Chapter 472 471: Fiction?

"The flourishing martial arts… and the backdrop of Cthulhu's evil gods… this feels like the setting of a novel."

Fenric narrowed his eyes. The "parallel world" he now stood in felt strangely familiar.

"Could even fictional worlds be turned into dungeon instances?"

The thought startled him. If that were true, then some online novels—those with vast, intricate worlds and protagonists who transcended mortality—could easily become Samsara stages.

Just as this realization struck him, the ward door creaked open.

A burly man stepped inside.

When he saw Fenric awake, he froze for an instant, then rushed forward with a mixture of shock and joy.

"Ric, you're awake!"

The heavy stench of cigarette smoke followed him.

Memories stirred in Fenric's mind. He recognized this man—Ragon, his late father's battlefield comrade. Their bond had been forged in blood and fire, their families close for years. Fenric had always called him Uncle Gon.

After his father's death, when all other relatives distanced themselves, only Ragon stepped forward. He had handled the funeral, sheltered Fenric, and looked after him when no one else would.

"Uncle Gon, how long was I out?" Fenric asked, his voice calm.

Fortunately, the boy whose body he now inhabited had grown taciturn after his father's death. That silence suited Fenric's own demeanor perfectly.

"Four days," Ragon said, frowning. "You reckless brat. Martial arts must be trained step by step. How could you rush like that? You nearly killed yourself!"

Fenric bowed his head slightly. "Uncle Gon, I was wrong. I've worried you."

Ragon's stern expression softened into a sigh.

"As long as you're awake. Any longer and we might have lost you for good."

He knew why the boy had pushed himself so hard—vengeance for his father.

"Ric, how do you feel? Any pain? I'll call the doctor for a full exam."

Fenric quickly shook his head. "No need. I feel fine. Don't waste money. Just help me process the discharge."

He swung his legs over the bed and stood firmly, proving his point.

The last thing he wanted was a doctor discovering his body's abnormalities. After all, his physique—enhanced by the Samsara system—was beyond human. Even his organs had been tempered to monstrous resilience.

Despite his reluctance, Ragon eventually gave in and handled the discharge.

By the time they left the hospital, it was already past two in the morning.

Ragon dropped Fenric at home, muttering only a brief goodnight before departing.

—---

Fenric's Apartment

Fenric switched on the light.

The apartment was small, barely forty square meters. It was all that remained of his father's legacy.

Though his father had earned decent money from running a dojo, after his death the bank had descended like vultures, claiming debts and seizing the house and most of their property.

In the end, only a few hundred thousand remained—just enough to purchase this modest flat.

No wonder the former Fenric had always suspected foul play in his father's death.

Fenric sank onto the sofa, deep in thought.

"If this really is the world of that novel… then danger lurks everywhere."

Unfortunately, the protagonist's greatest Gold Finger in that story was his "Sky Guard System"—a cheat that allowed him to grow stronger while lying down. If only Fenric could exploit the plot and seize that advantage first…

He frowned.

Instead, he summoned his own Samsara status panel.

Name: Shura

Number: C-90086

Physique: 420

Spirit: 840

Strength: 838

Agility: 420

Potential Points: 0

Skills: English (Proficient), Driving (Beginner), Shooting (Proficient), Camouflage (Master), Swordsmanship (Proficient)

Special Skills: Conqueror's Haki (Mastery), Armament Haki (Supreme)

Combat Techniques: Savage Charge, Buddha Palm

Abilities: Telekinesis, Flames, Poison Immunity (Passive), Death Sense (Passive), Indestructible Demon Body, Self-Healing, Purification

Devil Fruit: Paramecia – Tremor-Tremor Fruit

Samsara Points: 5281

Overall Evaluation: S

"All abilities intact. No restrictions."

His eyes gleamed. A plan began to take shape.

"Novel world or not, my first priority is the mission."

In this world, warriors held lofty status—respected, admired, sometimes even feared. Becoming one would smooth his path.

But the title of "warrior" wasn't easy to claim. Years of training alone weren't enough. Only those officially recognized by the Martial Artist Association earned the title.

Recognition required one of three things: a special recommendation, victory in a regional championship, or high placement in a national competition.

Fenric rubbed his chin.

"If I remember correctly… the Martial Arts Conference should be starting soon."

His lips curved into a thin smile.

"I'll need to secure a spot as soon as possible."