A/N: Hey there guys/girls I'm back with the new chapter of this story. You know, I haven't realized that writing a story could change your life in some ways or another. But that's just for another time and now let's start the chapter, shall we?
Hyperdimension Neptunia is owned by Idea Factory and Compile Heart. I only own my story and my OC.
Chapter eleven: "A quest, and a broken sword."
(Third person's P.O.V.)
"So, Nowa, what do you want to talk about? Oh! I bet it's about your new costume!"
Noire, the CPU of Lastation, lets out a sigh and facepalmed.
"No, Neptune. This is not about my new costume or anything related to that either. And I'm too tired to fight back your statement to be honest…" Noire answered Neptune, the CPU of Planeptune.
"Hush, Neptune. Let Noire talk about this important matter here."
"I'm on Thunder Tits' side for once. Noire, please tell us now."
The girl that was called 'Thunder Tits' actually bears the appearance of an adult woman, with a slender figure, sizable bust, and dark blue eyes. Her hair is blonde, and goes down to her waist in length. It is kept free, and is rather wavy. Her fringe is kept just above her eyes, and she has three sets of bangs; first going down to her upper-jaw, second, upper-neck, third, chest-length. Her attire is a green and peach-colored dress, with the top being a dark green that has gold lining on it, and being sleeveless, as well as revealing a considerable portion of her cleavage, covered through a veil of sorts. She has a ribbon on her neck, which is red in color, and has detached upper-arm portions of her dress's sleeves and has frilled gloves on her hands. Her true identity is Vert, the CPU of Leanbox.
And lastly, the one who called Vert with the unholy title of 'Thunder Tits' bears the appearance of a young girl, with a rather petite figure, dark blue eyes and light brown hair. Her hair is short, going down to her chin and her fringe is kept parted to the left. She is noted to commonly wear a large and puffy white hat on her head, with ornate blue lining and brown patterns on it. Her attire consists of a white top-dress which presumably goes down to her knees. This dress is sleeveless at the top, and has much chocolate-brown lining around that area. She seems to wear a brown belt over this dress, as to keep it form-fitting. Her final part of her outfit is excessively long and thick white and brown gloves, which nearly go up to her shoulder and have large frills protruding out of the back of them. She is Blanc, the CPU of Lowee.
"Uhh… Are you done describing Vert's and Blanc's appearances, oh dear Author? Noire is waiting for you to finish, you know?" Neptune says out loud. Truly she is the most meta character of all.
"*Sigh*, there you go again… breaking the fourth wall as always… But anyway! How are you three doing so far? The Shift Period drama is getting more intense than I had imagined." Noire asks.
"….Everything is doing somewhat okay in Lowee. Financier is helping me in handling stuff." Blanc is the one who answered first.
"Same for me. Chika did her best to control everything while I'm doing… important things myself." Vert added.
"You mean grinding your Four Goddesses Online account?" Neptune asks her.
"N-no! That can wait until the Shift Period ends!"
"I see. Well that's good to hear." Noire said as she smiled.
"Wait a sec, you didn't ask me?! Oh it hurts so much, Noire!" Neptune said in a dramatic way.
"Well, Planeptune will be okay, considering your nation has the least Shares." Noire replied with a mocking tone.
"Ouch, you really like to tease me about my nation's Shares, huh?"
"By the way, Noire. What is this other 'serious thing' you wished to talk to us about?" Vert asks the Tsundere goddess.
"Well, how do I say it… You know the news about this village that was destroyed by a single person?"
Vert and Blanc nodded, except for Neptune.
"Uh… What're we talking about again?" Neptune asks with a sheepish smile.
"As expected of you, Neptune. Anyway, I went to see if I could trace the person who did it, but surprise, surprise! It's actually a monster that did it." Noire explains.
"…A monster? That's weird. The news clearly stated it was a woman that destroyed that village…." Blanc muttered.
"Exactly. And when I was almost arrived at the now destroyed village, I saw this man that were fighting against the very same person, or monster, that ruined the village. Or so I've thought, it turns out this particular monster helped the person that destroyed the village!"
"…..Well that makes sense. Wait, a monster helping a human? Oh no, don't tell me it's them…" Blanc said with a grim tone.
"The Retainers? Indeed, that seems plausible. But are they trying to frame us or something like that? They are a group of terrorists, after all." Vert commented.
"Wait we're talking about *that* group?! Man, I'll tell you if they came to Planeptune, I'll permaban them all!" Neptune shoutes.
"Neptune… This is not a game…" Noire complaints.
"Noire, what about this mysterious man? Tell us, tell us!" Neptune added.
"….Let's start with his appearances…" Blanc said.
"Well… He's tall, taller than Vert even. His hair is kinda long, reaching his shoulders and his hair is jet black in color with hints of white in several areas… He wears a dark blue parka with a black flame design on the back, underneath is a black t-shirt with a Mobius symbol… Oh and he also wears blue jeans… Wait, Neptune are you listening?" Noire asks Neptune, who seemed to have lost in her thoughts.
"Hmm… Huh?! Yeah, I am. But… That reminds me of someone that I met recently… Say, Noire, his eyes. What are their colors?" Neptune said.
"Eh? Well, his eyes are bloody red in color, although his eyes looks like that of a dead fish's. You know, hollow. But somehow before he left, the colors changed to blue before it becomes red once agai-"
Before Noire could finish, Neptune snapped her fingers.
"Aha! That is him! Wait, why did he go to Lastation?"
Vert and Blanc glanced at Noire with a questioning look.
"W-what? Don't look at me like that! He said that he wants to check my Basilicom's defenses because his friend wants to help our Basilicoms someday." Noire explained.
"Well, he did told me and Nep Jr. that he has a friend that needs him…" Neptune commented.
"….Wait a minute, he went to your Basilicom to check *its* defenses? Wouldn't that a, I don't know, criminal would do?" Blanc said. True, some people genuinely wanted to help making the world a better place, the others? Let's just say they wanted to watch the world burn.
"Objection! Come on, Blanc! Don't jump to conclusions like that! Trust me on this one, he's a good person!" Neptune protests.
"What, he bought you some goddamned pudding?" Blanc said at the pudding-loving Goddess.
"Well, yeah, 20 of them! So he's a nice person at heart!" Neptune replied.
"*sigh* look, the point is that he has this weird power that could give him a pair of dragon wings, and it appears that he could summon it at will as well. And no, I already thought that those wings of his is mechanical, but when I think about it again it appears to be growing out of his back." Noire explained further.
"So you're saying this man we are talking about here has… a power of a monster?" Vert asked.
Noire, Blanc and Neptune stopped themselves from opening their mouths. Is that really the case? To think that Vert would be the one that proposed that thought, is truly unexpected.
"….I don't think that's the case, Vert. Maybe he knows an ancient magic or two. I've read numerous books about magic anyways." Blanc comments.
"Annnnd I invited him to be our special guest for our festival's tournament."
"YOU WHAT?!" Vert and Blanc shouted at the same time, while Neptune cheers at what Noire just said.
"Alright! It's been a while since an event that could expand this story's lore! Well not like mister Author could expand the lore more than he did anyways. He's a nutjob!"
The Shift Period's grand festival, and tournament, will be held in 4 days from now.
Four days from now, the goddesses shall determine whether the mysterious man is another threat to their peaceful Gamindustri.
(Hikaru's P.O.V.)
X, still controlling my body, looks at the Basilicom's areas with great interest. So far, we already went to the Gallery room, which basically this grand room that houses amazing arts that were made by master-grade artists all over Gamindustri. We did go to other rooms but let's just say they're boring and not worth to be mentioned.
X stopped walking before going to the main hall, and yes we're currently at the first floor right now.
"Hmm? I thought I heard some flat girl and a lady with big boobs shouting, but maybe that's just my imagination." X said, shrugging.
'X, what are you doing?'
"Eh? What do you mean?" X asked before touching a vase.
'You've been touching things lately, paintings, armor replica, even the carpets.'
"Don't worry, nothing's wrong." X said as he went to the main hall.
'Nothing's wrong? Yeah right, I don't believe you.'
X stopped walking, "You don't believe in me, huh? Well that's not surprising. But please, give me a chance. I may be a rude as fuck spirit that resides within your body, but I have a purpose too. I wasn't created just to do your dirty work such as killing monsters and bad people, and not for doing things just because it's funny for my fucked up sense of humor. My master… He gave me an order even though he didn't said anything to me. So Hikaru, just believe in me." He said with a little voice and continued walking.
His… master? Did he… really mean it? It's not a joke right? If he's serious, then who is this master?
'Hey, X? Who's this master? Hey.'
X keeps walking without saying anything. Did he block me or something? He controls my body right now, so… Wait so my body have the power to do all of this? Gah, I don't care anymore. But still, I'm kinda curious about this matter.
"Well that's all for my sightseeing, I guess. Time to go check in to some hotel or something." X said while stretching up
"Um… X?"
X stopped stretching my body.
"What is it, Grimoire? You've got some guts, considering our friend Hikaru here told you to not talk except when he wants something."
Well, I didn't meant to be that rude…. I was mad and all…
"It's okay, I just want to help him, is all. Say, can you give the control back to him? I don't know why, but when you control Hikaru's body… I can sense some bad things. Now, I don't mean that you're the reason because of it… So, umm… please?" Grimoire pleaded to X.
Even after I talk to her like that, she genuinely wanted to help me? Oh god I feel bad right now.
"You… Well okay, I'll leave you two for a while, then. Tell Hikaru that he can use his… dead comrades' power. No Conquest, though. His body cannot do jack shit anyways."
As X closed my eyes, I could feel his presence fading away.
I opened my eyes while looking around. There are people walking towards the church part of the Basilicom to pray to Lady Noire, while the members of the Basilicom are standing by in their respective places, some of them cleaning the place, giving directions to people that visited the Basilicom for the first time.
Taking a deep breath, I started to walk towards the exit.
"Grimoire?"
"Y-yes? W-what is it, Hikaru?"
"We need to talk… please."
I can feel my chest heating up. So I can feel people's feelings from my body now, huh?
Never would've thought it would work like that.
"That's because you have no heart. For you are the sole reason why this world will meet its dead end."
As I walk at the sidewalks of Lastation, I can hear Grimoire giggling.
'What's so funny, Grimoire?' I ask her inwardly and as I saw a bench, I sit on one of them.
"W-well, I was thinking about your first reaction when I talked with you… for the first time."
Oh yeah, that happened, huh?
"Yup! Although, I'm glad you believed at me. And you used the dagger I gave you too! B-but now I realized that it didn't help you much, huh? I'm sorry about that."
I took out my dagger from my jeans' right pocket, it's on its harmonica form though. I don't want to be stabbed by my own weapon. That sounds stupid.
"Is that a harmonica? Is that yours, Hikaru?"
I nodded while looking at the carvings on the harmonica's body, it looks like that of an old sword a random hero used in some shitty fairy tale.
'This harmonica is the dagger you gave me, Grimoire. Look, there's the switch right here.' I thought as I pressed the button, and the blade came out without letting a single noise.
"Woah, that's awesome! As expected of your…"
Grimoire didn't say anything after that, instead it appears that she's thinking about the nest thing she's going to say.
'My what, Grimoire?'
"I-I don't know… I knew I remembered something about you, but… something's blocking my memory."
Whoah, does that mean she has amnesia or something?
"No, no I don't have amnesia. But it appears after you thought with Kurome, since my weapon worm is tainted now I think my memory got ruined too… Oh no I failed again! I'm so sorry Hikaru… I'm a good for nothing spirit guider, huh?" Grimoire said, laughing lowly, as if she's laughing at herself.
I gritted my teeth and stand up, "No. You're not worthless, Grimoire." I said in a low tone as I continue my walk.
"E-eh? I'm not?"
I shook my head, "No. I'm the one who's worthless here." I said, trying to encourage her.
But since I didn't look forward I bumped with a random man. Thank you god of clichés.
"Gah!
"Oof!"
The two of us fell on the ground, making other people giving us looks. Honestly, can't these people just mind their own goddamned business? If you're not trying to help people, why give them looks? It's not helpful at all.
I quickly stand up and walk to help the man, "I'm sorry. Are you hurt?" I lend my hand to him.
He quickly adjusted his glasses, and took my hand.
"Ah, no worries. I'm perfectly fine… Hmm? You are…"
The man looked at my face for a several minutes before grabbing his fallen book and his quill pen.
"Uh… Who are you?" I ask the man.
"Me? Ah, yes, yes of course. My name is not important, but you may call me Altair." He said while putting his quill pen inside a mini bag that is attached to his belt.
The man that calls himself Altair has a messy silver hair and golden eyes. He wears a blue coat, a pair of navy blue gloves, gray shirt and a pair of black jeans. He also wears a pair of black and blue shoes and a silver necklace that resembles a cross is hanging on his neck.
"Man, Mister Author really wants him on his party huh? I thought he's quitting his life as a filthy player…" Grimoire commented. Great, you're talking like X now.
"Altair, huh? Nice to meet you, my name is-"
"Hikaru, yes, yes I already know."
"Hikaru- What?!"
Altair simply smiled at me while grabbing my hand, "We need to talk, fast."
Without waiting for my reply, he dragged me into an alleyway. This is not gonna be good…
He looked to his left and right before looking back at me once again and smiled, "Good. It appears there's no one beside us here." He said
"Well duh, this is a goddamned alleyway!" I said to him in an annoyed tone.
"Please, I don't have much time. Someone I know wanted me to give you this letter."
Altair opened his book and grabbed a black envelope.
"Inside this envelope is a letter for you and just for you only, I want you to block your friends' sight first before reading the letter. And lastly there is a quest for you. An illegal one. They wanted me to tell you that this quest is really important, messed things up and you're dead. The quest is simple, go to the place this letter told you and take a certain item from said place. Now, I don't know where the place is and what item they want you to take, but I assure you the place is around Lastation and they want you to keep the item for yourself. Do not take this letter to any Guild, they will catch you and throw you in jail. Do you understand? Good, I must leave now. Adios." He shoved the envelope to my parka's pocket while leaving.
"Wait!"
He stopped, 'Yes? I told you I don't have much time." He glanced back at me, his golden eyes penetrates through my soul. I guess.
"How did you know my identity?"
He laughed at my question, "That's it? You're not asking for a far more important question? Well, I believe this won't be our last time leaving. But I will tell you nonetheless. I know everything about you, for I am the one who holds all ancient tomes and scrolls that is either lost from time itself, or simply banned because they hold dangerous information. And you, my friend, are included as well. I'll help you more, catch." He explained as he threw two cards at me.
I caught the cards and looked at them.
"A blank card and… A Retainer card?! Don't tell me you're-!"
"Oh, please. Don't compare me to those filthy peasants that call themselves the retainers of an almighty demonic dragon." Altair cuts my statement.
"Then, who are you?" I ask him.
Taking a deep breath, he fixed his glasses once again, "My name is Altair. Altair Acheron is my full name. See you soon… Phantom Hunter." And he left without saying another word.
He… He knew about my title too?
I look at the two cards.
"Retainer of the Demonic Dragon, Fernyiges huh…" I mumbled. The card features this black dragon that also has a bloody red color for its stomach and its wing area.
The other card is, well, a blank card. It still has that weird mark like the third card I got from Glenn though. Maybe if I put the two of them together I'll get something? Okay no that doesn't make any sense. At all.
"Say, Grimoire. Can you like…. Y'know, wait for me to finish reading this letter?" I ask her.
Just like last time, my chest warms up.
"Sure! Do tell me the contents later, okay?"
As Grimoire said that, I feel her presence fading away. To be honest, I feel bad for her… Helping me and all… Anyway, I took out the black envelope from my parka's pocket. It has this noble feel to it, if the ones who sent me this letter is indeed a noble, I don't want to mess things up, that's for sure.
I opened the envelope by using my dagger. I took out the letter.
"Let's see…" I mumbled as my eyes scanned the letter's contents.
It started with, you know, the dear insert-the-receiver's-name-here, some small talk and other things. Okay, so the ones who sent this letter is not a noble, thank god. W-wait, what? W-what is this?
I blink my eyes to check if I'm not hallucinating or something like that. This letter…. What is exactly going on here?!
My eyes' movements became even faster as I continue reading the contents. And when I finally reached the bottom part….
"FUCK!" I cursed as I quickly shove the letter into my pocket furiously.
Why? Why in the heavens did they know about something I don't even know about?! Who sent me this letter anyway?!
I grabbed my head because of a sudden headache, oh god it hurts!
"No… No…. I don't know any of these… I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING DAMMIT!" I screamed as I kneeled on the dirty alleyway.
Why? Why are they shouting at me?! WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE, GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY HEAD!
"Having two voices is bad enough! PLEASE STOP!" Dammit as stupid as it sounds I think I'm gonna cry just because of the sheer pain I'm having right now.
"H-Hikaru?! Hey, please calm down and take a deep breath! Hikaru, please calm down!" A warm feeling engulfed my chest telling me that Grimoire came back. But I can't stop these voices, dammit!
"Haa… Haa… Guh! Fucking stop, please!" I pleaded to the voices once again.
I don't know anything… I don't know anything anymore… W-what is my objective again….? W-why am I alive? I'm sure I was dead at that point….
I shook my head.
"No… No… No, no, no!" I yelled as my face finally meet the cold alleyway street, tears flowing out from my eyes.
"….Hikaru? What's wrong? You can tell me everything you know, I'll help! …in some way or another…" Grimoire said.
"….."
"I… I don't know… I don't know why, but…. I'm scared…. I'm so fucking scared!" Tears flowed more from my eyes once again.
"Hey… I don't know why, but I know for sure everything's going to be okay. Stand up, Hikaru." Grimoire told me.
I don't know why, but I instantly rose up after hearing her words.
"Well, well, well. I guess this is it for you, huh?" Someone said from the inside of my head. X.
"X, you-"
"Shut your trap. I've seen your state of mind. It's fucked by the way. Listen, you want the voices gone? You want answers about everything? Or do you want to fuck off and be a stupid piece of shit that slowly turning insane?" X asked me.
I closed my eyes and clenched my fists, "No! I… I don't want that! I want answers!"
"Then so be it. Be grateful, this damned spirit will guide your ass throughout this illegal quest of yours. But in exchange, I want you to tell every single thing you know to me and Grimoire. That'll help a lot."
"X? What is your motive here?"
"Oh, if you're not affected by Hikaru's problem, you'll understand why I'm telling Hikaru all of this. Well then, how about we take a look at our little nifty map from the envelope first?"
Nodding my head, I took out the envelope once again. I didn't realize the map is still there.
I take a look at the map. It featured this detailed information about Lastation and its surroundings. Hmm? There's a little, red circle mark on top of this factory-looking area.
"That place… Oh you motherfucker. They wanna play that kind of game huh? Fucking piece of shit! Hikaru, let's move. I'll tell you the quickest way to go there."
Wiping my remaining tears, I nodded and dashed my way through the streets.
While X keeps telling me which way is the best, Grimoire whispered to me with a low voice, so low that even X cannot understand her words.
"You know that I'll always believe in you… Right?"
I smiled as I nodded, still running to my new destination.
"Believing you is the biggest mistake someone could ever make. What a funny joke. You have no right to live your life peacefully. Your life is supposed to be nothing but a blank page. A blank page that will be filled with misery, pain and sadness. And you'll see the reason why. Oh, wait…. The reason is right there, resting on your hidden memories, you just need to make your way through to get it. Good luck, I guess."
"Is this the place, X?" I said as I try to catch my breath.
The place I'm at right now is an abandoned factory, maybe it's way older than I thought too. Maybe it was made a century ago?
"This is the place, alright. I did memorize the map after all. But to be honest, I'm curious about the person who sent you the letter. This factory has been long abandoned, way too long. Even our friend Noire didn't know this place is still standing tall, despite having no purpose at all. Oh hey that rhymed, I guess." X answered.
"Wait, she didn't know?" I asked him as I walk towards the building. Was this factory supposed to be a weapon industry?
"You're right. This old factory here was the best one in terms of weaponry. Guns, swords, you call it. This factory has everything. Not even Lastation's Avenir could match this factory in terms of popularity. Oh, before you ask, Avenir is an industry that is an expert on making machines. It also means 'Future' in French." X explained. Interesting.
I looked at the rusted title that was placed on the building's wall. So this factory's name is "Futurus", huh?
"What a coincidence. Futurus means future in Latin. Maybe Avenir was inspired by this factory's glorious days, huh…"
"It could be that." I nodded as I walk further.
"Say, Hikaru. You told me that there's something you want to talk about with me. What is it? I don't mind hearing you out, that's what I'm supposed to do to help after all!" Grimoire said.
"Umm… Let's hold that for now. I need to get this mysterious item." I said as I touched the rusted door. I think I can open it slowly so that it could remain intact…
"Screw it." Instead, I kick one of the doors. The door collapsed, making some dust flying around.
"Great job. Brute force is the only way after all…" X said sarcastically.
"But you like it too, right?"
"Yeah, I do actually."
Shaking my head, I walk inside the factory.
"*cough* *cough* goddammit these dusts… Oh god some of them went inside my eyes!" I screamed as I blink my eyes repeatedly.
"Hikaru, calm down! Let me help you." As Grimoire said that, I can feel the stinging feeling on my eyes slowly disappearing.
"H-huh? Wait, what did you do Grimoire?" I ask her.
She giggled, "I don't know why, but I have this ability to heal any injuries! B-but I don't know if I could heal a severe one, though… N-not like I want you to feel pain, though." She explained.
"I don't think that's an injury, though." X commented.
"Okay, stop. I can sense the both of you fighting each other soon." I said as I scanned the factory's insides. There are lots of rooms, that's for sure.
"I think it's better for you to check the rooms one by one, you know typical RPGs."
"*sigh* can you stop being meta for once? Good idea though." I then look at the doors that leads to various rooms.
Let's see… Testing room… Forging room… and other rooms that has no name on top of the doors, must because of old age. Dammit there are lots of rooms here, I can't choose!
"How about you go there, Hikaru?"
I can feel Grimoire, weirdly, pointing a door that has chains on it. I don't know how she could do that, though. I mean, she's a spirit inside my head.
"Fucking really?! Shit would end quickly if we immediately go into that mysterious room!" X complained.
"Shut it! I just want to help Hikaru, okay?! And don't act friendly towards me just because I'm on the same area as you are right now! Seriously, where did you come from anyways? I can feel someone on the other side talking about our characters and I don't like it!" Woah did Grimoire snapped?
"You wanna pick up a fight with this damned spirit, huh you cheeky, navy blue-haired flatboard?!"
"FLATBOARD?! THAT DOES IT, YOU'RE DEAD SPIRIT MEAT!"
"Guys, can you both not argue inside my head? My ears are ringing and I don't want blood flowing out through my ears!" I said as I shook my head violently.
"FUCK OFF HIKARU!" "THIS IS PERSONAL, HIKARU SO PLEASE BE QUIET!" The both of them snapped at me respectively. Wow what rude fellows they are.
As they started arguing, I walked my way towards the door that has an ominous aura surrounding it. Okay, this is definitely the right door that has whatever item the sender wants me to get it.
I try to remove the rusted chains with my hands, but it doesn't work.
"Goddammit." I cursed as I step back to think.
"Maybe if…" I took out my harmonica, and by pressing the button, its blade appeared without a sound.
"Here goes nothing… Wait, should I add some cool lines before using magic? Why can I use magic anyways?" I ask myself, but I shrugged my shoulders.
"That's a question for another time… Cut through them all, my burning soul! LOST FLAME SLASH!" I shouted as my dagger's blade became engulfed in flames, and I slashed the chains with the hot blade.
The chains starts to melt, and eventually some of them that is still intact dropped onto the floor with a loud *CLANG!*. Yare yare daze.
I let out a relieved sigh, "Well, that works. But still why can I use magic? Oh god am I a wizard? I saw Steamax's comic that is about a 22 year old virgin who became a mighty wizard… DOES THAT MEAN I'M A WIZARD?!"
"Hehehe… Let me explain, Hikaru!" Grimoire exclaimed proudly, still inside my head.
"Woah, you know the reason, Grimoire? Please tell me!" I don't know why but I'm excited to know the reason!
"Well, it is because of yours truly!" Wait…. What?
"What do you mean by that?" I asked her.
"You see, in Gamindustri almost everyone could do magic, especially the ones from Lowee. Some people could use magic because of learning at some schools, even if it's the most basic ones, while some of them are just experts from the start. But you here are an exception. A singular point, I would say. You don't have magic, or mana, inside your body. But we spirits have mana, and that is why you could use magic! Although, your Broken Soul Finish is not an attack boosted by my or X's mana… let's just say that's your true finishing move!" Grimoire explained.
"I see… wait, is X okay?"
"HIKARU, SHE'S A FUCKING MONSTER! OH GOD PLEASE STOP THIS PAIN! GRIMOIRE, WE CAN HAVE A NICE CHAT YOU KNOW?! RELEASE ME FROM THESE GODDAMNED CHAINS DAMMIT!" X shouted.
"Oh no, no, no silly! You need to be a good boy for a while because I cannot hold back the INTENSE JEALOUSY OF YOU HELPING HIKARU WHILE I WAS MADE AS THE USELESS CHARACTER FOR FOUR CHAPTERS STRAIGHT BECAUSE OF THAT GODDAMNED AUTHOR!"
Both me and X gulped at Grimoire's statement. T-this is her power, huh?
"F-fine. I'll stay put for a while… But can I get something, like I don't know a drink?"
"No."
"H-how about a medicine for my bruised body here?"
"I'll give you poison instead."
My palm meets my face, "Grimoire, please let X go. J-just let him go, please."
Grimoire made a sad voice, "Awww…. Okay."
"Fucking finally. Oh god it fucking hurts. Anyway, you should go in, Hikaru. Who knows what lies in there If you don't go in right?"
"…You're right. Well, here we go." I said as I went inside the room.
"Hmm…. Still dusty as hell, though…" I muttered as I cover my mouth and nose with my right palm.
"Objection! Hell is not dusty, I have seen it and it is packed with demons and damned humans! ….Bad children that died exactly on Christmas eve is there too by the way." Goddammit X I don't want to hear that info!
"Hikaru… I feel something inside this room… Please be careful."
"….I see, will do Grimoire." I replied as I keep on walking.
Oh god these spider webs… Wait, why is the room slowly becoming bigger?
As I walk in this dark room, I think about the scenario about my current problems right now.
So basically, in the past I somehow was a knight or something, and I served a Goddess known as Uzume Tennouboshi. I used to be a leader of a team called shadow hunters that consisted of four people, including myself. We could use this magical power bullshit that gives us the powers of a dragon. But some rebellion happened and something…. That I somehow forgot? What happened?
I shook my head. Let's try again.
A rebellion happened, and… and… someone… a woman? A woman, yeah. She…
As I try to remember what she did, a very loud noise could be heard on the room.
"Kuh! Gah-!" I blocked my ears with my hands and leaned on the wall.
W-what is this sound… It reminds me off….
"The time of judgement. It has arrived to steal everything you love and hate… PREPARE TO DIE!"
"I don't deserve anything. I'm nothing but a fool." Wait, why did I say that?
"HIKARU, WATCH OUT!"
I looked to my right, and when I do…
A spear stabbed my chest area, making me gasping for air and finally, made me collapsed to the floor.
*BZZZZZT!*
I opened my eyes. Where am I?
I'm sitting on this big chair, on the center of the room that is colored in black.
"Hey, are you ready? This is some major thing we're going to do. It all depends on your mental health."
Who said that? I looked up towards the ceiling, there's no ceiling though. Wait, am I looking at some scene without showing my presence or something? You know, like that overly used shit on some movies. At least that's what he told me…
The man who said the line earlier looks like a doctor, with his white coat and all. His tired eyes proves that he really worked hard.
On the other side of the room, a black-haired girl nodded while tidying her long hair, some of them are green in color.
"I'm ready. But can you keep this experiment a secret? I don't want my family to know about my, no, our project."
'Our project'? What is the girl talking about?
The man in white coat nodded, "I understand. This is going to hurt like hell. But I bet living with her is hell already for you, eh?"
The girl laughed, "Hehe, yup! Anyway, please do it quick and clean."
As she said that, seven flying blades flew towards her. If they have eyes, they are currently gazing at her as if she's nothing but their prey.
The girl didn't say anything, she just stared at the man.
He sighed, "Well, here goes nothing…"
He pressed a red button on the control module right beside him, with a beep the flying blades flew towards the girl's back and hands.
"Hnggh!-" She gritted her teeth as blood flowed from her mouth. The blades, five on her back and also one on her each hand is still intact.
"Kuh… Doctor, if I'm destined to die through this experiment… tell my family I love them…" The girl said with a pained smile as she collapsed.
The man looked at her unconscious body without any interest.
"Oh, please. You lived long enough with her. You can withstand the power of that… thing easily."
The monitor beeped, saying that it is a successful experiment.
The man smirked, "Speak of the damned devil himself. You really are special…"
As he said that my vision became blurry, accompanied by that screeching noise…
Wait, why does her face look so familiar….?
*BZZZZZT!*
"AHHHHH!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.
I quickly ran my hands on my chest. I swear I got fucking stabbed by a spear.
"Hikaru, calm down! It's okay, I healed your injury!" Grimoire said.
"*huff*… *huff*… t-thanks, Grimoire… Fuck, what was that all about?" I said, still trying to grasp some air.
X clicked his tongue, "Oi, Grimoire. This is different. Hikaru, open your shirt."
"W-w-what are you saying, X?!"
"What's with that embarrassed tone? Oh, I get it now… YOU WERE DAYDREAMING ABOUT HIKARU'S NAKED BODY! OH MY FUCKING GOD HAVE YOU NO SHAME WOMAN?!"
Because of X's sudden statement, I blushed so hard I think my face looks like a tomato right now.
"S-shut up, you two! Oh god…" I muttered as I took off my parka and lastly my shirt.
"See? This is what I mean." X said as my eyes looked at my chest area.
There is this weird mark thing that is deep black in color. I tried to touch the mark with my finger, but X immediately stopped me by controlling my hand.
"Don't. You don't know anything about this… this… thing. If my memory is correct, you must not touch it. Just do what I said for now, alright?"
"…Alright."
As I answered him, I slowly could move my right hand again. Man, it feels weird sometimes.
"Well, since Hikaru is better now and all… I think we should get out from this room. When Hikaru collapsed, I swear I could feel someone… or something in this room. Hikaru, please find the way out. It's not safe here." Grimoire warned me.
I nodded and got up, "If you say so. But that was confusing… first it's the room's changing size, and then someone stabbed me with their spear on my chest? I'm worried about almost everything now." I complained as I let out a sigh.
"You know, looking your life's condition like this… it reminds me of how people could change in an instant." X said as he chuckled to himself.
"What do you mean, X?" Grimoire asked while I walk, trying to find the exit. It's still hard because of the dust here and there.
"Well, let's go back to chapter 1 for a second. Hikaru at that point was pretty much a guy with no idea where to start, and that's why you helped a lot. And then he slowly changed, for the better, I'm sure of it." X explained.
I thought about what he said for a moment. He didn't appear during my first day in Gamindustri, right? So why did he know about it?
'Should I tell them about that?' I thought to myself. Guess it's time to spill the beans.
I stop walking, confusing both Grimoire and X.
"What's wrong, Hikaru? A stomachache?"
"No, Grimoire, it's not a stomachache… Listen, I have something to tell, and I want you guys to listen carefully. And this is also about what you wanted, X; everything that I currently know." I said as I took a deep breath.
"Is this about you wanting to buy that limited action figure that Steamax told you at one point before you played that horror game?"
"What, no!" I rejected his answer.
"X, can you stop joking for once?" What Grimoire said.
"Fine. Not like I don't know what Hikaru will tell us, anyways… But I'll hear you out, Hikaru."
"Okay, so remember the time when I first met Steamax, Grimoire?" I ask the girl.
"Oh, yeah! You were shot with a… paralysis bullet? And then you fell into the ground dramatically just like in that movie about two gay detectives!" What the heck is she even saying right now.
"Okay, I don't know how to react about that gay detective movie part. Anyway, when I collapsed I don't know why but I was in this void space. It kinda feels like the same void during the first time I met with you, Grimoire. But it was pure white in color." I paused for a moment, letting Grimoire and X to take their time.
"Okay… after that?" X told me to continue.
I nodded, "I was confused, of course. And what made me surprised is that, there's this… invisible-like dragon that appeared before me." I said.
X clicked his tongue, "I knew it. Hikaru, we'll talk about all of this later. Focus on getting the item first." He said in a rushed manner.
"Okay…?" I don't get what he meant but nevertheless I continue walking once again.
As I walk in this dark room. I began to doubt my own actions, is it really wise to just say all of that?
'No. It's too late to back off.' I thought to myself.
After walking for about fifteen minutes, I could see a door in front of me. I let out a relieved sigh.
"Finally." I said with a happy tone as I open the door.
Rays of light beamed as I pushed the door, and I instinctively closed my eyes.
"Crap! Too bright, retreat, retreat!"
As X shouted like a kid, I could feel the light fading away and I opened my eyes. Wait… This place is…
"Welcome!" A waitress greets me with a smile and I nodded in response.
This is… Cinder's café…
"WHATTTT?!" Grimoire shouted inside my head. Well I'm surprised as well here.
I'm currently at Cinder's café, the first place I and Neptune decided to visit during my first trip to Leanbox. But to think I went through that dark room from the dead factory, Futurus, and somehow ended up in some medieval themed café in Leanbox…
I look at the television that is placed on the café's walls, it appears the anchorwoman will tell us something important…
'Everyone has been talking about this event ever since it got announced four days ago! Yes, the exciting, the most anticipated, Grand CPU Battle Royale Tournament! Announced by Lady Purple Heart four days ago, the event is a part of the Grand Festival, located in Planeptune! All people could participate in this tournament to prove their power and luck! And if they're strong enough, they could take a shot to fight one of the four Goddesses to prove their worth and take a secret, amazing prize! For those who want to participate or watch live at the Grand Stadium, you better go to Planeptune quick to get a seat! Have a good afternoon everyone!'
My eyes widened at what the anchorwoman just said. The tournament? Four days ago?!
Everyone on the café cheered after the news ended.
"Alright! I've been waiting for this day!"
"Hey, what do you think? Will there someone who would challenge the Goddesses?"
"There's no way, man! But, if there us Lady Green Heart will beat them up!"
"Also, didn't Lady Purple Heart stated that the four of them would battle each other as the grand finale?"
They talked to each other with an excited tone, and there's me, eyes twitching while standing alone in the café.
"Umm… What time is it? Also, I would like a cup of black coffee… Take away, yup." I told one of the waitresses.
She smiled, "Certainly! And the time right now is… 10:30 AM."
She bowed and walked towards the kitchen to give my order.
"10:30 AM… Oi, we were at Lastation until 4:30 PM! And that anchorwoman said 'four days ago'…"
"Does that mean we… time traveled?" Grimoire asked.
The same waitress came back with a paper cup that is covered in a plastic bag on her tray.
"Here you go. That will be 250 credits." The waitress said.
I nodded and I gave her 200 and 50 credits to her while asking, "Also, when is the tournament starting?" I askher.
"12:00 PM." She answered while receiving my money.
I nodded and leave the café immediately after that, who needs a bill anyways?
"Come back again~!" The waitress said as I closed the door.
I quickly run my way towards some empty place, "X, can I use our wings again?" I ask him.
"You could, but that'll make your body extra tired later on… Ah, so that's why you bought that black coffee."
I nodded while summoning Ace's crystal.
"Here we go once again, Ace… Wings of Famine, Spread out!" I said as I crushed Ace's crystal with my left hand.
A green circle appeared on my back before our wings appeared. Huh, that's new.
As my eyes and teeth turned dragon-like, I flew towards the blue sky with great speed.
"So, Hikaru, What's the plan? Going straight to Planeptune?" X asked.
I nodded while sipping my black coffee, "Yeah, also why did you accept Lady Noire's challenge again?"
X laughed at my question, "Oh, you know… Plot developments and all that shit."
I rolled my eyes, "Right… Mana Boost!"
A magic circle appeared on my back and our wings absorbed it, making me fly with a faster speed.
The CPU tournament… I wonder what kind of tournament it will be? And also that letter…
I finished my black coffee and threw the cup and the plastic somewhere I don't care and keep flying towards Planeptune.
"Hikaru, littering is a bad thing to do!" Grimoire scolded me.
"S-sorry..." I slowly laughed.
My eyes scanned the land, it seems I'm halfway through the trip to Planeptune.
"I can teleport you to Planeptune if we're this close. Yup." X said as he snapped his fingers.
"Wait what-?" My sentence is cut off as my body disappeared.
"Oh god that was scary!" I shouted as my body reappeared, without our wings and my eyes and teeth are now back to their normal state, at Planeptune's city park, or that's what I thought.
"What the hell was all that about, X?! Why was the teleportation sequence included that part where I was almost killed by a fucking ambulance?!" I asked the spirit as I stand up.
"I mean, that part is not there at the first time I used it when I was still alive… So that's not my fault, teehee!"
"Don't teehee me!" I shouted once again as I look around the park.
"Okay, which way is the festival again?"
"Just go left and walk straight from there, Hikaru."
"Thanks, Grimoire." I ran to my left and ran straight towards the festival.
My adventure continues as the CPU Tournament draws nearer and nearer. I still don't know why I ended up visiting that café back in Leanbox while I started at Lastation. Does that café have a connection to the ones who wrote the letter? Or is it because of something else? And why did I time traveled? As I asked that last part, my chest aches for a bit. I set aside those thoughts as I continue running.
I feel like I'll get an answer after meeting the four Goddesses… or I'll ended up answering their questions. This is not going to end well for both sides, huh?
Dear Phantom Hunter Blank.
Greetings and good day to you, Phantom Hunter. It appears you are doing fine. You may be wondering why did you get this letter. Well, there is only one sole reason. You are interesting. I would love to have a chat with you, but I have so many work to do on my side as well. But, that doesn't mean I cannot give a message to you. I want you to do… a little quest for me. Don't worry, you don't need to go to the Guild to make an Adventurer's card or something like that. Anyway, back to the quest. You need to get an item for me, a broken sword. Now, have you heard of legendary swords like Excalibur or Durandal? This broken sword is legendary, as well. Now, I have put a little map that should tell you where to go. If you don't know the place, you could ask someone… inside your head, perhaps? Haha, that would be interesting if you do have someone inside your head. When you finally found the rusted sword, do keep it for yourself. I need you to… make some interesting notes for me. You see, I'm researching about you right now. Your history, your records, your everything. What makes you interesting in my eyes is that you have no memory of your own past life. What a sad man you are. Don't worry, I'll be happy to research you more and more, you being imperfect doesn't stop my work. I already know about your life, if I say so myself. No one could stop me, including you. Working for her is a good thing for you, huh? That Kurome fellow. An interesting test subject, so to speak. But you are far more beautiful in more than one way. That Kurome fellow is pretty smart, I tell you. I cannot even get a single trace of her movements. But I have more knowledge than you, dear Hunter. I know everything about her, and it is SHOCKING. You should know this fact: you and your guiders cannot win against my lady. Even if you have her on your side, the smart lady who holds the ancient book of yours is not prepared to guide you to victory. One bad progress from you for now on could be your end. You have met your despair once, but this one… You will meet a different despair that is far more dangerous than your first. Are you still holding on that little, dying hope of yours? That same hope of yours cannot stay longer anymore, you know. Whether you discard that hope is irrelevant to me or my lady. You are nothing but her pawn on her own chess board. You are playing that new life of yours on the palm of my lady. Ah, do not be frightened, your second death is quick! My lady is a nice one, for she will give you a quick but oh so painful death. Well, I have things to do as always, so farewell for now. Ah, before I forgot. Altair Acheron is not on our side, he accepted our offer but he'll not fight against you, but I wonder, can you get his aid later on in the future? That would be exciting to see.
Farewell, Phantom Hunter Blank. See you next time. And a little present from me; hope you enjoy the pain.
{END OF CHAPTER ELEVEN. SAVE THE PROGRESS?}
{YES} / {NO}
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A/N: Alright, chapter eleven clear! Oh boy I sure am late again, huh? Thank you, god of procrastinations! Anyway, the reason for my absence is that my aunt and my cousins came for a summer holiday, and she told me to help her during all that bullshit. Oh god it was hard…. I'm also sick right now too. Anyway, enough of me complaining! I want to thank you all who read this story of mine. Hope you guys enjoy my first story! And thank you very much, Ayfxa The CopyCat, for reviewing, following and also made my story as one of their favorites! Thanks a lot! Oh, don't forget JTK334 for following too! Welcome aboard!
Reviews are appreciated, be it critics, suggestions, or helpful tips! StarKnight07, signing out!
~Next chapter's preview~
"Wow, everyone sure is excited for the tournament, huh?"
"Oh, hey! You came here to watch the tournament, as well?"
"You, over there. Please stand for the crowd!"
"Give me a break, we're fighting them for real? I thought she was joking on me…"
Next Chapter: "CPU Tournament, start!"