REVIEWS:
SpartanKing J: True, but at the same time, the Youkai have different views on things. Plus, if you think about it, the Tengu were wronged first: Unknowingly, Raynare broke the agreement, so they took her, and when the Tengu fought back, Issei killed 2 of them, while Raynare was not even harmed! The incident ultimately ended with casualties on the Tengu's side, so a small debt of blood had to be paid to keep things smooth. Also, no, the Snake of Adam is not related to Samael in any way. But their General IS nutsy. He will be revealed in full soon enough, but I already hinted at his power already. And no cultivation. My buddies on our private Discord GC drive me nuts with that shit already...
Olivermarte15: The System cannot just give him stuff like that, nor will he get it this time, as I have my own plans. I don't know about that familiar, nor about the entire thing with Evei. And lastly, yes, it is MOSTLY the cannon harem, but with some slight adjustments.
: Thanks pal.
OechsnerC : Thanks.
AnimeGuy93: Gamer logic, my friend. Gamer logic. Also, if you are referring to Asia moving into the dungeon, that has a protective role as well. The Fallen, in Issei's mind, could still be trying to get to her, since he knows one of them escaped that day (Mittelt), and there is also Freed to consider. Having a room inside the dungeon ensures Asia can sleep in peace, knowing they cannot reach her there. By the way, perish the thought about the Moonlight Blade. True, it can fix itself, but ask yourself this: Why did the shard create a new sword only AFTER Malachi picked it up? Simple: It doesn't duplicate. The sword, to explain, fixes itself using the handle as the core. If you destroy that, the sword no longer repairs itself. What Malachi did was corrupt a part of it and use blood magic, generating a new core altogether!
chrysalis918: Just the way people love him as.
FERRAN: Dude, the caps and grammar. I couldn't really understand what you meant, sorry.
Discord Link: /ZUgnSWnJdG
Note: Later chapters might be a bit shorter. The main reason is that I pretty much exhausted all ideas for the Training Arc I've had XD. As you guys know, I write chapters by always keeping a bulk of 3 unposted ones, meaning that I have chapters 32, 33, and 34 all done, but until chapter 35 is done, chapter 32 won't be posted. Kind of how I made my system. I might end up skipping over the last few days of the Arc, and chapter 35 or 36 will have us back in Kuoh, preparing for the Rating Game.
Second Week, Second Day of training.
The events of the last few days shook them a bit, no one will say otherwise, and Rias has become more worried about their relationship with her secret weapon, but with that being said, as she trained with her ability, she was delighted to see her progress. Up to 3 arrows, glowing crimson and translucent, yet when she released them, flew fast and true, striking the target dead-on right on the market spot.
A smile grew on her face seeing her progress, and then she looked to the side, at Issei and Kiba in the distance, sparring once again. Issei had his Balance Breaker deployed, but that was for safety reasons as Kiba developed his new sword more, managing to attain a degree of control and being able to detonate it at will. She was very pleased with that development, as she was sure such a tool will be very useful during the Rating Game.
Then there was Koneko, who was training hard with her sister. She was developing her abilities more, getting back in touch with them, and being more open. Rias did notice how she seemed to keep her Nekoshout traits out more, no longer afraid or ashamed of them. Then there was Akeno, who despite not showing much progress, did show a slight increase in overall power.
Then again, Akeno was her oldest servant and friend, and there was little that could be done by this point to enlarge her arsenal. She was skilled in magic, not to mention her lineage made her a natural with her lightning, even if she refused to use her other aspect of it. And when Rias looked at Ingvild, comparing her to Akeno, she saw certain similarities, but at the same time, she couldn't deny the stark differences.
Ingvild was a quick learner. From what Rias was able to learn, she had already grasped a good amount of control over her demonic power, enough to enable her free control over all types of water, be it fresh or salty, making her a dangerous opponent to face whilst near the sea. That, in itself, was a scary thought, but a logical one. She WAS a natural Ultimate-Class Devil, of the original Leviathan lineage no less, currently allied with her secret ace.
But she was also competitive.
Rias was not blind. She knew Issei was experienced, courtesy of Kuroka, and Ingvild had been showing subtle signs here and there too. Whilst she doesn't know how far he has gone with Ingvild, she does wish to know a few details: Like how far his heart can stretch, and if there is only lust, or is there love in the way he manages a harem.
She certainly heard good things, but she cannot help but remain worried. Sure, her father has his own harem too, which her mother helps to manage, and he is very kind and loving to all of them, but that is something her family, the Gremory, was always good at. After all, it was in their blood.
The power of Charm. Rias' eyes glowed with a pinkish ring around her iris slightly before she calmed herself. The Bael, from which her mother comes, has the Power of Destruction. The Gremory had the power of Charm, which in itself is a type of mind control.
If she was to explain it, it was akin to inducing and increasing the feelings of love and adoration towards yourself from the target. Once affected, the ones under this ability would do everything to please the user, but depending on one's skill and talent, this could have a variety of flaws. For one, this ability was useless against the concept of true love, whereas you couldn't turn a person against the person they truly loved.
But she was digressing from her real objective: Getting better. They had to grow more skilled and more powerful, as Riser had a crushing numbers advantage over them. Even with the Red Dragon Emperor and her chances shifting, she knew for a fact Riser was not going to give them the breathing room to prepare properly during the Rating Game.
One [Power Punch] found itself blocked by Kiba's blade, forcing the blonde boy back and onto his knees, his hand slightly shaking. "That was quite the strong punch, Ise."
"One of the many secrets I am hiding, I'm afraid," Issei replied, putting his sword away. "I think it is fair to say we can end our session here. You look like you can use the rest."
"That would be appreciated, yes," Kiba replied, letting his sword vanish. The two of them went to the side, Issei dismissing his Balance Breaker as they sat down. "I must say, you are quite powerful, but your skill is still lacking when compared to mine. You seem to rely on your Balance Breaker to shield you using the armor it provides."
"What can I say? I am still around novice level in terms of my skill with the sword." Issei said, trying to be humble, despite it being true. However…It might not be true for long.
{ Proficiency Skill} [Swordsmanship - Novice] (Level 7| 16100/25600): This Skill shows your proficiency with a sword, allowing you to handle the bladed weapon according to the level of mastery of this Skill! No cost for this Skill. Currently, when using a Sword, you deal 3% more damage to your opponents.
The skill was growing by the day, and soon enough, it was bound to reach the maximum level. His martial arts were already level 9, and he wondered what will happen when it does level up to MAX. He knows it will mean his proficiency grows, but how does that affect him, physically? Or does it just grant him access to new possible skills to create?
"I won't argue with that. Truth be told, you leave quite a few openings. To someone with no experience wielding a sword, they might not be obvious, but to me, they are pretty obvious. The only reason I am not capitalizing on them is simply due to your raw power making up for the flaws. If I attempt to get closer, you could strike me with something else other than your sword."
"So to summarize…You were going easy on me?"
"For the most part." Kiba shrugged. "You still have a critical advantage in raw power when compared to me, so I am constantly on guard for that."
"Huh. I guess it is fair." Issei finished, then drank a bit of water from the bottle. Once he put it down, Kiba spoke up.
"Tell me, Issei…Rias messed up a bit, not mentioning the Youkai, but that won't affect you aiding us in the upcoming Rating Game, right?" His question was laced with worry, Issei could tell.
"Well, if Raynare would have been hurt, I might have considered leaving and forgetting, but everything ended up well for the most part. Well, I lost a good amount of provisions, but nothing overly important." Issei replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, I know we are training, but in truth, I am not holding much confidence regarding the upcoming Rating Game," Kiba confessed. "We are outnumbered, they have more experience, not to mention some are bound to be better. I am not that scared about some of them, but you can understand why I worry."
"I do," Issei replied, trying to be sympathetic and reassure his friend. "But this is why we are here: Training and improving. Riser doesn't know of your new swords, or of Shirone's traits, or heck, about me!" He summoned his Sacred Gear to prove his point. "We have the element of surprise. We can prepare in ways that fuckhead won't see coming!"
Kiba chuckled a bit at Issei's words. "You know, I am quite surprised you are so driven to pummel him into the ground despite never meeting him."
"I heard enough from Rias and the others, then there is my own philosophy. Fucker is trying to get married despite already having a harem!"
"Hmm. sate my curiosity, Issei, but I am finding myself questioning this philosophy of yours. How does getting married go against having a harem?" Kiba asked, to which Issei put a fist up.
"It doesn't go AGAINST it, Kiba, as long as he chooses a woman FROM his Harem!" He replied. "My vision of a Harem is one where things are always mutual and free, not focused on one point! But Riser? He is trying to take a bride outside of that, and that is just a big no!"
"I see, I see. But even if one chooses a wife from the harem, wouldn't that be unfair to the rest?" Kiba asked, which Issei admitted, was a very good question to ask.
"Hence why the relationship must remain as open as possible, with both parties allowed to leave when they feel like the spark is gone." Issei replied softly. "That being said, if Kuroka ever left me, I wouldn't force her to stay! I'd want her to be happy, even if that ends up being with another man."
"That's-" Kiba began, taken aback slightly by the answer. "That is a very mature answer to give. I didn't think you had it in you." Neither did Issei, but guess that is what happens when you have an old man in your head and a stupid amount of WIS. "But, that doesn't really answer my question - not fully, at least. What if one of the girls in YOUR harem wants to tie this permanent knot?"
"I…I actually think that will be a CRITICAL situation. Marriage in a harem means stuff becomes permanent, and divorce would only make shit so messy it ain't even funny." Issei replied, continuing his explanation.
"I see. So, to summarize, marriage can be a way to both strengthen your bond with your harem and ruin it all at once, is that correct?"
"Pretty much. I am not saying NOT to get married, but rather, to be careful with that. Choosing a wife is something to be very considerate about." Issei continued. "Then again, there is the possibility of marrying multiple women too…"
"I am not going to argue that point. You sure know your craft." Kiba finished, then he checked the time. "We still have time for a bit more sparring before Akeno gets her turn. So what do you say? Wanna continue?"
"Oh, do I ever?!" Issei's response, although full of enthusiasm, was less for the training and more for the time he gets to spend with a fellow male. Say what you wish, but after living with a woman for so long, one does miss the presence of a good brother in arms.
Of course, Issei's thoughts on that had both Ddraig and Solomon wonder what they were: Chopped liver?
"And that's it for today!" Kiba shouted from the side as Akeno and Issei finished their own training. From his skill, Issei could tell Akeno's level was growing, as her EXP meter was growing by the day. She may not be getting new tricks like the rest, but given her Queen status, she might not need it that much.
"A good session, today as well, Issei." Akeno said, offering her usual smile.
"Quite. Your lighting is giving me quite the trouble." Issei said with honesty. "I have yet to get anything to counter it, or even my own form of fast magic, but who knows? Maybe you could teach me some stuff about lightning magic."
His proposal was not lost to Solomon. "Careful, my student. Remember what we talked about before."
"I know, I know. Focus on what I have, seek more later." Issei replied mentally to the old king. He heard Akeno giggle, considering his proposal.
"Maybe some day, but right now, I am a bit winded. I will go hit the shower then wait for dinner." Akeno said, turning to go to the mansion. But then she stopped, looking back at him. "Do you want to join me?"
"Sorry, Akeno, but if I do that, we'd both end up with clawed eyes." The Red Dragon replied with a little joke, getting a small giggle from Akeno in response.
"A shame, but I guess Kuroka WOULD be mad. Later, dragon~" And so, she left, not shying away from further teasing him as she swayed her hips going inside the building, which left Issei whistling at the sight.
"That's one teasing devil woman…" Issei muttered before Kiba added his own bits to that.
"I won't argue that. Akeno is quite…bold, to say the least." That got Issei's attention.
"Is she-"
"No, she's still a maiden." Kiba confirmed. "Or at least, I am not sure how far her experience stretches. But I know she is not to take matters to a bed and all the way yet. She's just playful, I guess if that is a good word for it."
"You seem a bit tense when talking about her playful demeanor." Issei remarked. "Is she…Intense?"
"She's, well…" Kiba cleared his throat. "She is into S&M."
"Oh my Lord above the heavens…"
"Well, things will be interesting when we drag her into the sheets."
"S&M?! Is she an S or M then?" Issei asked, feeling the information to be quite vital.
"An S for sure, but don't know about her being an M. I only know this because I once caught her reading a magazine on the subject, back when we were still in High School. I try not to think much about it, as I am not into such things, and honestly, it freaks me out a bit." Issei nodded, approving of Kiba's answer. Such an extreme kink was NOT for everyone.
"A-anyway, today's training was good, Kiba. Thank you once again for your aid." Issei said, changing the subject before it got too awkward.
"Don't mention it. You also proved to help me greatly, as I was able to expand my horizon regarding my gear."
"That fire chicken won't see what made him sing!" Issei joked lightly, but Kiba sighed. "That bad?"
"The nickname is somewhat funny, but your overall joke was not that well made. Chickens do not sing like roosters do." The blonde said casually, then he checked the time. "There isn't a lot of time left until dinner, so I say we should follow Akeno's example and-"
"Red Dragon! Princess of Ruin!" A shout got their attention, including that of Rias who was still practicing some distance away from the two of them, turning their attention to the source to find two figures walking slowly onto the property. Issei recognized them instantly, seeing the traits of the redheaded kitsune, and next to her was none other than Mososhi himself.
However, before Issei could reply, Rias went ahead, going to the two of them. "Akai. Mososhi. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" her tone was polite, as one should be when welcoming such individuals.
"We are here to merely ensure that the recent incident has not affected relations between us, Princess of Ruin." Akai, the kitsune as Issei guessed, said. "Isn't that right, Mososhi?"
The tengu grumbled under his breath, nodding slowly before he spoke. "This arrangement still provides us tengu with valuable goods, so I wish to ensure they won't be cut off."
"I can assure you, Mososhi, that I have no such intention." Rias said, just as Issei arrived next to her. "The issue was between you and the Red Dragon Emperor here, Issei Hyoudou. Although, I do take the blame for it as I did not inform him and his group of the presence of tengu and the rules they must abide to."
Akai nodded. "I see. It is, indeed, your fault then, Rias. But rest easy. We are not here to demand compensation. The potions the Red Dragon left us are more than enough. As mentioned, we only wish to ensure the arrangement was not affected."
"On our side, it was not." Rias replied.
"Whatever issues there are, we each hold our own blame. We all made certain mistakes, and we will answer for them. Rias was already scolded by me for her lapsus in judgment regarding the information of your presence, Mososhi." Issei said, facing the tengu.
"Hm. You also paid the price for the lives you took, so as far as the tengu are concerned, the Red Dragon and Gremory are still good in our books. However, there is an issue that cannot be resolved with me or Akai."
"An issue?" Rias echoed, looking at the kitsune.
"Despite the incident not escalating, I was still under obligation to inform my leader, Yasaka of the Eastern Youkai Faction, of the incident and presence of the Logninus: Booster Gear." Akai said, which had Rias recoil back slightly.
"You informed- But doesn't that mean the Shinto Pantheon is also going to learn of his presence?" her question seemed to harbor quite a bit of worry, making Issei somewhat tense.
"Is there an issue with my presence?" He asked, making Akai reply to him quickly.
"N-no, Red Dragon, not at all. Given your Japanese blood, there is no issue to be had with the deities about your sheer presence, but…"
"They will likely attempt to seek you out." Mososhi said, speaking for Akai as he saw her struggling. "Akai can tell by your Ki, as can I, that you are not a devil. You are human, with hints of dragon and something else. But overall, your human purity means that to them you are a possible alley."
"The Shinto is very untrustful of outsiders." Akai continued. "As such, when it comes to their own numbers, they only seek individuals from within Japan. The Head Goddess, Amateratsu, has a policy that even bans halfbreeds from working with, for, or using the name of the Shinto Pantheon in any way."
Issei recoiled upon hearing that. "That sounds like plain racism!" He accused.
"I won't argue with you, Red Dragon, for it is the truth, but I wouldn't lash out so easily." The tengu warned him. "True, they have no tolerance for outsiders, and this shows in Youkai and other Kami such as I and the others, but at the same time, Yasaka is more open-minded. She has open policies for trade, deals, and so on with the various races originating outside of Japan and its realms."
"I see…At least there is someone reasonable among the higher ranks, at least." Issei said slowly, then Akai spoke again.
"Still, if the Shinto ever contact you, Red Dragon, please request the presence of Lady Yasaka. Lady Amateratsu respects her. She could help you negotiate certain conditions if you wish to live independently of their service."
"I won't be working for them. Even now, my service to Rias Gremory is temporary." Issei said, which had Rias flinch a bit being reminded of their deal. "Once I aid her, she and I can remain allies/friends, but I do not seek to be under anyone's thumb."
"A respetable decision." Mososhi said, nodding his head and humming to himself. Perhaps he had judged Issei too quickly before, as hearing him talk, he got to see some of his pride and resolve as a man. Refusing to serve anyone meant he was desiring to become his own master, which he could respect.
"Would you agree to meet up with Lady Yasaka, however?" Akai asked, feeling somewhat anxious. "You must understand that the presence of a Longinus user, and one as mighty as you, is not a matter to be taken lightly. We must at least confirm you won't be a threat, or willingly work against the interests of the Shinto or Eastern Youkai Faction."
Issei pondered a bit on the idea, with Solomon once again speaking up. "A meet-up with such a powerful being, hmm? Could be quite advantageous, depending on how we play our cards. Issei, my advice is that you take this deal, but state your own terms. If you desire to remain free, we must not show weakness, and making them obey your terms is a basic power move we can do to make sure the message is received seriously."
Nodding his head, Issei agreed with the old king, then he began to speak to Akai. "Very well, I can agree to that much. I trust Rias here can contact you?"
"Y-Yes!" Akai replied, looking at Rias.
"I can send them messages, and she has a phone as well, Issei. I have her number." Rias replied, offering the information.
"Good. Currently, I need to take care of matters with Rias here, so tell Yasaka that I will contact you when I decided on a date for our meeting." Issei said, which did have Mososhi hum again, but this time with narrowed eyes. He recognized what Issei was doing, and he found it a bit insulting that he'd make the great Lady of Youkai wait ON HIS call. Still, it was logical. He knew from Akai of the upcoming Rating Game Rias Gremory was part of, and how she needed to focus on that. If the Red Dragon was busy with that, then they had no room to argue without causing issues with the Gremory as well.
"Very well, Red Dragon. Thank you for your understanding." Akai replied, then she turned to Mososhi. "Our business is concluded then. Mososhi, let us depart back to the others."
"Very well. Until our paths cross again, Red Dragon." The tengu replied, then the two went away, leaving Rias to talk with Issei.
"I would have given you a few days off training to meet with Yasaka, Issei, you know that." She pointed out, looking at him. "Why did you state such conditions?"
"To stay in control." He replied, turning to Rias. "I meant what I said, Rias. I do not wish to be controlled by anyone. Currently, our arrangement is temporary, but after the rating game, we can remain friends or just allies if you wish."
"I see…" Rias said slowly, processing his words before a small smile spread on her lips.
+1 RP with Rias Gremory.
"I'll keep that in mind."
Heading to bed after dinner and shower, Issei stretched out on the mattress of his bed, checking his progress once again. His skill grew a bit, no surprise there, and he got more EXP, again no surprise. When he checked his stats, however, he saw he gained some points. AGI went up by 1, whilst DUR and ACC both went up by 2. He also gained 1 more INT for a trick he used whilst fighting Akeno, and 2 more CHA points. Not bad, but he still had a long way to go. It would be faster if he used his Stat Points, but Solomon had a point when he said he should keep 20 for emergencies.
You never know when you need an increase.
So with the progress reviewed, he was prepared to go to bed and call it for the day. But that was when something started. His head began hurting a bit.
"What the-"
System Patch downloading!
"Ah, hell! Not another Patch!" Issei said, not liking when the system did more downloads, as it ALWAYS hurt! But this time, the patch must have been small, as the pain he had in his head was quite manageable, to say the least.
"Let's see what we have here…" Solomon said slowly, waiting for it to finish to check the changelog.
Patch downloaded! Here are the changes!
Juggernaut Drive cost has been increased from 100HP/MIn to 500HP/MIn.
The Ranks of beings have been replaced with Classes ranging from Low, Mid, High, Ultimate, God, and Heavenly Dragon!
Here are the level ranges usually associated with those classes, but do note, that due to certain conditions, a being can have a lower or higher class in spite of their level.
1- 25: Low Class beings.
25 - 40: Medium Class beings.
40 - 65: High Class beings.
65 - 150: Ultimate Class beings
150 - 250: Apotheosis Class beings.
250 - 500: God Class beings
500 - 750: Heavenly Dragon Class beings.
It is also to be noted that beings that are seen as Transcental in nature (Namely, the Super Devils, to give an example) can fit into any of those classes, as they themselves have transcended their race in one way or another. Additionally, any being above level 800 is to be considered on a level equal to or rivaling the beings known as Big Red and Ophis.
The Shop was updated! Check it out later! New products have been added!
Tweaked integration of skills/perks gained from the RP sub-system!
Re-balanced recovery rates. Now, when someone sleeps, their reserves are automatically filled to 100%. This does not apply to HP.
As compensation for the Patch, the System hereby rewards you with a random Skill Book! Enjoy!
"This…was a fairly small patch." Issei remarked.
"It was. Though, I guess some of the changes are acceptable. Except for the Juggernaut Drive cost going up. That is not good in the least."
"As long as we do not use it, we are good." Solomon pointed out. "I will look about the shop later to see what was changed and added, but that aside, check the new Skill Book, Issei."
"No need to tell me twice!" Excited at the prospect of a new skill, Issei dove right into his inventory, pulling out the book in question and looking at it to see what it was.
Skill Book
[Casting Method: Empathic Casting]
"A new casting method already?! Oh my!" Solomon was taken aback by this development.
"Wait, doesn't this mean new ways for me to use my magic? Hell yeah! This is like an addition to all my magic skills!" Issei cheered, about to open the book and receive the skill, when Solomon shouted.
"WAIT!"
"What is it, Solomon? Something wrong with this casting method?" DDraig asked, both he and Issei confused at the reason behind the wise king's interruption. Solomon didn't wish to teach Issei all of his magic until the boy had a better way to learn them quickly or grind EXP for them, but a skill book was a freebie they couldn't just pass up.
"Empathic Casting is dangerous, that's what's wrong! It is not a casting method like the others, but rather, it combines with all four other main ones, using the strength of the user's emotions to further empower spells. The stronger the emotion, the stronger the spell becomes, but because of that, this casting method requires immense self-control and mastery over one's own emotions! Issei, I am not telling you not to use it, just be careful with it alright?"
"Alright, Solomon." Issei replied slowly, letting the warning sink in. Then, he opened the book and pressed 'Y' when asked if he wanted to learn it. Thanks to his perks and bonuses, he got more EXP from this, even if less when compared to his quest-given EXP.
Since you have gathered three different casting methods, the {Proficiency Skill} [Casting Methods] has been added and the skills moved under it.
"And so, the skills continue to organize themselves." He remarked, then once again laid on his bed. This patch was unexpected, but not unwelcomed, although it did bring new questions and answers to his mind. Most of the Gremory Peerage seems to be around the Middle-Class range of power, which made sense.
Kiba had told him before how they all trained with some of the members of Rias' brother's peerage, which was dubbed as the strongest peerage. Additionally, it also showed him the range of Ultimate Class beings, and he had to admit, it seemed Ingvild and Kuroka were somewhere along the lines of Low-Ultimate or something, but then again, the EXP requirements they need are insane, so this must be good either way.
Still, it goes to show one cannot rely on official classifications like Kuroka told him off once. Not everyone takes part in official channels, meaning there are bound to be a lot of unclassified beings out there. A lot to think about…Issei has only started to realize now, despite being told before, how treacherous the supernatural world was. When you think you knew how things worked, something popped up that was an exception. Hell, the Void System could be seen as the ultimate exception!
Backed up by another one, his Boosted Gear. Issei was not blind, he knew how OP he was if he went full power on others, but he had his reasons for holding back: Conserving Stamina, for one, as most of his non-magical skills required it, and he burned through it so fast he barely realizes when he is halfway drained at times.
But that being said, Issei knew he had to work harder. And he knew how.
The next day, Issei decided to maximize his gains. And the best way to do it was inside his dungeon, where, thanks to his title, he got an EXP bonus. Couple this with other bonuses, and one more thing, and he was set to progress a lot today. Granted, it was going to cost him.
Since you have more than 7 RP tabs, with one being completed, this event was unlocked! In exchange for 50% of your current Yen, you will receive a one-time EXP boost of 200%, along with a 20% EXP bonus to your skills! This being said, be careful! The next amount of EXP received will be the one boosted, so if you got 100 EXP, well, I don't need to continue, do I?
If he combines this with everything else, then he was in for a lot of EXP. "Are you certain of this, Issei? Our funds are not exactly looking well." Solomon questioned him, unsure of spending half of their current money.
"I thought about it, and this is one of the best solutions. The bonuses this single event provides us are massive, and if we add in the other bonuses, I think I can even level up from this." Issei replied, then he raised his hand to the button to start it. "No turning back now. Goodbye, sweet money."
Event Activated!
"Let's go!" And with that, they got to work. First, Issei decided to see how far he could take his skills, especially his Ultimate, [Parallel Mind]. To level up that one, he summoned the maximum amount of magical circles he could call upon, then he started using multiple spells, all aimed right at his old, trusty dummy.
Poor thing was taking major amounts of abuse right now.
Skill Level-up! Your [Parallel Mind] is now level 6!
Skill Level-up! Your [Parallel Mind] is now level 7 and has grown!
Skill Level-up! Your [Fireball] is now level 9!
Skill Level-up! Your [Fire Arrow] is now level 7!
Skill Level-up! Your [Water Blade] is now level 7!
Skill Level-up! Your [Water Jet] is now level 7!
Skill Level-up! Your [Shadow Tendril] is now level 8!
Skill Level-up! Your [Shadow Tendril - Spear] is now level 7!
Skill Level-up! Your [Parallel Mind] is now level 8
Alright, that was a bunch of skills that just earned levels. Granted, Issei took note of the Ultimate more than any, as it was stated it just grew, so he decided to check it out.
(ULTIMATE/UNIQUE) [Parallel Mind] (Level 8 | 1490/51200)
This Skill enables the user to make full use of the additional beings within them or create 'copies' of their own minds in order to increase cognitive capabilities. This Skill contains a combination of Passive and Active effects. This Skill has all capabilities of the Skills [Dual Use], [Solomon], and [Mindscape], in addition to the following:
-For each registered Extra Mind, you can create additional magical circles to cast different spells at the same time.
-Each Extra Mind provides the user with a +10% EXP bonus.
-As of Level 7, the user can assign Skills to Extra Minds, setting conditions in which the skill will be automatically activated.
Registered Extra Minds:
-Solomon (Offers the Perk: Wisdom of the Old. Skill granted by this Extra Mind: [Switch])
-Ddraig (Offers the Perk: Dominance. Skills granted by this Extra Mind: [Draconic Pride])
-Copy of Issei Hyoudou's Mind (No extra bonuses)
-Copy of Issei Hyoudou's Mind (No extra bonuses)
Damn! Not only he got one more mind, meaning another 10% EXP bonus, but his skill got a new ability! Oh shit, he was already getting ideas with this one. If he could program skills to activate in specific conditions, then he could make some skills passive in essence. You didn't need to tell him twice what skill to do first, or rather, skills. He could also use Ddraig and Solomon for this, so for Ddraig, he assigned the skill, [Draconic Pride] to Ddraig, setting it so it activated by itself when his HP hits 50%, deploying both the increased HP regen rate and protective aura at once.
For Solomon, he decided to give him [First Heal], making it activate and heal him for as long as his HP was below 50%, and only stop healing when his HP reached 80%. He also assigned [Ailment Remove] to one of the other free slots, making it activate whenever he is afflicted with a negative status effect.
This Ultimate Skill was awesome, yet Issei was not going to spend precious time telling himself how awesome it was. Magic training was done for now, so he decided to move on to Martials. Facing the dummy once again, he raised his fists, and started going at it with everything he had.
Skill Level-up! Your [Shield-Breaking Punch] is now level 4!
Skill Level-up! Your [Furious Fist] is now level 6!
Those were two of his more difficult ones to level up, the rest being held back by their high EXP req. But Issei was determined to push more.
Skill Level-up! Your [Power Kick] is now level 8!
Skill Level-up! Your [Blazing Heel Strike] is now level 7!
Skill Level-up! Your [Power Punch] is now MAX level, and thus, it has grown!
"Hold it! MAX level?!" Issei said in surprise, not realizing he just leveled up his skill to max.
[Power Punch] (Level MAX): This Skill allows the user to deliver a devastating punch to their opponent! This skill will help you deliver an additional 25% damage based on your STR stat when used. 10 Stamina per use.
Damn! That was a lot of bonus damage for a simple punch, and he's yet to get out of the novice range too! But speaking of, he was close…Very close. His [Power Kick] Is still a distance away from reaching MAX level, so he might as well focus on that and [Power Jump], meaning he still had a good amount of training ahead of himself! Although fair be fair, he was running low on Stamina.
Skill Level up! Your [Power Jump] is now level 8!
Skill Level up! Your [Power Kick] is now level 9!
Skill Level up! Your [Furious Fist] is now level 7!
{Proficiency Skill} [Martial Arts: Asura Style - Novice] has reached MAX level and as such, it has grown into {Proficiency Skill} [Martial Arts: Asura Style - Advanced Beginner]
'Alright! This is progress!" Issei cheered, checking the evolved skill. It was already level 3 as well, as he didn't quite notice the number of times he was training, but was he complaining? Fuck no! He wondered what he could do with the evolved proficiency, but the answer came easier than he expected.
Since the skill [Power Punch] has reached MAX level, it has evolved to [Dragon's Fist]
This was so good…Except that the skill in itself was no different from the maxed-out version of its predecessor, but Issei knew better. Its level meter was reset, meaning it could grow further. Much, much further, and if this served as an example, then it means his skills evolve based on his proficiency.
His proficiency in a certain field limited him in terms of skills, but once he breaks through and evolves, the skills follow suit. In a way, he didn't start over, he just got the limits of his skills extended!
For figuring out the inner workings of proficiencies without aid, you were awarded 2 INT!
"Alright, Isse, I think this is good enough," Solomon said, pleased with their progress. "Come, your Mana and Stamina are both extremely low and judging by the time, dinner is about to be served at the Gremory mansion. Besides, I don't think you wish to wait for more to learn how much EXP is being granted by the System with all the bonuses, no?"
Issei smiled. "You are right on that Solomon. Training is over!"
And sure enough, the EXP came pouring in.
Congratulations! You are now level 34!
Your WIS has reached the maximum value of 100!
For training hard, you were awarded 1 AGI and 2 DUR.
"Now this is what I like seeing. The cash was well worth it if it gets me a level, and now, it's time to see where I can place 5 Stat Points." Issei said, bringing up his stat page and distributing his stat points. He decided to put 3 into ACC and the rest into his DUR. Very good progress today, very, very good progress.
He was about to head out of the dungeon too, but then Ddraig had a few things to say. "Spend all your Stat Points"
"This again, Ddraig? Those 20 points are for emergency use only!" Solomon argued, but the dragon was more than ready.
"Yeah, and what good is it going to do? Our stats are currently maxed, as the system said, so I doubt we can break that limit by using the stat points." Ddraig's words actually had Issei check, and true enough, it didn't work.
"Ddraig is right, Solomon. I cannot seem to put any more stat points into maxed stats." Issei replied, and the wise king sighed.
"And who knows when we will receive a way to break this limit…Very well, use the last 20 points as well. Tomorrow, if we work just as hard, we are bound to level up again anyway." Solomon said, relenting, then Issei brought his stat page up once again, looking over his skills and thinking about what to elevate more. He had only 20 points, which whilst a lot, it was not enough to bring everything up to max. Not to mention his AGI was still boosted by his ring, giving it 3 free points that didn't count.
So, first ones first, he raised DUR and INT up 100 each, costing him a total of 12 Stat Points. But oh boy…Was it worth it...
Your DUR and MGi reached the max value of 100!
Since your DUR is now at 100, your perk, [Silver Skin] has evolved into [Golden Skin]
Since your MGI, INT, and WIS are all at 100, your [Powerful Magic Affinity] has evolved into [Mythical Affinity].
Since your INT and WIS have reached the max values, your [Bookworm] perk has evolved to [Scholar].
Three perks…evolved just from that. Well, he certainly ain't complaining about the newly acquired bonuses, that much is a given. His new affinity for magic granted him a 100% bonus in EXP to all magical skills, and the evolution of Bookworm granted 5K instead of 1K EXP now. Not to mention his skin was now thicker and harder to penetrate with physical attacks, which he just knows will come in real handy.
Still, 9 more points to go! He decided to put 4 into his AGI and the rest into ACC, bringing those up nicely to higher numbers, and hopefully, in range of maxing them out next time he trains like this. But that aside…He really wanted to get to dinner!
The evening of the second week, the third day of training with the Gremory peerage was looking good to Issei. Everyone was tired from training hard, and after a quick shower, everyone was enjoying some good food prepared by Asia, Raynare, and even Kuroka helped. They were sitting down at the table, but then, Rias decided to make some conversation.
"So, Issei, I haven't seen you today. Care to tell us where you've been?" She asked, aiming her gaze at him.
"Well, it's a bit of a secret, but I've been doing some training on my own." He replied, making sure to keep the details of his dungeon vague. "But I assure you, Rias, that I am not slacking off."
"Is that so? I find it a bit hard to believe, seeing as I barely see any differences." She remarked, which did irk Issei a little bit, but he let it go. She had a point, after all. From what she knew, he could have been slacking off, and he had no way to prove it without revealing the secret of the dungeon. As such, he decided to let it go. Rias, seeing that he was not replying and only shrugging, narrowed her eyes a bit at him. "On another order of business, I got news regarding the upcoming Rating Game."
Now this had everyone's attention.
"Recently, there had been rumors of foul play being possible from either side." Rias began, yet, before she continued, Kiba interrupted.
"Foul play? But Rias, you know we'd never endanger our purpose!"
"Easy there, Kiba, I was not pointing fingers at any of you." Rias replied, Kiba being a bit embarrassed for his rush. "Yet, I agree with you. I know none of you, even you, Issei, would fall to using cheats to win. However, the same cannot be said about Riser."
"You believe he might attempt to cheat?" Akeno asked, worry showing on her face.
"If he thinks something is amidst, he might attempt something, but cheating is still a stretch." Rias continued. "He is aware that if he does, we will be considered victors by default. Yet, despite the counter-arguments, my brother has insisted that he, along with Ajuka Beelzebub and Lord Phenex, be allowed to spectate. The Rating Game's barriers will be triple-checked for illegal alterations, and at the first sign of foul play, the entire match stopped."
"Sounds like they are not taking any chances." Issei said, adding his own opinion.
"Despite appearances, Devils do have a sense of honor." Shirone added. "Not to mention the stakes are very high, giving the circumstances and who is involved. If any of the parties involved is caught cheating, then it would bring shame upon them."
"Shame the Phenex do not want." Rias added. "Hence why Lord Phenex himself will be attending. My brother is apparently under the belief the presence of his own father will make Riser think twice about cheating, just as his will make me think twice about the same."
"It's a pretty logical conclusion." Issei said. "But then again, I have faith in everyone here."
"Oh?" Rias perked up hearing him.
"We haven't known one another for long, but I can tell there is no one in this room that would cheat during such a Rating Game, with the stakes being as high as they are as well. Instead, I have faith that we can pull through playing it fairly. Plus, if Riser IS cheating, then I won't hesitate to expose him and end the Rating Game in our favor."
+1 RP with Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, Shirone (Koneko) Toukou, and Yuuto Kiba!
Quest updated!
He will check the progress in a bit.
"That is a very nice thing to say, Issei." Rias replied. "Thank you for the faith you have shown us. And frankly, I hope we can remain good allies even after this Rating Game. Even if you stop being my contracted magician, as I know you won't accept becoming part of my peerage, I still hope we can remain friends."
"That, Rias Gremory, is something I hope for as well." Issei replied, then the rest of dinner went by without another word. Issei then returned to his room, making sure to lock the door behind him. He had rewards to cash in from his quest.
Training of the Heart and Body.
Training with the Gremory Peerage? This is bound to be interesting. And a golden opportunity! Use this opportunity and make the most out of it!
Main Objective (repeatable): Complete a day of training successfully!
Main Objective 2: Gain 2 levels during this trip and raise at least two of your stats to 100! -complete!
Additional Objective: Gain at least 5/5 RP with Rias Gremory!
Additional Objective 2: Gain at least 10/10 RP with Akeno Himejina!
Additional Objective 3: Gain at least 5/5 RP with Yuuto Kiba!
Additional Objective 4: Gain at least 15/15 RP with Koneko(Shirone)!
Quest Time Limit: N/A.
Main Objective 1 Reward: 200K EXP.
Main Objective 2 Reward: 1 MAX-L Orb, 750K EXP, 10 Free Stat Points. - Claimed!
Additional Objective Reward (Must complete all Additional Objectives): 120K EXP, + 5 RP with all members of your household (Yes, even Raynare), 1 Random Reward Box.
Failure Penalty: N/A
And claimed! The additional objective was now claimed, and the rewards poured in. He earned a good amount of EXP, which was boosted by his bonuses, not to mention a random reward box he could use for something new and potentially useful. But the biggest reward was the RP with all members of his household, meaning, except Kuroka who was already maxed, Asia, Ingvild, and even Raynare!
MAX Relationship with Ingvild Leviathan has been reached, and as such, you were awarded the following!
[Son of the Ocean]: This perk grants you 300% more EXP on all Water-related skills!
Since you maxed RP with a Devil, you are hereby granted the ability to use D.P. (Demonic Power). D.P. bar has been added, along with default values.
"Nice!" issei said to himself, bringing up his hand and focusing a bit, seeing the red energy that was his demonic power flare. "Oh ho! Now we're cooking with gasoline, boys!"
"Gah! Disgusting…"
"I know how you feel, Solomon, but see the good part! If we ever meet an angel, that is a good chance to gain some Holy Power too!"
"Hmmm. Good point, Ddraig."
"I wonder what I can use Demonic Power for." Issei said aloud, letting the demonic power calm down. However, just in time, the system seemed to have heard his request.
Note: Demonic Power can be used as a substitute for mana, however, do note that using this changes the nature of a spell to demonic, making it weak against holy elements. Additionally, when using a spell, you can choose to spend an extra 100 D.P. on it to double its power but do know this specific feature only works if you pay the mana price for the spell first. Lastly, various skills can be created by using Demonic Power, but that will be left to you to discover.
"Thank you, Void System!" Issei cheered, happy to grow stronger. Now, he not just wielded the power of the Youkai, but the power of the Devils as well! He was so pumped for the upcoming Rating Game, he doesn't even know what to do now! On one hand, he wanted to jump out of his room right into his dungeon to train again, even if he doesn't gain EXP, just to see how his newly acquired power worked.
But then again, he had a whole day tomorrow as well, and over a week to practice with it as well. Enough time for everything…