Chapter 0 - Prologue

I lived for myself.

I had a gift that allowed me to live that way.

Born a beggar at the very bottom of the gutter, I used a gift I discovered by chance to exploit the thugs who lived there.

Because I did not want to go hungry.

I swallowed up every cartel that ruled the gutter and exploited them.

To secure a warm home that would shelter me from the bitter winter winds.

I struck vile bargains with those of noble blood. Amid the flames of war that engulfed the continent, I satisfied their base desires.

Because I coveted their money.

When the Demon King finally appeared in this land, I hid in darkness so deep he would never set foot there. I simply stayed hidden and waited until the heroes slew him.

And so I was able to prolong this wretched life.

The gift bestowed upon me—that absurd miracle—made it possible.

I had lived my life trampling countless others, yet I felt no guilt over it. The life I had barely managed to secure was so sweet that I had no time to spare a thought for them.

And so I sought no understanding.

Nor did I seek salvation.

I swore that even if I met a miserable end, I would accept it with a smile.

I swore I would willingly pay the price for the sins I had piled up.

That was why.

"Are you awake?"

At the end of my life, I had thought there would be no one left by my side.