Infinite Returns : The More I Give, The Stronger I Become-Chapter 64: The new King

Ethan sat there, cross-legged on his beautiful throne. With a small motion, he raised his hand, and a cup of tea appeared in his grasp.

Instantly, the entire realm shifted. The atmosphere softened into a glowing green-golden forest, with small beasts running freely through the underbrush.

Ethan's form changed too. To any outsider looking upon him, he now appeared as a formless golden light—too pure, too holy, as if it had descended straight from the heavens.

He tilted his head in mild intrigue.

"So… the realm and my appearance change based on my mood?" he muttered, almost to himself.

Then a new thought crossed his mind.

"Wait—can I also change my appearance depending on the client?"

Because not everyone could bear his current form. That light, that shadowless shape—too divine for some, too alien for others. They would be more at ease if he looked… different. Something they could relate to.

But each person would prefer something different.

So, the most special and fair solution—

"Make me appear as my clients perceive me."

Yes. That would be perfect.

If they saw him as a demon, then so be it—he would become a demon.

If they believed him a saint, he would wear the face of holiness itself.

Whatever they imagined, that would be what they saw.

The best solution.

But first—

"Don't tell me I need points for this too, system?" Ethan muttered lazily. "I did say I've changed, but everything's got limits."

His voice was lazy. So lazy, it was almost comical compared to the divine glow he currently radiated.

[You do not need points for this. You already have your realm. You are the ruler here. Not the other one.]

[If you order the realm to shape your appearance as your clients perceive it—then it will.]

"Oh, that's cool."

Ethan nodded.

"I want to be what others see me as."

And instantly, something changed.

He didn't know what, but something deep, invisible, shifted.

"Well. Now that that's done…"

"I need to notify everyone holding my coins that this realm exists."

Luckily, that part was simple. He was connected to every single coin he'd ever handed out. So—

"You can now meet me using the coin," Ethan said, his voice deep, mysterious, and solemn. "You will be teleported into this place—my realm—for the meeting. But only by my will."

His words echoed through the entirety of the 10th floor, to reach only those who had his coins.

And immediately, multiple people began trying to connect—each hoping to be let in.

But Ethan wasn't about to open the floodgates just yet.

"I'm not doing much today. Just a few."

"Tomorrow, I'll travel the Forest of Death. I need to be in peak condition."

So, he chose to accept only the first three who called.

"Come."

Instantly, a young man materialized before Ethan in the realm.

And at that moment, Ethan's appearance shifted.

He became an old man—one cloaked in radiant, heavenly light.

Ethan smiled inwardly.

'So that's how this young man sees me.'

He referred to the visitor as "young man" in his thoughts, as if he himself wasn't still young.

The young man, Kiriko, stood frozen in shock. The realm itself was awe-inspiring—but the throne… and the being sitting on it…

His mind could barely process it all.

"Ah… ah…" Kiriko tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat.

Ethan's smile remained calm and gentle.

"At ease, young man," he said. "Take your time. Speak your wish."

The moment he spoke, something in Kiriko calmed. His trembling heart settled, just a little.

After a long moment, he bowed.

"I'm sorry, Honorable One, for this embarrassing display."

Ethan nodded.

That single gesture gave Kiriko the strength to raise his head and speak.

"Honorable One… my wish is not small."

His eyes sharpened.

"I want to become someone whose name alone causes fear."

"My talent is just ordinary. And to reach greatness, one needs at least SS-rank talent."

"So please—"

He bowed again, deeper than before. This time, he kept his head lowered.

"Please grant my wish, O Merchant Beneath the World."

Ethan's golden light flickered gently.

His aura was ancient. Eternal.

"Everything has a price," Ethan said, his voice calm.

He could have chosen a price himself—but today, he was curious.

"What will you offer for this? For an SSS-rank talent?"

Silence.

Then—

"My senses," Kiriko said firmly. "I will sacrifice all of my eyesight."

Ethan smiled.

As soon as Kiriko declared his offering, Ethan's skill silently accepted the trade.

"I accept."

"And for this, I grant you an SSS-rank talent."

He pulled it from his inventory. One of many he'd never use.

"The Eyes of Heaven."

It was rare. A sensory-type talent of immense value—especially to one who could no longer see.

As the glowing sphere of light entered Kiriko's chest, he absorbed it. And instantly, the basic knowledge of the talent filled his mind.

He was stunned.

He dropped to his knees and bowed—deeper, more sincerely than before.

"Thank you so much…"

Even without his vision, there were other ways to sense the world.

But Ethan had not merely replaced Kiriko's sight—he had elevated it.

That was mercy.

Because with his Eye of Judgment, Ethan could see the truth:

Kiriko was a good person.

Soon, Kiriko vanished—and the next visitor appeared.

This time, Ethan transformed into a gigantic demon—bleeding eyes, black-flame wings.

Ethan smirked inwardly.

They're quite creative with their image of me.

And so it continued.

…

Meanwhile…

In the Kingdom of Balor, a storm was brewing.

An event that would forever change the fate of the land.

And no one knew.

In the royal palace, Jack Balor stood before four kneeling figures.

His father.

His three brothers.

They glared at him with eyes full of pure hatred. If looks could kill, Jack would've been torn to pieces.

But in response, Jack only grinned.

A wild, triumphant grin.

"You have no idea how long I've waited for this," he said, his tone soft—but heavy.

"YOU FUCKING—!"

BAAM!

Before his brother could finish, Jack had already smashed a fist into his face.

"I've sacrificed everything for this moment. So please, brother Karl, don't ruin my day with your whining."

"Jack, why?" asked Emperor Romeo, confused. "Did I not give each of you the same chance to earn the throne?"

"Did I ever show favoritism? Ever once?"

"So why?"

Jack was quiet for a moment.

Then he responded—voice colder than ice.

"You did nothing wrong, Father. None of you did."

He paused.

"Or maybe… maybe you did."

"You birthed me."

"That's the only mistake you made. Because this—everything I've done—it's not about fairness or reason."

"I want power. I want to rule. I want to crush everyone who stands in my way. And I won't be able to do that with you alive."

"So please—go rest in peace, dear Father. And you too, dear brothers."

Silence.

"It was nice knowing you."

Jack took out a crystal ball from his inventory.

His grin widened.

And then—

He crushed it.

BOOOOMMMMM!!

The palace exploded.

That day, the royal family of Balor was slaughtered by a huge explosion from a group of assassins.

Only Jack Balor survived.

Even with half his body burned.

That day—

Jack became king.

Not because the people chose him.

But because he had made himself the only choice.

—End of Chapter 64—