"I remember now…"
A memory surfaced in Lyxander's mind.
A memory from his previous life.
—
"Inside the octagon, I was only one step away from reaching the world stage. A tremendously powerful opponent stood before me."
Lyxander muttered.
"Orochi, do you know how exhilarating it is to live with dreams and ambition?" he asked.
"Every drop of sweat, every pain from torn muscles—everything felt meaningful when driven by a great ambition."
"I once dreamed of becoming the strongest."
Orochi shook his head in ignorance.
"I don't understand that at all. I'm not someone who possesses ambition."
A bitter smile formed on Lyxander's face.
"When I was a child, I hated being weak. Everyone bullied me because I was weak and poor. With nothing but courage, I went to a gym, met a coach, and said: *I WANT TO BECOME STRONG.*"
"I didn't want to be beaten anymore… I didn't want to be humiliated… I didn't want to lose."
Orochi stared at the man before him, listening intently to his painful life story.
"But fate seemed to mock me. It gave me overwhelming power—so great that even my own body couldn't withstand it."
"In my final match, I unleashed everything I had. Not to reach a greater world, but because I didn't want to lose again in this life."
Lyxander clenched his fist tightly.
"I didn't fight for a fleeting victory. I won… but I also lost."
"My body was destroyed. There was no hope left for fighting."
As if reluctant to continue, Lyxander bit his lip.
"With just a single fight, all my ambition and dreams turned to ash. I lost the only thing I was good at."
"I… lost… my reason to live."
His voice began to falter.
"When I hit rock bottom, the only place left for me to return to was home."
Lyxander lowered his head, staring at the empty floor.
"I finally realized how precious it is to have a place to return to."
"To me, home is something invaluable. I already lost my home once—yet now, I still have one in this world."
"Even if it looks like nothing more than fiction."
"I want to protect it."
Lyxander looked at Orochi with tear-filled eyes.
"OROCHI!" he shouted.
"I don't want to lose my home again."
"Tell me how to become the strongest, so I can protect everyone."
Orochi looked at him coldly. A thought crossed his mind.
Lyxander, even if you become the strongest, everything will disappear eventually. Nothing in this world is eternal.
But that is a lesson you must learn on your own.
Orochi gave a faint smile.
"So, that is your second question? Very well. I will answer."
He neatly arranged the snack wrappers on the table, then raised his hand, showing seven fingers.
"There are seven tiers in the structure of Identity power."
"Each tier is divided into seven stars. A one-star individual possesses power beyond ordinary humans. Two-star users wield supernatural abilities. And at three stars, one obtains an ultimate skill."
Lyxander listened attentively.
Seven stars…?
"From four stars onward, the gap in power becomes enormous."
"A four-star gains a power called Ego. Once Ego is activated, there is no hope for anyone at three stars or below to win."
"Five stars represent the pinnacle of mortality. At this stage, one can access the Record of Akasha and borrow the power of the world directly."
Before continuing, Orochi stabbed his own eye with his finger. Blood flowed, staining his white robe.
"Six stars are the transcendent stage."
He opened his eyelid—his eye had already regenerated.
"At this level, we are known as mystical beings: gods, angels, demons, and similar entities all reside here."
"At this stage, the body loses all vital points. Eating and drinking become mere hobbies, and age is nothing more than a number."
"If you wish to become the strongest, then you must reach the seventh star—the Concept Holders."
Concept Holders…? Lyxander's pupils widened.
Orochi continued.
"Seven-star beings attain divinity. One example is Einstein—the holder of the Concept of Absolute Intelligence. Because of that concept, no being in this world is more intelligent than him."
Lyxander was shocked. He finally understood—being a Concept Holder meant monopolizing a concept absolutely.
"So, to become the strongest, I must control the concept of strength?" Lyxander asked.
Orochi slowly shook his head.
"Unfortunately, the concept of strength is already possessed by White Raven. If you want it, you must kill him."
Lyxander froze.
"Then… it's impossible for me to become the strongest?"
"It's still possible," Orochi refuted.
"For example, Abingel, the holder of the Concept of Deception. He can deceive the world into recognizing him as the strongest. Or Sigma, the holder of the Concept of Independence—one who exists outside the world's system."
"You simply need to master a concept strange enough."
"I see…" Lyxander stroked his chin, contemplating his third question.
He briefly considered asking about the reason for transmigration or the condition of Earth—but instead chose something far more important.
"Who is my enemy?"
Orochi's pupils widened. He hadn't expected that question.
"Fundamentally, you have no enemies. However, those who obstruct your goals may be called your enemies."
"The Seven-Star Holders will interfere with you. Out of ten, at least half will oppose you."
"Additionally, angels and saviors will also hinder you."
Other angels…? Saviors…?
"The Entity Virus within you, the Black Apple and the Blue Apple—they will also block your path."
Black Apple…? Blue Apple…?
"And all of humanity will stand in your way."
Orochi let out a quiet laugh.
"Even the entire world—and you yourself—will become obstacles."
He gazed deeply into Lyxander's eyes.
"Heaven and earth will oppose you. The entire universe will obstruct you. Do you still wish to become the strongest?"
Lyxander gave his signature sarcastic smile.
"This time, I will protect everything."
Orochi smiled.
"Go. You have used all your questions."
Lyxander bowed.
"Arigatou, senpai."
Embarrassed to say it, Lyxander's face turned slightly red.
Orochi smiled faintly.
"It seems you know that I'm Japanese."
He crumpled the snack wrapper into a ball and tossed it.
"Please throw that away."
Lyxander caught it and smiled.
He walked away, waving his hand.