Jake Grim: If only Proto Merlin or Lady Avalon could be selected... But have no fear my friend! For I was indeed talking about Proto Merlin! Definitely love the chaotic goodness she brings, and I also simp for her-
*coughs*Moving on, you might enjoy this chapter a little more... heh.
Thank y'all for the interest! Here is Chapter 2! Also, I polished Chapter 1 a bit, also forgot to add Erik's age and the AP reward. Anyways, enjoy!
A calm and collected nature was important when it came to greeting people you have never met in your life, especially when they're now your parents. Stuttering like a fool would give away that something was wrong. After I managed to compose myself, I got up and went over to the nearby dressing mirror.
Considering I barely remembered what I originally looked like, I didn't like or dislike my current appearance. Unkempt, grey, almost metallic-colored hair brushed my forehead as my purple orbs stared at the mirror. The body I transmigrated into wore some basic pajamas: a white long-sleeved shirt and grey pajama pants.
Other than his physical appearance, his fashion was pretty normal... which I guess is in line with me being normal and bland.
I sighed before looking at the quest window once more.
Go greet my parents, huh?
It was a simple quest, and the rewards were more than enough of a reason for me to do it, but...
"I don't want to overthink things, but I hope I didn't transmigrate into some cliché where I'm the trash son of some infamous family..." Chances were low since I never heard of the Brandt family in my past playthroughs of the games, and there were no signs of unfair treatment in my bedroom. That said, it's better to have mentally prepared myself than not.
As I closed the interface, I took a deep breath and went out of my room.
"Oh, Aidios, finally! I thought you'd sleep until noon!"
"Now, now, honey. I'm sure Erik was just tired from researching which path in the future he wants to take."
Two adults sat at a table in what I assumed to be the kitchen. A black-haired woman with amethyst eyes sighed before a smile formed on her face. Her long mane tied in a ponytail, with her features suggesting she was middle-aged. The man sitting across the woman possessed the same metallic-grey hair as mine, except it was shorter, and his eyes were blue, hidden behind a pair of glasses.
I guess these are my parents.
Chuckling awkwardly, I scratched my cheek. "S-Sorry for waking up so late."
"It's fine. You were seriously considering your future, so what right do I have to scold you again?" The woman waved a hand dismissively, despite her exasperated look. However, her eyes soon narrowed. "You were looking up what you wanted to do for the future last night, weren't you?"
"O-Of course." I tried my hardest to hide my gulp.
She crossed her arms. "Then have you come to a decision?"
"I've considered enrolling into Thors Military Academy."
The immediate regret I felt when those words left my mouth was soul-crushing. Why would I involve myself in an academy where so much shit will happen to those enrolled? I don't know, but it was the first thing my brain thought of! I should have said doctor!
Unknown to my inner panic, my parents showed apparent surprise before worry crossed my mother's visage. She then glanced at my father, who was furrowing his brows while stroking his chin.
W-Was that answer a no-go...?
"Is that your final decision, son?" My dad threw me an obvious question.
"It's one of the options I considered, but I wouldn't say it's my final decision," I replied as I shook my head. "Once I'm certain I want to go to Thors, I was thinking of taking a part-time job. I know the tuition expenses can be... ridiculous. I also thought of becoming a doctor. I can probably become one if I study enough ahaha..."
Both of them stared at me with wide eyes, sending another wave of panic. Shit, did I say something wrong again?!
My panic would increase by tenfold when the black-haired woman covered her mouth, tears brimming in the corner of her eyes.
"M-Mom? W-What's wrong?"
"O-Oh, darling! I never thought I'd hear the day when our boy would consider taking a part-time job!" Mom exclaimed as she shot up from her seat, running up to my father to give him a hug.
"Haha! It's a pleasant surprise, my dear! Wipe those tears away!" Dad laughed heartily as he reciprocated my mother's embrace.
I put up a poker face to hold back the astonishment that desperately wanted to leak out. What the hell? Was this kid a lazy bum before I transmigrated to his body?
While my parents were busy being drama queens, I used the System to check their info. I looked up Mom's info first.
{STATUS}
Name: Melissa Brandt
Level: 15 | EXP: 3378/15000
Class: Clerk
Weapon Proficiency: N/A
HP: 2700
EP: 0
CP: 0
-o-
STR: 19
DEF: 27
ATS: 30
ADF: 19
SPD: 17
DEX: 21
EVA: 0%
CHR: 34
Hmm... I guess the stats are pretty low when you're a civilian. I remember Cold Steel characters having stats in three digits even when they were in the single-digit levels. Maybe it was because of their equipment and quartz setup?
Nodding inwardly to myself, I move on to my father's stat window.
{STATUS}
Name: Alan Brandt
Level: 59 | EXP: 11980/365000
Class: Reinford Engineer (Schleiden Spearmanship Practitioner)
Weapon Proficiency: Polearms- A | Swords- C
Attack Rank: Slash- C | Thrust- S | Pierce- A | Smash- NONE
HP: 7954
EP: 600/600
CP: 200
-o-
STR: 957
DEF: 745
ATS: 320
ADF: 210
SPD: 103
DEX: 34
EVA: 32%
CHR: 54
"Erik? Why are you gawking?"
"A-Am I? Sorry about that." I can't believe I let my surprise show like that!
"Well then, get over here and grab a seat. You didn't eat any breakfast, so let's have brunch."
"Right."
Brunch was the least of my concerns! What's with Dad's stats?! He's a Reinford Engineer? I guess that's his official occupation, but to also be a spearman of the Schleiden School of Spearmanship...
Since his EP is displayed, he must be using a combat orbment. And if he's working for the Reinford Group, it has to be a prototype of the ARCUS unit. His stats are impressive, even if his quartz setup might be the reason for those large numbers. His Attack Rank was fairly decent too... Now that I think about it, why didn't I have an Attack Rank, despite having Weapon Proficiency ranks?
"Look at you! Being so deep in thought! Are you still thinking of your plans for the future?" Melissa chuckled in amusement. She set down a plate of a bread dish resembling French toast and an omelet.
"Ahaha," I'm thinking of how to live peacefully...
I let out a wry laugh before I saw the quest window pop up.
-QUEST COMPLETE-
[Greet Your Parents!]
Rewards Received: 500 EXP, 5 AP, 1 Item Selector Ticket, 1 Gacha Ticket
[You have leveled up!]
I suppressed the grin that threatened to appear on my countenance.
About time it notified me.
After I finished eating brunch, I went back to my room after I told my parents that I'd be taking a stroll in a bit. I had to scout out Roer and see if I could do anything to raise my stats. By exercising and studying or doing research, I might be able to raise the stats related to physical and magical abilities. But how the hell do I raise a stat like Charisma?
"System?" I called out. "Do you have any idea how to increase my Charisma stat?"
[There are numerous methods for Charisma to increase. I believe you are aware of them, judging from your memories of playing the Persona games.]
My eyes widened at her reply. "Of course...! Why didn't I think of that?"
I had thought I'd have to increase my Charisma-based on how you can increase it in Three Houses, but this was way better! Getting a part-time job might actually give me more than just a simple salary.
"Status Window."
{STATUS}
Name: Erik Brandt
Level: 2 | EXP: 0 / 550
Class: Transmigrator
Weapon Proficiency: All Weapon Types Equippable- F
HP: 450
EP: 0
CP: 0
MP: L̵͔̝̣͙̯̜̫͙̏̅̃̕ö̶̢̦̣̣̗̣͖̣̩̺̲́͑̆͑̍̾̍̽̕͜c̷̪͗͗̓̂̌̉̓̈́̍͆͘͝K̸̛̙͔̠̙͚̮̩̟̝̝̞̪͙͐̀̓̋̉̿̈́͊͗͒͜͝ͅE̸̦̙̹͑̐͌̏̅̚ḏ̴̡̧̡̤̙͔͕̲̾̆̅̀́̌̒͛͠
-o-
STR: 11
DEF: 6
ATS: 6
ADF: 2
SPD: 6
DEX: 5
EVA: 3%
CHR: 6
This isn't so bad. I couldn't allocate which stat I wanted to increase, but it looked like the RNG gods did me a solid and raised all my stats except for Charisma by one. I'm guessing my HP doesn't follow the usual stat distribution since it got raised by a hundred.
My amethyst hues narrowed at the MP stat. Right, I had to find a way to unlock it. It must be related to unlocking—
-QUEST ADDED-
[Awaken! Magic Circuits!]
Let the magic juices flow into your veins! Find a way to unlock your Magic Circuits!
Rewards: 1000 EXP, 5 AP, 3 Saint Quartz, Mana Points will be unlocked
"Saint Quartz?!"
Forget the guaranteed level-up, AP, and Magic Circuits, I can get Saint Quartz?! I must have looked like an idiot with the way I had been looking at the particular reward.
[...Oops. Did I forget to tell you that you can gain and use Saint Quartz to perform a summon in the FATE gacha instead of AP?]
"You sure didn't say anything like that!" I groaned with a facepalm. "I'll let it slide this time, but can you tell me where I can get more Saint Quartz? I assume I need 30 to summon for a multi?"
[I cannot give a concrete answer... But Saint Quartz is far more difficult to obtain than AP.]
"It doesn't matter. I'd still like to know I can farm them." I crossed my arms, standing my ground.
[Very well. You can obtain Saint Quartz from either Quest Rewards on rare occasions or as a Legendary Drop from the Item Gacha. As you said, you need a total of 30 Saint Quartz to perform a Multi-Summon. If you so choose to use AP for a summon instead, you need a total of 100 AP.]
"That would mean I need 10 AP to summon once, huh?" I rubbed the side of my neck. It seemed like I wouldn't be doing a multi anytime soon.
Shaking my head, I closed my Status Window and opened up the gachas. I need to set my current priorities straight. Now then!
"I'd like to see what items I can get from my Item Selector Ticket."
[CURRENTLY VIEWING ITEM SELECTOR TICKET]
-1 Random Silver Skill Book-
-1 Silver-Rank Weapon of Your Choice-
-Assorted Bundle of Forging Materials-
-10,000 Sepith of Each Type-
I looked at each option with a careful gaze.
10,000 sepith of each type might be good at first, but without a combat orbment, all I can do with them is to convert them into mira. The first two options were tempting, and I'm certain they'll be put to use once I check out the outskirts. Though, I have to pull an actual good offensive skill.
Regardless of my assessment of those options, my interest was directed to the third option.
Assorted Bundle of Forging Materials.
Its worth was entirely dependent on the resulting product from my Gan Jiang's Forgery. I'll essentially be betting on whether or not the item will be usable or not to me. Backup plan: I can always try to sell the thing that'll come out of my skill if I can't use it for some mira.
...
Oh, what am I saying?! If the weapons are of an enigmatic nature, I might be selling a cursed weapon to some poor soul!
A groan left my lips, and another one did the same. I had to come to a decision.
"Fine. I'll bite." Picking the third option, the item selection window disappeared as a bright light burst forth.
It quickly died down as minerals, steel, and different ores beyond what I could recognize appeared in front of me.
I was in awe. And the first thing that came to mind was: "Um... Can I put them away into my inventory or something?"
The system answered my query as the forging materials disappeared from my bed, leaving a mess of dust on the covers. I suppressed a sigh. It was my fault for selecting the option while sitting on my bed.
But now that that's out of the way, it's time to use my gacha ticket!
The Skill and Item gacha appeared once more as two buttons appeared in front of me. The first button needed me to pay 30 AP to roll for a skill or item. The second button required a gacha ticket for usage.
Naturally, I pressed the second option for a good skill.
The slot-like machine began turning as I held my breath. C'mon, give me a good skill. Gold, gold, gold! I'll even take silver as long as it's good!
The reel gradually lost speed, though I couldn't say the same about how fast my heart was beating. My eyes locked onto the arrow, the reel stopping at...
Silver!
"Oh, please let it be something I could use...!"
[You have received a Silver Skill Book! Would you like to view it now?]
"Yes!"
-Swordfaire Skill Book-
[Grants the user the Swordfaire: Increases damage from swords and blades by 10% and boosts Sword EXP by 2x.
"Whoa..."
My lips split into a stupid grin. I can't help myself. The adrenaline of getting something good from a gacha can be addictive. I feel so pumped right now!
"Hold your horses, me. Let's use the skill book before testing out Gan Jiang's Forgery."
I never tried opening my inventory before, but maybe it's the same as saying "Status Window."
"Inventory."
And what do you know, the inventory window appeared.
Spotting the skill book, I wasted no time in using it. Once that was done, I looked through the various forging materials I received. Besides the common-grade ones, there were ores that didn't exist in Kiseki nor in the real world.
Upon inspecting the names once more, I finally recognized them: Agarthium, Arcane Crystal, Black-Sand Steel, and Mythril.
These were smithing materials from Three Houses!
"Why can't I escape you, Three Houses..." I deadpanned before taking out the four ores from my inventory. "All right. Let's get started."
The blue window screen of Gan Jiang's forgery materialized as if sensing my intentions.
-Gan Jiang's Forgery-
[Would you like to forge an item using Black-Sand Steel and Mythril?]
[YES / NO]
Those two specifically, huh? I don't have Structural Analysis or anything like Shirou has so...
"RNG gods, don't fail me now!" I exclaimed as I tapped YES.
The Black-Sand Steel and Mythril glowed a vibrant blue hue before they began to float in the air, gradually being drawn to each other as they spun around. The light emitting from the two grew brighter, forcing me to shield my eyes as they became one.
"Gah...!"
It didn't last long, however. The light disappeared the moment I heard a thud on my bed.
"Huh...?" Removing my arms from my eyes, a gasp escaped my throat as my sights fell on the item born from my skill.
"Wow... Nortia Highway looks a lot wider... and bigger than I expected." I mused as I gazed out the highway, taking in the fresh air.
I had wasted no time heading toward one of the mob-filled areas after receiving my weapon. There was an irresistible need to satisfy my curiosity— an urge that needed to be quenched. I can always explore Roer once I'm done with my business here.
This takes priority.
Flexing my fingers a few times, I held out my hand. And then, a sword manifested out of nothing.
I gripped its black hilt and inspected the weapon once more. Its dust-gold blade glimmered under the rays of the afternoon sun. I'd neither classify it as a longsword nor a broadsword. It was a weapon blessed by the goddess Ashera; its holy blessing radiating from its sharpened steel. A sword once wielded by the Radiant Hero of Tellius.
Even for someone like me, I can feel it brimming with power.
{Ragnell}
STR+600/SPD+6/DEF+300 | Weapon Rank: A
(The blessed and preferred sword of Ike and sibling blade of Alondite. Can launch shockwaves.)
"To think those two ores forged Ragnell..." I muttered, still feeling the leftover amazement from earlier. "It's too bad that I can't wield it properly because of my Weapon Rank."
I bitterly glanced at another window with a frown.
[Due to not meeting the required Weapon Rank of "Ragnell," the user's stats will be halved, and the weapon's stats will not be applied.]
"Agh..." I grunted, burying my foot on the ground and holding the sword with both hands upon feeling the increased weight.
This suuuuucked. I knew about the drawbacks since I held Ragnell earlier, but not being able to wield Ragnell's true might was disappointing.
I tried to look at the bright side. Thanks to my Swordfaire skill, I might be able to increase my Weapon Rank to A within the week!
With both of my hands gripping onto Ragnell's hilt, it was time to search for some monsters.
Contrary to the memories regarding the plot for each arc, I don't remember much of what monsters are in each area, which caused anxiety to creep in. From what I recall, the monsters in Roer should be around the level 50's.
48 levels above me.
Ragnell somehow felt a lot heavier now...
A buzz rang from afar, my ears twitched slightly as the buzzing grew closer. I whipped my head to meet my first monster. A large, red dragonfly-like monster charged towards me with its twin scythe arms.
"Whoa!" I narrowly dodged its lunge, squinting my eyes to access its info.
{CRIMSON DRAGONFLY}
Level: 4
HP: 450
EXP: 386
STR: 43
DEF: 32
ATS: 30
ADF: 29
SPD: 45
|SKILLS|
- Poison Spray
What... kind of bullshit is this?! Did level 4 monsters always have those kinds of stats?! My stats aren't even close to it!
Dammit! The Crimson Dragonfly gave me no time to express my anger as it flew towards me once again. I threw my body to the side, just before those bladed limbs met my flesh. I barely managed to dodge another attack. My stamina was being tested, and I was already out of breath, no thanks to the monster and Ragnell's weight.
I needed to find a way to beat it!
This isn't a game anymore— it's my reality. That meant if I strike its weak spot, it should die instantly!
I dodged, dodged, and dodged until my lungs were begging for me to rest.
[You have endured the Crimson Dragonfly's assault! Your HP has increased by 100!]
Now is not the time, System!
The dragonfly-like monster shook with anger, annoyed at my constant evasion. I subconsciously swallowed a gulp. Its buzzing had a hint of irritation and rage before it swooped into the range of my space, spewing its Poison Spray.
"O-Oh, crap!"
The swift invasion into my defenses and execution caught me off guard, forcing me to swing Ragnell with all my might as I fell backward from surprise, the blade's weight assisting in my literal downfall.
The skin of my face was going to melt away, huh...?
VROOMISH!
It would have if it weren't for the shockwave that fired out of my swing.
A crescent arc made out of energy flashed forward, cutting through the poisonous gas and the center of the Crimson Dragonfly as its body fell in half.
[You have defeated a Crimson Dragonfly! You have received 386 EXP!]
[You have defeated an enemy with a higher level than you! All EXP and stats you received will be doubled!]
[Crimson Dragonfly has dropped items and sepith!]
[You have leveled up!]
[You have acquired the skill "Swordsmanship LV. 1]
I stood there, frozen as I stared at the various windows that appeared in front of me.
D-Did I... Did I just kill a monster?
A feeling unknown to me swelled in my chest. Was it adrenaline? Relief? Disgust? No, I think it's...
Stabbing Ragnell into the ground, I flexed my fingers, soon curling them into fists.
"Haa..." I took a breath, and before I knew it, "YEAH!"
I was jumping for joy.
"I can't believe it! Can I still use Ragnell's shockwave ability even if I don't meet the Weapon Rank prerequisite?" I asked to no one in particular as I inspected my weapon. "That was awesome... I don't even need to cut their heads off if they'll die from a single shockwave attack."
It felt wrong not to celebrate my personal achievement. Sadly, there were a few who wanted to spoil my first victory. My ears picked up the sound of buzzing again, more buzzing than earlier coming from all directions.
"Are you guys here to avenge your friend— Whoa!" I ducked at the lunge in response. "I'll take that as a yes then."
The anxiety and fear I had before was less, knowing I had a chance against them. My lips contorted into a wide grin as I gripped Ragnell with both hands.
"Take this!"
"Ha... Ha... I didn't expect three moves wave to come in at the last second."
Exhaustion finally took me down as I plopped to the ground, butt first and back second. My weariness wiped itself off my face, replaced with a grin upon the system notifying me of my achievements.
[You have defeated 30 Insect-Type monsters! You have earned the title "Pest Exterminator!"]
[You have leveled up!]
[Your Weapon Rank- Sword has ranked up!]
[You have trained for over an hour! Your stats have increased!]
Titles are a thing? And my Weapon Rank increased? Cool! Let's take a look at it, shall we?
-Pest Exterminator-
[When fighting against Insect-Type monsters, the user's offensive stats increase by 20%]
That'll definitely come in handy if I have to fight the higher-level ones. Fighting against them at a lower level has a few benefits, but I probably shouldn't take it easy until my stats have reached Kiseki standard. So far, there are more Insect-Type monsters here than any other types. I'll equip the title now.
Time to check my stats again.
{STATUS}
Name: Erik Brandt
Level: 9 | EXP: 210 / 5500
Class: Transmigrator
Weapon Proficiency: Swords- D | Others- F
Attack Rank: Slash- C (S) | Thrust- NONE | Pierce- NONE | Smash- D (SS)
HP: 1350
EP: 0
CP: 200
MP: L̵͔̝̣͙̯̜̫͙̏̅̃̕ö̶̢̦̣̣̗̣͖̣̩̺̲́͑̆͑̍̾̍̽̕͜c̷̪͗͗̓̂̌̉̓̈́̍͆͘͝K̸̛̙͔̠̙͚̮̩̟̝̝̞̪͙͐̀̓̋̉̿̈́͊͗͒͜͝ͅE̸̦̙̹͑̐͌̏̅̚ḏ̴̡̧̡̤̙͔͕̲̾̆̅̀́̌̒͛͠
-o-
STR: 17 (34)
DEF: 12.5 (25)
ATS: 9.5 (19)
ADF: 7.5 (15)
SPD: 14 (28)
DEX: 10 (20)
EVA: 3%
CHR: 6
I'm assuming the numbers within the parentheses must be my actual stats if it weren't for Ragnell's debuff. And the Attack Rank within them must be Ragnell's true potential. No used crying over my low sword rank. I've at least leveled my Weapon Rank for swords by two stages. It's probably thanks to my Swordfaire skill.
Though Charisma didn't increase at all. That meant I really had to increase them the Persona way.
I glanced at my stats, then shifted my gaze to Ragnell. Hmm, I wonder...
An idea came to mind as I brought out a bar of iron from my inventory. How could I be so stupid?
-Gan Jiang's Forgery-
[Would you like to forge an item using Iron]
[YES / NO]
"Yes, please," I confirmed, pressing the button as the iron ingot radiated a familiar blue glow.
A few seconds later— what was once a bar of metal had transformed into an iron sword.
{Iron Sword}
STR+65/DEF+60 | Weapon Rank: D
(A standard iron longsword commonly used by knights from the Middle Ages. Blessed by Gan Jiang's Forgery. Increases DEF when equipped.)
The stats weren't comparable to Ragnell, but it would serve its use. As I placed Ragnell into the System's inventory, I held the handle of the sword before summoning my status window.
{STATUS}
Name: Erik Brandt
Level: 9 | EXP: 210 / 5500
Class: Transmigrator
Weapon Proficiency: Swords- D | Others- F
Attack Rank: Slash- C | Thrust- NONE | Pierce- NONE | Smash- NONE
HP: 1350
EP: 0
CP: 200
MP: L̵͔̝̣͙̯̜̫͙̏̅̃̕ö̶̢̦̣̣̗̣͖̣̩̺̲́͑̆͑̍̾̍̽̕͜c̷̪͗͗̓̂̌̉̓̈́̍͆͘͝K̸̛̙͔̠̙͚̮̩̟̝̝̞̪͙͐̀̓̋̉̿̈́͊͗͒͜͝ͅE̸̦̙̹͑̐͌̏̅̚ḏ̴̡̧̡̤̙͔͕̲̾̆̅̀́̌̒͛͠
-o-
STR: 99
DEF: 85
ATS: 19
ADF: 15
SPD: 28
DEX: 20
EVA: 3%
CHR: 6
"All right! It worked!"
Because the sword's Weapon Rank was D, I gained its stat boost and lost the stat penalty from Ragnell! Crap, I'm getting pumped again. Just the thought of getting stronger so I wouldn't have to suffer the crazy things that will happen in canon made me want to go and find some Crimson Dragonflies.
I sat back up, fully revitalized after testing out my theory. It felt like I could go take on another wave of insects. The mere thought of being able to fight them without being held back by the Weapon Rank penalty gave me my second wind. My Swordsmanship skill must be close to leveling up too.
"Up... We go!"
Getting up once more, I dusted off my butt. There wasn't anything else I could do on the highway. I've accomplished the goal I had set out earlier, I got a good workout, and most importantly, I leveled up to 9 in just an hour!
"Let's head back home," is what I'd say if it weren't for the System.
[Will you not be completing the quest today?]
"Whoops. It almost slipped my mind you can communicate with me."
[It hasn't even been a day, and you already forgot...]
"Sorry..." I sighed as I rubbed my neck. "Do you mean the quest about awakening my Magic Circuits? If my memory serves me right, I need someone to pump od or something into my body to awaken them."
The witches (and perhaps people like McBurn) could probably do that for me. But who in their right mind would insert magical energy into a weird kid just because he asked? Never mind the chances of me encountering one of them.
[The logic of the Nasuverse— is that what you humans call it? They don't completely translate into this reality. Since you are a user of the System, receiving sufficient magic energy, whether friendly or hostile, will grant you access to your Magic Circuits.]
"A-Are you telling me to get hit by an art or something?"
[Not necessarily, but it will be the fastest method in acquiring your Magic Circuits. Since you desire to have an easy and comfortable life here, I highly recommend you complete this quest.]
Maybe the System was right. But what are the chances of me encountering a monster that can use arts here—
I was cut off when a sphere of compressed air nearly grazed my left ear.
"What the...?!"
My survival instincts kicked in, and I took a step to my right just in time to dodge another air bullet. Gust of winds gathered as I raised my head, and my eyes went as wide as saucers.
I lost track of the number of times I have felt dumbfounded today.
An avian monster flapped its wings as it hovered above me. Its Aegean blue and yellow fur fluttered; talons ready to tear my flesh apart.
"WHY ARE YOU HERE?!" I couldn't help but ask. I swore this kind of monster was encountered in mountainous areas, not on the highway. The stat window of the avian creature appeared.
{Great Grouse}
Level: 20
HP: 15000
EXP: 3500
STR: 321
DEF: 204
ATS: 132
ADF: 101
SPD: 54
|SKILLS|
- Zwordar Tornado
- Air Strike
- Judgment Bolt
Level 20?! How the hell am I supposed to kill this thing when it's flying?! Better question: How am I going to live after getting hit by an art?!
The Great Grouse let out an intimidating screech as it flapped its wings at him, sending a blast of wind in my direction. Without the debilitation of Ragnell's weapon penalty and weight, I ran out of the way of the attack.
Get it together, Erik. Let's think of a— I gotta dodge again!
Lightning crackled and chirped in front of the creature, energy converging into a singular point. This bastard was going to use Judgement Bolt!
Should I dodge it? Take it? Slash through it?
"Scree!"
The avian monster spewed forth a stream of electricity toward me. It aimed for my head!
A chance!
I ran toward the Judgement Bolt before sliding down in time to avoid the art. Gathering the strength in my legs, I leaped at the Great Grouse's blind spot and swung my blade. It roared in annoyance, lunging its talons at me. Instead of slashing through my skin, the talons met the blade of my sword.
"Gah!" Blocking prevented me from spilling blood, but its attack still managed to send me to the ground. I grunted and immediately got back on my feet. My sights traveled to where I had slashed my foe. "That didn't do shit!" I clicked my tongue at the shallow cut.
There was no time to formulate a different approach as it lunged itself at me. Keeping me focused on dodging to wear me out, huh? This stupid bird was smarter than I thought.
"It's charging again..." I muttered between pants. "Wait..."
It was stupid of me to recall what I needed to do to unlock my Magic Circuits right now.
As I swallowed an uncomfortable gulp, I manifested two Tear Balms I had gotten from the many Crimson Dragonflies I slew. A gamble needed to be done with my life on the line. I can only hope it procs before I die.
"Haaaa!"
As the avian fired another Judgement Bolt, I charged straight at the beam of lightning, and my consciousness almost slipped.
"Aaaagh!?"
The pain I felt was something I could barely describe. It wasn't anything I felt before. The scent of burnt flesh entered my nostrils. I was essentially being electrocuted to death.
Death.
That single thought was the push I needed to drown myself in Tear Balms, repeatedly drinking the salves to lessen the pain. It was barely working— fitting for an idea as stupid as mine.
Keyword: working.
It felt like an entirety before the attack finally ended. In spite of the pain, a strange, warmth filled every nerve and cell in my body. An image was ingrained into my very soul— a mask shattering into a million flowers. My Mana Circuits have opened.
I dropped to my knees as the system window showed itself to me. A weak grin stretched across my face.
-QUEST COMPLETE-
[Awaken! Magic Circuits!]
Rewards: 1000 EXP, 5 AP, 3 Saint Quartz, Mana Points will be unlocked
[You have survived a deadly art for the first time! Your stats have increased!]
[Godlike Reflexes has been activated!]
"All... according to plan..." I rasped out as I forced myself up. Wiping the blood off the corner of my lip, I gave the avian creature a hand taunt.
Idiot. If it wanted to live, don't take the bait!
Adrenaline pumped through my veins; the pain began to numb. My body had now been set to auto-pilot as it skillfully dodged the Great Grouse's dodge. My arm had already positioned itself to slash the monster just as it passed me.
"Screee!?"
"Sorry, but you've served your purpose."
Displeased by my response, it cast an Air Strike. Without much effort, I instinctively did a front flip before charging at the monster. Growing desperate, it continued to fire bullets of air at me, which I all evaded.
The Great Grouse screeched before flying towards me like a bullet. As it zoned in on me, I leaped over its head. And with a weak grin on my countenance, my blade swung and cleaved downward through its neck.
Landing on my feet, I released a tired breath, yet the notifications of the system brought a smile to my face.
[You have defeated a Great Grouse! You have received 3500 EXP!]
[You have defeated an enemy with a much higher level than you! All EXP and stats you received will be tripled!]
[Great Grouse has dropped items and sepith!]
[You have leveled up!]
[The skill "Swordsmanship" has leveled up!]
"That's all good and all... But time to summon on the FATE gacha!"
[You're certainly not wasting any time, huh? Will you not be saving up for a Multi-Summon?]
"I almost died trying to do your suggestion! If the System purposely gives me something shitty in the name of RNG, I'm just gonna wait until a monster kills me."
[Please don't...]
Of course, I was joking, but I'll probably be depressed for a while. The hologram that resembled the FATE system from FGO manifested. Taking in a deep breath, I knelt down and pressed my hands together.
"Please, please, please, please! Aidios, Grandmaster, or whoever gave me the System. Give me something good, please! I am begging you!"
Finishing my pleading mantra, I pressed the 1 Summon button using my 3 Saint Quartz.
Spheres of light began circling around the center of the FATE gacha, gaining ridiculous speed that it unintentionally created a vacuum of wind. The spheres soon converged together as a pillar of light burst forth, temporarily blinding my vision.
"Ack...!"
I covered my eyes, and a presence made itself known to me. A foreign but pleasant scent greeted my nose as the pillar of light slowly faded into nothing. A sweet voice rang amidst the silence that came.
"Oh my, what a peculiar predicament I have been placed in. This is not your standard summoning, I see." Le gasp! Did I just get Artoria?! "But very well, I suppose this pretty big sister will see this journey through~"
Wait... Did any of Artoria's versions sound this playful...?
As I opened my eyes, I expected a blonde, noble King of Knights to greet me. What stood before me was a woman whose beauty left me speechless. Her white locks shimmered under the setting sun; colors of different hues splattered on her mane shone like a rainbow. A white robe and black tights fit her perfectly, hugging her figure.
She spun her staff; a smile with concealed mischief spread across her face.
I stared at her red-pinkish orbs, and she stared at my purple hues.
"Heehee, good day. I am Merlin. Merlin, the Magus of Flowers. Are you my Master~?"