The Dreamer's POV

Chapter 94: Swindler

Andrew sauntered through the rubble, his lips curling in a frown as he surveyed the chaos.

Despite the bandits kneeling around him, his mind was miles away, tracing back to the time when everything in his life had abruptly taken a turn for the worse.

About six days ago, he had been an ordinary human, barely scraping by in the harsh reality known as the Apocalypse on Earth.

Having experienced the merciless ordeal known as the Tutorial, his world had been a constant battle for survival.

Every waking moment, for the week it lasted, was a struggle against insurmountable odds, and every night was a miracle if he survived to see another dawn.

Yet, in all those challenges, he had barely leveled up.

He wasn't strong, never was, even before the Apocalypse.

But he was a survivor, and that tenacity kept him alive where strength had failed.

And then, he had found himself in this strange world called Mage'Earth. He had expected his miseries to multiply, to face yet another battle for survival.

But the reality had been... surprisingly different.

The people of this world... they were weak.

So pathetically weak that it made Andrew wonder if he had somehow lucked out, ended up in a world where his mediocre power was seen as something significant.

What he had initially thought to be a misfortune, having landed in a bandit's territory, had turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Those same bandits now knelt before him, treating him like some sort of deity.

They did his bidding without question, fear and reverence clear in their eyes. All because he was 'strong', by this world's standards at least.

His gaze fell on Fenrir, the supposed 'leader' of the bandits.

Andrew had given him an item that was supposed to boost his abilities considerably, yet here he was, defeated by a trio of people.

It was puzzling, to say the least, but not alarming. After all, the natives of this world were weak.

Andrew crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze finally focusing on the three standing before him.

If the bandits couldn't handle them, he would.

After all, how hard could it be?

"Let's get this over with," he mumbled to himself, a trace of annoyance seeping into his tone.

He had been enjoying his nap, after all.

_________

[STATUS WINDOW]

- Name: Andrew Alden

- Race: Human

- Level: 7

- Life Force: 9/9 (+2)= 11

- Energy Level: 8/8 (+2), (+3)= 14

- Combat Ability: 7/7 (+2), (+3), (+2) = 15

- Stat Points: 0

- Currency: 100

- Role: <The Swindler>

- Authority: <Deciet>

- Titles: <Chosen One>, <Fraud>, <Underdog>, <Survivor>

- Skills (Exclusive): <Bluff>

- Skills (Non-Exclusive): <Dash>, <Basic Combat>, <Buff>, <Language Comprehension>

- Items Equipped: <Standard Adventurer's Garb>, <Basic Leather Gloves>, <Small Healing Potion>, <Beginner's Glove>, <Power Chain>

- Alignment: Neutral

[Additional Information]

Your power is not extraordinary, yet your ambition is. Good luck surviving!

_________

"Looks like you weren't strong enough to take them, Fenrir. Still too weak, I see..." Andrew smirked, his gaze settling on the shivering leader of the bandits. Enjoy exclusive adventures from m-v l'-NovelBin.net

"I-I'm sorry, master! T-the thing is... he was stronger than I—"

"Of course, excuses. I already warned you of what would happen if you disturbed my nap."

"E-eek! I'm sorry, master!" Fenrir instantly shrank back, joining the rest of the bandits, and bowed before Andrew.

At this point, he dared not show anything besides pure subservience.

"Whatever. Useless..." Bolstered by his perceived superiority, Andrew strode forward, his boots crunching on the gravel underfoot.

His eyes were dark as he scanned the trio before him, his mouth stretching into a wide, predatory grin.

His gait was steady and sure, the embodiment of pure confidence. His presence felt oppressive, a tangible shroud of menace coiling around him as he activated his <Buff> skill.

The world was a bit brighter, a bit sharper as the skill took effect.

His muscles tensed, his heart pounded in his chest, and a rush of adrenaline surged through his veins, making his senses more acute.

In his eyes, the trio before him seemed to shrink, their expressions subtly shifting, eyes widening, bodies tensing.

Their strength was wavering, their spirits faltering.

'Using my Exclusive Skill, <Bluff>, my power will appear even more impressive and powerful than it actually is, further strengthening my position.'

Usually, when someone was confronted with a very challenging foe, they would be convinced to give their all in the fight. However, if the enemy was overwhelmingly strong, it could lead to despair.

The latter effect was what Andrew was after.

"Oh, what's this?" His voice was a casual drawl, dripping with arrogance. "Already scared, are we?"

His eyes flicked to the oldest among the three.

A man of about fifty or so, with streaks of silver running through his hair, and a hardened expression.

But behind those eyes, Andrew could see it.

Fear.

Good. It meant he was winning.

'He's probably the one that beat Fenrir. He looks strong.'

And then there was the woman, her gaze sharp, but the slight tremble of her hands gave her away.

Fear, again.

The corners of Andrew's mouth twitched upwards.

He was two for two.

But the final one, the boy standing at the forefront, looked conflicted.

His eyes bore into Andrew's, unblinking. The kid was trying to put on a brave face.

Admirable, but futile.

"Well, well, well," Andrew drawled, taking another step forward.

The air between them seemed to thicken, the tension palpable.

His gaze focused on the boy, his grin widening.

'He looks like the weakest. If I pick on him and defeat him first, the other two will be even more frightened by my power.'

Everything was working so well.

"You seem a little lost, kiddo. Don't worry, I'll make sure you find your way..." His eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint.

"Straight to hell."

His laughter echoed ominously around them, a final crescendo to his threat. This was his stage, his spectacle.

Andrew was convinced, he had them right where he wanted.

*

*

*

[A/N]

Chad Andrew for the win!

Thanks for reading.

Cheers!