Overlord: Sword of the Forgotten Demon

The bandit chief stepped forward, his presence suffocating the air around us. His men fanned out behind him, their faces twisted with cruel anticipation. They thought we were easy prey.

But they had no idea what they were walking into.

Carlos's POV

My heart pounded in my chest like a war drum. The chief's scarred face was burned into my memory—the same man who had led the attack on my village, who had burned homes and slaughtered families. I could still hear the screams, still smell the smoke.

But now, there was no one left to save me.

Except…

I tightened my grip on the sword—the sword that spoke. The sword that promised power.

"Trust me, boy." Kilineiram's voice echoed in my mind, calm and steady like the eye of a storm. "Let me guide your hand."

The chief sneered, his voice low and mocking.

Bandit Chief: "Look at that. The little brat thinks he can fight. That's a pretty sword you've got there, boy. I'll make sure to pry it from your cold, dead fingers."

His men laughed, the sound grating and hollow.

But I didn't feel fear anymore. Not like before. Instead, a strange heat bloomed in my chest—fueled by anger, by grief, by something Kilineiram had awakened in me.

The chief raised his hand, signaling his men.

Bandit Chief: "Kill him."

They rushed forward.

Kilineiram's POV

As the first bandit charged, I felt it—the flicker of Combat Essence waiting to be harvested.

"Let me guide you." I whispered into the boy's mind, weaving my will with his movements. He was inexperienced, but his emotions burned bright. That would be enough. For now.

The first bandit swung his crude axe.

Carlos ducked.

With my blade in his hands, we moved as one. The boy's body was clumsy, but I guided his grip, twisting it just right. The sword sliced through the bandit's side with terrifying ease.

The man's scream was short-lived. Blood sprayed across the dirt, dark and steaming.

[Combat Essence absorbed.]

I felt it rush into me—a small, sweet taste of power.

Carlos's POV

I stared at the man crumpling to the ground, my hands shaking. I had never killed anyone before. I thought it would feel different. Worse. But instead, I felt…

Stronger.

The bandits hesitated, their bravado flickering. The chief growled, stepping forward.

Bandit Chief: "You bastards! What are you waiting for? He's just a kid!"

But they weren't so sure anymore.

I could feel Kilineiram's power humming through the blade, like a second heartbeat.

"Good," Kilineiram murmured, his voice proud. "Don't hesitate. Kill or be killed."

Another bandit lunged. This time, I didn't wait. I sidestepped his clumsy thrust, letting Kilineiram guide my arm. The blade pierced his chest effortlessly, sliding through bone like butter.

[Combat Essence absorbed.]

The rush was stronger this time. I could feel Kilineiram growing more solid in my mind, his presence sharper.

"You see, boy?" he whispered. "With every kill, we grow. Keep going."

Kilineiram's POV

The boy was learning quickly. His fear was fading, replaced by something far more useful—resolve.

But we weren't done yet.

The chief was finally moving, his massive sword gleaming in the fading light.

"Careful," I warned Carlos. "This one's no amateur."

The bandit chief charged with surprising speed, his blade coming down in a vicious arc. Carlos barely managed to block, the force of the blow driving him to one knee.

Carlos's POV

My arms screamed from the impact, but I held on. I could feel Kilineiram pushing back, helping me hold the line.

Bandit Chief: "You've got guts, kid. I'll give you that. But guts won't keep you alive."

He pulled back for another swing, and I knew I wouldn't be able to block it this time.

"Let me take over," Kilineiram's voice growled in my mind. "Trust me completely."

I didn't have a choice.

I let go—not of the sword, but of control.

Kilineiram's POV

As the boy surrendered his will, I seized the moment.

For the first time since transmigrating, I could feel the thrill of battle coursing through me—not just as an observer, but as a participant.

The chief's blade came down, but we were already moving. I twisted Carlos's body, slipping inside the man's guard with inhuman speed.

Before he could react, I drove my blade deep into his chest, piercing his heart.

The bandit chief's eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening to scream—but no sound came.

[Combat Essence absorbed.]

[Resonant Essence achieved.]

The rush of energy was overwhelming. I could feel it pouring into me, not just from the kill, but from the boy's complete trust.

It was by far not enough to regain my form—but it was a start.

The chief collapsed, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud.

Carlos's POV

I stood over the body, my chest heaving. The remaining bandits stared in horror before turning and fleeing into the woods, their courage shattered.

But I didn't chase them.

I just stood there, staring at the sword in my hands.

Kilineiram: "Good," he murmured, his voice softer now. "You did well, boy."

I didn't know what to say.

C: "What… what happens now?" I finally whispered.

Kilineiram: "Now?" The sword pulsed in my hands, its dark light glowing brighter. "Now, we grow stronger. Together."

And for the first time, I wasn't afraid of that idea.