Welcome back Transmigrator

Chapter Seven: Taking Charge

In a world where each individual had only a single life, destiny and fate rested solely in their own hands. They possessed complete control over how they chose to spend the precious, singular existence granted to them. Even gods and higher beings could not dictate the course of their lives. Earth had been meticulously crafted by divine design, rendering it the ultimate habitat, safe from peril and danger.

If individuals waged war and perished, it was their own doing.

If they marred Earth's pristine environment and met their end in natural calamities, it was their own doing.

If they embraced hate instead of love, if they failed to lead fulfilling lives, if they left behind a trail of regrets, or if they succumbed to evil and twisted paths that prematurely ended their single-life span—it was all their own doing.

Yet, despite this inherent responsibility, many remained oblivious to these principles, some driven by sheer stupidity. Gaige observed the weak gang members before him, brandishing their guns with bravado, acting as if they were ahead of the curve when they were, in fact, straying far from it.

"Carrying a gun makes someone bold and arrogant," Gaige commented in Soleil's language as he casually cast Andy aside and advanced toward the gun pointed at him, its barrel inching closer to his chest. The firearm held no menace for him; he could effortlessly deflect bullets with his aura. He had unwavering confidence that these feeble gang members were oblivious to the art of imbuing bullets with mana.

"What the hell is he saying?"

"No idea, boss!"

"Why is he here?"

"Hey, foreigner! Do you want to die?"

Gaige flashed a sly grin, amused by their collective cowardice as they brandished their weapons. Even Axel, their supposed leader, stood quivering behind his henchmen, pretending to exude confidence while his sweat-drenched face gave him away.

"Leader?" Gaige inquired, already aware of Axel's true identity. He directed the question at the most terrified gang member, further toying with their emotions. The man shook his head, pointing at Axel.

Gaige's gaze moved over Axel, assessing his underwhelming presence. Axel was like a schoolyard bully who had failed to mature. A young adult with a lean build, medium-length blond hair combed backward and held by a black hairband, Axel was distinguished only by a red fur coat hanging casually over his shoulder—a potential improvised bedding if Gaige ever needed one.

"What are you looking at? Think we can't kill you?" Axel retorted, snatching a gun from one of his men and leveling it at Gaige. He even rose on his toes to meet Gaige's eye level.

"This is my turf! I'm the boss here! Kneel or I'll shoot you dead!" Axel threatened, his bravado overshadowing the fact that his bead of sweat was a glaring testament to his fear.

Axel's words had no effect on Gaige, who responded with a bored yawn. Infuriated by Gaige's indifference, Axel's anger surged, compelling him to pull the trigger.

The gunshot startled everyone. The eleven gang members standing near Gaige instantly dropped to the ground, cowering in fear, while Andy screamed and rushed toward Gaige. Axel, too, looked shocked by his own actions, staring dumbfounded at the gun he had discharged.

Andy pushed Axel away, crying out loudly with his booming voice. "No! He's just a passerby! Sir! Please don't die!"

Gaige's response was terse and matter-of-fact: "Okay." Andy, slow-witted as ever, breathed a sigh of relief after witnessing Gaige's survival.

As the crouching gang members gradually raised their heads to peer at Gaige, Axel's grip on the gun weakened, and he let it fall to the floor. Still backing away, he stammered, "W-what are you? How are you still alive?"

Gaige smiled and reached into the hole in his clothing caused by the bullet, producing the projectile for all to see. Clicking his tongue in disapproval, Gaige quipped, "Wrong leader." He meant that Axel had made a grave mistake. Frustratingly, Gaige couldn't mock Axel further due to his inability to use words, but he took some satisfaction in belittling the gang members, who were trying to act tough despite their ineptitude.

"Y-yes! Very well, you're the leader now!"

Axel flung his red fur coat toward Gaige and dropped to his knees. His underlings followed suit, immediately submitting to Gaige's newfound authority. Gaige was left speechless, unable to correct Axel's misunderstanding. He glanced at Andy for assistance, but Andy merely touched his forehead in a salute-like gesture. Picking up the fallen red fur coat, Andy draped it over Gaige's shoulders.

"What in the world?" Gaige cursed inwardly, bewildered by the sudden turn of events. At the same time, he contemplated whether to accept this peculiar group and hope they might prove useful as he embarked on his new life on Earth.

"Boss! From now on, we'll follow you!"