Tutorial/First Quest
Sorry for the long wait for this chapter. However, I have three necessary updates that you will need to keep in mind while reading. First, I decided that there will be genderbending on this fic, starting with Ddraig, who is now a female dragon. I already edited the first chapter, so, if this is not for you, honestly, I am not sorry.
Second, Issei's status were buffed. His status before were not satisfying me because I had not actually followed the logic the system uses to give his status, and so when I did I realized the numbers should be much higher. This was also already changed, but in summary, he is a monster already, lol.
And thirdly, I added one more skill, Disguise, that is basically what he used to keep himself out of the Supernatural's radar. It only made sense for such a skill to already exist.
Guest: The fact I took this long to update probably tells you... I will try to not take so long for the next chapter
TatsuyaShiva4: I don't get what you mean. Yeah, Issei pretty much is a player on this fic, but all the other things you mention, none of them apply for this fic. I hate fics that NTR Issei just as much as you seem to do. So, I really don't get where you are coming from. I don't even like to write OCs as main characters or OP. I do kinda want to write one fic with an OC as a deuteragonist, no pairings for him, just because all the fics that make an OC as a protagonist alongside Issei, none of them do in the way I would like to see. Well, I kind got sidetracked, but yeah, sorry, but don't get what you mean.
T-B-R: He didn't mention it because he already knew about it and there was no way for me to explain without making that chapter even more of an info dump. Believe me, I tried in this chapter and scrapped because it was just too much info dump, worst than last chapter.
That's it, enjoy the chapter.
"I am liking this."
[I am… intrigued, to say the least.]
Those were both Issei and Ddraig's respective thoughts as they read the content on the floating screen, assigning the Sekiryuutei to his first quest, right after getting his system.
While Issei was happier than a child that knew they would get their most wished present on Christmas Eve, Ddraig was, while not skeptical, still unsure and even doubtful of the whole thing. But since they needed time to understand and discover more, she was rolling with it.
First Quest: Easter Egg
Something otherworldly fell in these lands and is currently in the hands of morons. What wouldn't be so bad, if that's how things were supposed to go… but kinda that, maybe, it isn't… so, fix my mess, I mean, find the item, stop the idiots, and get the rewards.
Conditions: Find the item. Maybe beat down some morons (unrequired, but would be funny, perhaps.)
Rewards:
Full functions unlocked
Other rewards to be announced…
It was an interesting read if anything.
[This is… very unusual. So, this is what people refer to when they mention those so-called scams?]
The very informal language, the weird structure of the message, and the fact that their reward would still "be announced", were not very convincing, to say the least. Though she was still interested in the powers this could bring to Issei.
"Huh… if this is a system, it means there is or was an administrator. I am guessing we got a mission straight from them."
Contrary to Ddraig, Issei was very enthusiastic with this whole perspective, though admittedly, he was a bit confused with various things, like the purpose and objective of this quest.
[If the being that gave you this power is so capable and powerful, shouldn't they be able to deal with this themselves?]
Ddraig pointed out. This was one of the main reasons she wasn't still on board with this whole system idea. Though, Issei simply shrugged.
"Maybe there are limitations in what this administrator can do or something."
That did make Ddraig consider something that she didn't before.
[Indeed… perhaps Great Red, intentionally or not, keeps such being away from here, at least physically.]
Issei nods, seeing the logic of that thinking. He was familiar with who Great Red was, though the idea of a gigantic dragon floating around in a chaotic gap through space was still a bit hard to grasp in scale for him.
Attached to the quest was a virtual map of the city he was in, with an area of a few blocks highlighted by another circle.
"This doesn't seem to be a coincidence."
The chestnut points out.
[It seems that one of the reasons you received this, is that you were already near enough to solve their issue.]
Ddraig said, in agreement with her host. This also made her put a bit more faith in this system. If it was a free gift, the red dragon would be wary of it, but instead, since this seems to be the reward for some task his user had to carry, it was more understandable.
"Let's get going, this won't solve itself alone, and I want to see the rewards."
The sekiryuutei said with a huge grin, making the red dragon sigh. However, even Ddraig would be lying if she said she wasn't interested in what will happen after the quest.
In the blink of an eye, Issei had disappeared from the forest.
[…]
[Wait a second.]
Ddraig suddenly said, when they approached the general area where the item was, according to the map. Issei was standing at the top of a utility pole, looking around the city.
While one might assume people would notice him, firstly by using the Disguise skill, he not only passed unnoticed already by most but there was also the factor that not as many people looked up, allowing the chestnut to pass by.
"What?"
The user of the boosted gear asked, curious as to what reason Ddraig would stop him.
[You acquire those skills by doing something, right?]
She asked, her knowledge comes from both the fact that all the skills Issei had shown were based on things he had done before, plus the type of stories he read.
"I am pretty sure it works like that. Why?"
[Let's try to create a skill then. Don't look at the map, simply meditate and try to sense any energy that could be out of place.]
The red dragon empress suggested. Issei put a hand on his chin, with a curious expression.
"Good idea… well, I will try."
He said, sitting down on the pole, putting his legs in a lotus position, and closing his eyes. It wasn't like Issei couldn't feel energy, or that he didn't have practice with it a lot, but what he was capable of before and what he is doing now are two different things. For most supernatural beings, feeling energy is just a normal sense for them, such as hearing or tact.
What Issei was doing now was not that. It was the difference between looking at something and aiming at something.
His ancestry also helped with that, the touki making things a bit easier. It wasn't long after that he felt something, a foreign signature of energy that neither he nor the red dragon in his soul could recognize. It wasn't big or threatening, but now that they felt it, it stood out like a sore thumb.
NEW SKILL ACQUIRED
Detection (lv 1): By focusing your senses almost nothing can escape the user's perception. It has the potential to pinpoint and localize whatever the user attempts to.
"Neat."
There was a huge smug smile on the chestnut's face.
[Hmm, I must admit, this is convenient.]
Even Ddraig approved the efficiency of the system. It wasn't only because it made the skill though. Right after the skill showed up, Issei could feel a difference. He felt as if it was easier to do what he was just doing as if now he could see and understand the natural path to follow.
"Isn't it?"
Issei replied with a huge grin that belonged to someone that knew that they would be having a lot of fun.
"Ok, let's be done with this soon, I can barely wait to see what other functions can be unlocked."
Saying that he once more disappeared from where he was standing, thanks to moving at high speed. At least high enough speed to pass unnoticed by normal humans.
[…]
"Do you have any idea what this thing does?"
A man asked his colleague, who had a curious object in his hands.
"No clue, but look at it! It has to be fantastic! It could be just the break our research needed to have a breakthrough."
The man with said object in hand said with excitement.
"And how exactly this can help us?"
A third one asked. He had his arms crossed and an unconvinced expression.
The object of their discussion was an egg that had an eggshell that looked like space. Instead of white it was dark with bright stars. It looked as if the surface of the egg showed an actual part of the universe, with ever-moving falling stars.
If one looked at that egg they would inevitably feel some sort of attraction to it. Maybe for some, it would be the same attraction they feel as looking at a piece of art, it would be beautiful and curious to look at, but the feeling stopped there. However, others would feel as if looking at that egg they could feel and understand something, but could never point out what it was. It was as if they had an almost complete puzzle, but were missing key parts. It was both frustrating and intriguing. The three men had this particular feeling.
They were three mages, hence they used cloaks and the usual gear. They had coincidently found the egg on the day prior, after a storm. And since then, they had attempted to study it but were still empty-handed.
"So those are our guys, and that's the thing."
On the top of the warehouse, the three mages were in, Issei watched them below, recognizing both because of his new skill and of his map, the object he should retrieve for his mission.
His eyes went to the weird egg, focusing on it. He, like the mages, felt like it had more to that egg. Issei couldn't help but have his attention focused on it, to try to decipher what item that was.
[Partner?]
Ddraig called, noticing that Issei was focusing too much on the item.
Unfortunately, his observation would not make him understand any more about the egg than the mages, but, it did reward him with something.
NEW SKILL ACQUIRED
Analysis (lv 1): Once the user focuses on an item or another being, they can receive specific information about them. The information will vary depending on the item and the power level of the being considering the skill's own level.
Detection leveled up to level 2!
Besides acquiring analysis, his most recently developed skill also was improved. For Issei, that was good enough.
"Sorry Ddraig, just got distracted with something."
[It is fine, I was just worried for a moment if that thing could have any effect on your mind.]
She explained, to which Issei nodded understanding where the worry had come from.
"I don't know if it has. Let me see if I can get anything from this."
He said as attempted to use Analysis at the egg.
Item: ?
Description: ?
And it wasn't helpful at all.
[It is an item that came from another world and is regarded as important by the being that gave you these powers. This is the inevitable result of trying to peek through something that is beyond your current league.]
Ddraig explained not surprised. It did not mean she wasn't curious about what that thing was, but having lived for millions of years, she could contain that curiosity and focus on the important parts.
"True. The only thing left is to take it then."
Issei said as he pointed to one of the mages with his right hand, preparing to hit him with a dragon shoot. Though, before it, he decided to use Analysis one more time, but on the mage now.
Name: Marcus
Race: Human
Status: Alive
Class: Low-class mage
Description: Came from a not renamed family of mages and has been trying, to no avail, to join some big organization to improve the conditions for his research.
The sekiryuutei's eyes went wide at that. He didn't expect to get so much information about a person at once.
Analysis leveled up to level 2!
NEW SKILL ACQUIRED
Stealth (lv 1): Passing undetected and moving through the shadows, lurking after others without their knowledge. This skill gives you a better chance of passing unnoticed.
The skill leveling up was a welcome surprise though, and so was the new skill. Even if Issei probably wouldn't use it a lot since he wasn't a stealthy person.
[I did not think this power could be so useful, but this is perfect for gathering information.]
The red dragon said, already thinking about the various possibilities this could give. For example, learning about the current holder of the White Dragon as soon as they meet could give them an edge in their battle.
Though, for the first time in what probably was Ddraig's whole existence, she wasn't all that concerned about their future fight against Albion. Spending time with Issei had been more interesting. Slightly so. Not that she would admit it.
"This might be a good opportunity to practice with the system a little. Wanna have fun?"
The chestnut asked with a huge grin.
[I don't see why not.]
And Ddraig just matched that grin.
At that moment, Issei finally prepared to shoot his Dragon Shoot.
It was only then that one of the mages, feeling the sudden spike in energy near them, knew something was wrong. Though, it was too late.
"Dragon Shoot!"
They just heard someone announce from the roof and in the next instant, a sphere of energy hit Marcus, knocking him down.
Dragon Shoot leveled up to level 5!
"Shit!"
One of the mages screamed in fright seeing that scene.
"Sorry guys, nothing personal."
Jumping from the roof straight to the ground, the sekiryuutei declared casually. He snapped his fingers and stretched his arms, not seeing to be too wary of the last two mages.
In the meantime, he also used Analysis.
Name: Saito
Race: Human
Status: Alive
Class: Low-class mage
Description: Came from a normal human family but one day coincidentally came in contact with a book about the principles of magic and learned his potential for the subject. Unfortunately, he never got too far on it as his talent is low.
Name: Kai
Race: Human
Status: Alive
Class: Low-class mage
Description: His father was a mage, but left his mother early. Only in his teenagerhood he learned about his heritage and started his path as a mage.
He was quite enjoying the Analysis skill.
"Who are you?!"
Kai screamed in panic. He was the one holding the egg and attempted to hide it to no avail.
"A guy that has to get that egg."
He said in the most casual voice possible for the sekiryuutei, stunning both mages. They looked at each other and then looked at the newcomer, who was still facing them with no particular expression, and looked at their friend knocked out on the ground. He was alive and breathing, but would probably stay out of it for a while.
"Why do you want the egg?"
Saito asked, trying to hold for a time while they mentalized the equations for spells to attack Issei.
"I don't want it, but someone asked me to get it back, so…"
Is not like he wanted to knock all those guys down, so, after already taking one of them and coincidently getting Dragon Shoot to up a level, he was feeling like that was already good enough. Having said that, Issei wouldn't complain if the two decided to try him, some more chance to practice his skills after all.
"And why should we even believe you?!"
Kai asked, looking at Issei as if he was mental.
"Because… you know what? Fair enough."
The chestnut even considered attempting a negotiation, but gave up considering the situation and their reaction to him. The fact that negotiating also wasn't the fun option played a role in his decision, much for Ddraig's amusement.
"Now! Binding bones of steel!"
Thinking that he would get the newcomer by surprise, Saito finally cast his spell. A magical circle appeared in his hands, that was pointing to Issei. Of it, chains got out, wrapping themselves around the sekiryuutei, who just looked at it with curiosity.
"Ha! Got you asshole!"
Kai celebrated, but it was short-lived as Issei simply opened his arms, ripping all the chains apart.
"Wanna say that again?"
The chestnut asked with a grin while applying Intimidation to the two.
The two mages felt their hearts beating faster, cold sweat covered their bodies. For a moment they considered giving up, but since it was their future as mages that could be at risk, the two shallowed their fear and attacked.
"Cutting air!"
It was Kai that attacked. Out of his magical circle came out slashes of air aimed at the sekiryuutei.
In response Issei also attacked with a slash, his Fire Slash skill. Blue fox fire covered his hands as he easily cut through the air attack.
"Fox Fire? Are you half-youkai?"
Saito asked shocked after seeing the fire and feeling the similar signature of energy.
"No, but once someone in my family decided it was a good idea to fuck with a fox girl or guy, and now I am here. If anything, I envy them."
Issei said with a simple shrug. He had learned about this when he was a kid, thanks to Ddraig. When he had first awakened her, she had noticed something different from a human being in him. After just a bit of looking at him, she came to the conclusion he was a kitsune descendant. She had never met a kitsune before but had general knowledge about them.
The mages were a bit stunned by that. Issei used that brief confusion and dashed behind Kai, where he was holding his egg.
"Thank you for this."
He said easily taking the egg from Kai's hands. The mages weren't too physically strong as well.
NEW SKILL ACQUIRED
Steal (lv 1): The ability to take what belonged to others and make it yours, be it by force or stealth.
And a new skill that maybe he would make use of or not.
"Hey, give that back!"
Before Saito could reach to try to retake the egg, Issei showed up behind him and hit his neck, making him fall unconscious.
"Shit."
And Kai followed right after, not being able to dodge Issei's attack.
[Got tired of playing?]
The sekiryuutei nodded to the empress' question.
"Yeah, figured there was nothing more I could get from these guys, so no point in it. I feel kinda bad for them, so…"
He reached into his wallet and took some money out of it, almost everything he had.
"Is not a lot, but it will compensate, I guess."
He said, leaving the money on top of one of the three.
He was about to go out of the warehouse when a thought occurred and he looked at their capes.
Item: Rudimentary cape
Description: A cape made out of cheap supernatural material meant to reduce the damage caused by other spells cast against the user. Does not work against physical attacks.
And just to be sure, he looked at another one of those capes. The item and description were the same, but…
Analysis has leveled up to level 3!
It had given him enough to level up Analysis.
Happily whistling, Issei finally went out.
[…]
"Hmm… I thought that after leveling it up something would show up, but I still have nothing."
Issei said after trying to analyze the egg, only to get the same result as before.
[It is useless. A shame, I am as curious about this as you.]
The two could only look at the weird and mysterious object while getting nothing out of it. By now it was becoming a waste of time.
Since his options were limited to one, he opened his quest window again.
First Quest: Easter Egg
Something otherworldly fell in these lands and is currently in the hands of morons. What wouldn't be so bad, if that's how things were supposed to go… but kinda that, maybe, it isn't… so, fix my mess, I mean, find the item, stop the idiots, and get the rewards.
Conditions: Find the item. Maybe beat down some morons (unrequired, but would be funny, perhaps.)
Rewards:
Full functions unlocked
Other rewards to be announced…
Would you like to return the item now?
Y/N
Without delay, Issei clicked Yes.
Next chapter we will meet the system's creator, learn a bit more about it, see the rest of the functions and start the first dungeon. Thanks for reading.
Reviews are appreaciated.
