Kryptonians: Man of Steel

Chapter 1537 Is it a mistake to go back to school after slaying monsters?

"It's been upgraded... and it's gone up two levels in a row..."

He muttered to himself, his voice dry and hoarse.

This sudden surge of power was real; the warm current flowing through my body and the dissipation of the excruciating pain were the best proof of it.

According to the rules previously explained by the system, at Lv.1 all attributes +1, at Lv.2 all attributes +2, and so on, reaching Lv.4 means that he has now gained an enhancement of +4 to all attributes!
Strength, speed, endurance, reaction time, perception, mental strength... a comprehensive improvement.

This explains why he was able to survive that seemingly impossible battle, and also explains the transformative change he is experiencing now compared to his previous state as an "ordinary high school student."

That ferocious "crab man," through its death, paved the way for the first few steps of this ladder of power for him.

However, the joy of this power boost was instantly shattered by the five incredibly heavy job change options before him.

The curse of the Ghost Swordsman... the Berserker's utter madness... the Sword Master's extreme demands on talent and arduous training... the Holy Swordsman's shackles of "justice"... the Demon Swordsman's naked path of slaughter leading to the abyss...

"what……"

Hachiman Hikigaya twitched his lips, revealing a self-deprecating smile that was more like a grimace. "It really is... the 'good luck' that suits someone like me. None of them are easy or stable choices."

He inherently dislikes trouble and longs for a peaceful, energy-efficient life.

But the harsh reality has already placed a knife to his throat.

Without power, in this suddenly dangerous and unfamiliar world, he might not even see tomorrow's sun.

He was acutely aware that power was essential for survival. But which kind of power should he choose? What price could he afford to pay, or rather, was he willing to pay?

His gaze swept over the five options once again.

Ghost Swordsman?
The curse on the left hand was chilling to hear, and the risk of it spiraling out of control was ever-present.

A berserker? Completely out of his mind, unable to distinguish friend from foe?
This is a force born to destroy itself and everything around it, tantamount to suicide.

Sword Master? That sounds the most "normal," focusing on technique.

However, Hachiman Hikigaya did not consider himself a swordsmanship genius, nor did he have the unwavering belief to dedicate his life to the sword.

The Holy Sword Wielder? Slaying evil... Who decides the definition of "evil"?
System?
What if the target is a human?

Does this banner of "justice" also conceal some kind of prejudiced constraint?
Moreover, since it depends on the weapon's upgrade, what if the sword breaks?

Finally, his gaze settled on the ominous icon of the [Demon Sword Master].

Devour life, the undead, souls... grow stronger indiscriminately.

The force comes fastest, most directly, and most bloodily.

The price is also the most stark—the erosion of the mind, the risk of becoming a killing machine.

This is like a potent poison, capable of granting instant power, but also potentially transforming him into a completely inhuman monster.

"The Demon Sword... devours everything..."

Hachiman Hikigaya repeated the words from the description in a low voice, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

He recalled his own twisted, sometimes self-destructive altruism, and his awareness of the need to get his hands dirty in order to protect something.

This road seems to amplify this distortion to the extreme.

Is it worth embracing the deepest darkness to protect (though he himself may not admit it)? To become a "monster" more terrifying than the monster itself?
The stench of blood still lingered in the alley.

The distant city's hustle and bustle seemed to be separated by an invisible membrane, leaving only his heavy breathing and the five orbs of light floating in his consciousness, determining his fate. The fatigue had subsided considerably with the support of his newfound power, but the mental pressure was unprecedented.

Cold sweat trickled down his temples again, sliding down his cheeks, gathering at his chin, and finally dripping onto his clenched fist, which was covered in filth and monster fluids.

The night wind whistled through the narrow alley, stirring up the scattered scraps of paper on the ground and gently patting the already cold, massive remains.

A crimson waning moon peeked out from behind the clouds, casting its pale light on Hachiman Hikigaya's ashen face and illuminating the eerie light of his eyes as he struggled violently.

To be, or not to be?
How should we live?
What price will be paid to gain the right to continue breathing in this crazy new world?
He slowly raised his hand, which was trembling slightly but already contained strength beyond that of ordinary people.

With fingertips hovering in the air, below are five illusory windows symbolizing different destinies, like devil's contracts waiting to be signed.

The choice is now.

The shadow of the fingertip swayed slightly on the icon of the [Demon Swordsman] that devoured all light.

Finally, with a resolute coldness, he lit it.

[Job transfer successful! 】

Hachiman Hikigaya instantly felt a different change in his body.

[Acquire Skill]

Demon Sword Descends: lv1 (Transforms the wielded sword into a demon sword!)
Skill effect: Each attack will deal 10% true damage that ignores defense + 10% additional dark and curse attribute damage. (Has special effects on certain enemies, which may cause continuous corruption, weakening, or pain).

……

Swordsmanship Proficiency: lv1

Skill Description: The power of the Demon Sword enhances the host's basic sword-wielding combat instincts and skills.

Skill effect: Passively increases melee attack power by 10%, greatly improves the mastery, swing speed and accuracy of swords and blades (optimized muscle memory and neural reaction speed).

(Countless simple, efficient, and deadly slashes, thrusts, and blocks were instantly imprinted on his motor nerves, as if he had practiced them a thousand times. His clumsy slashing movements of the past now seemed so ridiculous in his mind.)
……

Devour: lv1
Skill effect: The demon sword will absorb the power of the enemies it kills to strengthen itself and its host.

……

"Ah……"

Hachiman Hikigaya twitched the corner of his mouth, letting out a dry, self-deprecating whisper, "It really is... becoming more and more like those boring RPG games."

Hachiman Hikigaya made a sarcastic remark, then sheathed his longsword.

He had to leave this haunted place, which resembled a crime scene, as soon as possible.

As he took his first steps, his body felt so light that even he felt a little unfamiliar with it, and each step he took carried an unprecedented sense of stability and power.

However, mental exhaustion and a sense of disconnection from the world clung to him like a leech.

He deliberately avoided the main roads, moving quickly through the dimly lit alleys, like a phantom blending into the shadows.

The smell of blood seemed to have permeated his clothes and skin, and even with the wind blowing, the stench of rust and decay still lingered faintly in his nostrils.

The outline of Zongwu High School gradually became clear, and the teaching building looked like a warm bubble belonging to another world.

(End of this chapter)