As Shiro Sakamaki's strength grew, he began to truly understand the nature of this world. A world where Cursed Spirits lurked in shadows, feeding on fear and malice. To survive, he had no choice but to train harder—smarter.
Luckily, his system wasn't completely useless.
While its check-in rewards were usually absurd, every so often, it handed out game-changers: Level Breaker Pills, Senzu Beans, Dragon Slayer Crystals (Thunder Element)—rare treasures that allowed him to fast-track his training.
With those, his journey became smoother, his foundation stronger, and by the time he left his teacher's place, he had already brushed against the divine threshold.
In the world of power classification, strength is divided into several distinct tiers, each representing a significant leap in ability and mastery. The initial system used by various nations was inconsistent, leading to confusion and difficulty in comparing power levels. To resolve this, a standardized classification was later established, creating a more uniform and universally understood system.
The power system is now structured as follows:
Paper: The lowest level, representing individuals with minimal power, often lacking physical combat ability or special skills. These individuals are often viewed as fragile and easily overwhelmed.
Parallel: Slightly stronger than Paper, individuals at this level possess basic skills or limited abilities. They can hold their own in certain situations but are still far from formidable.
Fierce: This level signifies individuals with significant power, capable of holding their ground against stronger opponents. They exhibit notable physical prowess or elemental control, marking the beginning of true strength.
Mad: Individuals at the Mad level possess overwhelming force or unique abilities that can change the tide of battle. Their power often comes with an unpredictable or chaotic nature, making them difficult to control but immensely dangerous.
God: A step above Mad, the God level represents near-divine strength. Those at this tier are capable of feats that defy ordinary limits—whether in combat, manipulation of energy, or raw destructive power. They command respect and fear.
Ascension: The pinnacle of the traditional power levels, Ascension signifies a transcendent state. Those who reach this level have surpassed mortal limitations and are on the verge of achieving something far beyond even the gods. Their abilities are near godlike, and they may begin to alter the fabric of reality itself.
This system provides a clear framework for evaluating strength, unifying different nations under a single standard that helps both individuals and organizations understand where they stand in relation to others. As strength continues to evolve, these classifications remain essential for measuring power and maintaining balance across the world.
---
Current Status
Name: Shiro Sakamaki
Level: Mad (Peak)
Skills: Eight Great Mantras, Thunder Method, Reverse Solution
Abilities:
Rashomon (Bungou Stray Dogs)
Arrogance (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Three Types of Haki (One Piece)
Avada Suo
Optimized Dragon Vein Alchemy
Inventory:
Level Breaker x3
Senzu Beans x5
Cthulhu's Original Text
Dragon Slayer Crystal (Sky Attribute)
Partial Octahedron (Pseudo)
---
He still remembered the time he received Cthulhu's Original Text.
Just opening it had made him feel like a thousand minds screamed in reverse. Thankfully, the system had storage space—otherwise, the mere presence of that thing could've corrupted the physical world.
As he reviewed the address Aunt Chihiro finally sent, his phone vibrated again.
He was just about to head out when—
"Ara~ Is that you, Shiro-kun? It's been ages."
The familiar voice made him pause. Turning around, he saw a graceful woman with long, mature features and teasing eyes: Sayuri Sawamura—his mom's best friend.
Beside her stood a girl with twin blonde ponytails, a deep scowl, and arms crossed in dramatic disapproval.
Eriri Spencer Sawamura.
Shiro's lips curled into a faint smile. "Aunt Sayuri. Eriri. It really has been a long time."
Sayuri pouted. "So cold now~ You used to call me big sister, and now it's aunt? I feel ancient!"
Eriri rolled her eyes. "Mom, seriously—watch what you say in public."
She turned back to Shiro with narrowed eyes and a face full of grudges. He didn't need to ask—he already knew.
Five years ago, they were close. Then, he disappeared without warning.
He left her behind.
They still called and texted on occasion, but no amount of screens could match the feeling of actually being there.
Sayuri, clearly enjoying herself, added with a sly smile, "Oh my, Eriri talks about you every single day."
"Mom!"
Red-faced, Eriri quickly grabbed her mom's arm, trying to shut her up. It only made things worse.
"Well, it's true," Sayuri giggled. "Every night it's—'That idiot! I hope he trips down a mountain! Why hasn't he texted back yet?'—so cute."
"I didn't say that!" Eriri snapped, face now tomato-red. She shot Shiro a glare, but there was no real venom in it. "Why are you even here anyway?"
Shiro scratched his cheek awkwardly. "My training finally ended. I was sent here on an exchange program, so I figured I'd visit while I'm in town."
"Tch. Who asked you to?"
But her voice lacked bite. And Shiro could see her eyes soften for a second before hardening again. The classic tsundere defense mechanism.
Sayuri couldn't help but smile. Her daughter might be a storm on the surface, but underneath? That girl still cared. Deeply.
"Well then," Sayuri said brightly, "since we're all here, let's head to the car. Shiro-kun, you must be tired after your flight. Why not stay at our place tonight?"
She leaned in and whispered, "I can even give you Eriri's room key."
Shiro instantly matched her playful tone. "Then I'll be in your care. I promise to treat Eriri very well."
"You two—!!" Eriri practically exploded, flustered and furious, her little tiger fangs grinding in frustration. "Seriously! Enough already!"
While Sayuri loved teasing her daughter, Shiro knew better than to push it too far. Even he couldn't dodge flying art supplies forever.
Still, it felt good. This chaotic energy? It felt like home.
---
At the parking lot, Mr. Spencer was already waiting in a sleek, imported car. When he spotted Shiro, his eyes widened in pleasant surprise.
"Well, if it isn't Shiro-kun. Been a while."
"It has, Uncle Spencer. I just landed and ran into Aunt Sayuri and Eriri by chance."
"Small world," he laughed, opening the door for them. "I was just talking with your father the other night. Didn't expect to see you this soon."
"Fate works fast, I guess," Shiro replied, tossing his bag into the trunk.
As they got into the car, he handed Mr. Spencer the location Chihiro had sent.
"You sure you don't want to stay with us?" Sayuri asked again. "I'll behave. Maybe."
"I appreciate it," Shiro said with a smile, "but I've already got arrangements. I'll visit soon though, I promise."
Two hours later, they arrived at the edge of Tokyo's older residential district. The building wasn't new, but it was clean and well-kept.
Shiro stepped out, stretched, and turned to the Sawamuras.
"Thanks again, Uncle. Aunt Sayuri. Eriri."
"Yeah yeah," Eriri mumbled, arms crossed but not looking away this time. "Don't forget to visit. Or I'll hunt you down."
He gave her a playful salute.
As the car pulled away, Eriri couldn't help glancing back through the window. Just for a moment.
Sayuri caught it, of course.
"My my~ Someone's definitely not over him."
"I am so over him."
Sayuri laughed. "Then why are you blushing, dear?"
"Hmph. I haven't forgiven him yet."
Sayuri didn't reply. She didn't need to. That soft little smile on her lips said enough.