Apocalypse Cheater

[: Daniel POV :]

"I will assist you in this matter, and rest assured, there will be good news coming your way,"

Bella reassured John before we exited the room.

As soon as we stepped out, I wasted no time in initiating a discussion about the quest at hand and Bella's aspirations.

"Bella, I've contemplated it thoroughly, and I believe this is the perfect opportunity for you to level up"

This would be a perfect chance for her to level up. 

With the millions of monsters waiting to be slaughtered, it would be easy for her to level up. 

"What do you say? Are you ready to take that leap?"

I asked and I know that she was getting excited over it.

"Absolutely! Why wouldn't I want to level up?"

Bella replied, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Her eagerness mirrored my own.

The thought of seizing this opportunity and experiencing the exhilaration of advancement was appealing to her.

And perhaps, knowing that I'll be by her side had filled her with joy.

Deep down, she couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness knowing that I was there for her.

Without wasting any more time, I nodded with a smile, affirming our collective decision.

"Then let's go and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead," I said.

The amount of time with Bella, while we pursued our goals made me committed to supporting her every step of the way.

At least, once we separated our ways, she would be a worthy Queen.

"Still, I wonder, what is your preference, Bella?"

"How would you like your battle style to be?"

"Would you prefer to be a swordsman, an assassin, or perhaps a mage?"

I posed the question carefully, aware that her growth needed to be approached with precision.

Unlike myself, who had resorted to cheating, I wanted to ensure that Bella could focus on a path that would truly benefit her.

Bella paused for a moment, contemplating her answer.

"Hm, I have a deep admiration for my late mother"

"I have decided to follow in her footsteps and become a mage,"

She revealed, her voice laced with sadness.

I know nothing much about her mother since the alternate future never made it this far. 

But I've heard rumours about her mother who was crowned as the Legendary Ice Saint. 

The Queen fought alongside her husband, the Hero, and vanquished the '5 Apostles'. 

It was a feat that I wouldn't manage to achieve yet. 

At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder how monstrous these 2 that they could solo against the '5 Apostles'. 

Her mother possessed incredible powers, freezing her enemies into ice and commanding the forces of frost.

Stories of her summoning Ice Age to decimate thousands of monsters were as legendary as they can be.

Perhaps it was in light of these legendary feats that she aspired to walk the same path, following her mother's legacy and becoming a source of pride.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for Bella's resolve.

But at the same time, thoughts of her mother had long filled her heart with sadness.

Nevertheless, I can see it in her eyes that she wished to follow in her late mother's footsteps, and I respected that. 

"I see you've chosen to become a Mage, Bella"

"That's a wonderful choice, and I believe it suits you,"

I spoke sincerely, but my words had caused her smile to be slightly creepy.

"Alright, since you've made your decision, let's equip you with the necessary resources to fully embrace the path of a Mage"

"How about starting with absorbing these passive skill books?"

I presented her with a stack of books, each book containing a rare skill.

I still have some leftover skill books and there were hundreds of them. 

It won't hurt me if I use it on her. 

Her voice filled with surprise and warmth, Bella questioned, "Daniel... are all of these skill books for me?"

The realization of their value and the intention behind my gesture melted her heart.

"Yes, every single one of them is for you. Don't hesitate to absorb their knowledge and make them a part of your abilities,"

I encouraged her, my eyes filled with support.

Witnessing her gratitude, I knew that this gift would serve as a catalyst for her growth as a Mage.

As I offered Bella the skill books, the moments that followed were filled with majesty.

Each second passed with her absorbing the books, her stats receiving an incredible boost from the numerous passive skills she acquired.

The titles of the skills she learned came to mind - Diamonic Body, Might of Golden Turtle, Red Roc's Feathers, Swift Agility, Mana Incorporation and many more.

These were not ordinary skills, they held tremendous power, enhancing her abilities in ways she had never imagined.

No matter how many times I've seen it, I still couldn't help but marvel at the sight before me.

Each time the book disappeared, it became a part of Bella's growing capabilities.

The realization of just how potent these skills were brought a surprised expression to her face, mirrored by my sense of awe.

These B and A-rank skills were regarded as rare treasures.

Players and Hunters would go to great lengths, risking their lives, simply to possess a single A-rank skill book.

Yet, I freely gave them to Bella because my reason was simple - to help her become a true queen.

And I hope these skill books will aid her.

At the same time, I won't deny that I was an anomaly.

To others, these skills were as precious as endangered species on Earth.

But to me, they were tools to empower Bella, enabling her to surpass her limits and achieve greatness.

My only desire was to support her and witness her blossom into a remarkable force within this world, to see a different future where it won't have a bad ending. 

As Bella absorbed the skills books, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

After an hour had passed, all the books vanished, leaving behind a warm sense of accomplishment.

I couldn't help but smile, seeing Bella's eagerness to dive into her newfound abilities.

"So, what is it like to learn these skills? It must feel amazing, right?"

I asked, my voice filled with positivity.

Her eyes lit up as she responded, "Yeah, it's incredible!"

"I never imagined it would be like this"

"There's this foreign power coursing through me, trying to fuse with my body"

"It's an indescribable sensation."

I watched her in awe, seeing the excitement and wonder painted on her face as she gazed at her palms.

It was moments like these that made all the effort worthwhile.

"Then, if you're ready," I suggested, "how about we put these skills to the test and hunt some monsters?"

"But..."

She was still hesitant and nervous, but I understand why she'd feel this way. 

It'd be her first time hunting monsters, hence, it's a whole new experience for her. 

"It'll be fine and I believe in you, Bella."

I encouraged her and it seemed like she had gathered her courage. 

"Yeah, I'm ready,"

Bella replied with a smile, her excitement palpable as she anticipated the new experiences that awaited them.

A few hours later, we reached our destination.

From the entrance alone, I could sense the danger that loomed within the depths of the forest.

Others may have regarded it as the feared Forest of Death, but for me, it held no threat.

Taking in the ominous atmosphere, I couldn't help but remark, "So this is what the Forest of Death looks like"

"It truly emanates an aura of death."

As I glanced towards Bella, I noticed a tinge of fear in her expression, overwhelmed by the intense aura that surrounded us.

"Easy there. There's nothing to be afraid of when I'm with you,"

I reassured her, standing by her side to provide comfort and security.

"Just take it easy and think of it as if we're walking in a park"

"We'll navigate through this together."

"Thank you, Daniel," Bella expressed her gratitude, appreciating the support and strength I provided.

My presence empowered her, bolstering her bravery to enter the ominous forest.

She had complete faith in me, and her reliance on my presence was so strong that her fear dissipated.

To add on, Bella couldn't help but feel her heart flutter as he spoke those comforting words.

A few minutes later, we ventured into the forest, and the difference between the inside and outside was staggering.

It was like stepping into a completely different world.

"So, this is the Forest of Death? It feels more like the Forest of Life," 

I marvelled at the scenery of the forest from the inside.

Contrary to its foreboding reputation, the forest was teeming with vibrant life and the beauty of nature like Bella had never seen before.

There were even rare medicinal herbs scattered throughout, their value incalculable.

"It's so different from what I'd imagined,"

She murmured, her eyes filled with wonder.

"It's such a shame that this forest will soon be taken over by the Bronzo Family," I said. 

Bella nodded sympathetically.

Her heart ached at the thought of such a pristine and naturally beautiful place would lose its value to modernization, gradually losing its enchanting allure.