Author Notes

Hello ladies and gentlemen. It's a pleasure to meet you all once more. Here I am again with a new chapter for you. But before we could start, I want to apologize for my lack of activity. However, due some Real Life-related complications in these days I got some health issues like insomnia, daily headaches and slight anemia. Thus, it's possible that the quality in this chapter may not meet my standards and perhaps my updates rate will drop if I don't solve this issue.

However, I assure you this story will not die as long as I can still hold a breath on my chest. And like I promised you all, here we are with a new chapter!

A fair warning though, there won't be many action scenes since this is more like a transition chapter and action scenes will not be the main focus (much to my dismay). But it will still be an important chapter because this will be the first time that dear MC, Kōsuke Kotomine, will use his Dendro Gaming Powers.


Chapter 4: Shocking News and A Meeting with the Golden King(?)


{Kotomine Church — No Job, Kōsuke Kotomine}

The first thing that crossed to my mind when I woke up was a warmth feeling, along with a sudden comfortableness thanks to admittedly soft surface where my body lay in. Gosh, I feel like sleeping in a goddamn cloud right now… Ah, it's so comfy that I wish I could lose consciousness so I can enjoy this blissful feeling.

I mumbled some incoherence words under the pillow and snuggled further to this comfy throne. Hah, it's been a while since I have such a pleasant sleeping without worrying myself to death from Kirei's sche—

BA—DUMP!

"GAAAK!"

My eyes burst open as I felt the sudden attack of unimaginable pain. The blood in my veins freezes and then I felt a hollow sensation gripping my heart. My hands shot at my chest and grabbed it strongly in a futile attempt to get rid of the pain.

I didn't know one person could experience such a thing. It felt like someone was crushing my heart in their fist, trying to make it explode out of sheer pressure. This feeling also made me want to vomit my guts.

THUD!

It was so intense that before I could realize I was already on the floor, crawling around as my body twisted due the pain. The strain was so strong that I suddenly found myself hyperventilating.

"What the…?"

Cold sweat was drenching my forehead and I swallowed that threatening spill from my admittedly burning throat. I tried my best to dismiss the nausea so I focused on my breath alone. I once read that deep breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress in the body.

Just breathe…

My body was still shaking violently but fortunately the pain began to disappear a little bit. After what it seemed to be an eternity, it became bearable enough and I was able to get up without complications although I still felt the phantom pain.

I pushed myself, stumbling slightly but I managed to stand.

"That was… That has to be the worst feeling I felt in my life" I mumbled to myself with a grunt as I seated in my bed and scanned the room where I was currently in.

This room looked quite simple and didn't appear to be dirty or unmaintained. There was a cabinet right next to my bed, which had a lamp on it to lit the otherwise darkish bedroom, and I could see a somewhat large window on the wall that allowed dim sunlight into the room to illuminate it further.

The word 'Spartan' suddenly pooped in my head since there was nothing fancy or expensive here. I couldn't help but snicker dryly at this kind life style, but I guess it wasn't so bad. At least I have a place to sleep.

I stretched my muscles and I felt the joints on my back pop, making a noise as I rose from my bed. My vision was still fuzzy and unclear but it was nothing compared to the recent heart attack I felt a few moment ago.

With a quick glance, I noted that my body was still holding its bandaged burn injuries and they didn't different from the last time I saw them. That must means that the healing process was a failure.

"Tsk! Of course it couldn't be that easy, huh?" I mumbled in mild annoyance, furrowing my eyebrows as I held my hand over my forehead. "I guess Kirei's skills aren't suited for this kind of damage on the bodily tissue." Taking a deep breath for a last time, I allowed my body to navigate through the room to a table where my clothes lay.

I also notice that my garments where scorched for some reason and, quite honestly, they looked more like pieces of charcoal than actual clothes.

"Ok, that's weird as hell…" I mumbled with a troubled look, not knowing how to react. As far as I know the only clothes in that state were the ones I had before waking up at the hospital and these ones were the clothes Kirei bought for me. "I'm pretty sure Kirei didn't pull a prank on me but…" I was getting lost on my thoughts but a sudden feeling of stingy pain stroke the back of my head and I let out a hiss as a bunch of images bombarded my mind.


{Flashback}

The time was near midnight in the church and I was reading the bible to kill some time when suddenly Kirei entered the room making the lamest proposition of apprentice in the history of magecraft to me, thus becoming some sort of a magi myself.

He gave me a fair warning that the path of a magus is to walk with death. I instantly understood the meaning of those words rather easily thanks to my past self's memories.

It was quite simply to see that he wanted to start my training as soon as possible when I was still a child (physically) so he could impart his knowledge and turn me into a possible asset to enact his plans.

I hated the mere thought of someone else trying to control me and use me as a pawn for their plans but the idea of learning magic was hardly a bad thing on itself… and I didn't want Kirei to turn me into a mana battery for Gilgamesh.

Naturally, I had to accept.

Kirei's respond after hearing my answer was smooth and clear as he ordered me to come with him for my first lesson, which would be a firsthand experience of the marvels magecraft can accomplish by healing my burn injuries.

On the exterior I didn't express any emotion but inwardly I was about to burst of joy. Finally, after so long I would have my skin healed and my bodily functions will return to the optimum level. You guys have no idea how much I wanted to jump in the air but I managed to restraint myself in front of Kirei.

I needed to act as composed as I needed to be since it was a big opportunity and the chances of such a procedure misfiring would arise if by troubling the Kotomine Priest. I compare the healing magecraft with the most advanced surgery procedures from sci-fi and, like any other medical procedures, failure is a real possibility.

Soon enough, I found myself entering Kire's study room, with the Executor walking in a quick yet collected pace while I merely walked through the door with both hands resting on the back of my head, looking at the room with childish curiosity.

The study room was certainly quite spacious and it was worthy of a proper businessman. It has a shelf full of different types of books along with some library tools and there was a large desk too, a cabinet located in a wall at the end of the room (which has the suspicious smell of wine) and two large sofas in the middle of the room.

Oddly enough, the decoration of the study room was similar to that of the Victorian Era for some reason. Perhaps it was due the Western culture of Christianity or something else? I couldn't tell.

Before I could continue with a monologue though, my adoptive father's voice made me snap.

"Kōsuke-kun, remember that we are about to do is something extremely dangerous and a forbidden knowledge you can't talk with others without my consent." Kirei explained with a harsh tone, leaving no room for jokes.

This was a fair warning and I knew that living a Magus' life won't be an easy considering all the schemes and conspiracies of the Moonlit World. Nonetheless, I have an objective and for that purpose I needed all advantages for my use.

"I understand and I have no problem with pursuing these so-called magic lessons of yours." I replied without batting a eyelash.

"Very well, I just wanted to make sure you won't have any second thoughts in this matter" Kirei nodded in understanding, before proceeding with his plan. "Now strip from your clothes."

What.

"Excuse me?" I asked back, looking at Kirei with a blank stare. Please tell me you did NOT say that?

"I'm sure I explained you the functions of your Magic Circuits before we enter this room." It seems like he wasn't aware of my uneasiness because he merely tilted his head slightly, furrowing his eyebrow with confusion.

"Yeah, I got that but what this has to do with that?"

"I'm not following…"

"…"

Are you kidding me?! How come YOU of all people can read the mood in this awkward situation, Kirei?! Surely, you aren't innocent in these kinds of issues! Wait, investigations and widespread reporting related to sexual abuse were conducted in the early 21st century… GAAK! Do I have to spell it aloud?! SERIOUSLY!

"You are an adult man—a goddamn priest—that wants me, a kid, to put my clothes off. Are you seriously that clueless to not realize how disgusting that sounds?" I made a supernatural effort to not explode due my anger issues.

Come on Kirei! You are the motherfuckin' Fake Priest for goodness' sake!

Hold on! Don't tell me he's a kid molester in this timeline!

"I assure you it's nothing like that." Kirei rapidly raised his arms in defense.

"Riiiight."

"… Please do as I say. It's not like you need to take your pants off, just your shirt is enough." Aha, so he can feel bothered by this too. Good to know he has some decent.

"Ok, I'll humor you but if I saw you doing anything funny then be prepared for divine punishment!" I warned him, outwardly showcasing a neutral tone but inwardly I was bursting in mad laughs. Who knew Kirei was that picky with such trivial rumors but I guess it can be expected from a man who devoted his life to the church so faithfully.

It didn't make it less funny for me though. Messing around with people's heads is a hobby of mine.

Kōsuke: 1 — Kirei: 0

Anyway, I guess playtime is over. There is a fine line between harmless jokes and outright disrespect.

I took off my shirt without saying another word, exposing my battered and bandaged chest to the cold air of the room. It's kind of weird for this place to be so damn cold though since the outside this church there is a warmer temperature and as far as I know Kirei didn't have an air conditioner. Maybe he is using a spell to cool the interior of the church.

Ugh…! This is so uncomfortable but it can't be helped. I can bear some humiliation by exposing my battered and horrifying body to the world. Taking a quick glance, I couldn't avoid frowning deeply when I scanned the gruesome state of this body.

According to the reports from the staff at the hospital, my sweat glands got so damaged that it's safe to assume my body will never produce the optimal amount of sweat to regulate my bodily temperature, which in turn gave a liability that prevents me from doing physical activity for extended periods of time without suffering overheat and finally (if I persist) be stroke by a heart attack.

'What did I do to the World to deserve such punishment?! Anhidrosis?! SERIOUSLY?!' I grunted in annoyance.

"Try to not move, Kōsuke-kun. I need you to stay calm and collected for this."

"Ok."

He is finally going to start the procedure. Good, I can't wait to be freed of this unbearable scars and burn injuries.

I remained as quiet and collected as I could as I felt Kirei gaze over my upper body as if he was appraising a pet. Geez, try to be more subtle will you? No one wants to be seen like an exotic animal.

"Hmmm…" The brown-haired Priest hummed in thought, moving over to my side more closely to have a better look over my current state. Looking at me with a calculative gaze, he nodded sagely as if he just find out something important.

He kneeled right behind me and pressed his bare open hand onto my back. I could feel a faint trace of coldness from his touch and almost jumped in surprise but I persevered.

It was in that moment that a sudden burst of energy passed through his palm, and onto my body like a gentle breeze of winter. It was a strange feeling but somewhat not entirely uncomfortable as I knew this wasn't mean to harm me in any shape or form.

The feeling of this energy quickly enveloped me as I felt like being submerged in the surface of a water body. I could also tell my skin was moving on its own, as if trying to reconstruct the damaged tissue and regain its former glory prior the Fuyuki Fire.

However… something strange happened.

BA—DUMP!

The dreading sense of someone gripping my heart stroke me before I could react and a sudden charge of electricity assaulted me. It was as if my body became a lightning rod but instead of releasing the energy, I started to absorb everything through skin contact.

Whatever happened to me somehow also affected Kirei if his sudden change of demeanor was anything to go by. Having been taken by surprise in such a crude way make him gasp dumbly, and the face of this hardened cold-blooded Executor contorted into one of pure shock when seemingly harmless energy arcs erupted from the spot he was touching.

For a moment too short to be called a second, there was calmness and peace as I stared these arcs of electricity with a marveled look, forgetting the fact that my heart was being squished a few moments ago.

It was in that same instant that terror attacked me with its full might.

BZZZZZZZZZZZTT—BOOM!

Abruptly, an explosion of sheer power impacted Kirei and the full-grown man was repulsed to the other side of the room. His left side was smoking and his clothes were shredded but it didn't seem like he was harmed severely but even I could see the shock written all over his eyes, so he has no idea what just happened.

Me? Well, I couldn't help but stare at him with an equally confused and mortified expression, but unlike him I voiced out my thoughts with a shaking voice. Dreading if knowing the answer was what I really wanted.

"What was that…?" I mumbled quietly.

A healing procedure with magecraft may be a bit of a tricky thing but for a natural healer like Kirei it shouldn't have this effect. Even if his talent resided in Spiritual Healing, Kirei Kotomine was an expert healer through and through.

What went wrong?

I'm pretty sure I didn't do something, and my common sense told me this wasn't a Shounen Series where the MC would get a crazy Power-Up from a bullshitting healing process á la Dragon Ball. I knew that something was wrong here the moment I felt my heart skip a beat.

And turns out I was right.

BZZZZTT!

My eyes grew wider when I saw a lot of arc-like black tendrils emerging from my body as a dark ominous miasma enveloped me in a swirling motion. From the back of my vision I also could tell that something akin of black stigmas started to get engraved into my skin, marking with strange symbols from a forgotten language.

Another explosion bursts through my body like a warhead.

BZZZZZZZZZZZTT—BOOM!

The last thing I could see was a vortex of pure magical energy along with a burst of light shattering the entire room with mighty gales that slashed through the walls, ceiling and floor like a razor.

"Kōsuke!" I could almost swear I hear Kirei's worried voice but the numbness and dizziness I felt messed up with my five senses, almost like all my energy was being drained out of me.

And then… pAiN!

"GRUOOOOHHHH!"

Unfathomable pain assaulted all my senses like a horde of voracious wolves ripping my limbs one by one.

I felt millions of needles stabbing my chest, directly breaking through my heart like burning javelins.

My skin was set on fire and it seemed like all my muscles and layers of skin were melting due the sheer heat.

The eyeballs in my face weren't spared from this torture either, as even when I shut my eyes I could still feel them being squished like balloon globes.

The strange pattern-like markings started to form themselves in my living flesh and began to spread like snakes.

It hurt. It hurt too much.

KRAA—BOOM!

Magical energy exploded once more, this time with more viciousness and violence than before and something even worst took place.

A storm broke out in the study room, arcs of lightning flashed violently in all directions threatening to scorch anything in their path, and gusts of pressured air tore apart the very air forming a destructive hurricane.

And at the center of this devastation I found myself grunting painfully and kneeling in the ground while clenching my teeth in a futile attempt to block the pain away.

With each passing second, the storm grew larger and larger.

A feeling of oppression trying to take over my body.

The wild surge of magical power whose sheer intensity attempted to melt the entire room.

The sense of life being drained from this carcass I call my body.

But I refused to bow and become a victim.

I wanted to get rid of this oppressive feeling. I wanted it to disappear.

This was the second chance to return to the world of living after so long in that place and I totally refuse to return without fighting with nails and teeth.

The world could throw anything at me but I don't care.

Even if this was just a last-ditch effort.

Even if I was facing an undeniable truth and this stubbornness of mine wouldn't change anything at the end of the day.

If the World or anyone else wanted me to die then they can go fuck themselves!

Just why the fuck this World was so eager to crush the innocent to suffer at the hands of the scumbags up there in the World's hierarchy?!

The Magi are allowed to conduct their experiments and go unpunished by their sins. It was their right as "noble" and "superior" breed of humans who wanted to reach ultimate knowledge so it couldn't be helped, they say.

Who decided that?

People like Sakura are bound to suffer. Those broken dolls so devoid of the will to live aren't real people and therefore they only serve as guinea pigs for their masters and owners.

Who decide that?

Shirou's life is bound to meet a tragic end and face eternal torture by the hands of the World. He was a broken machine with no purposes and his only reason to exist was to be used a cold-blooded killer to enact the Will of the World.

Who decided that?

Kirei wanted to use me as his pawn for his machinations and then get rid of me like a tool once my usefulness expire.

Who the fuck decided that?

Angra Mainyu said that humans are monsters that deserves to be punished by their so-called sins against the World and say that he have all right to enact this Divine Punishment. Arguing that we are only vicious beasts who needs to be annihilated. In his eyes all humans are the same, worthless creatures whose lives meant nothing.

AND WHO DECIDED THAT?!

DING!

[Master's life endangerment: confirmed]

[Master's intent to live: confirmed]

[*** execution available]

[Preparing *** activation]

[If you wish to cancel, please do so within the next 20 seconds]

[Do you wish to cancel? Y/N]

'What is this?'I thought dumbly as a strange translucent blue screen appeared before my field vision. The sheer surprise allowed me to regain my sense of self and the adrenaline flowing through my veins helped me withstand the pain.

Even then I didn't really knew how to react at the moment I simply reach out my hand dumbly at the screen, tipping the 'N' with my finger. And just like that, the content of the screen changed.

[Acknowledged intent to initiate the *** protocol!]

[Initiating *** protocol! Deploying Embryo System!]

The last thing I remember is a blinding light enveloping me as a new wave of energy swirled out my body, energizing my own reserves and healing my damaged spirit.

Then, a burning feeling stroke my heart and I exploded like the Sun.

{Flashback END}


"Ngh…! Now I remember it… I remember it all" I muttered aloud while gulping.

It was a blurry but I could feel the phantom pain deep down in my heart. The memory of my new life being threatened that way was… not a pleasant experience.

Just what the hell happened back then? Did I almost get hijacked by Angra Mainyu?! Because there is no other possible explanation and it should also explain why my injuries are still unhealed. Worst case scenario, the mud from the Grail inflicted some sort of mortality curse on my body making all attempts to heal my injuries futile... but those markings on my skin… I have a bad feeling about it.

Nevertheless, while this possibility was making me anxious and extremely uncomfortable, there was another question that needed to be asked though. Somehow I was saved by a power beyond human realm, and it looked awfully familiartoo.

"That screen from earlier… Was it just a hallucination?" Mumbling dumbly, I found myself staring at the empty space of the room with a troubled expression while trying to find a proper answer for this unlikely outcome.

DING!

It was in that moment that my field vision was invaded by a bunch of Messages popping up out of nowhere.

'[Greetings, Koko~! If you are reading this message then congratulations! You have successfully managed to awaken both your Gamer System and Embryo with flashing colors!]'

What.

'[—To be quite honest with you though, I thought you would die before completing such a menial task considering your current "situation". But I guess everything went well enough because you are one of the few humans with the gall to meet with Death and spill on its face like a total pro. I'm almost sorry for hijacking your soul when you arrived in this universe.—]'

What.

'[—Anyway, we're getting off track so let's go the good stuff. I'm pretty sure you must be wondering what's going and why you received a second chance to live, huh? Well, the answer for that question is rather simple… You just happened to be in the right place and moment when I found you. Nothing more, nothing less.—]'

"… Is this supposed to cheer me up?" I grunted with a deadpan tone as my eyebrow twitched uncontrollably.

I can't help but wonder if this person messaging me if the one who bring me here in the first place... and for some reason I'm starting to think this whole issue has to do with Zelretch.

It wouldn't be the first time that old vampire mess with the fabric of reality just to spice things up and make a more excitable world for his entertainment. If all those fanfics are anything to go by, this seems like a believable theory but I cannot say for sure unless I meet the man face to face.

'[—If you are wondering, no. I ain't that old vampire.—]'

"Hoh, that's so convenient!" Rolling my eyes with mild annoyance, I huffed with a dryly look.

'[—Leaving your lack of respect aside, the main reason I wanted to message you was for two things. First to congratulate you and the other is to warn you. In this World there are unscrupulous beings who won't hesitate to kill you, and your current situation is a testament of that. Thankfully for you, I'm an avid believer in fair fights. You can say this is a small project to see how this World could change with the presence of a New Player, hence your existence. I'll give you a Starting Chest, a basic kit which includes a starting gear, some items and a Suitable Job Diagnostics Catalogue. This will help you at beginning but don't think for even a second you'll have a preferential treatment. The rest of this journey depends on you and you alone. You can either become a Hero, a Demon King, a simple Background Character or a Mob, I don't care as long as you stay don't try to forfeit this precious gift called 'Free Will', as it's the greatest present you Humans could have and I would hate to see you wasting it. Good luck, human and take care of yourself!]'

DING!

And just like that, the screen faded away from reality by evaporating in the thin air in the form of flickering particles of mana.

Not only I received a warning from a Higher Being who has been observing me from who the heck knows for how long but they basically say my entire life was their little scientific project. Whatever that is a good thing or not was hard to tell. Honestly, I didn't want to think about this too much for the sake of the little sanity I still had.

Thankfully enough, they did say the path I'd take in this life was up to me. This meant two things; 1) This Being who revived me wasn't a picky asshole like "Being X" so it's unlikely that they'd try to use their power to control me, giving me full freedom to rule my life; 2) I was given an overpowered ability that will help me to survive in this world, which in turn will make other beings interested in me.

Well shit. Just like I needed. As if having Meta-Knowledge didn't make me a prioritized target for any Greater-Scope Villain like Kirei or Zouken…! At least the possibilities of them discovering it are pretty low as long as I don't act so carelessly.

In any case, it's not like this small revelation has made such a big impact on my plans for survival. It's not like I would let this ominous message to delay my objectives further. If anything, this only serves to refill my battered self-esteem to an abysmal degree.

"Wait. Didn't they say I awoke both my Gaming Power and my Embyo?" I mumbled with a blank stare… before a bone-chilling smirk appeared in my childish face. "Oh, this is gonna be fun!" I cracked in laughs before looking at my left wrist, where I saw the sole prove of my status.

The Embryo system is one of the cornerstones of the playstyle of Infinite Dendrogram. There are an infinite number of ways for the form and ability of an Embryo to develop, depending on the Masters' behavioral patterns, in game experience, biorhythm and personality, which is the origin of the name of the game.

They represent the Heart of the user and could take infinite forms and shapes, and like all Embryos, each and all of them have a special symbol in the form of a special stigma. And as an Embryo's Master, I had a specially designed stigma which symbolized both the nature of my personality and powers.

In my case, the stigma was shaped in the form of a Sun Wheel, an eight-pointed star encircled in a flaming sphere. Kinda simple for my liking but I guess it would do.

Now, let's see what the System can tell me about my newest partner.

[Embryo: Shamash, Judgment of the Destroyer

Type: Arms

Description: Named after the Sumerian Sun God, who was also the God of Justice. It conceptualizes the Fiery Destruction and Judgement.]

"Oh, so that's my Embryo's name. I must admit it's sound kickass as hell!" I exclaimed with an excitable smirk as the gaming screen showcased the full name of my partner.

It seems like it's a Type Arms Embryo. This category is for those Embryos that take the forms of such as swords, guns or even staves, but these forms can extend to prosthetic body parts as well. Masters with this type of Embryo tend to be courageous and unafraid to be hurt, and are reckless, foolish, emotional and hot blooded. It's also the most common type of Embryo.

You could say that all Type Arms' Masters are people with Shounen-esque personalities.

"Well… not like I like being called foolish but I can accept being labeled as hot-blooded or reckless." I commented with a dry chuckle as I looked further into my Embryo description and found a few interesting things.

First of all, like most Embryos mind has the Status Correction modifier. This was one of the main features that make the Embryos so fucking awesome.

You see, an Embryo will generally grant a certain correction to a Masters' status, though there are cases where no such correction is given. The amount of correction granted is proportional to the strength of the Embryo's special ability. It is possible for the amount of correction granted to increase.

In my case, it seems like my Embryo focus on my STR, AGI and END stats. This means that I need to invest heavily on Jobs from warrior classes to fully exploit this characteristic. And as man of action myself, I'm perfectly fine with this! Ladies loves strong and courageous men!

On the other hand of the spectrum I have my Embryo's Skills, which are two but one of them remains unknown as I can't read a single thing in the description, thus I concluded that it must be locked out. Perhaps that Skill needs some requirements in order to be unlocked.

Nonetheless, I can use the first skill so I will let bygones be bygones.

This skill's name is Assault of Shamash, which primary use is to smite the enemies with powerful bullets that explode in bursts of scorching flames, dealing lots and lots of damage and fire damage at the price of consuming a fixed percentage of my HP instead of MP in order to be activated. It can also overcoat my body with an aura that protect my body from harm and raise my defensive capabilities.

"That means that I can deal high amounts of DMG, Buff myself and Debuff my enemies!" I was shocked beyond words. If it wasn't for the HP consumption and the Cool Down time then I0d say this was a broken ability to have… and it's only one out of two skills of my Embryo in its first form!

That was so damn OP!

Nonetheless, I can't afford myself to get all lovey dovey with my Embryo. Right now, I need to attend to more urgent matters.

Kirei must be waiting for me to wake up and have a talk about what happened in his study room—which is likely to be in ruins. I can experiment later with these new powers and hopefully hide them from Kirei so I'd have a good ace under my sleeve when the Holy Grail War starts.

… Wait a minute. Kirei isn't the only person I need to take care of. There is a certain Golden King who I'm yet to meet and, wouldn't this person figure out my plans before I could enact them?

Oh shit.

I'm so death. How could I be so stupid and forget about the King of Heroes?! I was so focused on hiding my tracks from Kirei that I forgot he wasn't the biggest fist in the pod. If anything, the Fake Priest is pretty much tame compared to those two. Heck, Kirei wasn't even The Main Villain of the series but an associate—an extremely competent associate of either Gil or Angra Mainyu! And just one of these Antagonists is currently active, which is arguably the worst.

He may be an narcissist douchebag too full of himself but he is not stupid, in fact he is possibility one of the smartest being in the World and the only reason he doesn't shows his full capabilities is due his overinflated ego. And he also has Clairvoyance on top of that!

"How can I lie to someone with psychic powers?" I mumbled anxiety, trying to find a good answer to save my life but at the end couldn't come with anything remotely useful.

Is there even a way to truly fool the likes of Gilgamesh? Nope. You would either need to be the greatest actor in the world (which I don't) or have an equally strong psychic ability (again, I don't). The only reason Kirei haven't found out most of my secrets is because I don't actuallylie.

What. You don't believe me, huh? Well, here is an example. Back at the Hospital, the doctors and nurses often asked me a simple question.

"Do you remember your life here?"

How did I respond?

"I don't have memories the life I have in this city before waking up here"

I mean, how could I have such memories when I ain't from this World?

Here is another example.

Back at the hospital when Shirō what my name was, you know what I say?

"That's simple. My name is Edward McDonnell, nice to meet you!"

"… Huh?"

I spill the beans and told him my past name. Obviously, no one believed that was my name so they assumed I was messing around with them. It's all about perspective.

By using the ancient art of "Bullshitting my Way spilling Half-Truths" no one can claim I am being dishonest. No, seriously! In all the time I'd spent in this world, I never lied to a single soul, opting to use half-truths and let others think whatever the fuck they want. I tend to improvise most of the time and while I myself am pretty good at using my silver-tongued skills, I can't keep up with a genius or a professional psychologist.

This situation is a prime example because Gilgamesh won't be deceived that easy and I don't want open that can of worms and try to play mind games with a person whose IQ level dwarfs most humans in the World. And considering that Kirei is so invested in my growth, there is no doubt that Gil would pay extra attention to my very moves because of this.

Also, due the high standards the King of Uruk has, I need to do something worth of legends or have an interesting ability so he wouldn't try to skew me with his [Gate of Babylon]—but considering I'm so below his level it's more likely that he will order Kirei to kill me instead, which is not reassuring at all.

Pulling bullshits off my ass when dealing with Kirei is one thing but Gil…!

Wait a goddamn minute…

If Gilgamesh is so fixed in collecting treasures then wouldn't a guy like me, a person with the potential to equal of even surpass Age of Gods beings, be a handy acquisition for his ranks? I mean, unless this World has another [Gamer] aside from me, you could consider me an exotic creature and since Gilgamesh is a collector, he would probably want to see how much I can grow.

Yes… that would do. If I managed to show both Kirei and Gil my powers then they would be less likely to throw me under the bus. It's risky move though, since I need to reveal my best cards but at this point I can't find a better solution.

There is no other way.

"Ugh… I felt like a cornered animal" I grunted in annoyance but I sighed nonetheless.

CREAK!

The sounds of knob clacking halted my thoughts dead tracks. I turned around to the door direction and saw it opened, revealing a certain fake priest clad in his usual working attire and from the corner of my eyes I could see he was holding spare bandages in his arm.

Kirei blinked, the usual calmness and regal aura he had was nowhere to be found and it was replaced with a dumbstruck expression when caught sight og me standing in the middle of the room.

"Kōsuke… You are awake?" He called my name, his eyes wide glued on me.

It's show time.

I gave him the most sardonic and smuggle smirk in respond. "It appears so but maybe this is just a mere dream induced by hours of restless work of taking care of your son." I said with my usual shit-eating attitude.

"Unlikely. For one, why I would dream about your well-being in the first place? Granted, I was tending your injuries since that night at my study room but your condition didn't make me loss much sleep" He mused with a deadpan tone, shaking his head in denial while giving me such a blunt comment.

"Aha, so you did loss some sleep time." I replied back with a smirk still pasted on my face.

The Executor's left eyebrow twitched slight at this and he let out a tired sight. "It's good to see that you haven't lost your twisted humour sense" He mumbled in mild annoyance while closing the door.

"I'll take that as a compliment. After all, there is a limited number of people with such a good taste."

"You can take it as whatever you want." He said with a deadpan tone before giving me a serious look. "Nonetheless though, I would appreciate if you let the jokes for later. After all, it's been almost sixteen hours since that stunt from earlier at my study room."

"…Eh? Did I sleep for so long?" I blinked owlishly at him, processing what he just said. SIXTEEN HOURS?! I half-expected being out of commission for several hours but that long?!

Perhaps sensing my anxiety, Kirei coughed a few times to have my attention. "That's right. These hours had been hectic for me because your condition wasn't the best. However, I must comment your recovery time is outstanding even though your body is still in such a grievous state, burns and all." He informed me in an scholarly way. "So how do you feel? Do you remember anything from that night? Any odd feeling?"

"Well, aside from feeling like a sandbag who recently got stabbed by a friggin chainsaw and then stroke by a lightning bolt, I don't think there so much to say… But…" I trailed off, internally steeling myself to enact my plan.

"But…?"

Great, now I'm having second thoughts on this particular issue, however though, I already blew it up by trailing off so suspiciously. I couldn't just shrug the whole thing off, as I essentially am in thin ice. Well, my Embryo was a testament of my recklessness so I might as well dance.

"I feel fine, I guess. As matter of fact…" I raise my hand, slowly curling it into a fist. "I feel stronger somehow… Like something inside me has been unlocked." I confessed.

It wasn't a lie. I can sense it, the power inside my soul growing. I can tell my mana flow and with some effort I could tell how potent it was and yet it felt so controlled and tame. I haven't seen my [Status Screen] but if I have to make a wild guess, I wouldn't be surprised if my mana pool dwarfs most magi in terms of energy output. And thinking about it, my body also felt pretty good and light despite having the such a dreadful state with all these injuries.

I can't help but compare this feeling with a thick yet imperceptible layer of second skin covering my whole body like a light armor.

"Hoh~? 'Stronger', you say?" Kirei inquired with a raised eyebrow, giving me a curious gaze. "Perhaps what you are feeling are your Magic Circuits working at full capacity. Most magi have stated in the past that when they unlock their magic power for the first time, they felt a warm feeling along with a second layer of skin shielding their body" He explained with amusement but I could tell there was something more than mere 'amusement'. "Hmm, I can tell you're not lying" He nodded with a small smirk. "I guess that's to be expected from such a promising student. You mana output equals a first-rate magus, for kids' standards at least."

"Wait, really?" I blinked, surprised by the honesty in his voice when he said that.

"Of course." He nodded with a faint smirk. "I must say that is certainly amazing that a first generation posses that level. Usually, only the members of old families have the luxury of being born with such outstanding magical power" He added, unfolding his arms as if he was waiting a huge or something. "Rejoice, Kōsuke! You have the potential to become a powerful magus!"

"Wow… Am I really that impressive?"

"Ah, you don't believe me"

"Well, excuse me for doubting your analytical skills but last time I followed your advice I end up in a not so good state" I reply with a dry look.

"… Point taken." Kirei conceded quietly as he let out a dry chuckle.

"Back in the main topic though… There is something else I want to say regarding my condition" I said with a hardened look, gazing at the now blinking Priest.

"Is there something that matters?"

"Oh, Kirei. You have no idea" I grinned mischievously.


For the next minutes I proceeded to tell Kirei everything I knew of my new-found powers, giving him detailed explanation of the Infinite Dendrogram RPG Mechanics itself and its main features; things like the Jobs, Magic system, Inventory, Quests, Embryo System—but always avoiding to fill him with too much information so he wouldn't know the true extend of my abilities.

To say that this was a risky move was an understatement. This was a high risk high reward gamble but if I managed to pull this off my safety will be assured and chances of becoming a mana battery will turn zero.

Still, it's easier to say than done.

TICK! TOCK!

"…" Kirei just stood there in silence, apparently digesting the information with a thoughtful look.

TICK! TOCK!

On the other hand, I was seating in my bed and stared back at him patiently. It's not like I was expecting an expressive respond from this man but the lack of reaction after I imparted such a mind-blowing knowledge was unnerving to say the least.

I don't know what's worst, the awkward silence from this atmosphere or the fact that I just spilled the beans.

TICK! TOCK!

"…"

And the son of bitch is still in silence. Should I be worried?!

Come on, man! Say something! Can't you see how awkward are you making this whole situation?! It wouldn't hurt to at least make grunt noise or hum, you know!

TICK! TOCK!

GODDAMNIT! CAN'T SOMEONE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT FRIGGIN' CLOCK! ITS ACCURSED NOISE IS DRIVING ME CRAZY FOR GOODNESS' SAKE!

"So, let me get this straight…" Finally! At long last you speak! "… You somehow obtain a mysterious power that allows you to live your life as if it's a Game?"

"That's an oversimplification but yeah, pretty much"

"… Forgive me if I find that hard to believe." Kirei told me with a deadpan tone, giving me a look that basically says he doesn't believe any shit I was spilling at him.

… Are you kidding me? Am I being accused of being a liar by Kirei himself out all people in the World?! Don't give that shit asshole!

"I have never lied to you since day one" I retorted back with a heated tone, feeling insulted by his opinion.

"Which don't means a thing because you haven't been here for too long and considering how mischievously cunning you are, I can't help but think you want to pull a prank on me" He stated with a calm tone.

Hey that's… actually something I would do—still though…!

"Why the heck would I make a joke about such a thing?" It's not like I have a real choice in the matter when my life is at a stake.

"Hmmm, I supposed you raise a good point" He conceded with a hum. "However, such power is unlikely to exist in this age. Only those with True Magic or holders of powers from the Age of Gods can claim otherwise"

"And still, I do posses such power" I replied back with a twitching eyebrow.

It kinds of ire me the way he is trying to brush me off. The man saw how I—a person with no experience in magic—demolish his entire study room with a blast of sun-like energy! I think I deserve some recognition!

"Can you give me a proof of your claims?" He said with a sardonic smirk as if he had me on check.

Think again, Fake Priest!

"You bet your petty fashion sense that I do!" I shot with a frantic look, glaring holes at his insufferable smirk.

"Hoh~? Then by all means, show this nonbeliever the true extend of your faith" Kirei replied with a sardonic smirk.

Oho! Using Christian puns now, are we?! Well, two can play that game!

"A heretic nonbeliever like you shall be purified by the holy flames!" I roared with a fired-up aura flaring like thousand suns through my eyes, giving him a determinate look from which he had the gall to roll his eyes.

I would take the Starting Chest from my inventory but I want to do something more impactful so I can erase that annoying smugness from his face. And I know the perfect way to do so.

"I will need you to take a few steps back for your own safety" I told him with a faint smirk, barely containing my excitement.

Kirei seemed a bit confused by that request but didn't seem to bothered by it and merely shrugged with nonchalant and went to the door side. I, on the other hand, positioned myself in the center of my room and shot a last smirk to him before enacting my plan.

Lifting my left hand to the air, a deep sigh escaped from my lips as I shut my eyes slowly, letting my body's muscles to relax.

I focused on myself and shut off everything else, concentrating all my attention to a single thing deep inside my soul. Thus, entering in a state of meditation—something I learned from my time at the Void even though I can't maintain it for so long but I didn't have to.

Soon enough… something clicked in my head and then, I felt power.

"Shamash: First Form!" I muttered with a fair tone.

"Ready." An electronic voice I hadn't heard before answered me.

"What the…?"

FWWOOOOM!

Whatever Kirei wanted to say quickly died when a sudden burst of flaming arcs of magical energy enveloped. However, unlike last time at the study room, the fire flew around my body with grace and it was tame yet barely restrained, as if it was waiting to be unleashed.

The back of my left hand began to glow in a bright orange-red color, and then something suddenly flew out from it. My silhouette now had new additions to it: a pair of high-tech looking red-white hand guns with a faint glow similar to that of a star. In terms of appearance alone, I would say these bad girls have a kickass design.

"Ho~! Those guns look amazing!"

Haha! I know right… Wait a second, who's that?!

Out of nowhere, a cheerful voice could be heard behind me. With barely any sound, a young-looking kid around my (physical) age appeared before Kirei and me with a wide smile on their face.

The kid was an extremely beautiful girl with long golden hair, a pair of piercing crimson eyes along and a perfect fair skin with no sign of imperfection. Her attire consisted in a short-sleeved white t-shirt along with a pair of camouflage-colored pants and a pair of dark sneakers—a set of clothes which gives her a tomboyish appearance but it didn't dismiss her cuteness at all.

"Hi there!" She greeted me with a cheerful smile.

"Uhh…"

Now, I ain't a lolicon or anything like that but even I have to admit her natural beauty and mystic charm put her above most girls, and I wouldn't be surprised if she grow up to become one of the most gorgeous women in the entire world.

Still, who the heck is this pretty child? Surely, she can't be one of the orphans because I'd remember meeting her and there is no way Kirei decided to adopt another child just like that.

My train of thought halted when Kirei's voice reached my ears. "It's seems like you broke him. He can barely articulate any words now" He chuckled humorously as he gave me an amused look, obviously finding my dumbstruck misery hilarious.

"Hehe… Sorry, when you didn't show up I got a bit curious and then I felt that burst of mana. You can't blame me for wanting to know what delayed you for so long" The golden-haired girl responded with a cheery grin.

"… Did you know each other? Who is this pretty girl, Kirei?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Indeed we do" The girl replied nonchalantly, still holding that carefree smirk.

Gee… Thanks for stating the obvious. Also, you didn't answer the second question!

"Kōsuke…"

Hearing Kirei's calling me, I turned to see him—and why are you smiling so smugly, you bastard?! Is there something funny in my face?!

"This person is the guest I informed you about…" The Priest told me with a fair tone, stretching to the girl's side. "Her name is Gilgamesh, and she will be our new companion for now on"

"… What." I gaped. "Are you telling that this girl's name is Gilgamesh?" I muttered with a dumbstruck expression, pointing franticly at the aforementioned girl. "As in the King Gilgamesh of Uruk?!"

"Why thank you! It's good to know someone can recognize a King with just a glance!" The girl chipped as her smirk widened even more.

"…What."

EXCUSE. ME.

THAT CUTE LITTLE GIRL CAN'T BE GILGAMESH! THAT ASSHOLE IS A MAN BOTH HISTORICALLY AND ON THE MAIN SERIES, AS WELL IN THE OTHER UNIVERSES OF THE FRANCHISE!

ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL A PRANK ON ME?!

"B-But…"

"You think that's impossible?" (Not) Gilgamesh interrupted me, not losing her smug grin. "Well, it can't be helped I suppose. After all, those chroniclers wrote out I was a man. Sometimes I wonder why did I let them do such a blasphemous offense" She muttered under her breath, a hand on her chin as she tilted her head in a thinking pose.

"A-Ah…" I have no words. She can't be serious! This must be some kind of elaborated prank, a petty revenge of Kirei from burning his mapo tofu last week. I knew he was still mad at that!

"This is not a joke, Kōsuke." Kirei's deadpanned tone made me realize this was the real shit.

Holy shit, Gilgamesh is a girl

Gilgamesh is a girl!

… OH. MY. GOOOOOOD!


To Be Continued


Author Notes:

Well, there you have it folks! Not only Kōsuke got another message from this mysterious figure that Isekai'ed him, he successfully manage to unlocke both the Dendro Gaming System and his Embryo! And he even met with (Fem) Gilgamesh on top of that, all in the span of 24 hours! Now that's insane!

However, his problems have only started. Now that he spilled the beans to Kirei and Gilgamesh, the latter because she eavesdropped the whole conversation. A risky and reckless move from his part but at this point he couldn't come up with a better idea to ensure his survival. I think this is the right choice because that way Gilgamesh and Kirei will be hard-pressed to find an excuse to dispose of him considering how much raw potential he has.

Now, regarding his Embryo, I'm man enough to confess the whole concept and design isn't my own original creation. Rather, it was the creation of a fellow author of mine, who is also pioneer that introduced Infinite Dendrogram to Fanfiction; SpatialPhoenix! They are the person who came out with this amazing Embryo and they deserve the credit!

If you want a reference, Kōsuke's Embryo is based on a special weapon from Honkai Impact 3rd series, the Judgement of Shamash! It's a legendary weapon who was once wielded by one of the strongest human warriors, and they have a power so great that just releasing its full potential could potentially kill the user. I mean, wielding a pair of guns that conceptualize the scorching flames of the sun is the big deal—and they can merge into a cleaver, which holds even more power!

Also, in case you are looking for some good stories with the Dendro Gaming System, look for SpatialPhoenix. You won't be disappointed since their fics are amazing and pretty fucking amazing! If you can make a story with Ereshkigal as the best girl then you deserve respect and praises!

Anyway, today's chapter was Fem Gil's turn to make her debut! Next chapter will be Rin's along with [REDACTED]! Wait for it!

As always, I thank you all for reading this chapter! Don't forget to give me lots of reviews to fuel the tank!

Nevertheless, first I'll give you KoKo's character's sheet!


Name: Kōsuke Kotomine

Race: Human

Crest: Star of Shamash

Main Job: None — Main Job Level: 0

Sub Job: None — Sub Job Level: 0

Total Job Level: 0

HP: 100

MP: 500

SP: 100

STR: 5

AGI: 3

END: 1

DEX: 4

LUC: 25

Embryo: [Shamash, Judgment of the Destroyer]

Type: Arms

Description: Named after the Sumerian Sun God, who was also the God of Justice, this Embryo (in ita first form) takes the shape of twin high-tech guns with the power to shot flaming bullets with the power of the Sun. It conceptualizes the Fiery Destruction and Judgment.

• Embryo Skills:

[First Form: Scorching Penance]

- [Assault of Shamash]:

Smite the enemies with powerful bullet that explode in bursts of scorching flames. Enemies take 100% DMG + 1,984x2 Fire DMG, have their Attack and Move Speeds slowed by 30%, suffer 15% more Total DMG Multiplier from hits, receive 936 Fire DMG per second, and have a 10% chance of being stunned for 2.5s.

While activated, user gains Iron Body Buff and 80% Total DMG Reduction but in exchange, however, it causes the user to lose 13% MAX HP. This skill cannot be cast when HP is below 33%.

- ?

• Embryo Status Correction Effect: STR, AGI and END High Increase Bonus