Word count: 2250 words
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This is my second day here. I sat on the edge of a bed, hands resting on my knees. We were in an inn room that was modest but spacious, with a large window that let in the faint glow of the sky's light.
Also, last night I was kind of shocked, because when I headed to the bathroom I caught my reflection in the mirror and took a moment to examine myself, something I rarely did, and it turns out I'm a completely different person.
Violet eyes stared back at me, an unusual cold color that seemed to draw attention. My black hair split down the middle framed my face, and fell to about medium length. It wasn't exactly messy, but it had a certain carefree look to it.
My jawline was sharp, almost too defined, cutting across my face like it had been carved from stone. And the goatee and mustache I kept? I thought they added a bit of edge to my otherwise youthful features, but I liked the way they made me feel, a bit more... mature, I guess. [Picture of the type of beard and mustache here]
I stood at 185 cm. I only knew the exact number because Makima had measured me herself and made a point to confirm it, and the fact that I didn't feel a difference in my point of view since I always was 185 cm, even before coming here.
Honestly, I wasn't sure if height really mattered all that much, but I wasn't complaining.
My body, though? That was a different story. I ran my hand down my side and felt the outline of my ribs. I wasn't bony, just... skinny. Normal skinny, not unhealthy or anything.
Still, I couldn't help but think I needed to work on it. Maybe add a bit of muscle, something to make me look stronger.
Makima, standing nearby, caught my expression and tilted her head with that ever-present, unreadable smile.
"You look just fine to me," she said, her voice smooth as silk. "In fact, I'd say you're very handsome."
I blinked, feeling a small, involuntary flush rise to my face. I scratched the back of my neck and let out a short laugh.
"I appreciate the kind words, Makima."
She just kept smiling, her sharp eyes lingering on me a little longer than necessary. I wasn't sure what she was thinking, but I could tell one thing for sure she wasn't lying, I was really handsome.
This brings us to the present, as I stared at the system screen floating in front of me and the list of missions glared back at me, each one more daunting than the last. I scratched the back of My head, the smirk replaced by a look of mild frustration.
[Make your first murder]
[reward: A rank summon]
[Punishement: None]
[Increase your influence]
[Reward: B rank summon]
[Punishement: Be a nobody]
[Make money]
[Reward: B rank summon]
[Punishement: Stay broke]
[Create your organization]
[Reward: A rank summon]
[Punishement: None]
[Gather strong allies (Non summons)]
[Reward: A rank summon]
[Punishement: None]
[Become king]
[reward: SS rank summon]
[Punishement: None]
"Well, this is a lot to unpack," I muttered, leaning back on my hands. "Murder, influence, money, an organization, allies, and… become king? Seriously? Who writes these missions...?"
Makima stood by the window, her arms crossed, her sharp eyes scanning the city below. She turned her head slightly, her calm, almost unnerving gaze settling on me. "You're complaining already? And here I thought you were the type to dive headfirst into trouble."
"Ugh, I told you that it was not intentional. When I opened my eyes I found myself inside the castle, surrounded by soldiers. It's not like I wanted to go there." My expression turned into a frustrated one.
Sighting one last time, I asked. "Makima... what do you think of these missions?"
"They seem necessary for your growth." She said, her voice calm and controlled. "Would you like me to assist you?"
I wondered what she meant by it. "Assist me... how?"
Makima's voice was calm, almost detached. "It is easy. Find someone who won't be missed. A criminal, perhaps. Or someone who's already marked for death. You're not killing for pleasure. You're killing for progress."
My smile faltered for a moment. I wasn't a stranger to violence, I already stabbed people before but the idea of cold-blooded murder didn't sit well with me. Still, I couldn't deny the practicality of her words.
"Alright, let's say I do it. What's next? Make money? Create an organization? How am I supposed to pull that off?"
Makima turned to face me fully, her gaze piercing. "Money is a tool. You can earn it through legitimate means like trade, services, or through less honorable methods. As for an organization, you'll need people. Loyalty can be bought, earned, or forced. It's your choice."
"Still, some of these missions are vague. Like, 'Increase your influence.' How am I supposed to do that? Start a fan club?" I asked while making hand gestures showing my puzzlement.
Makima's lips curled into a faint smile, though her eyes remained cold. "Influence is power. Power is control. You don't need a fan club. You need fear, respect, or both. Start small. Make people talk about you. Then make them obey."
I raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you've got this all figured out. Care to share more of your wisdom, oh great Makima?"
She tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "I've already helped you secure this room, haven't I? The inn owner won't bother us, thanks to my… persuasion. Consider that a lesson in influence."
My smirk returned, though it was tinged with unease. "Right. Because mind-controlling someone is totally the same as building a reputation. Got it."
Makima ignored my sarcasm, turning back to the window. "You're wasting time. The system gave you these missions for a reason. If you want to survive in this world, you'll need to complete them. Starting with the easiest one."
I glanced back at the screen, my eyes lingering on the first mission.
[Make your first murder]
[Reward: A rank summon]
[Punishement: None]
I couldn't help but let out an awkward laugh. "Easiest, huh? You make it sound like picking out a new shirt."
Makima uncrossed her arms and walked over, her boots clicking softly against the wood, and sat beside me on the bed. I stiffened a little bit but still enjoyed such a beautiful lady being this close to me.
She gently placed her hand on my shoulder. "If you can't do it yourself I can do it for you, Even though I'm not sure it would count for the system." I turned my head toward her, and my breath caught in my throat. Her eyes were so close 'She's so beautiful...' I thought.
"No... What you said earlier was completely right. People in this world can get killed for anything, I need to adapt to this place. If I can't even kill someone myself then... I'm basically useless."
Makima seemed to be satisfied by my answer. "Do you want me to find someone for you to kill?" she asked, her voice almost gentle. "It would be quick. Painless, if you prefer."
I smiled at her. "Yes. Please do so."
Makima didn't flinch. She just nodded her head, watching me with the same unsettling smile. "Of course, my Lord," she said, bowing her head slightly. "I live to serve."
After her words a few seconds of silence took over the room, while Makima was enjoying the silence, Meliodas mind was in a trumoil. 'Should I ask her? Yes I should! I have to make sure of the extent of her loyalty. But what if she thinks im a weirdo... Well it dosent matter she is my summon! I can do whatever to her right...?'
Meliodas finally managed to gather his determination and spoke. "Makima..."
She looked at him once again, and simply replied with a "Hmm?"
"If I wanted to fuck you right now. What would be your reaction." Meliodas thanked the god for being able to say the whole sentence with a straight face while holding eye contact with her. He did not even stutter.
Makima locked her eyes to his as well, this made Meliodas nervous, indeed, but he had to stand his ground. She's his summon after all.
After two or three seconds Makima replied. "Obviously I would gladly accept, my soul and body belong to you, master."
'Damn... I just bagged a mommy."
"Uhum! Alright..." I said, clearing my throat while breaking the silence. "I've been thinking. We need a plan. A good one. And lucky for us, I know a thing or two about this world."
Makima stood up and walked to the chair to face me while discussing. "Do enlighten me."
I grinned, leaning forward. "First things first, the Eight Fingers. They're a criminal organization that runs pretty much every illegal operation in the kingdom. Drugs, smuggling, slavery, you name it. If we take them over, we can turn their illegal businesses into legal ones. That'll cover the 'make money' and 'create an organization' missions in one go."
Makima's lips curved into a faint smile. "Efficient. But I don't think that taking over an organization like that will be easy.."
I shrugged. "That's where you come in. Your powers are perfect for this. We can start by targeting their leaders, one by one. Use your control to turn them into puppets. Once we have the top, the rest will fall in line."
Makima crossed her arms under her chest. "And what about the kingdom itself? I don't think the nobles and royal family would sit around to watch you take over such a lucrative organization."
I nodded, my grin widening. "True, this is where the princess comes into play, she's the key. Renner's smart... Way smarter than anyone gives her credit for. She's stuck in a gilded cage, playing the perfect princess while her family uses her as a pawn. But she's got dreams. Big ones. If we help her achieve those dreams, she'll be loyal to us. And if she's loyal, we can rule the kingdom from the shadows."
Makima's expression didn't change, but I could tell she was intrigued. "And how do you plan to help her achieve these dreams?"
"Simple," I said, leaning back on my hands. "We'll give her power. Real power. We can make her the queen. And once she's on the throne, we'll be the ones pulling the strings."
Makima's smile widened, though it still didn't reach her eyes. "Clever. But there's more we can do. Once Renner is queen, I can have her sign a contract with me. As a devil, I can transfer any damage or injuries done to you to the citizens of Re-Estize Kingdom. It's a… failsafe, of sorts."
I raised an eyebrow. "A failsafe? More like a nuclear option. But I like it. This will guarantee my safety since I have no abilities."
Makima tilted her head, her gaze piercing. "You're adapting quickly. I'm impressed."
I chuckled, though it was more out of habit than genuine amusement. "Yeah, well, when you're thrown into a world like this, you either adapt or die. And I'm not planning on dying anytime soon."
Makima's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained cold. "Good. Because there's still more to do. What about allies? Your system mentioned recruiting some."
I nodded, my mind already racing through the possibilities. "Right. Two groups come to mind, Blue Rose and Brain Unglaus. Blue Rose is a team of adamantine-ranked adventurers. They're strong, skilled, and respected. If we can get them on our side, it'll give us a huge advantage. As for Brain, he's a talented swordsman with a lot of potential. He's not exactly a team player, but with the right motivation, he could be useful."
Makima's eyes narrowed slightly. "And how do you plan to recruit them? Force? Persuasion?"
I shrugged. "A bit of both, probably. Brain's prideful, but he's also pragmatic. If we show him what we're capable of, he might join us willingly. As for Blue Rose… well, let's just say I have a few ideas. But I will probably need you to use your powers to secure Blue Rose, they are quite defensive and only trust their members."
Makima nodded, her expression unreadable. "Very well. But remember, loyalty earned through fear although it's that effective, it is still fragile. If you want them to truly serve you, you'll need to give them a reason to stay."
I smirked, though it was more out of habit than anything else. "Don't worry, Makima. I've got this."
She didn't respond, her gaze drifting back to the window. I could tell she was already thinking several steps ahead, her mind calculating every possible outcome. It was both reassuring and unnerving.
I leaned back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "So, to recap. Take over the Eight Fingers, turn their operations legal, recruit Blue Rose and Brain, help Renner become queen, and rule the kingdom from the shadows. Oh, and don't forget the whole 'become king' mission. Sounds easy enough, right?"
Makima's voice was calm, almost detached. "It's a start."
I sighed, running a hand through my "I can't let Ainz get the edge on me. I need all the bargaining chips to be able to hold my own against him just in case."
TO BE CONTINUED --->
Yo, if you have suggestions for missions, summons and their ranks let me know. I will take your comments in consideration,