On the distant planet of Elyria, a family of three eagerly awaited the birth of a child. But the moment the father and eldest son approached the newborn, a powerful curse activated, filling the parents with an uncontrollable hatred for the infant. The father, consumed by the curse's influence, attempted to kill the child. However, the firstborn son intervened, pleading for the baby's life.

  Reluctantly, the father spared the infant but banished him to the Forbidden Forest, a place known for its perilous nature. The forest teemed with deadly plants and beasts so destructive they could obliterate entire armies and cities. Leaving the baby alone in this merciless environment, the family returned home The firstborn, overcome with guilt, prayed fervently for the infant's survival.Abandoned in a field, the child was enveloped in a mysterious, protective sphere that shielded him from the forest's dangers. For five long years, the boy lay untouched, suspended in time, until the sphere dissolved. As he awoke, a commanding voice resonated around him-the voice of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, who gave the boy his name: Altleno.

  Hungry and unsure of the world around him, young Altleno ventured cautiously into the forest in search of food. Initially terrified, he gathered the courage to pick berries. But before he could leave, a ferocious beast appeared it's glowing eyes locked on him. Paralyzed with fear, Altleno the name of the child covered his face, waiting for death. When nothing happened, he opened his eyes to find the beast gone, the area around him devastated. His hands trembled as he noticed a destructive red-and-black aura swirling around them.

  Confused but determined, Altleno vowed to grow stronger. Under the guidance of the Supreme Ruler, he began rigorous training. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. First, he meditated to harness his chaotic power, enduring hunger, exhaustion, and loneliness. Once his energy stabilized, he pushed his body to its limits, training relentlessly for ten years. By the end of his training, Altleno had transformed into a towering figure of strength and resilience, so powerful that even some of the forest's fiercest beasts stood no chance Eager to test his strength, Altleno left the forest in search of human settlements. Along the way, he battled goblins and other monsters, quickly dispatching them with his newfound power. Eventually, he encountered a group of bandits who demanded his belongings. Unfamiliar with their intentions, Altleno stood confused. When they tried to rob him by force, one stabbed him in the shoulder. Enraged, Altleno unleashed his power, beating the bandits mercilessly.

  Wounded but determined, he pressed on, walking for hours until he saw a small village in the distance. As he approached, he felt an overwhelming wave of hostility- killing intent from the villagers. Startled Altleno hid behind barrels near the village walls, unsure of how to proceed. Fear gripped him, and he retreated to the forest, vowing to become even stronger so that no one would intimidate him again.

  Altleno climbed to the highest peak within the forest, seeking isolation for his next phase of training. He began by punching the solid rocks around him. The first strike sent a searing pain through his hand, and he collapsed, screaming. For a moment, he considered giving up, but memories of his abandonment and his promise to grow stronger pushed him forward. He rose again, enduring the pain, punch after punch.

  Next, he tied heavy rocks to his waist with vines and dragged them across the mountain. At first, the task seemed impossible, but through sheer persistence, he succeeded. Over the next ten years, his strength grew so immense that monsters fled at the mere sight of him. Frustrated by the lack of challenges, Altleno descended the mountain and made his way to the village gates once more.

  This time, he walked with confidence, a menacing grin on his face. His overwhelming aura struck fear into the hearts of the villagers. Their initial hostility turned to terror as he approached the Adventurer's Guild. Unable to contain his energy, Altleno accidentally destroyed parts of the guild building upon entering. The receptionist, trembling, quickly registered him as an adventurer and awarded him the rare and prestigious rank of Destroyer, reserved for only the most powerful individuals

  The guild master, Guiko, arrived to confront Altleno after hearing of the destruction. Outraged by the receptionist's decision, Guiko questioned why someone so reckless deserved the title of Destroyer. To prove his worth, Guiko challenged Altleno to a duel. Confident in his abilities, Altleno accepted. The villagers, convinced of Guiko's superiority, demanded he kill the cursed outsider.

  That night, Guiko returned to his office, uneasy about the duel. As he contemplated presence fille hances, a chilling oom. A shadowy figure materialized, offering Guiko immense power in exchange for wealth. Desperate, Guiko agreed. As the entity possessed him, it attempted to corrupt his mind, but Guiko's strong will allowed him to wrest back control, fusing the newfound power with his own.

  The next morning, Altleno and Guiko faced each other on a barren plain far from the village. Their auras collided, ripping apart the terrain. As they charged, the sheer force of their clash sent shockwaves across the land, shaking the village and startling distant monster settlements.

  Guiko summoned army of undead goblins, they swarmed Altleno. With a step, Altleno's aura obliterated them. Undeterred, Guiko unleashed shadowy tendrils that wrapped around Altleno, holding him in place. But Altleno roared, breaking free and hurling a massive fireball at Guiko. The guild master dodged, countering with a wave of dark energy.

  The battle escalated as Guiko summoned a colossal skeletal beast. The creature charged, its claws tearing through the ground. Altleno leaped into the air, delivering a devastating punch that shattered the beast. Frustrated, Guiko poured all his energy into a final attack-a massive sphere of dark power aimed at Altleno. But Altleno stood firm, raising his hand and releasing a surge of energy that consumed the attack and Guiko along with it As the dust settled, Altleno gazed at the lifeless body of his opponent, his expression heavy with regret. "Another life lost," he muttered, turning to leave.

  Suddenly, a massive rock hurtled toward him from the sky. With a single punch, Altleno shattered it. Another rock followed, falling at blinding speed. Altleno raised a finger, his aura flaring, and erased it from existence.

  Far away, a shadowed figure watched the scene unfold, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

  As Altleno returned to the village, Guiko's lifeless body slung over his shoulder, the bustling square fell silent. The villagers froze, their eyes widening in shock. Slowly, realization crept in, and grief followed like a tidal wave. Some wept openly, mourning the loss of their elder, while others stood in silence, unable to process the sight before them.

  One by one, their gazes shifted from Guiko's motionless form to Altleno, the towering figure carrying him. Fear, anger, and confusion swirled in their eyes. An unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air, thickening the tension with every passing second.

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  A man near the front of the crowd, his face contorted with rage and sorrow, broke first. "You… you killed him!" he shouted, his voice cracking. With trembling fists, he charged at Altleno, his grief fueling his attack.

  Altleno didn't flinch. He stood firm, his head bowed, his eyes shadowed by regret. The man stopped just short of striking him, his rage faltering as he noticed Altleno's expression—one of quiet, unyielding remorse.

  "I understand your anger," Altleno said, his voice low and steady, yet burdened with guilt. "I didn't want this to happen. Guiko… he was a worthy opponent. I never meant for it to end like this." He lifted his head, his gaze meeting the man's. "If you'll let me, I promise to protect this village. I owe him that much."

  The man's fists fell to his sides as confusion and grief overtook his anger. But others in the crowd weren't as forgiving.

  "We don't need you!" someone shouted.

  "We can protect ourselves!" another voice called out, brimming with mistrust.

  The crowd splintered, whispers spreading like wildfire. Some villagers exchanged hesitant glances, intrigued by Altleno's vow but unwilling to voice it aloud. Others scoffed, their pride and pain blinding them to his sincerity.

  Despite the mounting tension, the villagers eventually agreed to honor Guiko with a proper burial. Altleno worked alongside them, assisting with the sacred rites. He helped lower Guiko's body into the tranquil waters of a sacred river as part of the village's traditions. Later, they laid him to rest in the graveyard, the ceremony heavy with solemnity and unspoken emotions.

  After the burial, the villagers dispersed, each grappling with their own turmoil. Altleno wandered the village, feeling the weight of their stares and whispers. Eventually, his attention was drawn to an elderly woman sitting alone at her stall. Her wares were untouched, her posture rigid as villagers walked past without a glance.

  Curious, Altleno approached her. "Do you sell anything here?" he asked, his tone soft.

  The old woman looked up, her eyes narrowing. "What are you still doing here?" she snapped. "Haven't you done enough? What's next—killing the rest of us?"

  Her words hit him harder than he expected. Kneeling before her, his imposing figure suddenly seemed smaller. "I didn't mean for Guiko to die," he said, his voice thick with regret. "The fight… I thought he felt the same thrill I did. I didn't know…" He trailed off, his hands balling into fists. "I didn't know it would end like that."

  The woman's expression flickered, a brief crack in her hardened exterior as she saw the pain in his face. But she quickly hardened again, turning her gaze away. "Words won't bring him back," she said coldly.

  Altleno lowered his head further, his knees pressing into the dirt. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "For everything. I didn't come here to bring harm to your home. I only wanted to test my strength, to prove I could stand among those stronger than me. I owe you all a debt I may never repay."

  Nearby villagers overheard his apology. Some paused, their anger softening as they saw his sincerity. Others remained wary, their suspicion rooted too deeply to be swayed.

  "Is he truly sorry?" one woman murmured.

  "Or is this just a trick?" another countered.

  Altleno stayed kneeling, unmoving, waiting for judgment from the people he now felt compelled to protect.

  The tense silence broke when an elderly man stepped forward, his gait unsteady but his voice resolute. "Altleno," he said, his tone a mix of desperation and determination. "If you truly wish to help, then there's something you can do. A massive boulder has blocked our farmland for weeks. We've tried everything, but it won't budge. Without access to the fields, we're running out of food and resources. Can you help us?"

  Altleno rose to his feet, his expression softening. "Show me," he said simply.

  The elder led him through the outskirts of the village. There, towering over the ruined farmland, was a colossal rock, its surface cracked and weathered. Altleno's eyes narrowed as recognition dawned—it was one of the boulders that had fallen during his fight with Guiko.

  Wordlessly, Altleno approached the rock. Placing both hands on its surface, he took a deep breath before lifting it effortlessly. Gasps echoed from the crowd of onlookers as they watched him carry the massive weight to a clear area near the village walls.

  Once he set it down gently, Altleno turned to the gathered villagers. "May I use this rock to create a statue of Guiko?" he asked. "I want to honor him—for all he did for you."

  The villagers exchanged uncertain glances until one stepped forward, tools in hand. "I'll help," the man said.

  Together, they began shaping the rock. As they worked, the man hesitated before asking, "Where did you come from before you came here?"

  Altleno paused, his hands stilling for a moment. "I came from the forest to the east," he replied.

  The man froze, his expression shifting from curiosity to fear. "The Forbidden Forest?" he whispered. "They say it's cursed. Long ago, adventurers fought a beast there—a creature so powerful it could destroy the world. They barely managed to seal it away. No one's supposed to go near that place."

  Altleno frowned. "I've lived there my whole life," he said calmly. "I never saw any such beast. If it exists, it hides well—or it's long gone."

  The man stared at him, torn between disbelief and awe. "Then how did you survive? That place is a death trap."

  Altleno's gaze turned distant. "I survived because I had to," he said quietly. "But perhaps the forest holds secrets even I don't understand."

  The man nodded reluctantly but said no more, his unease lingering. Despite the tension, he continued working on the statue alongside Altleno, recognizing that, for now, the stranger meant to help.

  As time passed, the villagers gradually warmed up to Altleno. His willingness to help with their daily tasks spoke louder than his words. He could often be seen carrying heavy rocks, plowing fields, and assisting with farming. Occasionally, he joined the villagers in their recreational activities, from push-up contests to simple games. Slowly, the intimidating figure who had once brought fear to their hearts began to feel like part of the community.

  One day, Altleno received a summons from the Adventurer's Guild. A guild messenger approached him in the village square, her expression a mix of nervousness and urgency.

  "Altleno," she began cautiously, "the guild needs your help. A group of ogres has been spotted near the outskirts of town. They've been raiding travelers and disrupting trade routes."

  Altleno's eyes narrowed. "How many?"

  "We estimate at least a dozen," she replied. "They're well-organized, and our scouts warn they could be dangerous."

  Without hesitation, Altleno nodded. "I'll take care of it."

  The next morning, Altleno set out for the outskirts of the town, following the directions provided by the guild.

  As Altleno approached the hideout of the ogres, the dense trees closed in, their twisted branches forming a dark canopy above. The forest reeked of decay—rotting fruit, festering animal corpses, and damp earth. But amidst the acrid scent, there were moments where the air was sweet, almost inviting. Poisonous plants, with vibrant, deceptive flowers, lured their victims with their lethal perfume. Altleno, who had spent his life navigating the Forbidden Forest, could easily distinguish the deadly from the safe, the threat hidden beneath the beauty.

  A sudden crack in the underbrush, a movement in the shadows, and Altleno barely registered the spear hurtling toward him. He twisted, feeling the rush of air as it missed by a hair's breadth. He barely had time to react when a massive ogre burst from behind, kicking him to the ground with bone-jarring force. His vision blurred, but instinct drove him. He rolled, regained his footing, and drove the ogre away, sending it tumbling into a swarm of its kin.

  Before he could catch his breath, a sharp sting seared into his shoulder, and he felt the faint tremor of dizziness creep over him. The thorn was poisoned. Altleno's muscles tensed, eyes flickering with a warning as he tried to fight the encroaching lethargy. The ogres seized the opportunity, charging with snarls that split the air. One lunged, pinning him beneath its weight as a guttural roar echoed, signaling death.

  Then, with a shuddering breath, Altleno released his aura. The force slammed into the ground, shattering rock and sending the ogres sprawling, their snarl of triumph cut short by the power radiating from him. He stood, aura blazing, his eyes sharp and focused as the terrain twisted and cracked around him.

  In a heartbeat, he was behind a cluster of ogres, his movements precise. The swing of his hand cut through the air and struck them down in one sweep. Silence fell for a fraction of a second, broken only by the primal roar that echoed from deeper in the forest. A chill ran down Altleno's spine. This was something beyond even his experience, something that made his breath catch and a cold shiver trail down his back. For the first time, fear settled into his chest.

  The colossal figure that emerged from the shadows was more than an ogre—it was a beast forged from nightmares. Towering over the others, its skin was scarred and mottled, each mark telling a story of battles long past. Yellow eyes glowed with a feral, malevolent intelligence, and in its grip was a spiked club, so massive that it seemed to warp the air around it. The lesser ogres parted like ripples before a storm, eyes wide with a mix of reverence and terror.

  Altleno's pulse thumped in his ears as he met the gaze of the monster. Every instinct in his body screamed at him to flee, but he stood his ground, muscles tensed for the next move. "So… you're the leader," he muttered, the words barely louder than a whisper. The fear that had gripped him earlier sharpened into something raw and primal, but he forced it back. He would not let it define him—not now.

  The beast let out a roar that split the air, shaking the forest to its roots. Altleno knew then that this fight would be unlike anything he had faced before. The battle was far from over.