Chapter 3: Breaking The Ice
April 14th, 2017
It turns out that creating a "comprehensive healing suite" is fucking complicated. Even with magic acting as a crutch. In order to get something in a reasonable amount of time I had to cut way back on what it would actually be able to do.
The final product would be able to dull my pain in the middle of combat, and seal up any minor nicks and scrapes to prevent infection from foreign material. It could also do a decent job of keeping me alive long enough for my body to heal itself up from pretty much anything not instantly fatal, but more serious wounds would take a long period of rest and recuperation before I was up and firing at all cylinders again. Chunky Salsa rules, broadly speaking.
It was a hell of a lot better than nothing, but still disappointing. Especially considering it would take an estimated 72 PUs to finalize. However, not collapsing in agony after the barest cut or dying to my wounds after the end of a glorious and hard-fought battle seemed worth the trouble though, strangely enough.
The real issue seemed to be that while fortifying and slightly speeding up natural bodily processes was relatively simple by utilizing my current stores of knowledge, any kind of real magical healing would take either a hell of a lot of pre-requisite research and experimentation, or some pre-existing samples of such techniques.
Actually, that seemed like it would be the major bottleneck when it came to most potential spells I might make. While my initial database of fundamental principles and concepts would theoretically let me work my way up to any kind of spell I could possibly think of, actually getting there without nicking someone else's work first was not a small undertaking.
So, it seemed like I would be stuck with copying off of God's homework if I want to get anywhere fast. That and whatever other magical or mundane phenomena I came across.
I guess that even when it comes to techno-sorcery, copying nature and plagiarizing other inventors was still the fastest route to progress.
At least for the moment.
On the bright side, in the light of morning... Well, technically the sun hadn't actually risen yet since it was only 5:00 A.M. and thus it was still quite dark.
Uh.
After a restful night's sleep - there we go, that's a bit better - I had an interesting idea related to the healing suite that I totally didn't steal from an anime I had watched a few years back.
Even better, the concepts were similar enough that I could get an estimate on its completion almost immediately.
Namely, a spell that would double the rate and efficiency at which my various biological processes functioned. In theory, this would not only provide something close to a 2x multiplier to my physical abilities during combat, but also double the rate at which my base abilities improved via exercise.
I was mildly worried about what affect it might have on my aging, but I figured I could probably magic my way out of any problems, or stop before they became serious.
It would take about 30 PUs to develop overall.
Much cheaper than the general healing spellform, because apparently they were similar enough to save a bit of effort by copying over pieces.
This spell in particular seemed highly fucking important to me, given the sheer difference in speed and strength between me and what was, so far, my only experience with a supernatural creature.
Plus, I've honestly been needing to start exercising again for a while anyway, and this will help with that.
Actually, on that note, "Alice, does the database contain any information on what sort of power level I can expect from any other horrific monstrosities I may be encountering in the future?"
Her voice chimes in response after only a moment's hesitation, "Negative. The database contains only generic mana signatures for several common types of supernatural creatures. It does not contain any estimates of the average strength of such creatures, physically or magically. Acquiring this information shall require further observation on our part, or the acquisition of such a database elsewhere."
"Ah, that's too bad. It would have made this planning go much easier if I had an idea of what I might be going up against in the future." My temporary hope now ruthlessly crushed by her soft rebuttal, I return to my thoughts.
Thankfully, my other requests were a bit less complicated, albeit limited in variety. I wouldn't be throwing around ice and fire, or smiting my foes with lightning, without significantly more research. On the other hand, raw magic was surprisingly versatile in what it could accomplish with a bit of prodding.
For one, the stuff seemed exceptionally volatile in its basic form. As in melt or disintegrate any non-magically reinforced matter it comes into contact with volatile.
Coincidentally, this was another reason why I was highly interested in becoming a discount Thaumaturge as soon as physically possible.
On its own, this reaction was not too dangerous, especially against an enemy protecting themselves with some kind of magic of their own. Actually hurting a magical creature with something like that would require way more power than I can safely handle right now, and be inefficient as hell.
As evidenced by the end of my encounter with the Naga-Devil thing.
However, if focused and refined just a bit, it could churn out a projectile capable of coring a half-inch plate of steel for relatively cheap.
Against anyone with some serious mojo that wouldn't mean much, but for 36 PUs it was pretty decent.
Especially considering it wasn't like I could go and get some perfectly mundane heavy firepower in this god-forsaken, lightless country that didn't know the meaning of fun at the firing range.
Sometimes I missed America dearly. This was one of those times. Anyway.
Along similar lines, it could be shaped into something resembling a suit of armor or force field as well. It wouldn't so much stop an attack, as disintegrate or explosively repel it.
Either was good in my book though.
It would likely take multiple layers to completely block an attack of any real consequence, but I was banking on the price to maintain the spell being relatively cheap, so that I could do exactly that.
It was a little more on the expensive side to initially develop though, given I had asked Alice to prioritize optimizing its power efficiency as much as practical once the basic spellform was complete. Just over 60 PUs.
My last request was almost pathetically easy by comparison. It barely even required any magic in the first place, beyond the standard systems embedded in my Sacred Gear.
It would be a simple matter to link up the data passively collected by my Environment Scanner, combined with information already known by myself or contained within the Database, to my fancy new HUD. Then, I could display a floating nametag over the heads of anyone in my view.
Getting an estimate of something's current supply of mana or other such information would take a bit more work though. About 12 PUs in total.
The total range would be about 20 meters for nametags, but any information on the active status of a person would require them to be within the 10 meters of the scanner.
Well, assuming optimal conditions anyway. I had no doubt that methods for magical obfuscation and sensor baffling existed somewhere out there.
Now, it was just a matter of spreadsheeting all this, and figuring out how I want to order it.
This also involves learning how to properly spreadsheet in the first place.
Fun.
In fact, "Hey Alice, in preparation for me cocking this up somehow, could you please set any extra PU overflow to go towards breaking the encryption on that data packet? Might as well get a head start on that in case I miscalculate something here. Actually, can you please set that to be the default use for any PU that is not currently assigned to another task? Thanks in advance."
"Of course, User Thalex. You are welcome."
Not even a cursory attempt to reassure me that I had things properly handled huh?
Well, she was probably right in any case.
Sigh.
For once, I was actually looking forward to going to school. It at least got me away from my computer, before I decided to scrap it for the temerity of being loaded with such infernal software.
In all actuality, it wasn't that bad, but it was still far from my idea of a fun Friday morning.
I was also kind of looking forward to Issei being there. As much as his open perversion may annoy me at times, he was actually surprisingly easy to talk to based on my experience last night.
Very good at filling the air, and seemingly not bothered by how I only occasionally responded with much beyond vague noises of agreement.
Plus, its not like I was really one to talk. I may not be as open about it, or have quite the same zealous fervor that seemed to grip him on the subject of Oppai, but I was plenty perverse in my own ways.
I just didn't like talking about it with strangers. Or friends. Or family.
Anyone, actually.
Maybe Firebird, at least to a degree.
I shake myself out of my thoughts as I finally approach the main gates of Kuoh Academy.
It really was a classy place, discounting the slightly scandalous cut of the female uniforms.
Red brick walls enclosed the entire campus, a massive wrought-iron gate the only way in or out as far as I was aware.
The main building contained most of the classes, clubrooms, and administrative facilities, while several attachments and side buildings contained more specialized locales such as gymnasiums, dojos, a cafeteria, and even a full-sized swimming pool.
The surrounding land had a full running track, a soccer field, and even an entire damned creepy forest, that looked a bit like something out of an old horror movie.
I vaguely remember hearing about there being some kind of old school building somewhere out there concealed by the trees. I had once considered exploring a bit at some point, and seeing if that was true.
Given recent experiences and revelations, wandering into a creepy forest in search of an abandoned school building seemed like entirely too much of a good way to wander into something way above my pay grade.
I think I'll stick to the nicely paved roads, well-manicured gardens, and the fountain sparkling in the reflected early morning light, thank you very much.
Eating lunch with the vaunted Perverted Trio is an interesting experience, not quite like any other I have had before.
When all together, they almost remind me of a certain friend group I had back in elementary school. We would often sit together at lunch while they talked about various things, me only half paying attention and occasionally interjecting while I focused on whatever book I was reading at the time.
In that way, this was quite comfortingly familiar.
Of course, I had no book with me to read, which made it a bit harder to pull off the whole aloof, half-not-listening shtick.
The stares from those around us also made things slightly uncomfortable, as though a half dozen lasers were working together to burn a hole through the back of my skull. Although I had already resolved to ignore the stares as best I could, having tossed my lot in with the three of them, for better or worse.
There was also the distinctly more sexual nature of most topics of conversation. For example, I'm pretty sure the glasses wearing one, Motohama I believe, just asked me a question regarding whether I was an ass or a boob man. The way he was able to make his glasses menacingly glint in the light streaming in from the windows, with a mere change in his facial expression, was truly impressive.
Wait, what?
"Come again?"
The one with a shaved head, Matsuda if I remember correctly, wrapped an arm around Motohama and loudly interjected, "My main dude here just asked if you were an Ass or Tits guy! Come on, you know the only real answer, don't you? I mean, there's nothing quite like some junk in the trunk, am I right or am I right?" He finishes off with a wide smile, and a brief glance at Issei that must have been intended to provoke him.
I thoughtfully stroked my chin, attempting to ignore the rapidly unfolding verbal fistfight occurring to my left while considering how to answer. Normally I wouldn't say anything.
However, this whole situation had me a bit nostalgic, and I knew exactly what one of my oldest friends from my younger years would tell me to do. So, I decided that if he wanted an answer, I would give him one.
And do it right.
Namely, in the hammiest way I could possibly muster up.
In the name of dramatics, I push back my chair and raise myself to my full 6 feet and 2 inches, while gesticulating in the most pompous fashion I can manage. My sudden exclamation interrupts Issei, just as he is grabbing Matsuda by the shirt collar and physically hauling him across the table, "My dear fellows. You ask me such a profound question, yet expect an answer of a mere word or two? A simple declaration that the breasts or the posterior is superior to the other? Nay. Such an inquiry is deserving of a full, and proper explanation."
At this I sweep my arms down in a sudden motion in their direction, before slowly raising them once again, "For the perfect woman is not merely defined by one or two simple physical characteristics. No, she is a compound entity of many parts, coming together in a beautiful symphony, that could not exist if even one of those parts were not in perfect harmony with the others."
"First, one must consider the mind," at this I rap on the side of my head with one knuckle, "The mind is the core of the person, equaled only in importance by the soul itself. A truly perfect woman must be intelligent, at least equaling you if not surpassing. A constant source of mental stimulation. Doubly, she must be a pleasure to be around. In fact, this is of even greater importance than raw intellect alone. If the personality is not in alignment with your own; if you cannot make each other laugh, or inspire happiness in one another, then any relationship is surely doomed!"
At this point, the attention of all three of them are firmly fixed upon me, almost enraptured by my performance. "Only once you have considered these most basic factors, can one move on to discussions of the physical form. While such things are not of nearly as great importance, and tastes can vary significantly, I do have my own preferences such as they are. A woman must be elegant and refined, yet capable of breaking this mold when relaxed or flustered. She must be powerful, if not in physical strength, then in raw presence. When compared to this, such things as boobs or ass, while pleasant in their own ways, matter little in their specific dimensions or quirks, and are both of equal value to one another, each deserving of the highest praise!"
At this I collapse into my seat once more, like a puppet with its strings cut. I slowly adjust my position in the chair, and scoot closer to the table, "In other words, I guess you could say I kind of have a type. Or a few types. Generally, I prefer smart girls who I can get along with well. Glasses are cute too. So's gap-moe. I also kind of have a thing for optimistic, athletic tomboys, for various reasons I would rather not get into right now. Beyond that, I have relatively few preferences so long as she is not horrifically ugly." And with that, I end my performance with a simple smile and head-bow.
The silence is deafening. One could likely have heard a cotton-swabbed pin drop.
I start to feel slightly awkward, but try and refrain from making any physical sign of it. Doubly so when it fully sinks in that I just did that in front of a cafeteria full of people.
People who were mostly teenage girls to be more precise.
Many of whom were already intently watching us before I even started, as they presumably tried to burn the trio to ashes with their minds, and probably me along with them by crime of association.
Well fuck.
Before I can start truly worrying about exactly what was going to happen next, I am interrupted by two things happening in sequence which I did not expect.
The first was that all three of the young men in front of me began to openly weep, as Issei choked out a response through his sobbing, "I. I. I didn't realize that you were so advanced bro! I didn't need to teach you anything at all-"
"You are a man of refined and elegant taste! Truly, you are more than deserving of a spot at our table, oh-" Motohama cut in before being cut off himself, as Matsuda chimed in.
"D-damn man. You're so right!" He slams his fist down upon the table, before continuing in a tone of deep dejection and regret, "How could I possibly have messed up this badly?. It's like I never even thought to see the forest for all the damn trees in the way!"
"Uh. Um. Thanks I guess?" It was at this nervous response that the second thing happened.
Namely, instead of a rage mob descending upon us to lynch me for my sheer temerity and audacity, I heard what sounded like clapping.
Only a single, solitary pair of hands to begin with, but soon a smattering of others joined in, until eventually the entire cafeteria was resounding with thunderous applause, and the occasional catcall.
This, was a bit too much for me. I could no longer contain the sheer embarrassment of the entire ordeal, and dropped my head onto the table as I tried my damndest to drown out my surroundings with happy thoughts.
"User Thalex, it would appear that you have acted in error. In future, it may be of use to better consider your surroundings before taking such an action."
Thanks, Alice. I truly appreciate your sage wisdom at this juncture.
"Acknowledged. I shall endeavor to continue assisting you in this manner."
Fuuuuck. I was never going to live this down was I?
It was a good thing that I had free period immediately after lunch, as it meant I could continue to keep my face firmly planted against the smooth wood of my desk, as I wallowed in my misery.
It was actually quite a nice feeling.
The wood was smooth, splinter-less, and surprisingly cool. A bit hard, but I was starting to understand how some of the less disciplined students might be able to catch a quick nap if they were tired enough.
Of course, despite my best efforts to lose myself in the slick, velvety embrace of my beloved desk, I was not quite able to fully ignore the occasional quiet snickers aimed in my direction.
As far as I could tell, the gossip of my "performance" had already managed to spread among most of the student body by this point. The Grapevine was a truly terrifying thing in its efficiency.
Meanwhile, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to thank the Trio, or wring their damn necks.
Evidently, the whole "breaks down in tears" bit was, in fact, a bit. Supposedly meant to help break the tension of the silence, and show that I was now accepted as worthy of their company.
At least in part. I think that they really were a little impressed, by not just my speech, but the sheer audacity of the affair. I guess I managed to ingratiate myself with them, at least.
There was also the matter of who had been the first to start clapping, beginning the chain reaction that I suspected had ultimately decided the outcome of the situation. I had a sneaking suspicion, but wasn't entirely certain. Nor was I fully sure of what their motives may have been.
Were they actually trying to help me out by controlling the response and deciding the narrative pre-emptively? Possibly. Hard to know for certain without more information.
My wallowing and speculation were both suddenly interrupted when I felt a slight reverberation in my desk, as though someone had sat down on the edge of it. This was followed by a feeling of warm flesh brushing against my arm.
Just as I was about to look up and see exactly who the hell was interrupting my obvious misery by thrusting so rudely into my personal space, I was halted by a lilting, teasing voice from slightly above and to my right.
"So, you think glasses are cute, huh?"
My only possible response is to sink even deeper into the safe cocoon of my arms, and let out the groan of a man who knows that whatever doom is now befalling him was entirely of his own making, and there was to be no mercy regardless of whatever pleas he may make. Now, that is a very specific kind of groan, but Aika Kiryuu was 100% worthy of eliciting it.
The witch, probably not literally but you never know, only responds with a little giggle before continuing her teasing, "I mean, really. It was truly impressive. You spent almost two weeks building up that whole 'aloof and mysterious foreigner' vibe, just to bring it all crashing down in less than five minutes. That kind of thing takes real dedication."
"Mhhhm. Please stop." I piteously whine out, knowing it would have no real affect. Although she was right on that front at least. I had not just taken a sledgehammer to that wall, but rather made use of a tactical nuclear demo charge. I had very few illusions about my cold and detached reputation surviving the hour, much less the day.
Miraculously, for a moment it almost seemed like she was actually taking pity on me, as I felt her comfortingly rub a hand against my shoulder before she continued, "Ah, don't worry about it so much. With the help of a little nudging from little old me, some of the girls seem to actually think of you as almost gallant. Some kind of white knight, trying to redeem the souls of the hopelessly perverse with a dose of good old romantic chivalry."
I manage to look up slightly, and incredulously make eye-contact with her for a moment. "Wait, what? Hold on, were you actually the one who started the clapping? And not only did you do it to help me, but you actually went on and tried to do damage control? You?"
At this she smirks slightly, "Of course I did. I mean, it wouldn't be very nice of me to just let you flounder about all alone after saying something like that, would it? Although, I do wonder if you were talking about someone in particular back there. Maybe the President? Or perhaps," She leaned in closer at this, almost breathing directly into my ear, "did you mean me?"
I recoil at this, and shudder in a strange mixture of fear, and what may have been mild arousal at her hot breath on me.
She almost immediately started cackling as she pulled away and hopped to her feet before walking off. "Talk to you later Big Boy. It's always good for me."
I once more collapse into the cool embrace of my desk, not sure whether I feel better or worse for her efforts. It was nice that she seemingly was trying to help me out, but…
Ugh. Why does she have to be so difficult to deal with?
I've barely even known her for a week, but she seems to take such pleasure in trying to make me squirm.
Or succeeding, in this case. I was self-aware enough to acknowledge that she was the clear winner of that round, at least.
Actually, having given her a reaction for once will probably make it worse, now that I think about it.
Oh well. A problem for later.
I was finally walking through the hall on my way back home when I was interrupted yet again, "Blackfel, do you have a moment? I was hoping to speak with you."
Ah, damn. I knew that voice. Best get this over with now.
Turning, I find the Student Council President leaning against a wall, her arms crossed in front of her, and her glasses framing her amethyst eyes as they shone in the afternoon light. Despite being nearly three quarters of a foot shorter than me, she had a certain gravitas that made me feel small in her gaze.
"President Shitori. First, I would like to say I am deeply sorry for my lapse of judgment earlier today. I shall endeavor to do better in future." I bow deeply in her direction, hoping she will have mercy upon me.
I wasn't particularly convinced of the validity of such hope though.
We had spoken a few times before now while I was getting settled in to the new school. She'd been quite helpful in getting all my ducks in a row, so to speak, and had seemed to genuinely enjoy the opportunity to assist a fellow student.
Based on our interactions thus-far, I had quite a positive impression of her in all honesty.
However, I had also noticed that she was, hmm, a bit straight-laced you might say. Very serious and professional in all things.
Thus... this may have been a bridge too far.
Surprisingly though, she only smiles slightly in response to my pleading, "Well, I am glad to hear that. Although your lack of discretion earlier today was not why I came to you. I have heard that you ran into a spot of trouble last night. I wished to ensure you were alright. The safety of the students of this academy is deeply important to me." At this she adjusts her glasses slightly, and looks at me expectantly.
Huh.
I was not expecting this conversation.
I guess Issei must have blabbed at some point. I am slightly surprised that she would care about that though; although maybe I shouldn't be given what I was just thinking about my assessment of her character.
"Really? That seems quite proactive of you. I wouldn't think matters off of campus would be something for a Student Council President to worry about. Anyway, I'm fine now. I didn't get roughed up too badly, and the bruises are already healing. You might want to advise students to avoid the abandoned part of town though. Actually, while you're here, I had been meaning to talk to you again at some point, although I'm not quite sure-"
"Demonic Lifeform Detected. The mana signature is scattered and weak. Hypothesis: It is using magic to conceal its nature and location. Caution advised. I will continue scanning and attempt to pinpoint its location." Alice's voice chimes in my head.
Fuck!
It had to be close too. I was not ready for this. Not for another few days at least.
I cover my slight panic with a cough, and try to continue normally, "My apologies. I meant to say that I actually have some prior experience with being on a Student Council, and was considering joining the local one as my club of choice. Although after today I'm not so sure anymore. I hear scandals are bad for people getting into politics." I weakly smile at this, and try to use my partially real nervousness at the situation to cover up my searching glances around the area.
Maybe it was in one of the adjacent classrooms? Or above us?
Could it be hiding as one of the students?
She gives me a thoughtful look for several seconds. Then, she nods to herself slightly, "I wouldn't be so sure of that. The Council is always looking for new recruits willing to get their hands dirty for the benefit of the student body. Worst case scenario, you could say that joining was a penance, in the hopes of redeeming yourself. I do hope you don't mind paperwork though."
Shitori pauses at this, and checks her watch before continuing in a lighter tone, "In any case, you still have some time to decide. If you are truly interested, then you can visit the Council Room sometime in the next week. If there was nothing else you wish to discuss?" she makes a motion as if to leave.
I am slightly too distracted to fully hear the last part of her statement, as I stare ahead in muted shock after receiving an update from Alice.
"Source of mana signature located. Confirmed to be student designated as 'Sona Shitori'. I advise immediate evacuation of the area."
I hastily stammer out a reply as I desperately attempt to keep my cool, "N-no, that should be everything. I'll make sure to drop by after school when I make my decision. It was pleasant talking to you again." At this, I quickly turn and begin my exodus from the school as fast as I can without seeming overly strange.
Damn it.
Of course the most beautiful girl at the school would turn out to be a Demon. Just my luck, I suppose.
Oh. Wait.
I am suddenly filled with the realization that I was forgetting yet another thing of great importance, "Hey Alice, how noticeable would my mana signature be right now? Now that Arcane is all woken up and all that?"
She replies quickly, "Not very. However, if one were especially sensitive to magic or actively searching for it, it would be detectable as abnormal. When you construct additional MTCs or begin active use of spellforms, this issue will be exacerbated."
Ah, so I might have outed myself right then as well.
Wonderful.
Assuming she knew or suspected something about what actually happened last night and was scanning me for anything abnormal anyways.
I guess all I can do is hope for the moment. Would diplomacy work?
My mind flashes back to the pain in my leg, and the sheer glee in the Naga's voice as he spoke of torturing me to death before eating me.
Yeah, I probably shouldn't bet on it.
Worth a try though, if nothing else.
I really wish Irina was here. She'd probably know what to do.
Well, maybe I was overestimating her a bit. It's not like she's secretly some kind of badass warrior nun or something.
At least I didn't think so.
It would have been nice regardless.
Maybe I should read through my old bible again? If I was dealing with demons, there might be something useful, right?
Stocking up on some crosses probably wouldn't hurt either.
Time to get to it, I guess. Hopefully things wouldn't immediately explode.
As long as I can get a bit more time…