(Apologies for the upload notification. Was making an edit with the sword material later in the chapter, after a reader kindly notified me of the error i made in choosing a material. I had done further research to find a suitable replacement metal that would provide the desired result.)
Welcome back everybody, glad most of you enjoyed the last chapter. I was curious how you all were going to react to the introduction of the Hub and interactions with other gamers. Anyways, on to the newest chapter, enjoy.
Extended Note: I will just put it out there that I am not anywhere near an expert on French history, but everything I portray is researched and should be happening around this time so bear with me if some things are incorrect. Know that I tried…
"Talking."
"Thinking."
[System]
Picking up a gnarled ear out of my inventory with a look of clear disgust morphing on my face. Releasing a dreadful sigh before I place it in my mouth and chewing on it quickly before swallowing, holding back a gag as I do so. My eyes watering from the ungodly taste currently permeating through my mouth.
[Small healing property of a Goblins Ear identified.]
That window pops up as I spit the contents of my mouth into a trashcan, I have placed near my worktable. Grabbing a fountain pen and dipping it in ink before writing down an entry in my journal displaying the effects of the Goblin Ear. Where I had written down and recorded the thousands of other materials I tested from my inventory, utilizing my first skill gained from the Alchemist Class.
Property Identification (Active) [Level Max]– The technique of identifying the properties of various materials, ranging from herbs to questionable pieces of a monster's anatomy all for furthering the research of Alchemy. To effectively use this skill all crafting materials must be ingested, though it is wise to have a healing potion or Antidote to poisons on hand before doing so.
The skill had already been maxed out when I obtained it which was fine but using it would be accurately described as… quite unpleasant. Due to my impressive healing factor, I am immune to most if not all poisons and diseases so I had little to worry about from ingesting things I would rather not. And as though to spite me I had yet to find anything that actually tasted remotely good. All being bitter, sour, incredibly spicy and just downright disgusting, it has done horrible things to my sense of taste.
Not to mention that everything I ate wasn't recorded in some database provided by the system, so I had record it myself in my journals. Even though it was quite annoying I truly didn't mind it, I remember from my past life that I had a habit of writing things down and this exercises that urge quite nicely. I had even gone a step further of filing the materials in specific categories, those being Low, Medium, High, and Superior quality. Each getting their own journal for the entries displaying their effects and a sketch of the material in question.
Which in my opinion are quite good if I say so myself, never knew I had quite the knack for the arts in my previous life, so if this is a new development it's hard to say. Anyways back on track I mostly categorized those materials based on their level of effects and the monsters, or otherwise rate of appearance.
A goblin for example appears regularly in the Forest Dungeon making materials gained from that mob of low quality. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, a high level monster or entity of the likes of Tiamat would be regarded as superior. Considering that its appearance is most likely a onetime deal and with its uniqueness as a monster as well as the effects of its materials being quite incredible, or miraculous as they say.
For example, one of Bahamut scales provided a strong fortifying effect that was stated as Superior Fortification. Though it is hard to say just how strong it is since I haven't done extensive testing with it yet. Blood harvested from Bahamut also proved to provide Superior healing capabilities and rejuvenation of mana, as my clone had witnessed with its incredible healing factor that may have been better than mine before the Soul Doping as I have come to call it.
While all of this recording and testing has been hard work, it also feels rewarding in a different way than it would if I had just gone out and killed something. That just gets boring and predictable, but now with all of the knowledge of the effects of these materials I can begin to create tinctures and concoctions doing all manner of things. Even now I really can't see a limit to what I can create.
I just need to start testing… And what better way than to use humans as guinea pigs. They can provide better answers than a regular animal found in the forest surrounding my castle after all. I might just ask Sebastian to acquire enough humans for me to work with for a bit, a dozen should do for now I would think.
Though I should take a break, I have been down here researching with Alchemy for a month or so now. Well at least when I had time, which from juggling my mentorship with Zeno, my training the peerage in the IDs, giving Katerea my attention long enough for her to leave me to my devices, and then finally to Merlin and Mothra. Thankfully, I had Sebastian to continue to teach Merlin along with Grayfia, that mostly just left Mothra to me most of the time.
She had proven to be quite difficult towards others than myself. Katerea had been completely overcome with hysteria at finding 'the unbelievably cute baby in the crib' next to our bed. Her words not mine. Her joy at finding Mothra had only further solidified the feeling of her wanting a child, so I had in turn worked overtime both in bed and in the lab to make it so.
Her joy at finding out she was pregnant recently was completely expected, she is still glowing with happiness. Though the results of her pregnancy where not due to my creating a potion of Fertility, no it was all me. Turns out my earlier assessment of my fertility had been quite spot on. As to why I am so fertile can only be attributed to my circumstance at birth. Hades' involvement of creating me had yielded more than just the powers over life and death it seemed. But I still intended to find a way to create the potion of fertility. The only thing is I haven't yet found the material that provided such an effect.
I have gone through almost all of the materials in my inventory, which easily numbered the thousands. Coming from all manner of beast and monster, though non provided the desired effect.
Maybe I should turn to plants instead?
Leveling the Alchemist class had also proven to be more difficult and time consuming than my combat oriented classes. Experience isn't gained through the killing of monsters, only through the utilization of class skills and creating potions. In the few weeks I had been identifying materials I had only gained nine levels putting me at level ten respectively. But I am sure that I will start to gain quite a bit more experience when I start to actively create potions.
With all those aside Katerea and I had finally wed shortly after her arrival, it was mostly a formal affair really. Not quite being the large gathering you would think, it mostly consisted of just Katerea and I signing a parchment joining our houses in marriage and that was it. With the parchment signed we were then legally married in the underworld.
After the fact I had noticed barely contained expressions of jealousy from Grayfia when she saw Kat getting overly affectionate. Something I may have to address sooner rather than later; I had already clearly expressed my interest in her with both her and Katerea. I don't need resentment forming so I should do something about it soon.
I have messaged with Elena back and forth frequently, something I found was possible with the system was the sending of pictures. She had sent quite a few scandalous ones, some in lingerie and other completely nude. I of course responded with a few back of myself, her reactions were always amusing.
Another thing is that she hadn't mentioned anything about being pregnant. It had been about a month and a half since our encounter, even going as far as meeting several times and having sex. Though of course that wasn't the only thing we did together, we had also just relaxed talking with each other about mundane things. She hadn't said anything about symptoms of pregnancy up to this point. So, either she legitimately isn't experiencing any or she's hiding it.
Not sure how I feel with either scenario.
Though I have begun to find her presence a bit soothing and comfortable, she had opened up a bit about herself. Something she clearly hadn't been comfortable with in our first encounter, but our stances with each other had changed completely. She hadn't explained she hadn't had any sexual encounters before me in her new life, something I was a bit skeptical of.
She stated herself she had been in the system for close to 7 years, building herself a business empire. Which is where she had amassed her fortune that was admittedly quite large when she showed me her status. The number at around 250 billion credits, though that wasn't even all of it as she said she had more money either in her bank account, a vault, tied up in assets like real estate or actual full fledged companies in general. This further solidified my earlier assessment that she was indeed used to the higher life of living.
When I had asked how she amassed such a fortune she had in turn explained that in her previous life she was a well known CEO of a successful business. Which had granted her the necessary skills to create a new business centered around the creations of her crafting classes. The results as you could tell were quite substantial.
My musings are broken from the garbled giggle belonging to the youngest member currently living at the castle. Extending my hand out and letting the baby grab my fingers as I absentmindedly play with her, eliciting more cute giggles. The motes of light seemingly matching her happiness as they float around the infant.
"I zoned out again didn't I little one?" I state with a small smile, her only response being a coo as she looks at me with bright green eyes seemingly full of life. Her happy expression warming my heart as I chuckle.
"You want to come sit up here with me?" I ask peering down at her getting a happy garble as she extends her arms to me.
"Hmhm, very well." I said with a smile before picking her up out of her highchair and into my arms. Holding her against my shoulder, I notice her small wings flutter happily as she hugs me. I let out a sigh as I turn my attention back to my work absentmindedly rocking the infant in my arms lulling her to a sleep.
"Maybe I can just search around in an ID and find a plant or something?" I think. I hadn't really been looking around for any plants to be honest, only more so for enemies to fight and kill for experience. So, it's possible I just missed them completely. I'll just send out the Clone to do later, I don't feel like doing it now. But it would do good to get up and move about, stretch my legs and what not.
Standing up off of my seat and closing the journal after assuring that the ink had dried before doing so. Picking it up and softly placing it on my previously empty bookshelf which is now quite full. All the texts filled with different materials and their uses. The Empty bookshelf to its immediate right however I have reserved specifically for texts with recipes for potions. Something I have yet to do as I had only just finished with categorizing the materials already residing in my inventory.
I calmly shadow travel to my quarters before placing Mothra in her crib, Katerea watching silently from the corner of the room with a fond smile on her face. Her hand tracing her belly as her attention falls back down to some paperwork as she begins reading once again. Raising an eyebrow I move over to her, grabbing a few grapes along the way and tossing them in my mouth. Relishing in the sweet taste, a direct contrast to the things I had been eating all day.
"What are you up to my love?" I ask curiously as she dips a quill in ink before signing a parchment.
"Oh, just some administrative work, mostly just managing the funds that are transferred to the locals when we purchase food and other goods. Usually, Sebastian does this work, but I thought I could do something instead of just sit around all day." She states casually as she begins to write on the parchment I frown in thought.
Locals?
"What Locals?" I ask, I wasn't aware that there were settlements around here, with the whole secluded castle and all.
"Well, I guess it makes sense since you don't get out often. But there is a village just at the base of the mountain this castle was built upon. All being the common devil folk, they have a few farms and are known for producing high quality silks." She answers with a small smile as she giggles at my expense. I only nod absentmindedly at the revelation.
"Huh… Never knew… Anyways I am going to step out for a while, run amok in the human realm and what not. Mostly just to unwind, been too cooped up here in the castle for too long." I state planting a kiss on her forehead as she says her own goodbye before I teleport away.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Reappearing several hundred feet in the air, the sun sitting at its highest point in the day, not a cloud in sight from what I can see. The fresh air filling my lungs as the terrain is filled with vibrant green vegetation, a normality in the season of spring. Off in the distance, I see a large city, my keen eyes spotting it as a bustle of activity. A large Castle residing in the center being my current target of the day.
"Ah… Good to be back in the human world… Now, what to do. I didn't really get much time before to mess around after finding Merlin. But now is as good a time as any, but what interesting things are currently happening in Paris, France of the year 1431?" I absentmindedly ask myself, tapping my chin in thought as I continue to float in midair.
"Well, if I remember correctly, the current King is Charles VII. Who should be in his late twenties right about now?" I state in thought before a dark smile forms on my face.
"Maybe I should try and become King? No not King… Emperor would suit me better; Canon is fucked anyway. Which makes my decision to rule the human world and the Underworld alike all the easier to make. Though it would be wise to not use the same name or appearance I have now. Mostly for the reason to not tie my actions in the human world to the devils or myself. It would bring unwanted attention from the Angels and Fallen if I make such movements, a new war could possibly spark, and I would rather it didn't." I muse almost laughing at the idea. Though despite this I can already see how I can make it happen. Though it will take a little work to accomplish, I doubt I could take control of Paris today, but the rest of the world would follow through with conquest.
The key to accomplishing this will undoubtedly be my sorely underused ability Mind Control, I just need to level it enough to a point where I can influence multiple people at the same time. Maybe if I force it, I can achieve a breakthrough like I had with my Telekinesis. It was quite unpleasant at the time, but I am willing to experience the discomfort.
I nod resolutely at the idea dropping to the ground as I land gracefully, several shadow travels later and I am in the slum part of Paris not unlike the one I visited in London previously. I watch with a small smile as all of the less fortunate go about their day. For the first time, I go about using my Mind control ability on a random bum sitting against a building wall. Someone I am sure is already dying judging by the look of him.
Using this ability is almost unusual, that may be just because I hadn't used it before, and I am still getting used to it. As soon as I activate the skill the man, I am focused on I immediately feel a connection beginning to form between the two of us. Almost like a tether, not one that can be physically seen of course but I can feel it there.
The man however seems none the wiser.
"That was easy enough…" I think as I begin to try to send suggestions through the tether. Which sounds easier than it is, it's mostly just sending my will through the tether but getting him to do the right thing is the trick. I start with just trying to get him to itch his face, something simple and it doesn't draw too much attention.
I watch after a moment when I feel the suggestion push through the tether though I watch as nothing happens. He still just sits against the wall holding his hands out waiting for people to drop a coin in his hands. My eyebrows narrow in thought, the suggestion clearly went to him. Maybe it just wasn't strong enough to get a reaction.
I focus and send a much stronger version of the same suggestion through the tether and wait. I smile in glee as I watch the man bring his hands up and roughly scratches his face, clear discomfort written in his expression. His itching only gets more furious as he starts to shout and scream, blood beginning to leak from his face. A crowd forming as they watch the bum literally scratch his eyes out.
Mind Control (Active) [Level 4] – The ability to plant suggestions into the mind of the target. The target needs to have a lower INT stat than the user for it to be effective. If the targets INT is higher than the user, the chance for a suggestion to take hold is reduced by 10% for every 20 INT.
Chance to succeed – 4% chance.
Cost – 3000
I swipe the window away ignoring it, I have fully come to realize at this point my luck is simply far too good to worry about the abilities chance to succeed. I may never actually see it fail; this fact alone tells me just how powerful my Luck perk is with all things with a game of chance.
I sigh as I watch it, the first try didn't have enough power to get the man to itch his face absentmindedly. The second had been so strong that he scratched half his face off and pulled his eyes out.
"This may be more complicated than just sending my will and hoping it works."
Nero with Zeno
Dodging a kick to my face as I drop low to sweep the old man's legs, he only hops while punching my midsection bruising several organs. Though I don't let it faze me as I take the hit and send my strongest punch to his face, only for it to stop just an inch short with my fist in his palm.
"Good. You have been progressing impeccably, I think it's safe to say your physical conditioning, for now, is complete. We will move onto the next step. This is the introduction of my family arts, for this, we must move to my home. It won't do to begin here in the forest as we had before. Let's go." He states teleporting us both away to what I can only assume is his family's castle.
We reappear before a gigantic stone wall, where a behemoth set of doors sit, with what looks to be seven different segments of the doors. Roman Numerals are carved into each segment number from one to seven respectively. I hum in appreciation as I set my sights on it. Zeno turns to me with an expectant grin.
"This is the testing gate. All you need to do is open it, quite simple, eh? It will be a test to your physical conditioning that we have been training for the past few weeks. If you can open it, we will proceed in your training, if not… well I doubt it will come to that. I am confident you'll open it, its only formality really." He states as he holds his hands behind his back looking at me expectantly.
I sigh as I stretch before planting my hands on the doors and pushing, surprise watching its way onto my face at the weight. I'm not really giving it any of my true strength, but it seemingly feels immovable. But I can hear the metal creaking so I'm doing something. I suddenly push hard with explosive power, the muscles in my body increasing with size tearing my weighted clothing.
The doors shift forward steadily, grinding my teeth as sweat slides down my face I activate primal rage. Its level maxed out after the clone's exploits in the dungeon before dying. The anger that comes with the skill is mostly nonexistent due to its maxed level, but I can feel my body 'buff' up as one would say with my drastic increase of stats. Which are now effectively triple their base with my Greater Tier, and the edition of Primal Rage.
So, when the doors move open easily, I am unsurprised, though it was a little draining on my stamina, that too quickly replenishes after a few moments. Relaxing as I stand up straight releasing a sigh, my clothing feeling considerably looser than they usually were with the torn sections. Placing my hands on my hips I turn to Zeno who is currently wearing a slightly surprised expression.
"You opened all of them, eh? I was more thinking it would only be five maybe six, not all seven. Have you been holding out on me?" He asks with a dangerous edge to his tone as I chuckle.
"Come on old man. I passed your test, let's go." I state as he scoffs before we walk along the path. From what I can tell it leads straight to a large mountain, its shape reminiscent of a volcano. Zeno seems to see my curiosity as I look at it.
"That is Kukaroo Mountain, it is owned by my family along with the surrounding forest encased within the wall. Everything outside is what you know as the Familiar Forest. My Houses Castle resides right at the top of Kukuroo Mountain." He states calmly as I nod along, taking in the information. Though I do notice how he never talks about his family very much. I can really count on one hand the number of times he has even mentioned them.
"Tell me about your family Zeno, you don't talk about them much." I ask as the man in question's eyes flicker in my direction before they move back forward as we continue down the dirt road.
"Hmm. I guess you have earned some information. Currently, there are only three living members of the Zoldyck Clan. My Grandfather, Myself, and my daughter. All the others have either died on contracts or of natural causes." He explains as I raise an eyebrow at the piece of information. I guess you could say he is like me in a way.
Very few members of his family are still alive.
"I see… For an old man like you to have a grandfather, quite the miracle." I jokingly state with a smirk, tilting my head back dodging a rock that flew by at a lethal speed, even for me.
"Easy… I was only jesting… A little." I say dodging another thrown rock with a chuckle.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sitting on a tall stone building with my legs hanging over the edge as I feel another tether form on a random passerby. For the last few hours, I had been forming tethers on as many people as I possibly could, so far there doesn't seem to be a limit to how many I can form if the thousands I had formed so far were anything to go by. I found I can make tethers at long distances if I focus on nothing else, but I would move around anyway to get access to more people.
I had practiced for a bit to get a better grasp on giving suggestions, a few dead bums later and I had somewhat perfected it. I couldn't really give too complicated a suggestion right now but simple orders through the tether are easy enough. But subtle manipulation of emotions is pretty much the only thing I am capable of, at least for now. After that, I focused on putting as many tethers out as I possibly could. I could now form a tether with a new person in less than a second.
I want to form a tether on all of the citizens before I make any moves, from the talk of the locals Paris, most importantly the Empire of France is currently in civil unrest for the throne. So, if I can get the people under my control, I can theoretically eliminate the problem for good. Then I can put my efforts into putting myself on the throne, better yet if I can get rid of the current king it would be easier. The current king doesn't have any heirs to my knowledge and there are currently no other living members of his family.
It will be pretty easy if I keep going at the rate I am now, I had created tethers with maybe a third of Paris at this point. I'm sure I was able to accomplish this in so little time purely based on the fact they are human; beings of the supernatural category would probably be more difficult to manipulate. But with the skill at a higher level or even the upgraded version.
Sigh…
"What to do…" I think as I lean back while absentmindedly create new tethers. I haven't spent my fortune yet on skills, I was too occupied with other things to make time for it. Now though with the day to myself, I can do it now. I definitely want to pick up Mana Reactor for one. Opening the menu and bringing up the store, I sift through most of the perks before ultimately finding the perk I desire and clicking on it.
Mana Reactor – The mana stored in your body feels almost limitless, even when you dip into its well it seemingly replenishes just as quickly as it leaves. All Wisdom and Intelligence gains are quadrupled. Passive mana regen is converted to 10% mana a second. (I added Intelligence to the bonuses because why not)
[Purchase for 100,000,000c Yes/No?]
Pressing yes, I pause for a moment feeling my mana suddenly shift and change, far denser and more plentiful than it was before for one. My head also experiences a throbbing headache that passes a few moments later, my mind much clearer as well. My quality and speed of thought are much faster, perception is slightly different but still different, nonetheless.
Getting used to the change of my mana I outstretch my hand and willingly engulf my palm in pure mana, immediately noticing how easy it was to call upon it. The wispy blackness deeper than I remember, almost infinitely dark and consuming in comparison. What this means I don't know; the system's description of the skill didn't state any negatives so it should be fine. Most likely a side effect of the increased denseness of my mana.
Dispelling the mana and turning my attention back to the store page sifting through the perks marking anything I would want. All the while I continue to form tethers with oblivious citizens. All were unaware of my presence with my current height on the rooftop, too busy with their own lives.
I pick out a few different perks that I find a bit interesting in their applications.
Shikotsumyaku – The ability that gives the wielder the ability to manipulate their own bones. Usually manifesting rarely within members of the Kaguya Clan. The ability derived from Kaguya Otsutsuki, originally called the All killing Ash Bones.
Cost – 20,000,000c
Progeny of Hermes – Grants the user a speed like no other, likened to the god of speed himself. Quadrupled Dexterity gained each level as well as enhances perception to a greater degree.
Cost – 15,000,000c
Extreme Durability – The user's skin, muscles, and bones are strengthened to a superior degree, almost mimicking the toughness of stone.
Cost – 10,000,000c
Superior Shifting – The user is able to change their body at the genetic level. The user's appearance, physical capabilities, etc… are capable of change. Though to make the user stronger to the utmost limits of their species, to achieve greater results stronger DNA must be introduced. This perk enables the user to achieve absolute control over their bodily functions. To use this ability to its fullest potential the user must have extreme focus and understanding of oneself.
Cost – 50,000,000
[Purchase Perks for 95,000,000c Yes/No?]
Clicking yes, before a pins and needles sensation fills my body for a few extremely uncomfortable moments before it passes. Releasing a breath I think about my purchases, the bone manipulation to give me more options and mostly a method for me to strengthen my skeletal structure, but it could be an effective ace in the hole. If I ever find myself absolutely on the ropes, unable to use my mana and restrained I could use the Shikotsumyaku to break myself out.
Progeny of Hermes is more of a complement to Herculean Body than anything, the speed could be useful in a combative situation with someone else of superior speed. Namely, Zeno, his speed is absurd really. Extreme Durability is to really compound the durability I already have with my body. I basically want to be as invulnerable as possible, ready for any situation. Now I just need to test to see how invulnerable I am, I guess.
I pull a superior blade out of my inventory, a longsword my clone pillaged from a Goblin King. Its sharpness is quite something, from what I can tell it seems to be made of T10 steel or something like it at least. This type of steel doesn't currently exist in the world to my knowledge, not being invented till the s.
The Goblin King managed to land a hit with it on my clone, cutting him pretty good. It healed quickly enough but it will serve as a good base. I run the edge of the blade along my forearm, marveling slightly at the complete lack of lacerations. It feels almost like I'm running a butterknife along my skin, a significant improvement.
So now I guess I am durable enough to withstand the sharpest of nonmagical blades. So, any knight or human really in this era probably wouldn't be able to harm me, money well spent. On the other hand, for things of a magical nature, I would just need to work on my elemental resistances. Which should be as simple as exposure to each element. All that compiled with my Telekinetic barriers, and I should be practically untouchable by regular mortals.
The Superior Shifting perk is more one so I can change the appearance of my clones as needed into a completely different person if the need arises. It will also help to remove any ties to the clone I place here in Paris that will eventually assume control. The obvious power boost is an opportunity that shouldn't be wasted either. I can already feel an awareness of my body I didn't feel before.
In my off time, it would be wise to start focusing on strengthening my body to higher levels. Considering the quality of my inherited genetics the limit to my power is probably greater than most Devils, which is a pretty good plus. I am curious if I have any dormant DNA from all of the different ones Hades mashed together to create me in the first place.
I resume my search through the store as I swipe through the various tabs looking for interesting magics that I could potentially use or anything that could prove entertaining. I sift through the skills with a bored expression before stopping at something that re opened my view of the Time Stone.
Arc of Time – A Lost Magic and type of Time Magic that involves the usage of time as a means of combat. This magic revolves around the manipulation of the time of objects of non-living things and nonsentient living things, like a tree for example. Damaged objects can be restored to their previous state or make time for the object to accelerate to dust. The upgraded version of this magic is able to work on sentient living beings.
Cost – 100,000,000c
I nod my head in consideration, money really isn't an object at this point, and I had been curious about manipulating Time itself after getting the Time Stone. But I sold it, and after Elena told me that the stone wouldn't have worked anyway made me feel quite a bit better about selling it.
Why not… I click purchase then select yes, a bit of excitement filling me at the prospect.
[New Skill: Arc of Time gained!]
Immediately putting the skill to use on a broken stone brick of the building. I watch as it reforms, the smallest of pebbles and dust collect into the brick and soon enough it appears as good as new. I chuckle at the sight; the potential of the skill is quite incredible. One for unmatchable defense, but it mimics the effects of my death's aura, but more controlled, and more applications. It can recreate and destroy, where my inherited abilities can only destroy at a much more uncontrolled manner.
Pushing the thought out of my head as I sift through my skill list. My frown deepening as I see just how low of a level, they all are. Most are unused, which is something that should be corrected, at this point I am only piling on more skills. A habit of mine that seemed to seep through into my next life, I am a hoarder at heart. Or classifying more of a collector, before this life I had collected things, but I was meticulous of how I stored them.
I wasn't cluttered as you would see on most television shows displaying hoarders living in those atrocities. I had a large home where all of the things I collected were placed and displayed perfectly. I guess this time around I am collecting power, in the form of skills and classes. But I hate seeing them not realize their full potential and just sit in my inventory unused.
I'll have to set a clone aside to focus on leveling the skills to the max.
Though I do see a skill that is maxed out from my clone's outing.
Electrokinesis (Active) [Level Max] The ability to control and generate Electricity. The amount and intensity of the electricity generated are dependent on the user's will, skill level, and how much mana is used.
[Do you wish to upgrade this skill? Yes/No?]
I raise an eyebrow as I click yes, curious as to what this skill would upgrade to. I watch as a new window appears displaying the new skill.
[Electrokinesis upgraded to Demon Gods' Lightning.]
Huh… This seems quite powerful.
Demon Gods' Lightning (Active) [Level 1] – An incredibly strong form of lightning that is only held by Demon Gods, its strength capable of matching the Greek Gods own god of lightning Zeus. The amount of electricity generated from the user and power is entirely dependent on the user's skill and amount of mana used.
Cost – Variable
I nod in appreciation reading the description, I do a momentary test creating sparks in between my fingers. Deep purple electricity dances between the digits, fascinated by its appearance. I've never seen electricity look like that. Could it be because it's taking on properties of my mana producing such a result? It's hard to say, don't really know how the system works with upgrading abilities.
Though it is too bad I can only make one clone, maybe I could try and make more? The description of the cloning skill does state many gamers shattered their minds from controlling more than two bodies. I wonder if I could ask the system if that was the rule, or if I am capable of doing more than 2. Now how do I ask, just call out for it?
"System?" I speak loudly into my own mind, waiting a moment before my face is filled with surprise when a window pops up.
[What can I do for you, Gamer?]
"I was wondering if it's possible for me to achieve and maintain more than just two clones without shattering my mind?"
[Everyone has their limits when using that skill, the average was around two bodies for a gamer to control before they destroyed their minds. A result of their consciousness being separated many times. Though there have been those that have been able to achieve 7 or so bodies, it was quite straining for them to do so.]
"I see… How many do you think I could create myself, two seemed quite easy to get used to, only really taking around an hour or so to operate without difficulty."
[Yes… I have noticed you are quite a bit more adaptable than most other gamers. Your progression is unprecedented and entertaining, to say the least. Especially your use of your powers and your plans for the future, your spontaneous personality is amusing as well. But all that aside I do believe you could create more clones with little difficulty, so I will remove the limit. Though the warning was in place for a reason, so be wary of moving too far too fast. I would hate to see such a promising gamer done in by carelessness.]
I read the window carefully taking in every word before I feel a small shift in my mind, like a door had been opened that I didn't know existed. It was slightly jarring but it disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. I take a moment to collect my thoughts before I concentrate on making a new clone. The experience requiring a bit of effort and concentration. A body soon enough pulls itself out of me, identical to me down to the atom.
Feeling my mind split itself into a third section leaves me jarred for several seconds, though I find myself getting used to it quickly. It minutes I am able to operate this body without difficulty, I now focus inwards down to my DNA making my first attempt at changing its appearance. I start with something simple like hair color, but it seems it will be quite easy as I feel like I instinctually already know how to do it.
I want this aspect of myself to be quite memorable, bound to stick out in a crowd. From my understanding hair, the color white is probably the most uncommon. I don't want him to have any stupid anime color like blue or green, such colors are nonexistent from what I can tell from the citizens. Blonde, brown, or black seem to be what's most common here, red is few and far between. So white will surely stick out the most and draw the eye.
Focusing I reduce the amount of melanin in the hair but adding a twist to bring a Silvery Platinum hue to the hair. Assessing the change, I tilted my head in a nod, there probably isn't a more unique hair color around. I tried to model the color after the Targaryen's in Game of Thrones. I take a moment to grow the hair longer, straighter and more tamed than mine. I make the clone sweep its hands through its hair slicking it backward with Aizen's signature bang.
I then focus on changing the facial structure, deciding to choose a Sephiroth/Aizen theme as I make small adjustments here and there. After several minutes of careful manipulation, I look at the finished product. Its looks as if it holds the better qualities of the two creating a blend I can appreciate.
I think to myself stroking my chin as the sharp pale blue eyes flicker down to the oblivious walking citizens.
"I Forgot I will need to make it human… Can I even do that?" I think absentmindedly tapping my index finger on my chin.
I don't see why it would be a problem, I would think I would need to introduce human DNA into the body and go from there. Well since there isn't a presence of human DNA in my body being a Pure Blooded Devil so it would make sense. I could probably use the blood from one of the dead beggars.
Closing my eyes, I use Absolute Dominion to sense around one of the closer bodies that hadn't yet been moved, before pulling a drop of blood towards me. I make the clone hold out its hand before I will the skin on its palm to split open enabling the blood to flow into the clone's bloodstream. Closing up the wound I immediately become aware of the foreign substance entering its body. I know instinctually I can force the body to remove it or process it.
Doing so I force the body's cells and DNA to change while maintaining the current template. I feel pain filter through the consciousness of this clone as its face starts to twitch. Rejection of the new cells is quite obvious as the body's immune system starts attacking itself. Not a pretty sight to behold, but I buckle down and force the rest of the cells to change with the body.
A few minutes pass when I release a sigh I had been holding, the body is officially human now. Though I do feel the presence of disease in the blood that I had obtained from the dead beggar. Thankfully it is simple enough to just destroy it and replace it with fresh new healthy cells.
Now with the clone no longer holding even a little devil DNA or disease, I can focus on making it as strong as a base human can be. I begin to strengthen the body as a whole incrementally, watching as its stature subtly changed. Out of curiosity, I wonder what it would look like at its genetic limit. Forcing the change, I almost burst out laughing when I see a wall of muscle, clearly too large for the body to move comfortably. Though it certainly has the power to easily crush stone of that I have no doubt.
"It almost looks like I created a hulk really." I think amusedly as I stare at the clone. Though this is not the type of imposing figure I want out of this clone.
Turning it back to its previous physicality mirroring my own, I simply strengthen the muscles, bones, ligaments, and whatnot to the limit. Well before it starts to look monstrous, but I had to increase its height a little to make it work. I strengthened its skeletal structure with my newly acquired Shikotsyumyaku and Shapeshifting to thicken the bones and increase density. Mostly for the body to be able to handle its new strength, only its skeleton appears to be raised like Abomination. Something I didn't like aesthetic wise so I had to increase the height and sculpt things out a little before it looked natural once more. It now sits at an even 7 feet, I really didn't want to make him that much taller since 6 and a half feet, which is already an incredible height in this day and age.
But I guess he'll just be known as some sort of giant, can be interpreted as strong genes, I guess…
As a test, I take control of the clone's passive state making it telekinetically draw a large stone brick and place it into its palm. Its grip tightens before the brick crushes under its grasp with little strain. I'm confident in its speed as well so I don't need it to test that portion considering where we are. I summon my invisible blade before quickly slashing its forearm making a shallow cut.
It closes in a few minutes leaving only a light scar that would fade. I did try to increase its healing factor, but it seems I could only do that much. Granted it can heal far faster than any human, but still slower than I would like. I highly doubt it could regrow limbs like me, but it could heal from most lethal wounds short of significant damage to the heart and brain. Serious injuries would probably take a few days on their own, but with medical assistance, it would be faster. Though I do notice it leaves scars after the injury, unlike when I heal perfect skin.
Its imperfect but it will serve its purpose, its longevity is probably greater than most humans as well. Now what its abilities are is a good question, it should still have all of the same powers I do save for my inherited ones from being a devil. It still has magic, that only further solidifies my theory that mana comes from the soul and not the body, though it can be boosted through physical means, I'm sure.
Nodding to myself in appreciation as I see the completion of my work. Not only that but I also notice I hadn't really stopped forming tethers, and after the last few hours of doing so I had formed a tether with just about every single citizen in Paris. I got so good at it I just did it unconsciously, range didn't seem to be that big of an issue. Especially considering Mind Control had been leveling at an uncontrolled rate.
Now that I seemingly have total control of Paris, I just need to publicly install my clone as the ruler of the French Empire in an unsuspicious manner. I already have a plan in place for that I just need to prepare this clone before I leave and begin.
Opening the store and sifting through it looking for some noble clothing, which mostly just consisted of a simple white tunic, black pants, and boots to match. None of that weird shit people wear these days, though I can be seen as a higher status individual with the quality of threads. As the clone slips into the clothing, I see it fits quite nicely into its frame, to which I am thankful.
The store doesn't exactly have an option for size.
Lastly, I pull out the Superior Blade from the inventory I obtained in the dungeon and toss it to the clone. I watch him catch it before he straps it to his waist and unsheathes it, testing the handle in his grip. A few slashes in the air later and he sheathes it before giving me a nod of acceptance.
"Now what should I name this clone?" I think to myself going through a mental list of potential names before a unique one comes to mind.
"How about Aatum Ardaen (Ah-Tum Are-Dane), it's certainly different." I murmur as I test the sound on my tongue, before nodding in acceptance. Alright now with all of that taken care of its time to start stirring up some trouble, and I know just the place to start.
All I need to do is take advantage of France's current civil war for the crown, participants being the House Valois and House Burgundy. Now that I have chosen to take over House Valois' seat on the throne, all I need is to spark House Burgundy into doing something. Perhaps make them send a full force assault on Frances Capital to claim the Kingdom of France for themselves.
To accomplish this should be rather easy, with a little bit of mind control here and there on some choice rulers. I should then have the desired effect, now when they arrive, I will need to influence the people of Paris to make them too scared to retaliate. This may be a bit more difficult, but I think I could manage. When everyone is too terrified to fight, yours truly will alone take up arms. A show of such bravery will insight hope, inspiring the people to fight back until we ultimately repel the invaders.
Well, hopefully, that's the desired outcome anyway.
I may have to have my new clone do much of the heavy lifting in the fight. Of course, this alone would most certainly not be enough to establish my clone as King. A few other things in the background will be happening with my use of mind control, which would need a bit of a refined touch, but if all goes well my clone will be Frances newest King.
It may take some time however, there is a lot of work to do…
Nero with Zeno
Sitting crisscrossed with my hands resting comfortably on my knees, focusing on relaxing my body and mind. Zeno's hands rest on my back as he channels a strange energy into my body. If I were to describe the feeling, it is most uncomfortable and invasive really. Like something is crawling underneath my skin.
Though I do notice as Zeno does, so I start to become aware of several different and warm feelings following soon after. I quickly notice that these are my pressure points, at least I remember several of them being so.
This was referred to as a Nen Awakening, this would mark my official start of learning the Zoldyck family arts. Which mostly just consisted of further expanding the utilization of Touki, but with more of a twist. He gave me the basic explanation but that is mostly what I got out of it.
As Zeno's energy filters through the last of my pressure points my body fills with foreign energy. It seems similar in terms of mana but not at the same time. This must be the Nen that Zeno had referred to. As I feel out the energy and grow accustomed, I come to a sudden realization.
Mana is an energy that comes from the soul, and Nen or Touki comes from the body. A simple ideal but no matter how I look at it, it seems to fit in place. Each giving the user a greater understanding of oneself, further expanding the limits of their capabilities and power.
I guess this could be referred to as Enlightenment, though I am sure that the true road of self discovery that most set out to complete. Is far more difficult and spiritually rewarding than the path I had taken. After all, I kind of cheated to achieve both, instead of going through the long difficult process.
[Congratulations! You have Awakened your Aura!]
Nen – A technique that allows a living being to manipulate and use their own life energy, there are many uses and applications to Nen. Seemingly only limited to the hard work and dedication of the user. Nen capacity scales off of Vitality, each point grants 200 Aura and 1 each second.
"Congratulations, you can now be considered a Nen user. But this is only the first step, now you need to master the four basic principles of Nen. Those being Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu." He states calling each off as he counts with his fingers before I offer a nod of understanding.
"Once one awakens Nen they must learn to keep their Aura from leaking away from their bodies. This is called Ten, all you need to do is focus on bringing the Aura back into your body to create a shroud." He states as I do as instructed, pulling my Nen back to my body proves easy and simple. Now that I had done so it feels like it will passively keep the shroud unless I forcibly do differently.
"Excellent. Now onto the next technique-." Zeno then proceeded to teach me the other basic principles of Nen and a few Advanced ones but nothing substantial as of yet. All the techniques had honestly come easy when I had tried to utilize them, most taking no more than a minute or two to grasp. This being something Zeno had been joyous to see.
He had stated that I was gifted with Nen, even going as far as saying my potential surpassed that of his own daughter. His words had surprised me to say the least. Once he had said this, I noticed a glint that had begun to form in his eye. Something that I will admit worried me slightly, but I ultimately ignored it and continued to train.
Aatum Ardaen P.O.V
Watching myself teleport away, though not before leaving me with a large purse of gold coins that now sits heavily on my belt. I talk a moment to think about how I should proceed. First, I will need to gain an audience with the King, I could spin myself as a distant Noble attempting to establish trade. This would just be a front to get the door open, this will at least be believable and shouldn't prove much of an issue with the subtle use of mind control.
"Now all I need to do is make my way to the castle…" I murmur before jumping down from the roof into an empty alleyway. Walking into the street I immediately notice the sudden attention being thrown my way. No doubt on the account of my appearance, white hair, and my tall stature certainly attention grabbers.
Which is exactly how I want it to be.
Several minutes later and many attempts at instilling reverence in the people as I pass, proving somewhat successful. Approaching the large gates my steady pace comes to a stop when two guards stop me with their pikes. My eyes flicker down at them with a calm expression. I small spark of fear surfacing through the link, almost making the corners of my mouth curl up in amusement.
"Halt! State your business!" A guard sounds out, after swallowing his fear.
"I am Aatum Ardaen, hailing from a distant noble house holding land to the far north. I come wishing to establish some sort of trade with the King." I respond calmly as I focus influencing the link to make them more agreeable. I watch as the two guards contemplate for a moment before relenting.
"Very well, follow me, my lord. Though I can't promise his highness will see you." He states turning and gesturing to the guards posted up on the wall, seconds later the gates open. I follow behind the guard as the other trails behind me, the gates closing quickly after we cross the threshold.
We move to the admittedly large building which I would have to guess would be the throne room. Several guards in plate armor stand around most entrances to the buildings within the castle walls, while others simply patrol the streets. I am mostly surprised at how heavily guarded it is.
Well considering they are currently in the middle of a civil war it sort of makes sense.
Don't need their king to suddenly be assassinated.
"My Lord you must surrender your blade before entering the Throne Room, if you would please leave it with these guards we can proceed." The guard escorting me suddenly says as I stop and unstrap my sword.
"Very Well." I state giving it to one of the stationed guards before we continue.
We move through a large door at opens up into a hall, several men littering the room whispering in low voices as another speaks on a throne. His tone can be described as quite distressed, seeing as I hadn't formed a link with most of the people in this room, I quickly make it my task to do so.
As the links form, I quickly come to an understanding that everyone seems to be in a state of frustration, malice, and fear. With most of it directed at the man sitting on the throne which I now predictably identify as the current King. His emotions are a bit harder to get a read on, considering they are in disarray. Seemingly unable to sit at one emotion too long before drifting to another.
From what I remember his father the previous king was known as Charles the Mad, perhaps his successor the current King faces much of the same issue? Maybe a congenital trait? It would explain his unusual emotional state, judging from the spark of insanity in his eyes I don't think I am far off. If this is truly the case, then my job may be easier to accomplish than I had thought.
"Please wait here my lord while I notify one of the kings' advisors of your arrival." The guard whispers to me as I nod in response before, he moves away in search of the advisor.
Several minutes later a balding plump elderly man approaches, judging from the quality of his clothing I can guess this is the Advisor the guard had notified. His expression is one of annoyance, and the emotions I am feeling from the tether mirroring. Though as my piercing gaze drifts to him his mindset shifts quite quickly to caution.
"Lord Ardaen, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Unfortunately, his highness is unavailable at the moment, but any talk of trade can be conducted through me in the meantime." He states in a calm tone impressing me with his composure, though it is to be expected considering politics is his career.
"Very Well, is there a place we can speak in private? I would rather not discuss such business here, it would be rude." I ask making the man nod understandingly before he gestures for me to follow. As I do, we leave the throne room full of whispering lords and the irate King. Proceeding down several hallways and corridors to a much quieter part of the castle.
As the man pushes the door open, I follow through momentarily appreciating the height of the door frame. With my new height, I have found the ceilings and entryways make me need to duck through doors and bow my head slightly inside the rooms. The room has a large map and desk with several parchments scattered all over the room.
"Now we can discuss this in confidence. What do you have available for trade, assuming we would even want it?" He asks a little too haughtily for my tastes as a frown forms on my face. Through the tether I push some more fear into him, taking pleasure as he begins to tremble in my gaze.
"What I have is weapons, my house has discovered a method I can guarantee that my sword is better than any you have. I am even willing to demonstrate If you will." I state confidently making the man scoff despite his apparent fear of me.
"Then I will have a guard fetch your sword along with a spare blade." He says moving to the door and speaking to one of the posted guards before returning. A thought suddenly comes to mind that I feel I must get an answer to before proceeding.
"Do you perhaps have a detailed map of the world; you see my lands are a bit secluded. We don't really have access to such things." I ask getting a confused look from the man before he nods, moving to the other end of the room extracting a large, rolled paper.
He clears his large desk before unrolling the map on top, my own mind succumbs to shock and confusion before I bring my hand down and trace several continents. All of the countries that I am familiar with are here, but they are closer than they should be. Not only that but all of the continents are labeled with the correct countries like Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia Antarctica, and even North and South America was already labeled.
This is impossible for this time, at this point Europe hadn't even discovered Asia or Australia for at least another 300 years. I guess it's possible they lacked the need for ships capable of sailing the great distances that I am familiar with within my own knowledge of history. For example, the Atlantic Ocean at its widest is about 3,000 miles, but on this map from what I can tell it is only a third of that. Almost like the ancient super continent Pangea had separated much later than what I am familiar with.
With the positioning of the continents aside, the earth seems to be much larger with the sheer amount of ocean. But what worries me is the new landmass I had never seen before labeled the Dark continent, which in turn is so incredibly large that it seems to wrap around one half of the earth. It is mostly uncharted from what I can gather from the map.
"What can you tell me about the Dark Continent? Call it curiosity." I ask the Advisor as an inherent fear begins to surface in his mind.
"It is believed that the Dark Continent is inhabited by all manner of monsters and beasts. Throughout our history, the empires have gathered and formed large armies to explore the mysterious place, armies numbering in the 100 thousands. However, each time only a fraction had returned with more injured than healthy, even a few infected with disease we have come to call the black death. We only just recovered from it after it wiped out half of our population. The survivors of the first attempt to explore the Dark Continent are either mind broken or mute and refuse to speak of the horrors they experienced. So, in all actuality, we truly know nothing besides just how dangerous and unfit for human life it is. However, every once and a while someone theorizes several remedies and even the method of eternal life resides there." He states grimly as I nod along taking in the information, this world is truly far more different than I could have imagined.
"How are the relationships with the other Continents and Empires with France?" I ask curiously to get an idea of the current state of the world as I make him more agreeable through the tether.
"We no longer share innovations as we used to, decades ago when we had banded together in an expedition to the Dark Continent. Though the result of the expedition someone broke relations as we receded back into our own countries to deal with the damages since then relations had been strained." He states with a sigh, seemingly aging years before my eyes.
A hard knock sounds on the door before the Advisor calls out telling them to enter. The guard pushes through the door holding my sword and a spare. I hold out my hand and grasp onto my own blade and unsheath it. The Advisor eyes and inspects the blade for its quality.
"It is a fine looking blade… But it would be better for you to demonstrate its quality." He states appreciatively with a nod before I speak.
"I agree, sir if you will. Strike this blade with your own, a hard one would be expected." I say looking at the guard whose eyes flicker to the advisor before he gives a nod of approval. The guard grasps the handle of his sword and unsheathes it before taking a stance. I level my own sword to my side, just in case I take an extra precaution and cast a thin invisible barrier over the edge. Surely it would be enough to repel most of the damage to the sword.
The Knight brings down his sword with a mighty strike, I gain a small smirk before I swing the sword upwards before the two blades connect. My lightning fast movement cutting through the guard's sword, the disconnects half of the blade shoots upwards sinking itself in the ceiling. A look of utter shock forms on the two men's faces as I show the lack of damage to my own sword.
"Y-Your sword is certainly of superior quality to ours, your certain you can replicate it?" He stutters out looking at the sword in my hand with wonder. I slide the blade back in its scabbard.
"I am confident." I state, truly knowing the method to creating the sword. It requires a number of different things to produce such a material, which I would imagine all are easily accessible to me using the Store. All I would need is to forge steel with carbon, silicon, and tungsten to create it, the only problem with this specific metal is the difficulty in heat treating it due to its poor heat resistance. Although if done right it can be an extremely tough material, and excellent for making swords.
I could create a specialized forge that would increase the quality of the swords, perhaps even through magical means. Elena would be the perfect person to get help in acquiring one. She did say she would craft me some items, I wouldn't doubt she's capable of creating a forge. Something I need to bring up later, considering the little front I have going to integrate myself into human society. I would also need to acquire the respective materials, which could probably be done through the store. Not only that but I would need to start learning how to forge weapons, I have the basic idea and knowledge of the process. But that only gets you so far, I will have to start practicing in the little free time I have to get more skilled.
Though I am curious if I can get a blacksmithing skill, without having a class for it.
I'll have to check later…
"Paris would be more than willing to enter a trade agreement with you, now we must discuss a price."
"Certainly." I sound out as we begin to negotiate a suitable price.
Original Body of Nero
Using stealth and chameleon as I crouch on the wooden support beams of the ceiling, looking down at my target. That being one Duke Philip the Good current sovereign of House Burgundy. The current primary enemy that is at odds with the King of France.
I form a tether to the man as he eats his food with his wife Isabella, currently, he has no direct heirs to his house. One that will be born in about a year from now I would wager. As I watch him dine I focus on sending a few very subtle suggestions of emotion.
The first being anger and hatred, the second pushing those emotions to the King of France, and the last overwhelming greed. I sit still watching as his expression contorts in rage as he slams his fist on the table startling his wife.
"What is wrong my love? Is the food not to your liking?" She asks concerned signaling to a nearby servant to immediately remove it. Only the Duke stands abruptly and swipes his plate off the table as it crashes onto the stone floor.
"I have had it! That pompous false king sits on my throne no longer! Guard! Send a call to arms to all my Generals, tell them that we must launch a full force attack on the French Capital! We shall dethrone the Valois once and for all!" He shouts maniacally before the guard at the door immediately rushes out the door intending to fulfill his lords' orders.
Meanwhile, I stare down at the event with mild amusement, the duke could have done a number of things with the emotions I had instilled in him. But he chose to attack the French capital itself, I had fully expected him to attack surrounding cities before making it to Paris.
This may turn out to be quicker than I thought…
