I Was a Small Fish When I Reincarnated, but It Seems That I Can Become a Dragon, so I Will Do My Best - Extra Chapter 208

7-28. Side -Ouren- The Pseudo-Angel

Ouren could only tilt his head in confusion at Tekeris’s response. The people subjected to the experiments were ordinary humans. Although they may have been implanted with pseudo-skills, that was all. Surely, they could eventually return to a normal life.

Yet, Tekeris insisted that every human in this facility should be eliminated. As far as Ouren was concerned, as long as there was a chance for these people to return to their previous lives, he had no desire to do such a thing. However, Tekeris was the one who had originally bestowed these pseudo-skills. He must have had a compelling reason for making this judgment.

“…Why?” Ouren asked.

“In the process of imparting pseudo-skills, the angels always ensured that one specific pseudo-skill was implanted in each subject. No, to be more precise, it’s not just a pseudo-skill—it’s almost like a real skill, except it was unstable because the angels forced it upon them,” Tekeris began.

“Yeah, that’s fine, but what’s this pseudo-skill they implanted?” Ouren interrupted.

“Tenshi Shouka (Angel Ascension).”

“…What?”

“In other words, a unique skill that transforms them into angels,” Tekeris explained.

The specifics of how this pseudo-skill worked were beyond comprehension, given that it was created by the angels without Tekeris’s direct involvement. The skill, although unstable, was designed to forcefully transform humans into angels.

Because it was an imperfect pseudo-skill, there were drawbacks. One of the most significant was the complete erasure of the subject’s memories. However, it also instilled a deep-seated loyalty to the angels, effectively turning them into obedient pawns.

“…”

“What’s with the hesitation? You’ve been ruthless enough to kill the humans and angels in this facility without mercy, yet now you’re soft on those who pose no threat?” Tekeris questioned.

“W-Well, they haven’t done anything wrong…” Ouren replied.

“No sin, eh? But they will become our enemies. Isn’t there a saying among humans about nipping a problem in the bud?”

“Maybe that’s a saying in this world too, but… Is there no other way?” Ouren asked hopefully.

“There isn’t,” Tekeris replied without hesitation.

Tekeris’s “Skill Creation” and “Skill Bestowal” were irreversible processes. Once a skill was created, it became nearly permanent. Once bestowed, it became a lifelong companion until death.

The “Angel Ascension” skill, designed by the angels to ensure the creation of loyal servants, was no exception. Tekeris was skilled at creating and giving, but not at erasing or taking away. The only way to remove a bestowed skill was through death.

“If it bothers your conscience, I can handle it,” Tekeris offered.

With that, Tekeris transformed each of his fingers into grotesque, beastly faces, each one terrifying in its appearance. Abyss seemed fascinated, watching them with interest, but Ouren found the sight too disturbing to look at directly.

Tekeris waited for Ouren’s response. The choice was clear, Ouren could either do it himself or let Tekeris handle it. In Tekeris’s mind, there was no option to leave the humans alive. Even if Ouren tried to deflect the conversation, Tekeris was prepared to take action regardless.

Ouren glanced at Abyss, who seemed to trust Tekeris implicitly. Persuasion seemed futile.

“…I can’t harm the innocent,” Ouren finally admitted.

“I see. That’s fine. People like you are necessary, too,” Tekeris replied.

With a slithering motion, the beasts detached from his fingers, taking on grotesque forms before darting out of the room.

“One villain is enough,” Tekeris muttered.

From the corridor, the screams of the humans began to echo. Unlike when Ouren had killed, Tekeris’s creatures didn’t offer a quick death, instead, they ravaged the victims in a slow, brutal fashion. Some of the humans attempted to resist using their pseudo-skills, but Tekeris’s creations were just lifeless, gelatinous entities. Most attacks were ineffective, and the beasts continued their slaughter unperturbed.

Ouren felt conflicted, wondering if this was truly the right course of action, but something deep within him—a remnant of the skill he had absorbed from something like heaven—told him that stopping Tekeris would be impossible. Tekeris was clearly powerful, perhaps even beyond Ouren’s ability to challenge.

(…I knew he was dangerous, but this is another level…)

Tekeris, the brother of Abyss and Iubora, was a being that seemed to combine the worst aspects of both. The power he had displayed earlier showed just how deadly and ruthless he could be. Even stopping just one of those beasts would require considerable effort.

Tekeris patted Abyss on the head with his now-normal fingers and sat down.

“So, what’s your name?” he asked.

“Ouren.”

“Ouren, huh? This is the first time I’ve met someone with more magical power than me. I suppose I could call you a monster in that regard.”

“You’re no slouch yourself,” Ouren replied.

“I can’t deny that. I’ve never been comfortable in a human form, anyway. So, you had some questions, didn’t you? Now that there’s nothing left to interrupt us, feel free to ask,” Tekeris said.

Ouren was slightly taken aback by Tekeris’s cooperative attitude. He had expected someone like Tekeris to be more rigid or difficult, but it seemed that wasn’t the case. Since Tekeris was willing to answer, Ouren decided to take full advantage of the opportunity to clear up his uncertainties.

Ouren sat down, bringing himself to eye level with Tekeris. Then, he asked his first question.

“What exactly is a pseudo-skill?”