The Survival of an Inferior

70 per cent of the world is conquered by The Demon Lord. The rest...barely hold on to a thin thread. 

What awaits the fate of abandoned humans in conquered lands? One word: hell. 

Humans become mere livestock. At any moment, demons are allowed to buy any humans for a price following certain regulations and do whatever they want. Some work their lives away, and some are forced to be lovers and bear the children of demons, but the most common fate of humans is food for demons. 

Demon nobility munching on human meat is a constant sight. 

Nonetheless, there is one thing that demons acknowledge about humans, their potential. Humans with incredible aptitudes are forced to work for demons or die. In return, they retain their livelihood and their family is granted citizenship. 

Haren is the leader of a magic development council serving the Eighth Son of The Demon Lord. The Ninth and Eighth Sons have a good relationship and occasionally ask for help from one another, albeit coming to Rodgof might be Haren's personal choice for revenge. 

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"Have you heard of Haren Demiuscra?" I say. 

"Haren...what?" Liam replies. 

"He is a human from Abigail continent," I say. 

"Abigail...? Isn't that a continent...conquered by demons?"

I nod. 

"This symbol is a small array drawing that can gather and expel mana. The drawings are most likely spread by Haren for whatever reason. This is why I'm in Rodgof after an anonymous tip-off." I say, partially telling the truth. 

I turn to the rest staring at me. "If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to voice them out."

The children glance at one another and a boy raises his hand. "What if we get rid of those drawings?" 

With our current force and manpower, it's impossible but... 

Looks like no one else has a better strategy with such little information as predicted. Good. 

"For now, the older ones should travel to major cities and take out whatever drawings you can find. At the same time, help the locals and establish relationships and recruit for our group. With this, you get to experience your newfound freedom on a wider spectrum, killing two birds with one stone."

Kin scratches his head. "But..."

I smile. "All of you are stronger than you think." 

...

The teenagers nod. 

Lily raises her hand. "Uh...should we come up with a name? It will be easier to spread our influence."

"Ah! Justice of Shadows!" says Ren. 

Rin raises her brow. "What corny name is that?" 

"You-"

"How about Astrea?" I say. 

"The meaning?" Liam asks. 

"Western folklore has a god called Astrea who unleashed Vengeance against evildoers discreetly."

Everyone in the room stares at me. I gulp at their vicious gaze. 

Was I excessively pretentious? 

Ren grins. "Sure let's go with that! I like the sound of it!" 

Everyone agrees with her and it's settled. 

"Remember, if you meet any suspicious activities or a man with black hair and eyes, ignore it and report back to me." 

That day the teenagers, except Jon, pack up their belongings and say their final goodbye. 

Jon looks at his brother Kin's back solemnly in disappointment towards himself. 

I've managed to push their stats to an average of 70 excluding luck so there is no need to worry about the youngsters. Yet for Jon, his talent for improving is held back by his title. 

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Jon

Age:16 

Level: 58

Title: Slow Learner

Class: Mage

Hp: 5000/5000

Mana:590

Atk: 28

Def: 19

Dex: 28

Mag:49

Luck:99

Skills:

-Treasure Magnet(lvl max)

-Mana Repel(lvl 1)

Favourability: 60

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Although Jon has weak stats, his real value lies in his niche abilities. 

"Jon, believe in yourself."  

He jolts. "Ah? Oh...was it obvious?"  

"Your face says it all."

Jon caresses his neck and smiles. "I'm fine. I just hope I can help more."  

...

I firmly grip his shoulder. "Your role in the upcoming event will be important." 

"What?" 

I return the smile. "Tomorrow morning, I will bring you somewhere to train." 

Haren is a mana manipulation master capable of versatile magic. Jon's niche skill is fatal to people like Haren. 

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Mana Repel(lvl 1)

Disrupt the flow of mana and repel it. 

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If he masters this ability, he becomes the perfect shield against magic. 

I get Jon's disappointment, his skill contradicts his class and his title holds him back. His real talent however lies in the blade; I don't have the time to change Jon's class so this will do for now. 

As midnight strikes, multiple panels pop up when I lie in the bed and stare at the ceiling. 

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Chapter 0 is completed! 

Highest contributor: 

1. Samuel Turner 

2. Rena Altos 

3. Kate Lesto Silver

4. Lena Grande 

5. Maile Berry 

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Kate Lesto Silver...the girl that I saved at the start and my mother? I'm not sure what they did for Haren to personally come to Rodgof... 

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Contribution reward: 

-1 Harbinger Weapon Chest 

-Eyes of Analysis 

+1,000,000 exp 

Level up! 

103->105 

+3 free stats 

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Fate has strayed on a different path. What will this unknown future lead to? 

Chapter 1: River of Blood 

A Main Mission has been created! 

Investigate Haren's appearance. 

Reward:??? 

Failure:??? 

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"Arck?!!"  

I grasp my eyes as a searing heat imprints my pupil. 

"Ngh...ugh..." the pain wasn't as tragic as I thought. After a minute, I open my eyes and look around. 

...

I look in the mirror beside the wardrobe. 

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Normal Mirror 

Durability: 100/100 

Literally a normal mirror. 

Material: 

-Glass

-Reflective Argan Metal

-Wood 

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Eyes of Analysis(lvl max)

The "inspect" function is enhanced. 

You can now view the statistics of enemies. 

You can now inspect a wider variety with more information. 

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Nice! I was wondering how to get the Eyes of Analysis. The contribution reward for each chapter is randomized each time. 

For the main mission... 

In the "Elvis Arcane" community, Haren has a notorious nickname of the "Most Annoying Sadist". His schemes always involve horrendous deaths and manipulations. However, Haren used to appear after chapter 2. By then most surviving players have established a decent foundation and connection so Haren wasn't difficult to defeat but instead tedious. 

Trying to investigate him in chapter 1 is the same as facing death itself. 

"I have no choice but to fail the main mission..."