"So, your name is Morrick Von Berthand? What a weird name. And you've got blue hair too—another strange thing." — Bosa
The man who had picked me up from the railroad was named Bosa Ben Masoud. Though he didn't say it outright, it was clear he was a very wealthy man. I had never seen a mansion quite like his—it was almost identical to a castle. As we ascended to the rooftop, I noticed the unique patterns adorning his house—patterns that resembled leaves, but in a style unlike anything I'd ever seen before.
The Berthand mansion was nothing compared to this. Bosa's mansion was filled with magical items and appliances that surely cost a fortune in my country. In fact, only royalty could afford such luxuries.
Though we were strangers, Bosa seemed intent on befriending me. He even had a maid serve us some coffee.
"Sir, I'm truly grateful for how you've treated me, but what are your true intentions?" — Morrick
"Intention? Kindness doesn't need any ulterior motive, young man. But I guess the world has become so messed up that trustworthiness has become a rare thing, huh? Isn't that right, Morrick?" — Bosa
I'm not sure about this world, but in my world, kindness always had a meaning. That damn Hero didn't see it. People took advantage of him at every turn. Merchants, nobles—they all made a fortune by taking advantage of the Hero, charging ridiculous prices for "assisting" him, while the kingdom bled out.
"Yeah, it's even strange that you're willing to take strangers into your home." — Morrick
"Haha, this guy... You're sharp as hell, and you're really hard on yourself, aren't you? The truth is, yes, I need something from you." — Bosa
I knew it. This wasn't some random act of kindness from a stranger. My fists clenched as I tried to gather my mana—wait, why can't I feel my mana?
"Oii!! What have you done? I don't feel any mana!" — Morrick
"What? Mana? What is that? And no, I didn't do anything." — Bosa
Confused, I attacked him with a surprise punch, putting all my strength into it.
WAMMM!!!
I hit the ground hard.
I got up quickly, furious, and tried to attack again.
WAMMM!!!
Down I went once more.
"How are you so strong, old man?! I'm an Imperial Knight who stands beside the Hero! I'm not that weak!" — Morrick
I could feel my pride flaring as I continued to attack, but no matter how hard I tried, he was always one step ahead.
"Your form is terrible, and you're rude to old people, huh, blue hair? Now, feel my wrath!" — Bosa
Before I could even react, my knees buckled, and I was kneeling on the ground, powerless. In front of me, Bosa stood, his aura glowing like a bloody flame. At that moment, I realized I had messed with the wrong person.
"Fuh, well, now I think you'll listen, young man." — Bosa
"What is it, old man?" — Morrick
"I want to die in peace. So I want you to become my disciple." — Bosa
Huh? Was this old man's brain wired correctly?
"What if I say no?" — Morrick
"It's not an option, young man." — Bosa
His face was filled with anger, and although his voice remained calm, I could feel the intensity of his fury. Despite the softness in his tone, fear gripped me.
"Young man, I didn't really care about you, especially when you were just a rude peasant stranger who doesn't know his place. The only things I care about are my daughter and dying in peace. And in order to achieve that, some random person, like you, has to become my disciple for reasons I'm not going to explain right now." — Bosa
"You sure are weak, huh, young man? Refusing my order to become my disciple seems really dumb. I'm rich, and I'm strong. You could learn a lot from me. My offer to make you my disciple is more than generous. Worthless peasant." — Bosa
His words ignited a fire of hatred in my chest. At that moment, I knew there was no way to escape. My only option was to obey his order.
"It's not like I have any other choice. What's the price?" — Morrick
"Your worthless life." — Bosa
"Huh?" — Morrick
STATUS UPDATED!
[Player Name: Morrick Von Berthand][Level: 0][Skills: Powerless][Trait: Disciple of Bosa the Wrath]
Out of nowhere, a status screen appeared in front of me. It seemed like the old man couldn't see it. What was this screen? And what did "Bosa the Wrath" mean? I had no doubt that he deserved that title, but wait... my life? Why would it require my life to become his disciple? This was so unfair, if you asked me.
[WELCOME PLAYER...]
[YOU HAVE BEEN BROUGHT HERE BY YGRADASSIL.NET TO COMPLETE THE QUEST IN DEFEATING THE DEMON GOD IN THIS WORLD.]
[WELCOME PLAYER] — System
This was all just too sudden.
Morrick felt completely clueless about the situation that had befallen him. In this new world, he and Bosa barely knew each other, but it seemed like some invisible thread had bound them together—one that made Bosa want Morrick to become his disciple.