Hey after two months I'm finally back! ...*sigh* I should've updated this much faster than this who I'm I kidding. Considering I need two months, I should've at least makes this chapter 5k words of something, but you can see this is just barely reached 4k. Maybe I'm starting to losing my touch in this or I just lazy AF. I don't want to continue rambling about my laziness so let's just get to the story.
IHateDentist
Edit: Thanks for pointing the level to me Guest! I forgot to update my note and resulted in him getting weaker instead of stronger, haha. I finished fix the stats, thanks again!
"Phalanx!"
After using my skill I was preparing to block all thousand fire arrows that were shot at me. I lost count for how many attempts I was doing until now though but that doesn't matter anyway. Fire arrows are much harder to block rather than a regular arrow since I also need to use my mana for neutralizing the fire so it doesn't give extra damage to my Phalanx. I can say that I already improved though since my Phalanx still intact after blocking it halfway and there's no sign of cracking.
'Concentrate! Concentrate!'
After feeling like an hour to block the rest of it while in reality it just takes ten minutes I finally succeed in keeping up my Phalanx and completed the training. I then dispelling my Phalanx and about to leave the area until suddenly a spear was lunged at me and I instantly create a shield with my mana to block it.
*Clang!*
You blocked the attack! -247 HP!
The spear throw is really strong that I was pushed back from my position but managed to keep my stance and my mana shield didn't even crack a single bit. After completely stopped, Leonidas appears before me and picking up the spear that he just throws with a satisfied look on his face.
"Good! It seems you remember always keeping your guard up at the battlefield!"
"Of course. Otherwise, you just going to smack me again right?"
"Hahaha! That's was indeed true!" He then starts approaching me before handed me the spear in his hand. "I believe you worthy enough to wield this spear."
"You... You sure?" I ask him before inspecting the spear he's holding. Unlike the usual spear, he used when we train this one has a black shaft with golden ornaments around it. The blade also has quite the design with the metal collar and all. I'm positive that he not just giving me an ordinary spear, It's more like... an heirloom.
"Yes. Seeing you just make me remembered my day on the battlefield. We spartan will not back down or surrender even when our number is at a complete disadvantage. Me and my army will hold our grounds to protect our home even when we are annihilated. But, we die with honors and the blood of our enemies on our hands! And you! You proved to me that you're also a spartan! Strength doesn't always come from power but also to protect what most important to you! So take it... take it and make me proud Ryuji Ishikawa."
I slowly take the spear before it glowing for a while and disappear into my inventory. "Yes, sir!"
"Heh, you're really a fine spartan."
Shrine of the White Fox, Evening.
I slowly opened my eyes before greeted by the usual Yuzu-san who currently smoking with her pipe.
"Welcome back. So, how's today training?"
"I finally did it." I said before getting up from her lap. "Never thought I going to see Leonidas smile for the first time. Let alone to be praised by him."
"Ohh~ looks like you've gotten stronger, Ryuji. Looks like I won't getting anymore corpse drop from you again huh?"
"Haha, I can't count on it." I then check the spear that Leonidas give to me earlier before summoning it to my hand.
Spear of Leonidas (Attack 148, all stats increase by 5)
A spear that was wielded by the legendary spartan, Leonidas. Made from an unknown method and materials that increase the spear combat efficiency, structural durability, and supernatural power. (Leonidas unique weapon.)
'Unique weapon? That's the first time I heard about it. So if I remove Leonidas persona from my active list then...' I then swap Leonidas with Pixie and the spear instantly disappears from my hand. I also can't find it anywhere in my inventory so I then try to put his persona as my sub and... 'I can use it again. Huh, so that's how it works.'
"What a unique-looking spear you got there." Said Yuzu-san while inspecting the spear. "I never see this kind of material before not to mention it also radiating some unknown aura. Where you get this, Ryuji?"
"From Leonidas himself, of course."
"Getting the recognition from the legend itself you really have some serious feats in your high school life. I hope you realize this also will bring you more danger."
"I noticed. I would expect some supernatural being pissed at me when they know a human can be this strong."
"Well, I hope you ready to beat them into a pulp when that time comes."
"I'll be more than happy to do it."
"Heh, of course. Now what you want to do?"
"Heading back to the shrine. I want to request some potions from Kiri-san and I expect it won't go smoothly."
"...don't tell me the potions are for the devils."
"Yup."
"*sigh* I can't wait to clean up your mess later."
With that, me and Yuzu-san start going back to the shrine. I was expecting that Kiri-san will stop or lecturing me when I told her about the order and fighting her again just like before. But, when I said the part about Rias is the one who requested the potions she just sighed before saying something unexpected.
"...fine. How much does she need?"
"Huh? You're not going to lecture me or something like that?"
"Even if I do that and we ended up fighting what the difference that it would makes? In the end, you're going to keep pushing me anyways so I rather not waste my energy."
"You really know me better, Kiri-san~"
"S-Shut up! *ahem* So how much?"
"Ahaha, let me message her first, and then we can start negotiating."
A few minutes later.
To: Rias Gremory
Subject: The potions
So you need twenty healing potions and thirty mana potions with a total of 250.000 yen. My trainer said she needs a week to complete your order is that okay senpai?
*Ping!*
To: Ryuji Ishikawa
Subject: The Potions
Yes. Consider the extra amount of money as my donation to the shrine. Since I also want to ask you for another favor from you.
'Huh? What else did she wants I wonder?'
To: Rias Gremory
Subject: Another Favor?
What is it? I hope you're not planning something crazy.
*Ping!*
To: Ryuji Ishikawa
Subject: Another Favor.
Don't worry I won't do anything like that. Just wait until you delivered the potion to my club room and you'll see what I mean.
'Okay, she planning something. That's for sure. Well, I can only wait until the times come. I wonder what my status looked like since it's been a while since the last time I checked it.'
Level 51
HP: 520/520
SP: 467/467
CP: 135/135
Strength: 36 (+18)
Magic: 30 (+18)
Endurance: 34 (+22)
Agility: 32 (+21)
Luck: 29 (+13)
'I haven't gained much level and stats since everything just went slow lately. Even when I doing some contracts from Lavenza the strays are too weak for me to gain experience. After the Riser event finished I guess I need to explore Memento and fight the boss there, maybe ask someone from the devil's peerage for some assistance since it will be tough if I do it only with Asia alone.'
I then decide to take it easy for the rest of the day and just wandering around Kuoh without any goals in mind. Of course, I tell Asia beforehand since I don't want to make her worry. After that, I finally make my way into town.
Kuoh City, Afternoon
The city was crowded like usual and that means a good thing even if it's a little bit harder to move around. I keep my guard up not because of the potential of getting attacked by the supernatural but since there are a lot of high schoolers and most of them are girls. The memories from the past still fresh in my mind and that because of this damn skill from that horny incubus. I controlled it the best as I could but the girls still taking a glance or two in my direction, well, at least they didn't approach me so that's fine. I don't want to be surrounded by them in the middle of town since that would be a bad scenario.
I decide to walk to the arcade and find something interesting there. When I arrived, I saw some peoples playing at the shooting game and decide to watch them for a while. The game seems hard since it needs a quick reaction between aiming, shooting, and reloading. Not to mention the number of bullets and the numbers of the enemy was slightly unbalanced so you need to make every shot count.
Some guy from my school just finished playing it after getting his ass beaten by the second boss of the game. The next one who plays it is a girl with a pink hoodie and well the way she plays the game was... surprising. She seems really know how to handle a gun and I can see it from her stance. Not to mention that her focus is amazing even when people start to crowd around and starts cheering her, that girl seems unaffected but I can see her smile under that hoodie. Looks like she really enjoys every moment of it huh?
'Hmm... even if it just a game, I can learn how to handle a gun better from her. I should join the crowd and observe her without raising any suspicion.' I thought before slowly closing the distance.
The girl was flawlessly beating every single enemy in the game even without changing the gun she used throughout playing. She never changed it from pistol even when she had ammo for the submachine gun, shotgun even rocket launcher. But even so, she hasn't got any damage and shooting every enemy that appears on the screen.
"Man, this girl nuts! How she managed to do that only with the basic gun?" Some guy from the crowd said.
"You don't know her? She is a veteran player in this arcade. Every shooting game has her name on the leader board." Said another guy.
"She's the HSQ!? Damn! Now that explains why her shot always hit on the head."
'I wonder what HSQ means?'
"She's truly the Headshot Queen!"
'Oh. Nevermind.'
"Shush, now. Look, it's going to be the final boss fight."
The final boss was beaten easily by her. Every single target even the bonus points is shot without mistake. With that the crowd instantly cheering for her and the girl just ignore them before putting her code name on the scoreboard.
'Yep, she just got a new record after beating her old score on this machine.'
The girl then walked away from us before buying a drink from a vending machine and went somewhere else. While the crowd is just standing there for a minute to see the leader board and slowly dissipate over time. Of course, I hear some talking from my schoolmates before they decided to leave as well.
"Man, I wish I can be on that leader board too. Would be that cool?"
"Keep dreaming. It's either you really memorize this game or you have some incredible reflexes to beat it."
"Maybe I'll try it on the Golden Week later."
I was still standing there while recalling the girl's movement from before. I might try to copy it as well since it will be beneficial for me in a real fight. I then decide to try the game to start practicing right away.
In the first stage, I was a little sloppy since I haven't gotten used to the gun weight and reloading mechanics. In the second stage though I slowly adapted to it though I must always rely on my reflexes since it's my first time playing so I don't know anything about the enemies that might pop out from the screen. It's been a while but I finally reach the final boss so I just do my best to recall all its attack from the girl before and end it quickly as I can. I can't hit all the bonus points but at least I finished the game and hey it is not bad.
Pistol mastery increased to level 3!
Increase accuracy and reduce recoil per shot!
'Huh, never thought I can increase my mastery level by playing an arcade game. Not only that looks like I got ninth place for my first time playing. I should've used the submachine gun and bazooka power up rather than only using my pistol... I'm not that girl so I should've expected it.'
When the game told me to insert three words for my name I just put RYU and when I'm done I heard someone clapping behind me.
"Well done. For a first-timer taking one of my highest records I say you're talented." It was the same girl from before. I still can't see her face clearly but I can tell she was happy for a reason.
"Thanks, I guess. How did you know it was my first time playing this game?"
"I can tell, it pretty easy. The most obvious is you don't know where the monster will appear but your reflexes carried you through the whole game. It's actually impressive."
"Aren't you also had a good reflex too? I heard peoples calls you headshot queen."
"Pfft, haha. Seems like it. But, I got that nickname through trial and error while you just show up from nowhere and casually steal one of my spots."
"I won't call it casual since I've had a lot of training before."
"Hmm... you're interesting fella. Say, your name is Ryu huh? How about we hang out later? I think I can use your talent for something more serious than this."
"...Ryuji Ishikawa. And what do you mean by that?"
She was grinning before answered. "This is not the best place to discuss it but... how about you take this and consider my offer?" She said while giving me a little box. "I believe you had something that can be attached with it. That's all for now if you need something else you know where to find me. Later then."
And with that, she left the arcade. I was curious about the content of the box so I slowly open it but after make sure that no one around me. 'What the- is this a suppressor!? Like the real one!? No, not only that. There's something different with this suppressor... I better back to the shrine first.' I hurriedly leave the place to discuss it with Yuzu-san. Just who is that girl?
...
"I knew he had something to do with the supernatural. My eyes never fail to see someone with potential and I guess I just hit a jackpot."
Shrine of the White Fox, Evening.
"So you're telling me that a girl is giving this to you as an offer?"
"Yeah, that sums everything."
"Hmm..." Yuzu-san intensely observed the suppressor that I gave her a while ago. She tried to do something with it before giving the suppressor back to me. "It's a real deal. I never thought someone imbued magic power to something like that. How does she do that?"
"So this thing is a magical item?"
"Yes, there's no doubt about it. How about you try it with your gun?"
"Okay." I then summoned my pistol and then attached the suppressor to it. The pistol suddenly glows faintly for a while before I decide to test it. "What should I shoot?"
"That tree over there." Yuzu-san pointing at a tree that quite far from us.
"Alright." With that distance, normally the bullet will lose the firepower and won't penetrate it because I attached a suppressor to it. But-
*Crack!*
That sound came out from the tree that I shot. I was in disbelief at first but there's no doubt that the bullet just creates a big crack on the tree. I wasn't even using any skill and yet the bullet is doing some damage to the tree. I then open my inventory and check my pistol stats and yes it increases the attack stat.
Glock-17 (Attack +120)
'It's increased my Glock attack by 30? She really got some serious attachment, huh?'
"Wow, I guess that girl really knows what she's doing with it. Now the question is... what does she really want with you?"
"Beats me... I have never seen her anywhere before. But, I guess she wants to do some business with me."
"Well, I guess if you considered her offer. Maybe she's going to share more of her toys with you but are you sure you can trust her?"
"Can't hurt to try. I mean, this will give me some upper hand in battle. But, I guess I'll give it some time first."
"Do what you want just remember never let your guard down. I knew that you wouldn't but considering you gaining more popularity in a bad way I guess it's never hurt to remind you again."
"Haha, I wish I never been this popular if it's only going to give me more trouble. Well, back to training. I wonder how this attachment reacts with Elemental Bullet?"
"Just... don't try to blow anything up." Yuzu-san said before finding a place to sit down and observe me.
...
A few days later.
I was on my way to ORC after the potions that Rias ordered is ready to deliver. Of course, I message her this morning when I picked up the potions at the shrine first so she can receive them instantly. When I almost arrived I got another message from her.
To: Ryuji Ishikawa
Subject: The payment.
My familiar will be waiting for you in my club room with the money. Also, I'm counting on you for my other favor. I believe you're the only one who can help her so I owe you so much for this.
'Who does she mean by 'her'? It's either Akeno or Koneko but I think it's the latter.' My thought was cut off when I realized someone is waiting for me in front of ORC. Not from Rias peerage though, but it was Sona.
"Greetings, Ishikawa-kun. I see you're been busy this past few days." She said casually.
"Well, training and doing other things really made me busy. So what's the matter?"
Unlike the usually serious and cool student council president, Sona is a bit... timid when talking to me this time. She looking to the ground for a sec before returning her gaze at me. I can tell that she worried about something.
"...I just want to know the reason you helping Rias after everything that she and I have done to you. Logically you should've hate us but, considering you go this far to help her I don't think that's the case."
"Well, you're not wrong. But, I decided to put that aside since I also have my own goal."
"So, what's your objective then?"
"To survive. I simply giving you a second chance... being friends with you guys is another matter. But, whatever I can trust you or not is the main point here since I need a connection with the supernatural race to ensure my safety. Same with you Shitori-san, I need to know if I can trust you or not so I don't mind with our past quarrel if that means you can help me let just say... as a business partner."
"Huh... I guess I haven't thought that far. But, I guess that's also logical. All right, Ishikawa-kun I will respect your decision about this. I say you really different from anyone I've met so far. Then again, you really unique as a human after beating my queen in one on one match." She said with a smile.
"There's nothing special about that. That simply the result of my training." I shrugged only to see Sona closing the distance.
"Yes, you're right. So... I guess this is the right time to reintroduce ourselves?"
"If you say so miss president."
"Just call me Sona. I believe it will hasten our relationship so we can trust each other faster, Ryuji-kun."
"Never thought you can be so bold, miss president. You sure your peerage won't chew me out because of this?"
"I will tell them. You don't need to worry about it." She then extends her hand and smiling softly at me. "I guess, I'll start to counting on you when I need help with something and in return, I'll also do the same for you."
I then shake her hand since I'm glad we come to an understanding. "Glad to hear it miss president... No, Sona-san."
"Good enough."
*Crack!*
I am thou, thou art I...
Thou has acquired a new bond,
Thy bond shall become thou strength,
And brings thee closer to the truth...
With the birth of Empress arcana,
Thou shalt be granted the blessing that shall change the fate of the world...
"Thank you again for helping Rias, Ryuji-kun. She was my childhood friend so I just want for her to be happy."
"As long she keeps the end of her bargain you don't need to worry. Then again, she still asks my help for something else."
"Ah yes, I guess we make her wait too long. Let's go inside then since I also have some business with Rias familiar."
"So you already know about it huh?"
"Not really... but, let's just continue the conversation with the person in question."
"Alright."
With that, we both enter the ORC building so we can continue our discussion. It's only a week left before the main event began and I hope Rias know what she's doing right now. But, there's no use worrying about that since I have already done everything I can and just hope for the best. I just hope... that mysterious figure didn't mess these things up.
That's all for this chapter sorry that it's kinda short. I will try to back writing the next chapter after this one is posted just... hope I can finish it sooner. See you later, cya~