Chapter 8: Arrival (8)
"So, any words of appreciation for my excellent skills in investigation, negotiation and transaction alongside a whole bunch of other things that end in 'ion'? Don't be shy, I'd like to hear it."
Caren calmly sipped at her tea and ignored Cayman's playful grandstanding, Yukikaze and Jinglei sullenly staring at him while Asia - innocent and naive soul that she was - happily replied, "You did quite the excellent job, Mr. Surveyor! I can't believe that you so quickly discovered something that had most of us stumped."
"He was merely saying those words in jest, naive sister. He need not have his sin of pride be inflated any more than it already is."
"...Eh?"
Caren predictably brought the blonde nun back to earth as the pair of Taimanin continued to dully glare at the Gamer, Cayman homing in on their disquiet with a grin as he teased, "Well? Upset that I managed to deftly negotiate with such a notorious figure and get us that lead we so desperately needed in less than a day? All without having to spend so much as a single Yen of Sanctuary's money?"
"I bet if I shot you now ego would spew across half the damn city."
Yukikaze's grumble contained a fair bit of annoyance alongside a small amount of grudging respect, Jinglei seconding that as she added, "Get in line, I really want to rearrange that smug fucking grin of his."
Caren released a dramatic and loud sigh, lamenting, "Forgive me, lord, for I agree with a perspective held by the ninja sluts I consign myself to working with."
It was a sign of how used the Taimanin had become to Caren's unique way of speaking that they barely so much as twitched at her comment, Asia less at ease as she timidly said, "U-umm, should we not attempt to be friendly to all, sister Caren?"
Till was the first to clue the nun in, chirping, "Don't worry, this is just everyone's way of interacting, no matter how weird and aggressive it may seem~!"
The Fairy paused, seated comfortably on her contractor's shoulder.
"I think?"
"Yeah, this is just how everyone is showing their appreciation for my awesomeness. And as thanks how about I fix everyone dinner? Been a busy day and all that."
All present perked at the offer, Cayman inwardly smirking as he got a notification a bare second later.
+5 REP with Yukikaze Mizuki [30/100] and Su Jinglei [30/100]!
"Go figure the hyperlethal ninja girls like a guy that can get shit done one minute and go full house husband another. Well, I ain't complaining."
Rolling up his sleeves as he meandered off to the kitchen the Gamer announced, "My self-fellation aside we should work on the next step of our plan, how we're going to go about infiltrating and finding Hoestia's place."
While he wasn't eager to go about doing such a thing - he was still pretty weak and apparently the vanguard Taimanin and Exorcist had been summarily dealt with by their target - Cayman also realized playing coy would probably just raise alarm bells for the two Taimanin, causing them to wonder why he was being so cautious and timid about the whole deal.
For better or for worse he was committed.
"Isn't it obvious? We have to go deeper into the area that the Phantasmal Beast lead us to. If there's a Bounded Field in the area meant to erase any trace of his presence then surely Hoestia is not far behind."
"Okay, agreed...where, exactly, is that?"
Yukikaze took over for Jinglei, stating, "I've been on the roads that lead to Yomihara and the Tokyo underground before, I can lead us around if it becomes necessary."
Feeling fairly skeptical Cayman posed, "Okay, that's fine, but the reality of the matter is we don't actually know how deep or how hidden Hoestia is, wandering aimlessly around the underground isn't my idea of a fun or safe time."
The tan-skinned Taimanin gave him an unimpressed stare, commenting, "We won't be wandering around aimlessly, we have a means of detecting Hoestia in this very room."
All eyes wandered to Caren, the Exorcist shrugging with disinterest as Jinglei added, "She can detect the presence of Daemons and while I don't doubt the tunnels beneath Tokyo are full of strange and unwelcome creatures actual Daemons are likely in short supply, it'll be mostly comprised of things like Humans, Stray Devils, Demons or whatever other denomination you can think of...but not Daemons."
Cayman offered up an unimpressed stare, commenting, "Doing so also tears Caren's body apart at the seams. What's your plan, just wander around and hope we get lucky? Have Asia constantly heal her until we stumble across the right place?"
Both Taimanin hesitated, that having clearly been their scheme while Asia seemed highly uncomfortable with the prospect.
"Your words of condemnation are appreciated but wholly unnecessary, Surveyor. My duty is to-"
He held up a hand and forestalled any complaints or protests from the pale-haired Exorcist, stating, "I'm not saying we never use this plan, it's a good and reliable one that will inevitably bear fruit if we employ it."
He locked eyes with Caren, remarking, "But there are also more efficient means of doing so that don't require one of our own to suffer needlessly. We should look into those first before going all in with the last resort option."
+10 REP with Till [70/100] and Asia Argento [55/100], +5 REP with Yukikaze Mizuki [35/100], Su Jinglei [35/100] and Caren Hortensia [40/100]!
"Damn, Sybaritic Initiate really was the way to go here. And who knew Caren appreciated thoughts like that? I would have thought she was into the whole masochistic side of things and would like me if I threw her into a starving pack of wolves or something like that."
He paused in that line of thought.
"Then again, maybe I should have paid more attention to Ataraxia than a brief readthrough if I wanted to judge her character to any specific degree. And who knows how the characters - the people - in this reality might be different in subtle or major ways than from what I know?"
Setting those musings aside for the moment he snapped back to attention, Yukikaze crossing her arms before pointedly asking, "Well if you have a better idea then we'd love to hear it, since you're all adamant about alternatives and stuff like that."
Setting aside the ingredients for dinner Cayman felt his lips curl in a small grin of anticipation, replying, "You know what, Yukikaze? You're absolutely right. Mind clearing out that table to the side for now?"
The Taimanin arched an eyebrow, nonetheless doing as instructed as Cayman prepared himself to finally carry out the whole point of the Summoner class...to actually summon things.
Pulling out a line of chalk he'd purchased earlier in the day Cayman began drawing out a series of geometric designs on the tile floor, knowledge and practical know-how flooding his brain much like it had for his Spearman class, ensuring that he knew a fair amount about the craft he was employing.
"What are you doing?"
"Hopscotch."
Yukikaze's expression showed just how little she approved of his bullshit, the Taimanin scowling ferociously as he grinned and continued his work.
Summoning was a tricky art, one that required a great deal of study, preparation and resources if one wanted to accomplish even the most basic of basics. After all, bringing forth spirits, monsters, souls, individuals and who knew what else was no simple feat.
Of course, the Gamer abilities - however neutered and unconventional they seemed to be - covered a lot of those basics and provided an easy shortcut to success. Whereas a conventional magus or whatever other title they wanted to go with would have had to consult texts, notes and practice proper drawing technique for a not insignificant amount of time he performed these things as if they were the most natural actions one could perform.
"Is...that a summoning circle?"
Jinglei's curious tone immediately piqued Cayman's desire to tease, glibly replying, "Who can say? Besides, you'll find out in just a moment what it is."
The Pinkette gained a scowl not too dissimilar to her friend's as Till eagerly inquired, "Can you explain it all to me? I'm really curious myself!"
"Sure thing, princess."
The two glares from the Taimanin warmed his heart as Caren commented, "Ah, playing favorites in such a blatant and clear manner...I expected nothing less."
"Till's a special case, of course I get to spoil her."
His free hand extended a finger and affectionately rubbed the Fairy's thigh, a feminine giggle leaving her as he continued with, "Jokes aside, there's nothing too complicated about it. The circle of magically conducive material creates an unbroken boundary around the spot where the thing will be summoned, a hole that will allow for travel from whatever realm the target is being called. Said circle is best made from magically conducive material such as blood, certain kinds of chalk and ink as well as semen...although good luck jizzing out enough baby batter to create a circle without adding in supplements."
Asia and Till blushed scarlet at his blunt words, the other three experienced enough with the more amorous sides of life that they didn't so much as blink while he continued with, "Then there's the catalyst or catalysts being used, objects that carry meaning, energy or both. Those - combined with the summoner's intent - play a significant role in deciding what's going to be called out. For example…"
Drawing a straight line from the completed circle to another section of the floor that he began to trace out the Gamer quickly nodded, satisfied with what he'd accomplished as he accessed his inventory-
-and with a loud THUMP the body of the sole remaining Dark Beast collapsed on the floor, Asia yelping in fright while everyone else was more composed, Jinglei curiously asking, "You know you never explained where you got this thing."
"A magician never reveals his secrets."
A pointed cracking of knuckles from the Taimanin as the male chuckled, easily explaining, "I took it down when I was helping out Till. Now stand back, here goes nothing."
Regaining his feet he borrowed the kitchen knife, slicing open a small cut on his wrist before sprinkling a few drops of blood at even intervals across the circle, closing a fist over the circle as he softly chanted, "[Summoning Commence: First Tier.]"
There was a flash of light, his MP dropped to a flat zero...and when the illumination faded the Dark Beast's corpse had vanished, leaving behind a small and shaggy canine in the center of the circle, panting happily as it awaited the Gamer's commands, appearing to be a smaller and far more adorable version of the fearsome beast it had been summoned from.
"Huh...so you're a magus then."
Jinglei's calculating gaze bore into him as the Gamer raised an eyebrow, disregarding his summon for a moment to meet the Taimanin's gaze as he asked, "What makes you say that?"
"Those were magic circuits you activated just now, I saw them flare to life along your body."
Cayman thought about that with a fair amount of curiosity, seeing as how his abilities seemed to be based on real world practices but operated quite a bit differently than they would assumedly do so. Magic circuits were ephemeral pathways that magi used to channel mana, creating heat waste in the process and meaning they couldn't channel their brand of craft willy nilly, at least not if they didn't want to crisp themselves from the inside out.
...Except not only had he not felt even the slightest bit of warmth from his supposed circuits but even upon emptying his MP - which was refilling at a rate that would probably be topped off in thirty minutes or so - there was no discernible exhaustion or discomfort he could sense in his body.
"I'm gonna need a manual for this shit."
Not letting any of those thoughts show on his face he merely shrugged, leaning down in front of his manifested creature before grinning wildly.
"Revelations later, right now let's all luxuriate in the fact that I just pulled off summoning the most adorable solution to our problem, hmm?"
An affirmative bark left the tiny canine, Asia all but squirming in her seat as she no doubt wanted to pet it exhaustively while Yukikaze skeptically asked, "How is a puppy going to help us?"
"Because dogs have good noses, duh."
Hellhound Pup (Summoned Companion), LVL 1
HP: 50
MP: 20
STA: 80
STR: 10
DEF: 10
AGI: 50
MAG: 10
MAG DEF: 20
EXP: 0/100
SKILLS: Odor Tracking, Immature Flames, Immature Breeding, Immature Body.
Grinning at the displayed information Cayman had to resist the urge to cackle aloud, recognizing that not only was his summoned creature capable of gaining levels it also had a skill display. All of which implied it could get a lot more powerful as time went by.
"Umm...does he have a name?"
Asia's timid question as she visibly restrained herself caused Cayman to stroke his chin, wondering about that himself...and nodded with a satisfied smile.
"Sure does. Say hi to Cerb, people."
An affirmative bark left the newly named Cerb, pushing his scruffy head into Cayman's waiting hand as the summon's status updated.
Cerb, Hellhound Pup (Summoned Companion), LVL 1
HP: 50
MP: 20
STA: 80
STR: 10
DEF: 10
AGI: 50
MAG: 10
MAG DEF: 20
EXP: 0/100
SKILLS: Odor Tracking, Immature Flames, Immature Breeding, Immature Body.
"Although I have to wonder about the immature breeding part...is that implying that he's going to be able to give birth to more Hellhound pups or is that a Sybaritic Initiate kinda kink thing?"
Setting aside that train of thought for the moment he instead turned to the assembled group, remarking, "Well, Asia? Want to give him a cuddle? He won't bite, I promise. Maybe."
Completely ignoring the disclaimer at the end the nun all but smothered the creature in an enthusiastic embrace, Cerb clearly happy to accept the affection as he happily panted and yipped towards the squealing blonde, accepting head pats and belly rubs with all the grace of a spoiled child.
"So yeah, with that little vial we got from Touko we can track down Hoestia, my pup has a pretty good nose on him, after all."
Yukikaze didn't seem entirely convinced by his words - still warily staring at the canine that resembled a Dark Beast a little too well - before she sighed, admitting, "Alright, I guess that's a workable plan...if a little dumb."
"So you say, but you'll feel differently once you see Cerb in action. Now how about that dinner?"
The meal had come and gone, everyone else heading back to their rooms while it was just Cayman and Till left, the Gamer hopping onto the counter as the Fairly floated in front of him, the conversation starting as Cayman asked, "So you probably have questions about me and what I'm doing here, right?"
Head bobbing in acknowledgement Till replied, "Your magic feels sort of...weird. Not like anything I've ever experienced before and even though I'm connected and contracted to it - and can even use it no problem - it doesn't feel...natural, I guess?"
"Because it was granted by Alaya and no doubt feels bizarre to someone who isn't Human. And how the fuck do I even explain how aforemenitoned power appears to me?"
Deciding to be as honest as possible with the little lady who was basically his current soulmate he replied, "From what little I've been able to piece together so far I've been gifted certain powers by Alaya and then punted into Sanctuary's ranks with the sponsorship of the Kaleidoscope, with little else to go on aside from that."
The woman's violet eyes blinked, blinked again...and then she raised an excited finger, pointing at his face as she bobbed up and down through the air.
"Oh, so you're an Otherworlder?! That's incredible!"
"Huh?"
Instant understanding hadn't been what he'd expected from the Fairy, Till further explaining, "We call Otherworlders those who've stumbled into this reality from other worlds. It's rare, but not unheard of and those people are typically pretty interesting, since they may have knowledge or technology that can be used...although the stories I've heard usually end up with them not being anything too special."
Cayman resisted the urge to sigh, tacking on another variable that was already looking to be a fifth degree polynomial quadratic fustercluck of conflicting lore and horniness.
"Well...might as well start somewhere."
Offering Till an apologetic smile he asked, "I know we started this with you wanting to know more about me, but do you mind if I go ahead and be the one asking questions for now?"
Beaming at his inquiry the Fairy replied, "Sure~! I bet a lot of things were pretty confusing for you as an Otherworlder, huh?"
"The specifics are, Alaya offered some kind of base of knowledge before sending me on my way so I'm not totally helpless...but yeah, things have been a little rough for the first couple days."
His contracted Fairy merely smiled, perching on his shoulder while happily kicking her legs, chirping, "So what do you want to know about first?"
"Let's just start with Sanctuary for today, we still need to get a decent amount of sleep for tomorrow and can't stay up talking for too long."
"Good point. Hmm, where to start...okay, bear in mind I'm not too knowledgeable about stuff that goes on in this world but as the princess of the Fairies I do hear some things!"
Affectionately brushing her thigh Cayman replied, "I'll take everything I can get."
Preening under the praise Till began with, "Well if the way you've spoken with the Taimanin, Exorcist and nun are any indication then you know Sanctuary is a bit of a mess. About fifty years back it was founded in a joint effort courtesy of the Wizard Marshall Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg, the Hindu God Shiva, the Human Ryou Igawa and the Devils Ajuka Beelzebub and Falbium Asmodeus."
Cayman let loose a low whistle.
"Now that is a concentration of prestige, influence and authority."
"Yup. No doubt the intention when it was first formed."
The Kaleidoscope, a Magician who could freely view and exploit alternate realities. Shiva, one of the DxD Gods who was one of the endgame bosses. Ryou Agawa, the man who basically made the Taimanin into the highly efficient and deadly force they were today. And then Ajuka Beelzebub and Falbium Asmodeus, the research and military arms of the Devils who would no doubt provide Sanctuary with all kinds of trinkets to be field-tested.
"Yeah, if those are the kind of people running Sanctuary then I can see how it manages to function despite conventional wisdom saying it shouldn't."
Turning to face Till he offered an appreciative nod, stating, "Thanks, princess. That helps provide just a little bit more context to my situation."
"Happy to help! Do you want to talk about anything else? I know a lot of basic stuff about a whole bunch of topics!"
Chuckling at her unbridled enthusiasm Cayman instead headed towards the bathroom, commenting, "If we have more time then I'll take you up on that, but for now I think we're going to need proper rest for tomorrow."
Accepting his logic with only the slightest hints of disappointment - no doubt she wanted to keep being helpful - Cayman washed his face and teeth before bedding down for the night, shucking his shirt and gazing at where he'd first summoned Cerb.
The companion creature was safely tucked away into the ether where he could be called out on a moment's notice, the only sign of its existence the few scattered bits of chalk and congealed blood that he'd missed during cleanup.
"And isn't that something to keep an eye out for? Who knows what I'll be able to summon once I get ahold of crazier materials and items?"
A brief sensation of weight landed on his chest, Till resting between his pectorals with a light blush, gazing up at him while somewhat embarrassedly stating, "Don't you...want to do something? I know I felt some lust when you were staring at me earlier…"
Caught off guard by the admission and perfectly willing to take the Fairy up on her offer Cayman opened his mouth...and sighed as basic responsibility took over.
"Oh trust me, I definitely want to treat you to a good time...but tomorrow's hunt is going to be rough and we'll need to be as well rested as possible. Tell you what, if we survive the next few days?"
He let a finger gently trace her cheek, smirking as the Fairy squirmed in equal parts excitement and shyness.
"I'll show you all sorts of interesting things we can do together."
"R-right!"
Quickly hiding her face from view Till nonetheless turned her clothes into motes of drifting light, laying nude atop of him as the Gamer inwardly grimaced, having to force his thoughts onto other subjects lest he be drawn in by the Fairy's beauty. The fact that she was so small only made her bombshell body even more attractive, ironically enough.
But there were topics aplenty to keep his mind busy, the man thinking back to what she'd told him of Sanctuary and the rather bewildering circumstances of his arrival in this world. Not only had Alaya made him a part of Sanctuary, it had also made him sponsored by the Kaleidoscope himself.
Was Zelretch in on the joke or was he still clueless as to what had happened, only to come knocking later when the Will of Humanity's actions caught daddy's attention...and hopefully not daddy's belt?
Letting those thoughts drift aside he instead huffed out a breath, letting a hand rise to his chest and across Till's warm, soft body, the already snoozing Fairy humming in contentment as he allowed her breathing to lull him into a similar state of rest.
EDIT: 08/04/2021
Thanks to user Temsen for catching the typo of Shalba instead of Ajuka. Whoops.