The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

"But..." Desmond's gaze fixated on the information displayed on the transparent screen, a furrow forming on his brow. A lingering curiosity tugged at his mind. "Does this effect extend beyond the Beasts?" He voiced his question aloud, noting that the mention of 'beasts' was the only reference he found.

[System Conclusion: The answer remains uncertain. Based on the analyzed data, the energy-absorbing phenomenon primarily affects beasts. However, this phenomenon does not seem to apply when natural energy enters the host's body.]

"I see..." Desmond nodded, comprehension dawning in his eyes. However, a glint of determination flickered within them. While the system's response lacked certainty, it did not outright dismiss the possibility.

"Unless I'm in dire straits, I won't resort to this method," Desmond continued, his shoulders rising and falling in a nonchalant shrug. Caution guided his actions, as he knew he was under suspicion by the kingdom. It felt as if invisible eyes monitored his every move.

If he were to appear purposefully taking someone's life, it would be akin to confessing his involvement in the tavern massacre. "No, it shouldn't pose a problem. But if it weren't for this fear of an unknown change within my race..." Desmond sighed helplessly, sinking into the plush sofa and letting its support ease his weariness.

However, his heart skipped a beat, freezing in his chest as a sudden realization struck him.

His thoughts retraced to the moment when he had first taken a human life. "Back then, it stirred up my emotions, which is why I couldn't continue. But now, with this blood..." A contemplative gaze swept over Desmond's features as he found his attention drawn to the slowly shifting night sky, an ethereal light emanating from the east.

"No need to rush; this shall be my last resort," Desmond murmured to himself, noticing that dawn was approaching. He reclined on the sofa, intending to rest for a moment but then remembered something vital. "Oops, almost forgot."

With renewed determination, Desmond rose from the sofa, activating his spell. Natural energies congregated around his form, buzzing with untapped potential.

*Crashes*

In an instant, every particle of natural energy transformed into floating spheres of water, suspending themselves in mid-air. They merged and cascaded over his body, moistening his clothes and effortlessly erasing the stains of blood.

"Frankly, I detest this method..." Desmond grumbled, the icy sensation of his drenched attire causing discomfort to seep through his being. However, the cause wasn't limited to the cold alone. Beneath him, the wooden floor had been transformed into a crimson pool from the earlier cleaning.

"If it weren't for my desire to evade suspicion," Desmond added, biting his lower lip in contemplation as he activated his spell once more. Unlike before, this time he commanded the white particles to hover approximately one meter away from his body. "The weak are prey..."

The particles of natural energy surrounding him underwent a dramatic transformation, morphing into small, floating fireballs that emanated waves of scorching heat. Slowly, the water clinging to his form began to evaporate, dissipating into steam. As the steam mingled with the atmosphere, a secondary stream emerged from under his clothes, growing more substantial until it billowed like a smoky cloud.

Simultaneously, the pool of blood that had engulfed Desmond's feet evaporated, revealing the pristine wooden floor beneath. The rising temperature began to exert its influence, creating a palpable heat that extended beyond his immediate vicinity.

Sensing the escalating danger, Desmond swiftly deactivated his spell, causing the fireballs to instantaneously transform back into floating particles before dissipating into the surrounding air. With a relieved gaze, he surveyed the room, reassured that his belongings remained unharmed and the earlier steam had dissipated.

"I should assess my progress for today," Desmond spoke aloud, his voice tinged with anticipation, while internally issuing a command to the system.

"Status."

[-Status-

Name: Desmond

Gender: Male

Age: 10 years

Race: Half-Human (50%)

Class: 1st Swordsman/0st Dragonslayer

Occupation: None

Unique Energy: 40.97 > 43.82

Strength: 28.24 > 28.77

Agility: 20.99 > 21.02

Stamina: 8.43

Dragon Essence: 0]

As his eyes scanned the displayed information, an expression of displeasure marred Desmond's features, his brows furrowing with dissatisfaction. He commanded the system once more, demanding the calculated data on the energy, agility, and strength he had acquired and its comparison to the number of beasts he had absorbed.

[Processing the Task...]

[Working 50%...]

[Status: Completed]

[Sorting and organizing data for display...]

[System Conclusion: After the conversion rate adjustment, the host has gained Agility +0.025, Strength +0.525, and Energy +1.75 from Dire Wolves, as well as +1.1 Energy from giant Dire Wolves.

Total corpses absorbed: 35 Normal Dire Wolves + 1 large Dire Wolf]

Upon beholding this sight, Desmond fell into a contemplative silence. He stared at the screen for an extended period before finally letting out a groan of frustration. "It's preposterous! Just because the energy I acquire is purer doesn't justify it consuming nearly half of the energy I absorb. It's hardly something to be grateful for."

Despite his complaint, the system remained unchanged, impervious to his grievances. Glancing back at the screen, Desmond begrudgingly accepted this unwelcome alteration. Anger towards the system? It would be madness to harbor such emotions.

Accompanied by a momentary hush, a peculiar sense of tranquility began to envelop him. "Even in this state, my mind remains calm," Desmond murmured, a faint smile gracing his lips. Intrigued, he closed off his four senses, allowing only the last remaining sense to guide him.

Desmond focused on the energy coursing through his being, the system's words echoing in his mind. With each passing moment, he became acutely aware of the accuracy in the system's information. This time, he sensed that the energy within his body had taken on a weightless quality, lending a certain lightness to his form.

As he sought to perceive any further changes, Desmond's consciousness alighted upon something intriguing. "Ah, I see. This may be one of the reasons why I can activate spells without needing to allocate points." He discerned a newfound vitality in every pore of his bones, as if they had awakened, becoming conduits for energy.

It felt as though he could cast spells from any part of his skeletal structure.

After thoroughly double-checking his findings, Desmond gradually withdrew his heightened consciousness, allowing his senses to re-engage. "Sigh, despite the considerable gains I achieved today, why do I still feel so despondent and frustrated?" Desmond muttered to himself, a pallor spreading across his features, as if the weight of the world were aging him rapidly.

"Perhaps it's simply exhaustion," he reasoned, casting a glance out the window. "Time to rest." With determination in his eyes, Desmond made his way to the bed, collapsing onto it much like Laura had done before.

However, just as he was about to succumb to sleep, an awakened consciousness within his mind abruptly stirred. The cold, calculated thought reverberated within him: "I must bide my time, waiting for the opportune moment to eliminate them both." The mental image of a middle-aged man and a tall boy with purple hair flickered before his mind's eye, leaving behind a chilling aura.

Finally, Desmond's consciousness yielded to the beckoning darkness, and he descended into slumber.