Reincarnated With the World Domination System-Chapter 10: A Stepping Stone

As far as the bandit's confusion went, he couldn't believe someone had pitched him against a kid.

Rael was so young that there was a chance he didn't have any ability at all.

In comparison, the bandit was an adult, fully developed man with an awakened ability.

Although his magic power was low, his other stats were fairly average, giving him an apparent edge over someone Rael's age.

Naturally, he shouldn't have judged a book by its cover.

[Name: Rael][Rank: Awakened][Age: 6 years old][Race: Human][EXP: 15,500][Abilities: The Gauntlet Of The Maker(F), The Maker's Core(F), Dormant(?)][Attributes: Strength(D+), Agility(D+), Stamina(D+), Vitality(D+), Magic Power(D+)]

At just six years old, Rael's stats equaled those of an average adult with an awakened ability.

His abilities were of the weakest rank only because he had awakened them recently, yet their potential was far greater due to his unique bloodline.

Once the bandit made his move, he rushed at Rael, hoping to grab him or force the other adult here to explain the situation.

The moment he stepped into Rael's range, Rael sidestepped with startling speed, disappearing from the man's view.

What?! Why is this kid so fast?!

Purple lightning crackled around Rael's right fist before it turned into The Gauntlet Of The Maker.

He drove a punch into the bandit's stomach, sinking it deep and making the man double over and spit out saliva.

Realizing the boy was far from normal, the bandit backed off and guarded his midsection, while Rael noticed two key things.

This bandit didn't try to hit me. And... I felt like I could pull something inside him when I punched his stomach. At my current level, I can pull metal and steel, but can I also draw the iron in his blood?

His eyes gleamed at the terrifying potential of his ability.

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He clenched his gauntleted hand and glared at the bandit like a little beast, ready to shed blood.

First, I must focus on that feeling. I must weaponize that pull. Sense the iron in his blood and drag it to me!

That inward scream became Rael's cue to start the second round.

He darted toward the bandit and feinted a punch, prompting the man to swing in return at empty air.

Weaving behind the bandit's arm, Rael punched his stomach from a new angle, this time trying to pull at the iron in his blood.

"UGH!" the bandit yelled, coughing up blood and dropping to a knee as excruciating pain wracked his body.

At eye level with the man, Rael locked gazes and spoke in a cold voice, "Stand up and fight. I'm not done yet. I need to perfect this ability to hold my enemies' lives in my hand."

He didn't sound like his usual self.

Faced with his foe, and weighed down by high expectations, Rael showed no hint of social anxiety or kindness.

His Machima Bloodline throbbed with a lust for battle, making him crave blood, domination, and strength, which matched the World Dominator's traits.

The bandit strained to his feet, holding his stomach.

"So that's Lord Rael," he said. "You're no different from other lords."

"What do you mean by that?" Rael asked.

"You treat common folks like stepping stones! I'm ashamed I went easy on you! Kid or not, you're all the same!"

"All that from a bandit," Rael replied. "Out of all people, you're not the one to lecture me. The moment you became a bandit, you admitted you could be someone's stepping stone."

His mood soured, thinking of the military's treatment of orphans as pawns.

Rael lost any last scrap of sympathy for this projection and pummeled the man until bruises blackened his flesh.

The bandit landed a punch or two, but Rael took them without flinching, driven by adrenaline and battle lust.

In the end, the bandit collapsed, vomiting black fluid and blood, too weak to keep fighting.

He stared at Rael with loathing, then died, leaving Rael with the memory of his words and final breath.

"Congratulations on defeating your first foe, Lord Rael. It seems his words and death affected you. Would you like to talk about it?" Dominica asked, approaching him as usual.

Unused to her physical presence, Rael kept staring at the spot where the bandit had been.

He asked, "I see now that every action has consequences and that there's always a reason behind it. You prepared this projection for me. What was the purpose?"

Dominica tried an awkward smile and bowed to her master.

"I hope I have grasped a suitable way to display my elation, Lord Rael."

He glanced at her deep cleavage. "You did."

Aware of Rael's surging heartbeat, Dominica continued, "I ran a few simulations to find the best projection for you, one that would give you a real sense of fulfillment and teach you what to expect on your journey. This bandit's story made him a divisive figure for someone of your background, so it was logical he might test your conscience and morals. Now that you have killed him—"

Rael raised his hand to stop her.

"I can't become a mere stepping stone like him."

"Indeed," Dominica replied, her voice rising a bit.

"Everyone is drafted into military schools once they're old enough. My journey won't end with neutralizing the traitor of my orphanage. I want more experience, not just for the orphanage but also for my own future. But if this bandit had been real, I wouldn't have wanted to kill him, only to defeat him. I feel like, in a broader sense, I lost."

"May I know why, Lord Rael?"

"I was given a second chance. If he were real, I'd want to give him a second chance, too. He didn't become a bandit by choice."

"I see," Dominica said with a faint smile. "Your perspective is fascinating, Lord Rael. It's something I hadn't considered, and it piques my interest further. Let us break down your fight so that you understand what you did both unconsciously and consciously."

"Huh? Ah, yeah," Rael replied, momentarily dazzled by her more genuine smile.

Dominica spoke rapidly, "Lord Rael unconsciously found the bandit's blind spot and vanished from his view, which let you land that first stomach punch. At that point, you weren't driven by adrenaline or bloodlust, yet you noticed the special aspect of your gauntlet and its possible use. The second punch used that unique aspect, which led you into a combat-focused mindset. Provoked by the bandit, you gave in to your battle instincts. These instincts stem from The Machima Bloodline, developed through constant conflict under the Machima God. It craves domination through bloodshed for unending progress."

Rael nodded, amazed.