, somehow, I could see through it perfectly. The moment I touched it, a strange chill crept up my arm. There was no doubt this one was magical, most likely tied to stealth or concealment.

  The last mask was the most intimidating. Red and black, shaped like a demonic grin, with sharp, jagged teeth carved into it. Two small horns protruded from the forehead, and the material felt heavier than the others. The air around it carried a faint warmth, almost like it was pulsing with some kind of power-enhancing magic.

  The old man chuckled, watching my reaction. "Choose wisely, friend. Each has its own… personality."

  I tapped my fingers against the counter, considering my options.

  Of course, I picked the coolest-looking one—the Oni mask.

  I lifted it, feeling its weight in my hands. "This one. How much?"

  The old man’s grin widened, his yellowed teeth showing as he nodded approvingly. "Ah, an excellent choice! The Demon’s Grin suits a man with ambition."

  I turned the mask over, running my fingers along the carved jagged teeth. The material felt almost like hardened bone, and the faint warmth it radiated made it clear this wasn’t just for show.

  "This one. How much?" I asked again.

  The vendor chuckled, rubbing his hands together. "Ah, well, you see… rare items demand rare prices."

  Here we go.

  He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice like he was about to share some grand secret. "Fifty gold coins."

  I almost laughed. "That’s a scam, old man."

  "Ah, but it’s not just a mask. It enhances the wearer's physical power, and legend says it was once worn by a warrior feared across the battlefield. A relic of strength and terror!"

  I stared at him. "That’s a cool story. How about twenty gold?"

  The old man clutched his chest like I had stabbed him. "Twenty? Do you wish for me to starve?"

  I sighed. "If you're starving, why are you still fat?"

  The merchant gasped, eyes wide in mock offense. "This is an investment in my personal well-being!"

  I smirked. "Thirty gold."

  He groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Forty, and I’ll even throw in a small enchantment to help it fit perfectly."

  "Deal."

  With a reluctant sigh, he took the coins, then whispered something under his breath. The mask glowed faintly for a second before returning to normal.

  I lifted it, testing the fit. Perfect.

  "Pleasure doing business," the old man said, already counting his gold.

  I adjusted the mask one last time before turning away. Now that I had it, I had only one thought left.

  Time to find something—or someone—to test it on.

  Wait a minute… couldn’t I just check what the mask does using my UI?!

  I held the mask in front of me, focusing on it.

  [SYSTEM]

  [Demon's Grin]

  Once wielded by Valdros Nox, the 3rd Demon Lord. Those who wear this mask will instill fear in those under their power.

  — Effect applies only to monsters.

  I stared at the description, then slowly turned my gaze toward the old man. He was still gleefully counting his gold, completely unaware of what I had just done.

  "You said it boosts physical power," I muttered.

  He glanced up, his expression unchanged. "Ah, well… technically, making your enemies too scared to fight back does make you stronger, no?"

  I narrowed my eyes. There’s no way he knew what I just saw. Only I can see the UI.

  I sighed. "Scammer."

  "Businessman," he corrected with a smug grin.

  At least the mask wasn’t completely useless. If it worked on monsters, it could make grinding levels a lot easier. Maybe even let me take down stronger enemies with minimal effort.

  I slipped the mask on, adjusting the straps. It fit perfectly, almost like it was molded just for me.

  Time to test it out.

  ...

  The green forest stretches before me.

  "I'm back at the same spot where I hunt goblins for money."

  I scratched my head, letting out a sigh. "It's like I see them more than humans at this point."

  The trees swayed gently, sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the mossy ground. The faint scent of damp earth and foliage filled the air—a smell I had grown used to over the past few weeks.

  I stepped forward, my hand instinctively resting on my weapon. Goblins might not respawn, but there were always more nests to clear.

  "Alright, let's see if this mask actually does anything," I muttered, adjusting Demon's Grin over my face.

  Time to hunt.

  After a while, I finally found a goblin nest.

  A lone goblin stood at the entrance, lazily scratching its side with a crude dagger.

  "A goblin alone. Nice," I muttered, adjusting my mask. "Now, let's test this out."

  I stepped forward, making no effort to hide my presence. Normally, goblins would screech and charge the moment they spotted me, but this one… froze.

  Its beady yellow eyes locked onto me, its grip on the dagger trembling.

  Then, without a sound, it dropped its weapon, spun around, and bolted into the nest.

  I blinked. "Oh?"

  From inside the cave, I heard panicked chattering—guttural, frantic sounds of goblins shrieking at each other.

  A slow grin crept across my face. This might be more useful than I thought.

  I stepped into the nest, and well… there were a lot of these green bastards.

  Give or take, at least a hundred of them.

  And every single one of them? Terrified.

  Some pressed themselves against the walls, others trembled, gripping their makeshift weapons like they were debating whether to fight or flee. A few even dropped to their knees, their tiny bodies shaking uncontrollably.

  I tilted my head. "Huh. So this mask really works."

  I took another step forward.

  The reaction was instant. Goblins scampered back, clawing over each other, desperate to put as much distance between us as possible.

  One particularly brave—or particularly stupid—goblin raised its rusty blade and let out a shrill battle cry.

  I sighed. There's always one.

  "P-please leave us alone…"

  I froze.

  The goblin spoke. And somehow… I understood him.

  "What? What?!" My voice came out louder than I intended.

  The goblins flinched, some curling into themselves even more. The one who spoke—a scrawny thing with torn rags for clothes—raised its trembling hands as if to show it wasn’t a threat.

  I took a step closer. "Did you just talk?"

  The goblin gulped. "Y-you… u-understand…?"

  My mind raced. I shouldn’t be able to understand them. Goblins weren’t supposed to speak human language—or at least, not the low-level ones. But somehow, its words made perfect sense to me.

  Was it the mask? Some kind of hidden effect?

  I touched the side of Demon's Grin, but nothing changed.

  The goblin inched back. "W-we… we don’t want to fight!"

  The other goblins hesitated, watching me with wide, fearful eyes.

  This was new.

  And I had no idea what to do next.

  Actually, I do know what to do.

  All the time I spent reading manga finally paid off. Thank god for those one-hour breaks back then.

  I grinned beneath my mask. I’ll force them to work for me!

  Wait… then what?

  I paused, my excitement fading slightly. What exactly am I supposed to do with a hundred terrified goblins?

  Make them mine resources? Build a base? Turn them into an army?

  I crossed my arms, looking over the cowering horde. Some were still shaking, others whispering among themselves, probably wondering why I hadn’t killed them yet.

  The goblin who spoke was still kneeling, eyes darting nervously as if expecting me to change my mind and slaughter them all.

  "Hmm…" I muttered. "Alright, listen up."

  Every goblin flinched.

  "You guys work for me now."

  Silence.

  Then, after a few seconds, the talking goblin hesitantly nodded. "W-we serve…?"

  I nodded. "That’s right. But first…" I crouched down, leveling my gaze with him. "What can you guys actually do?"

  "We can breed," the goblin said without hesitation.

  I stared at him. "...Anything else?"

  The goblin tilted his head, looking genuinely confused, as if that was the best possible answer he could give me.

  The other goblins, still trembling, started nodding in agreement.

  I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. Of course, that’s the first thing they’d say.

  "Alright, let me rephrase," I said, trying again. "Can you fight? Gather materials? Build? Craft weapons? Anything useful?"

  The goblin blinked, then hesitated. "W-we can… make tools? Find food? Dig holes?"

  Better.

  I exhaled, glancing around the nest. This could work. If I trained them properly, I might be able to turn this pathetic bunch into something functional.

  "Alright," I said, standing up. "Congratulations, you're all under new management."

  The goblins exchanged nervous glances.

  One raised a shaky hand. "D-does this mean… y-you won’t k-kill us?"

  I smirked under my mask. "That depends."

  I had an army now. Well… more like a workforce of terrified goblins.

  Now, I just needed to figure out what to do with them.

  "I have an idea."

  I turned around, already forming a plan in my head.

  "I’ll be back."

  The goblins watched me, their fear not entirely fading but mixed with confusion now. They probably expected some immediate order—or worse, for me to start killing them.

  But I had something better in mind.

  A test.

  I’d put these bastards to work and make a request at the guild for someone to clear this nest. If they survived the attack… well, then I’d know they were worth keeping around.

  And if they didn’t?

  No loss on my end.

  I smirked under my mask. Let’s see if these goblins are actually worth the trouble.

  ...

  The adventurers hesitated at the entrance, whispering among themselves. One of them, a girl with a bow, scanned the area nervously.

  "Something feels off," she muttered. "Where are the guards? Goblins usually have lookouts."

  The spear guy shrugged. "Maybe they got lazy. Let’s just get in, kill a few, and take their ears. Easy money."

  Oh, you poor bastards.

  I leaned against the tree, arms crossed, watching as they stepped inside.

  Silence.

  Then—a scream.

  Not from the goblins. From the adventurers.

  I grinned. Looks like they took the bait.

  Inside the nest, I had given the goblins one simple order: Survive.

  And to my surprise, they actually listened.

  Instead of fighting head-on, they set up crude traps—holes covered in leaves, tripwires made of vines, and even some sharpened sticks embedded in the walls. Primitive, but effective.

  I peeked inside just as one of the adventurers got snagged by a snare, yanked upside down, his sword clattering to the ground.

  "WHAT THE HELL?!" he screamed, flailing.

  A goblin popped out of the shadows and stabbed him in the neck.

  Oh damn.

  The others panicked. The archer fumbled with an arrow, but a goblin jumped from the ceiling, slashing her throat. She dropped instantly.

  The last two turned to run. Too late.

  A goblin, smaller than the rest, ran forward and shoved a sharpened stick into the spear guy’s back. He coughed up blood, stumbling before collapsing.

  The last adventurer—the one with the short sword—froze. His hands trembled as he looked around, his party completely wiped out in seconds.

  The goblins slowly surrounded him.

  He dropped his sword. "P-please…"

  I sighed, stepping forward. "Alright, that’s enough."

  The goblins stopped immediately, looking at me for orders.

  I crouched next to the terrified adventurer. "You. Go back to the guild and tell them what happened here."

  His eyes widened in shock. "W-what…?"

  "Go," I repeated, voice firm. "Tell them this nest isn’t normal. Tell them that if they send weaklings like you again, they’ll die just the same."

  He nodded rapidly, scrambling to his feet and bolting out of the cave.

  I turned back to the goblins. They stood there, waiting.

  Well, damn. They actually survived.

  Looks like I just got myself an army after all.

  Hmm maybe I shouldn't have let them kill those adventurers.

  "Everyone, listen up."

  The goblins all turned their heads toward me, ears twitching. Some of them still had blood on their crude weapons.

  "I don’t know if all of you can understand me, but the humans you just fought were weak—really weak. Well, at least compared to me."

  Murmurs rippled through the group. Some nodded in understanding, while others just stared, confused.

  I sighed. Great. Some of them are smart, some are idiots.

  "But," I continued, "there are stronger humans out there. If they come here, you all die. Simple as that."

  That got their attention. They stiffened, gripping their weapons tighter. Even the ones who had looked proud a second ago suddenly seemed uneasy.

  "Which is why," I said, crossing my arms, "if you want to survive, you’ll do exactly what I say."

  Silence.

  Then, one goblin, slightly bigger than the rest, stepped forward hesitantly. "W-what… what do we do?"

  I smirked.

  "First? You get stronger."

  The goblins listened in complete silence.

  "I’ll leave you guys alone for a week. Train with each other, learn from each other, find better weapons—become stronger."

  I turned to the goblin who had spoken earlier. He looked nervous but determined.

  "Good luck," I said, stepping past him toward the exit.

  Before leaving, I glanced back one last time. "Remember—one week."

  With that, I walked out of the nest, leaving them to their own devices.

  Now, let’s see if these bastards actually survive.