Disclaimer: I own nothing; just the OC
'Thought'
"Talking"
*Action*
"Powerful entity (gods, dragons, etc.)"
[System]
Training Grounds
"Come at me!" I yell.
Vernal throws one of her weapons at me but I parry it with a construct of [Omen] and summon a series of weapon constructs "[Full Barrage]" with a wave of my hand, the constructs launch at bullet-like speeds straight to her.
Vernal tries to dodge them but it is futile as the constructs overwhelm her and pin to the ground. "AHHHHHH! Stop, stop, stop!" She cries out as her Aura dissipates into colored particles.
I stop the onslaught and dismiss myconstruct. "You survived." I hold my arm out at Vernal and she promptly takes it. "You're getting stronger everyday." I pulled her up.
"Cut the crap." Vernal spits out, wheezing with every breath. "You just enjoy torturing me."
"Well," I shrug. "I'm not gonna lie and say that I wasn't enjoying myself because I was."
Vernal scowls, "sadistic fuck."
"Think of it as payback for beating me to the ground." I said nonchalantly.
"You're still at it with that!? That was months ago!" Vernal exclaims.
"I can hold a grudge for a very long time, Vernal and I'll make sure you pay for that in full." I told her. "Now go take a shower, you stink of dirt and shame."
Vernal gives me a huff before walking back to her tent. I let out a sigh, who knew having a student would be more trouble than it was worth. She practically comes into my tent every morning and demands that I train her; she doesn't even let me eat my breakfast.
But I didn't lie about her getting stronger.
Over the past couple of weeks, Vernal's strength has seemingly gone up. Heck, just the other day, she somehow managed to avoid my line of sight for just a second before she could attack me.
"Is this what it's like to have pride in someone else?" I said. It was an interesting feeling, to see another person succeed because of your guidance. "I can see why a lot of my teachers said they enjoyed their jobs. Watching your students rise above and beyond is really something to look forward to."
"Hm. I see you and Vernal are getting along quite well."
I look to my right and see Raven walking up to me, "what do you want Raven?"
Raven smirks. "Can't I just check on the growth of my protégé?"
"You can but you usually don't act without reason." I said. Plus, she has been abnormally quiet since I took over the tribe which makes me extra wary of her.
"Since I am no longer leading the tribe, I have a lot of time in my hands. A lot of time to think." Raven states.
I arc an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Raven says nothing and glares at me.
I roll my eyes. "Whatever." I walk out of the training grounds, leaving Raven to her thoughts again.
I seriously don't know what goes on in her head.
I sit on the table looking at the materials in my [Inventory]. "Hm, I wonder what I can make with this…" I slowly turn to the small table on my right to see the broken remains of [Omen] resting on the top. Unlike the weapons most bandits use here, which are either swords or crude attempts at merging swords and guns, Raven's weapon was made with mecha shifting in mind much like Vernal's but the materials needed to fix it just aren't available here. Not only that, but there's no smithy in the kingdom who is willing to help.
I mean, who would want to help bandits get more deadly? That just seems counterproductive.
I stand up and walk towards the table, grabbing [Omen] and stare at it. It is a beautiful sword, the crimson color of the blade makes it look like it is constantly bathed in blood and even broken, it's still sharp as hell.
"It'd be a shame to see such a beautiful sword wasted away broken like this." I mumble.
[I can set up a quest so that you can look for materials]
Quest Alert!
Quest: Restoring its significance
Raven's weapon is broken beyond repair and no blacksmith is willing to repair it because the materials needed are hard to come by. Find a way to restore it.
Objective: Collect Damascus Steel (0/6), Collect Aura Crystals (0/2).
Rewards: 28899 EXP, 12456 Lien, Skill, Perk, Phoenix Down
[Crystal Dungeon] has been unlocked for access.
I open the dungeon menu and select the one that's been unlocked.
[Crystal Dungeon]
Minimum Level: 32
Recommended Level: 44
"Enter." My surroundings quickly changed and now I am in what looks like a mining site. The walls are full of translucent blue crystals that seem to glow and light up the mine giving it a sort of atmospheric feel to it.
"It's beautiful…" I mutter in awe at the incredible sight.
"What the hell!? Where am I!?"
My attention snaps towards the familiar voice and sees Vernal slowly standing up. "What are you doing here!?"
Vernal's neck whips around and looks at me. "Boss, what is this? Where are we!?"
This doesn't make any sense, how is Vernal here!? She shouldn't even be able to access this place!
"Boss…?" Vernal asked, looking concerned.
I snap out of my thoughts and look at Vernal, "...how did you get here?"
"Well, I was about to enter your tent when suddenly everything around me began to twist and warp." Vernal states. "Next thing I know, I'm in some kind of weird mine with you."
[Could it be that she was dragged into the dungeon because she was in close proximity to us?]
'Possibly, but how the hell am I supposed to explain this to her?' I thought as Vernal looked at me for answers.
"Look, it's-" Something catches my attention. "Out of the way!" I push Vernal away before flying projectiles can hit her.
"Ouch! what was that fo-'' Vernal stops her rant as she sees a couple of transparent crystals piercing through the wall. She slowly looks back to see what looks to be a giant lizard of some kind with crystals sprouting out of its back but what draws her attention is its tail. Unlike the rest of its body, the tail seems to be made of pure diamond with shards coming out of both sides.
Aura Lizard Level: 39
4599/4599 HP
2212/2212 SP
Description: A lizard that has fed on the natural [Aura Crystals] growing in the mine. As a result, its body has become durable enough to shrug off most attacks and can launch the [Aura Crystals] in its tail as an attack and drain the victim off their Aura to use it as nourishment. However, it is possible to deal considerable damage by hitting the flesh that is not protected by the crystals.
"What the hell is that!? A Grimm!?" Vernal cried.
"A monster." The lizard raises its tail and fires crystal shards straight for me but are deflected by two crescent-shaped weapons.
"We need to go!" Vernal yells as she holsters her weapons and drags me away. The monster wastes no time and fires more crystal shards at us as we make our escape.
"I think we lost it…" Vernal said as the crystal monster is nowhere in sight.
I scowled. "You didn't have to protect me, I could have handled that thing myself."
Vernal gives a look before her eyes widen and points at my shoulder, "you're hurt."
I follow where she's pointing and see a crystal embedded in my shoulder with blood streaming down my arm. "That's… weird. My Aura should have protected me from that." I am shocked that this has happened.
"We have to take it out or your arm will get infected." Vernal advised though she is disturbed by my lack of reaction to the wound.
She reaches out but I stop her. "I got it." I take my hand and grab the shard before starting to pull it out. Normally, this will be painful as hell, but due to [Gamer's Body] I don't feel much pain or any at all. With a long tug, I pull out the shard completely letting it fall into the ground as blood pours out of the hole in larger quantities.
[Aura Crystal]
Description: Allows the user to transfer and store their Aura for later use as well as recharge their Aura. Alternatively, it can be used offensively as the crystals absorb Aura the moment it comes into contact with the body making them vulnerable.
"I was afraid of that." I take my hand and move it above the wound. "[Heal]" From my hand, a wave of green light flows into my arm and starts to slowly close the hole.
Skill Level Up!
[Heal LVL. 28/100]
Vernal blankly stares at me. "Y-you just pulled out that chunk of rock like it was nothing. Usually people would be screaming in agony…" She is clearly unsettled. "What are you?"
I look at Vernal, "that's… a bit hard to explain."
Vernal scowled at me. "Try me."
I let out a sigh. "Tell me, what's your favorite fairy tale?"
Vernal raises an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Just answer the question." I groan.
W-well," A dust of pink appears on Vernal's face. "The Story of the Seasons, I guess."
I look at her for a few seconds before I burst into laughter. Seriously? She likes that story!?
Oh, the irony…
"Stop laughing!" Vernal punches me in the shoulder.
"Sorry, sorry." I raise my hands up to show that I meant no harm. "But I have to ask, why that story specifically?"
Vernal looks down, her face going from pink to red. "W-well, Raven used to read it to me when I was little…" Vernal stutters, embarrassed. "She said it was for finding the truth, but I think she enjoyed reading them to me."
"..."
[I can understand why Raven would delve into the stories, but why read them to children? It doesn't make any sense]
'Guilt…'
[What?]
'She was feeling guilt from leaving her recently-born daughter behind. Raven probably read Vernal those stories in an attempt to fill the void of the motherhood she abandoned.' I explained.
[Raven feels guilty? That doesn't seem right. From your memories of her, Raven is ruthless and will do anything to survive, but underneath that mask is a girl too scared to do anything and would rather hide in the middle of nowhere instead fighting her fears]
'...maybe I'm wrong.'
[Hm?]
'I have been thinking about it for a while, but I think the Remnant we're in now isn't the same Remnant from the show.' I claim. 'The characters seem more… grounded than they were in the show. Raven acts like a person who has a lot of weight on her shoulders, sometimes too much. She was wary of me when I joined, but now seems to be slowly letting me into her comfort zone.'
[She could just be doing it just so she can kill you when you're guard is down]
'I know, you don't have to remind me.'
"Boss…?" Vernal calls out.
"Hm?" I turn to face her. "Sorry, did you say something?"
"You just stopped talking and started to space out." Vernal said. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yep, good as new." I wiggle my arms around without issue. "See?"
Vernal huffs and rolls her eyes, "so are you going to tell me how you can use magic or are you going to keep playing dumb?"
I roll my eyes. "Fine. Did Raven ever tell you the story of the Silver-Eyed Warriors?" I asked.
Vernal shakes her head. "Not really, but if the story of the maidens is true then why not others?"
"It's good to keep an open mind." I praise her. "But to clarify, every fairytale on Remnant is based on real-life events that have happened before."
Vernal looks at me in shock, "all of them? Even the one about the Brother Gods?"
"Yep."
Vernal is shocked, genuinely shocked. While Raven has told her the truth about the maidens, and by extension magic, she was still skeptical about it all but didn't take it with a grain of salt because Raven wouldn't say or take action without reason.
The fact that she told her this alone speaks volumes of how much she trusts her.
But this?
This is different.
Here is someone, someone other than Raven, who not only knows the fairytales but can confirm that they are all true. And if that's the case, what else is true? The Girl in the Tower? The Infinite Man? The Brother Gods!? Just what the hell is this!?
I can see Vernal's distraught expression as she tries to process it all. "This is so fucked up…" She muttered.
"Believe me when I tell you this, but this is just the icing on the cake." I said. "Now, the Silver-Eyed Warriors are individuals blessed by the God of Light himself." I point at my eyes. "The [Silver Eyes] are the ultimate weapon against the Creatures of Grimm and can bring true fear to those soulless husks."
"What do they do?" Vernal asks. If the Grimm are afraid of people with [Silver Eyes] then that means they must be powerful.
"Well when active, the [Silver Eyes] can turn Grimm into stone and even vaporize them with a single glance." Vernal is awestruck. "However, activating them isn't easy and requires a powerful emotional trigger just to turn Grimm to stone."
"Amazing…"
"Yep." I said but then my expression shifts to sadness. "But this is also a double-edged sword."
"?"
"Because of our eyes, we are hunted down by both people who want to use our abilities and those who want us out of the picture. Salem has been hunting down people with [Silver Eyes] for ages, making us practically an endangered species." I explain, "I've been traveling all over Remnant, hiding so that they couldn't find me." I look up at the crystal ceiling dejected. "I think I'm the last Silver-Eyed Warrior left now."
Of course, Vernal doesn't know about Ruby or Maria but it wouldn't make sense that I would know about people that I've technically never met.
"If Ozpin finds me he'll use me in his war against the Grimm or worse, use me to breed new Silver-Eyed Warriors. And if Salem finds me, then I'm really fucked." I said. "Not only that but I can also use magic, a feat that not even other Silver-Eyed Warriors can do." A dark hole appears next to me as I put the [Aura Crystal] inside. "I can access a pocket dimension that allows me to store all sorts of items without much issue like the SDC crates I brought back from the abandoned city. I can also use offensive magic like creating fire and summon skull-like weapons to blast my enemies." I raise my hand and conjure a pocket-sized flame. "Combined with my Semblance, and you pretty much have the strongest human being in Remnant's history."
Vernal is in awe at her chief's power but can't help but feel bad for him. He has been traveling for who knows how long, avoiding anything that may give him away.
No home to go to, nor someone to talk to.
But then she realizes something, if Ozpin or Salem find out that Asmodeus is staying in the tribe, they'll likely use everything in their power to get to him.
Usually this would end with the tribe cutting their losses and leaving him to fend for himself.
But no, that is not an option she will take!
Vernal places her arm around my shoulder. "We won't let you leave. The Branwen Tribe is strong and they will protect you."
I huff and give her a head pat. "I wasn't planning to, besides I've got something here and I'm not willing to give it up just because of some hag and a wizard."
Vernal looks at me and gives me a smile, not a smirk. It's honestly the first time I've ever seen her smile like this.
+17 Affection with Vernal (81/100)
I smile. "You should smile more, it definitely suits you."
Vernal blushes and punches me again. "Shut up, you idiot."
I massage my shoulder. "Ouch, is that any way to treat an injured man?"
Vernal folds her arms. "Injured man my ass, you're already healed!"
I chuckle. "No use staying here then," I stood up. "Time to get what I came for."
"But, what about the monster? It'll probably be waiting for us." Vernal said concerned.
"If that happens, we'll just have to fight it. Remember, everything has a breaking point; nothing is invincible." I state as we walk further into the tunnel.
"So this place, this 'dungeon', is another dimension that you have access to?" Vernal asked skeptically.
"Yeah and I've been using them to train." I replied. "How else do you think I got so strong so quickly?"
"Can I use them, too? To train?" Vernal asked.
"Sure." I instantly replied. "Of course, only I have access so when you want to train just come to me."
Vernal smiles with glee. Finally! She has a chance to become strong!
No…
She has a chance to be the strongest! Something that even Raven can't manage to do even when she his a Maiden.
And most importantly… to protect him.
I glance at Vernal as she is in her own little world. 'She's an ambitious little thing, isn't she?'
[Takes one to know one, don't you think?]
I snort, but then a thought crosses my mind. 'Say, what does eighty-one out of a hundred mean?'
[Seriously, are you asking that now!? Here, let me pull up her profile…]
Vernal: 81/100
Current Relationship: Sees you as a leader, teacher… and something more. She wants you to stay with the tribe regardless of the consequences. She has trouble telling you her true feelings but isn't hesitant to show affection in her own way.
'Huh, that's… actually pretty cute.'
[You can be dense as hell, you are a true harem protagonist]
'I am NOT a harem protagonist!'
[Sure keep telling yourself that, bud]
I look down and see a rusty [Pickaxe] sitting by a rock. Vernal looks at me skeptically as I pick up the rusty tool and give it a few test swings. "What is that for?"
I rest the pickaxe on my shoulder. "I just thought it'd be appropriate considering why I came here."
Vernal arches an eyebrow. "Which is?"
I ignore her question as I focus on my surroundings. While we ran from the monster, I noticed that there were remnants of mining equipment lying around; old and abandoned. That's when I realized that if there's mining equipment then there must be an area where they transported all the materials that they excavated.
After some time, I found a wall that seemed off compared to the rest like it was disturbed. 'Observe.'
Blocked Entrance
Description: The entrance has been blocked off, though taking a closer look it seems like it was done on purpose.
"Why would anyone want to seal this entrance?" I raise the pickaxe I found and begin to dig though after a while I made no progress. "Fuck it." I throw the [Pickaxe] and summon a Blaster and fire at the wall, destroying it in an instant.
[Why didn't you do that in the first place? You just like doing things for no reason]
*KREEEE*
An acute noise comes from the other side. When the dust settles, a figure comes into full view. It is a humanoid made entirely of crystal. It lacks any sort of facial features and its limbs seem to be suspended where the joints should connect. It lacks any sort of facial features and its limbs seem to be suspended where the joints should connect.
Prism Golem Level: 32
3366/3366 HP
1200/1200 SP
Description: A sentient creature formed from the ambient crystals that have been storing Aura for years. It is capable of using the stockpiled Aura to fire a devastating laser beam that will incinerate anything on contact. Like all monsters here, it is immune to elemental-based attacks.
The golem spreads its arms out and begins to glow.
"MOVE!" I yell as the monster fires a laser at us. We narrowly dodge the attack and it hits the nearby wall and instantly melts the rock.
We look at the rock and instantly grow wary as the monster charges for another attack. Thinking quickly, I activate [Monotone] and summon my cyan and purple hands. The cyan hand conjures strings that wrap around the monster's limbs, immobilizing it. The purple hand creates dozens of small arrowheads and launches them at the immobilized monster. The force of the impact causes the golem's body to crack as it slowly falls, but it is still standing.
'Observe.'
Prism Golem Level: 32
2122/3366 HP
1200/1200 SP
Current status: Broken (Slow)
"Seriously, it's still alive!?" I exclaim, bewildered by the monster's resilience.
"It's stubborn, that's for sure." Vernal takes out her weapons. "Let me give it a try."
The Prism Golem tries to raise its arms, cracking the higher they go. Vernal aims the guns on her weapons and fires a laser that cuts through its crystal arms, letting them fall to the ground.
1104/3366 HP
1200/1200 SP
"My turn." I charge at the disabled monster and deliver a powerful haymaker right in its featureless face, shattering its head into a dozen pieces.
You have defeated Prism Golem! You have gained 2566 EXP! You have gained 2799 Lien!
You have gained [Aura Crystal]
"Wow…" Vernal loses her balance and falls on the ground. "What was that? It was like power suddenly washed over me."
"It happens," I began. "It's as if you get stronger every time you beat a number of enemies. I like to think of it as leveling up."
"Level up? You make it sound like this is a video game…" Vernal breathes out.
"Kind of." I shrug as I help her regain her footing. We walk inside and there are carts full to the brim with different minerals. Vernal and I look at each other before we run towards the carts and gall at them like we have found treasure.
I grab one of the metal fragments.
You have found [Damascus Steel]
[Damascus Steel]
Description: A type of steel that is stronger and more durable than regular steel. The items made from it can be characterized by distinctive patterns of banding and mottling reminiscent of flowing water, sometimes in a "ladder" or "rose" pattern.
Oooooooh, this will do nicely.
"Boss, I think I got something." I turn my attention to Vernal as she digs out a deposit much larger than mine. With a long tug, Vernal tore off the wall and let everything fall to the floor. I pick up one of the materials and it feels different compared to the [Damascus Steel] I unearthed.
'Observe.'
[Mithril]
Description: It resembles silver but is stronger than steel, and much lighter in weight than either. It can be used to create stronger weapons and armor.
""HOLY SHIT!"" We yell simultaneously.
Vernal jumps at the sudden shout. "W-what!? What is it!?" She is suddenly embraced in a bear hug. "!?"
"Oh Vernal, you lucky bastard I could just kiss you!" I exclaim.
"Bwuh…!"
[This is quite the development, I was not expecting to find Mithril on our first run in this dungeon]
'I didn't even know we could [Mithril] here!'
I raise my hands and open a tear right under the carts, sucking them in and sending them directly into my [Inventory].
[Mithril] (x48) has been sent to [Inventory]
[Damascus Steel] (x52) has been sent to [Inventory]
[Aura Crystal] (x66) has been sent to [Inventory]
"Wow…" Vernal is in awe at the magic at work.
I lower my hands. "It's time to go back." The Dungeon Menu screen appears between us, "Escape."
The crystal walls of the dungeon twists and shifts before we are back in the Chieftain's Tent.
Quest Complete!
Quest: Restoring its significance
Objective (Complete): Collect Damascus Steel (52/6), Collect Aura Crystals (66/2).
Rewards: 28899 EXP, 12456 Lien, Perk, Phoenix Down
Skill Level Up!
[ID: Create LVL. 28/100]
Level Up!(x2)
New perk [Celestial Smith] acquired!
[Celestial Smith]
Whether from your heritage or just being that good, your feats border on the divine. As a prodigy in forging, you are able to craft/repair weapons and armor in mere hours instead of days with such skill only other beings of legend can hope to match you.
You have gained a Phoenix Down!
[Phoenix Down]
Rarity: EX
Description: Brings the dead back to life and increases HP and MP recovery rate
Vernal looks around. "We're back."
"Yeah." I turn to Vernal. "So how does it feel to travel to another dimension?"
"It was extraordinary, I can tell you that much." Vernal instantly replies. "Seeing creatures that were so unlike Grimm was interesting, and it seemed like the more I killed the stronger I became."
I nod. "Dungeons are the perfect place to train, but like I said only I am able to access that place and come back."
Vernal nods in understanding, "so when can we go back?"
"Not for a while, there's something on this side that I want to get." I told her.
"Okay, master." Vernal hums.
"Glad you underst-wait what?" I stumbled.
"W-well, you not only decided to spend your time making me stronger but also gave me a place to hone my skills without any interference." Vernal blushes a little.
I'm starting to feel a bit weird about this. "I'm not your master."
"But you are." Vernal retorts.
"No, I'm not." I told her.
"You are my master!"
"Don't call me that!"
Just what the hell did I get myself into?
A preview, would you kindly?
"Master!" Vernal waves at me.
I facepalm. "I told her not to call me that…"
"But why? I thought you'd like to have a girl call you that." Raven teases.
"Shut up."
"We only need supplies, we don't have to kill them."
"And you think they'll be thankful that we spared them? We're struggling to survive just as hard as them; it's all about the survival of the fittest." Shay states.
"And that gives you the excuse to murder civilians, children!?" I yell.
"Our leader wants to see you. You will come with us." Hazel said.
"How about you turn around and pretend we never saw each other." I suggested.
Tyrian giggles. "I'm afraid we can't do that. You see our goddess wants you and what she wants, she'll get."
"I don't understand…" Raven whips her head glaring at me. "Why do you do this? Why are you helping us? And don't say it's because you are our leader, you couldn't give a damn about whether we are strong or not!" She cried out. "Why did you do all of this for me!? You gain NOTHING from this! So why!?"
Author Notes
I decided to rewrite the chapter because well I don't think it was working, at least not the way I wanted. Right now, I think this revised version flows better than the original and I hope you enjoy it.
I think it turned out well, though I know some of you will disagree.
As always, leave a comment/review and tell me what you think. Its appreciated that you guys come in and read my works even if they can be literally a jumble of random ideas put together that works in the end.
Peace~