A/N: Good to see that everyone liked the last chapter. If you can't tell by the last section with Minoru, I am going to do some more flashbacks. We'll finish the last two rooms before we get into the John Smith arc.
Also, I have to admit that I didn't realize how much of really nothing happens in 4 and 5. I think in 4, it was mainly getting you used to the new place and people. 5 is more about making Noelle fall in love with Leon and show that Leila actually really sucks. 6 is more about Louise and the idea of Leon Sara Rault being a thing. Then 7 just really leans into the idea of Old Humanity through ideal although, it's really about how crazy strong Leon is and wraps up the stuff with Yumeria and Kyle.
Like I'll be honest, Leila and Serge just aren't actually people. Like they are presented as antagonists, foils. I'll be honest that in Serge's case the way that Albergue tried to help him by disowning him was completely stupid.
Leon Fou [now Rapha] Barfort: Renowned adventurer and current crown prince. / previously: Hiro (pre:isekai)—Lea of Bart's Fort (The true founder of Holfort and lover to the Saintess Ann and Mary)—JOU_MOU_ (someone who used to work in Luxion's facility.)
Angelica Rapha Redgrave: Daughter of Duke Redgrave and ex-fiancé to Julius/ Previously: Ann of Bart's Fort (aka Saintess Ann and lover of Lea of Bart's fort). / Also goes by Angie to close friends and loved ones. Currently Pregnant.
Olivia: Commoner from the Kagenou Barony. / previously: Mary, lover and companion to Ann and Lea. When they had returned from their adventures in ancient Midgar, all three had been attacked by the founding heirs as they all wanted Ann. To save Lea and Ann from such a fate, she teleported them away, and swapped bodies with Ann. / Is also known as Livia by her close friends and loved ones. Currently Pregnant.
Cid Kagenou: fiancé to several famous elves but just a regular mob you'd find anywhere / previously: Minoru Kagenou boy from Earth that would be transported to the ancient times of the current before dying at the hands of his friends due to becoming demonically possessed out of grief. / Also dons the secret identity of "Lord Shadow." Leader and founder of The Shadow Garden. / Mundane Mann, a pathetic looking sword wielder that disappeared many years ago and has returned for the Bushin festival. / Kageno of Mitsugoshi, after an argument with his parents, Cid decides to go by Kageno for a while. / Herlock Sholmes. During the trial of Leon v Holfort, Cid disguised himself as the famous detective.
Alice [Kagenou: Cid's personal elf servant, lover, and childhood friend / previously: Beatrice (this is non canon, but all of Shadow Garden had identities before joining so I made a name up for her.) / Dons the secret identity of "Alpha" or "Lady Shade." Co-leader and second founder of The Shadow Garden, first of the Seven Shades. The name "Alpha" is only used by those in Shadow Garden. Currently Pregnant.
Other Shadow Garden Members: All of the seven shades have secret identities. They see their Shadow Garden names as their true names and will use that in their own thoughts. But to everyone not in Shadow Garden that sees them as their secret identities will use those names.
Beta: Natsume Kafka, renowned writer.
Gamma: Luna of Mitsugoshi, owner of said store and many others, richest Woman in the world. Xianyun, Sword master of the far eastern kingdoms. Currently Pregnant.
Delta: Sara, certified good girl.
Epsilon: Shiron, amazing musician known internationally.
Zeta: Zetan. Previously known as Lilim, named after the therianthrope hero, Lili.
Eta: Goes by Eta Lloyd Wright, renowned Architect.
Charlie: Known previously as Carla Fou Wayne.
Aurora: Called Violet by Cid, and now camps out in his soul/brain. Known as the Witch of Calamity, and the Demon Diabolos.
Other People:
Claire Kagenou: Cid's older sister and one of Leon's fiancés. Going by Nonna during her time in Alzer.
Deidre Fou Roseblade: The stereotypical haughty Ojou-Sama. One of Leon's fiancés. Going by Rogue during her time in Alzer.
Rose Oriana: Princess of Oriana. Probably the only person besides Aurora that knows Cid thinks everything is part of a game. Going by Luci in Alzer. Number 666 in The Shadow Garden.
Disclaimer: I don't own Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games is Tough for Mobs nor The Eminence in Shadow. The only Beta reader here is the elf.
-Leon-
Although Cid had probably explained most of the stuff to professor Narcisse, we did make sure to explain things to him again. By the way, I feel I should point out that Narcisse is 1. Also known as Narcisse the eccentric. Apparently the profession of adventuring was frowned upon in Alzer, and his appreciation for it and dungeons made it so that he was considered eccentric. And 2, he's one of the potential love interests in the story.
I don't like the idea of a teacher with their student, even if the student is 18 or older. Especially if the teacher is a guy. Like, personal biases to mature women aside, I've seen too much stuff with grown men and younger women that was… iffy, and pretty uncomfortable. I dunno, I just never liked the power dynamic.
Anyway, I'm not one to judge too hard, so I did bring Noelle with us just so they'd meet each other but…
"This guy's a little… weird…" Noelle blanched at the sight of Narcisse enthusiastically looking over all of our adventuring gear, especially my new armored set. It's not an armored angel set, given that Alzer's dungeons are probs super flammable and therefore the wings are a new go. However, It's the closest approximation to Lord Shadow's suit Cleare could build. Not in its design or anything. The outfit resembles my classic adventuring gear with the Holy Knight style coat and all.
I figured that it'd be best to play into the idea of an adventurer story for Narcisse, plus I am the husband—hehe—of the two halves of The Saintess so I have to dress the part. I did grab some for the other guys too, but they don't have the same properties as mine. Luxion did buff the outfits a bit, since he said what the church had was laughable, but they're just regular clothes.
Claire, Deirdre, and Noelle are all wearing some normal adventuring gear that Luxion and Cleare had worked on together. Claire and Deirdre do have a bunch of more stuff to them, but they don't like testing with Cleare so it's not the nano tech I have on. Not to say it's not special, the runes and other similar properties the outfits are equipped with make it about as defensive as a standard armor. (A/N: the Mobuseka volume 10 adventuring outfits Angelica, Olivia, and Noelle wore.)
Cid and Natsume were sitting this out, apparently they had some other stuff to do. Although if you ask me it looked like Cid just wanted to take a nap and Natsume wanted the chance to dote on him. I recognized the maneuver, after all whenever I mentioned taking a nap Livia would immediately join me and make me rest my head on her lap.
I can't take naps without her anymore. Truly, Livia is a devious woman and likely shared her schemes with Natsume.
"Professor, if I may," said Julius, "why is it that The Six Great Houses haven't done anything about Pierre? From what we've heard he's been a problem for a while."
Narcisse frowned. "Calling us the Six Great Houses makes us sound like a collective, but in fact, each family is more like royalty in their respective regions. That may seem unimportant, but if I were to reprimand Pierre, his family would interpret it as outside political interference."
Narcisse was, of course, a member of one of the Six Great Houses. Kind of had to be, to be one of the love interests. Narcisse Calce Granze, of house Granze.
As for the republic, it was basically like a collection of countries under the Sacred Tree. So if you ask me, this kind of conflict was inevitable.
If I weren't the crown prince of my nation I'd assume this had nothing to do with me, but considering that and the whole reincarnation thing going on I can't just ignore a country on the brink of war.
"Well, we have a plan to deal with Pierre." I said. "Now, how about that favor we asked for?"
"You mean clearing out the dungeon in the Lespinasse Region? I'd be delighted, but it's quite dangerous. The closer you get to the Sacred Tree, the tougher the dungeons are. And the dungeon in Lespinasse is practically at the base."
"Not a problem." I said. No way anything could be any more difficult than Luxion or Minoru's dungeons. Even if they are somehow, I have faith we could get through it.
"I guess if you're around I don't have to worry about anything then." Noelle smiled.
"Well then, I suppose Sir Kageno did already offer to help fund my research in return so I don't have any reason to refuse." Explained Narcisse.
"Looking forward to it." I smiled.
That wasn't a lie—I really was excited. This would be a good opportunity to get my hands on magic stones and other valuable resources. I was going to work the idiot squad to the bone and hopefully get Noelle's level up. According to her she hadn't trained much, and from what Brad experienced when fighting the locals I'd say it probably wasn't good training.
"In that case, why don't we set off right away?" I asked.
"Pardon?"
I grabbed Narcisse's arm and started to lead him out of the meeting room. Noelle cheered and followed behind us.
-P2W/Leila-
A number of lovers were enjoying their lunch break in the school courtyard, including Leila and her boyfriend Emile. It was nevertheless obvious from the expression on Leila's face that her mind was elsewhere.
Where could Noelle have gone? Her older sister had yet to return home. She was worried for her, but she was also annoyed. Why is she hesitating? She should hook up with Loic and be done with it.
Emile could see she was distracted. "What is it, Leila?" he asked, concerned. "Has Miss Noelle still not come back?"
She flashed him a smile. "Um, no, not yet. I'm sure it'll be fine. I just wish she would contact me."
Emile frowned. "I have heard some disturbing things lately. I know Loic has feelings Miss Noelle, but I hope that Pierre doesn't do anything cruel to her."
"Yeah. My sister is really stubborn. If she'd just quit playing games and agreed o go out with Loic, all of this would be solved."
Leila was doing her best to hook them up, and to that end, she had given Loic all kinds of advice.
"Don't you think Loic's behavior has been a bit strange lately?" Emile asked. "The atmosphere around him is kind of… terrifying."
He recognized the danger that Loic posed, but Leila wouldn't have it.
"Seriously? I think he's just panicking because things aren't going his way. He's not that scary, he's just a little possessive."
Emile pulled a face. "If he's just a little possessive, then I suppose it's not my place to say anything, hm?" He peeled his gaze away from Leila, only to notice Leon dragging Narcisse across the courtyard. "That's unusual. The exchange students haven't been here for a while. I wonder where he's taking Professor Narcisse."
Leila's eyes went wide with surprise as she stared at Leon. She even dropped the bread she was eating, although she was too preoccupied with her thoughts to realize. "Is he…?"
As for Noelle, she had left in the opposite direction with the boys so they could grab some last minute items before meeting up with Leon.
-Minoru (Cid/Shadow)-
Just because I was in a new world didn't mean that I would lose sight of my dream. No matter what, I was going to be the Eminence in Shadow. I did unfortunately have to face the facts that I wasn't reincarnated with magic. No stat screen, no cheat skill, nada.
I do hate the idea of borrowing power, but I would've appreciated some kind of care package, y'know? Then again, I was spawned near a bunch of bandits. Or as I like to call them, walking wallets… I suppose bags of money would be more apt. None of them had anything resembling a wallet.
So, in order to get a better lay of the land and start funding my Eminence in Shadow activities, I raided places with bandits. Occasionally, I'd run into places that looked like they belonged to sci-fi rather than the fantasy setting I was in. I'd raid the place, set the kids in there free, and steal anything that looked valuable.
Occasionally I'd run into Olivier, who was always near those sci-fi places for some reason, but she was always busy slaying vampires so we didn't do much other than share a nod of respect or an occasional meal.
There was also that one time there was one room left in a hotel and we had to share it, both of us were pretty cool about it. Although Olivier was a bit of a blanket hog.
All things considered, Olivier was probably my first friend in this new world. A pretty cool one too. I mean, Vampire Slayer is a pretty cool character. If you had to devote yourself to a role besides Eminence in Shadow, I don't think Vampire Slayer is a bad choice.
Olivier wasn't that fun to roleplay with though, if I wasn't fighting vampires alongside her she didn't seem to care about anything. She was a bit nicer to me than other people, since I could keep up with her during fights, but she didn't really seem to care about anyone unless they were a vampire. And if they were a vampire, they were only good dead to her.
That was basically my life for the first year in the new world.
Raid my walking bags of money, set some kids free, fight vampires with Olivier, sometimes bunk with Olivier, on and on.
Eventually, I got bored of staying in whatever country I was in and was thinking about moving to the next one. I told as much to Olivier who said she didn't care, but was very short with me for the rest of the night.
But, she did help me find a big ship that vampires were using, and let me have it. She said it'd be better than someone else getting a hold of it, and that the people she usually works with would probably just scrap it anyway. Such a nice friend I made. I was actually a bit worried about leaving her alone, but apparently she was going to start teaming up with other people, having seen the use of working with others.
What's cool is that on the ship, I actually found some crowbars! And a paper bag! I had just been relying on not leaving anyone alive to hide my identity, aside from Olivier and the kids I set free. In any case I was glad to go back to my roots after about a year in the new world.
The dream ended there this time. The three things I could grab as a reward were a blanket (likely in reference to the ones Olivier and I would share), the crowbars, and the paper bag. I grabbed the crowbars.
I noticed that I didn't get to choose the difficulty of memories the last two times, but now I have a few choices in front of me. Mama may have been absent for the most part, but she didn't raise a bitch, so I chose a red (difficult) memory next.
-Leon-
Once arriving to the Lespinasse dungeon we saw a sign outside forbidding entry. We just pushed it aside since we had Narcisse's permission, and more importantly status, for our little venture. All we had to do was mention he was a member of the Six Great Houses, and we were free to go in.
"What great weather," exclaimed Julius. "The perfect day for an adventure!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Jilk eagerly agreed, checking the rifle on his back.
Narcisse adjusted the straps of his rucksack and gazed up at the sky. "No, it's cloudy today."
Julius grinned. "It's a matter of perspective, Professor."
"Uh, no. I don't thin the weather has anything to do with perspective!" retorted Narcisse.
"I dunno… I kinda like when it's cloudy. Good enough to go outside and train, but not have to worry about the heat." Said Claire.
"I personally enjoy a slightly cloudy day, but I can't argue with the thought of curling up with my honey by the fire place when it gets stormy outside!" Deirdre then began to cling onto Claire who just rolled her eyes but didn't move her off.
Noelle walked up to me and pulled at my sleeve, "Uh, hey. Hiro. Are Nonna and Rogue…?" Noelle pokes her fingers together.
I nodded, "Oh, yeah. They're into those who'd wear a dress and those who'd don armor, as they say. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"
Noelle shook her head, "N-no! No, I was just wondering is all. Uh… I don't… like have to worry about them hitting on me or anything right?"
"Not really? I mean, as far as I can tell those two aren't interested in involving any more girls." I answered. I mean, with each other, Livia, Clarice, and occasionally Angie (who usually just likes being with Livia) I don't think Claire and Deirdre are looking for any more girls. "Though it's a little rude for you to assume that just because they're into girls they'd be into you too."
Noelle began to panic, "Oh no! I'm not being like, a bad friend or something am I? I thought Leila was the one with issues. Don't tell me I've been secretly awful this entire time! Am I the bad twin?"
I pinched Noelle's cheek in order to get her to calm down. "Relax, they're the same people as always. Just don't assume stuff anymore."
Noelle nodded with a determined smile. Heh, if evil and good twins were a thing there's no way she'd be the bad one.
I look at the boys who look like they're preparing for a picnic or something rather than an expedition to a dungeon. Julius, Jilk, and Chris were accompanying us while Brad and Greg stayed behind. We did need some people to help protect Marie, Kyle, Hertrauda, and Carla. I do think Carla is stronger than she looks, and Hertrauda is one of the princesses, but I'm not sure either have tons of experience fighting.
I shake my head. "Hey. If you're all finished, let's get a move on, yeah?"
I had a portable terminal with me that resembled a smartphone. I used it to pull up a map of the area. Static raced across the screen though. Interference caused by the Sacred Tree maybe?
Professor Narcisse peeked over my shoulder. "Oh? The kingdom sure does employ some curious tools."
"Oh, this? It's a Lost Item. Pretty handy. I thought I'd make some use of it."
"A Lost Item!? That is incredible. I would love to take a closer look, if you don't mind."
"If by 'closer look,' you mean disassembling it, then no. I'd like to keep it one piece." I slung a heavy bag and shotgun over my shoulder. "Now let's head inside."
Narcisse frowned. "Leon, mind telling me why you brought explosives?"
I tilted my head. "Isn't that obvious? Because we'll need them."
"I am knowledgeable enough about gunpowder," Jilk assured him. "You needn't worry. We'll make sure none of the treasure is harmed."
"That's not the problem. There are ruins in this dungeon! You can't just go blowing the place up!"
Julius laughed. "Don't worry. We'll do our best not to destroy anything. After all, damaging the treasure would hurt its value."
"I hope you mean its historical value! Do you boys understand the importance of these ruins?"
I chuckled. "I've got this. If the others get out of hand, I'll step in. Besides, our objectives isn't the ruins. We're looking for something else."
That 'something else' was a key item that would normally have no effect. Besides moving the game's story along, it was practically useless. However, this wasn't a game anymore. And that meant this item would be extremely useful.
Narcisse frowned. "Something else you say?"
I ignored his questioning look and led Noelle away so she wouldn't accidentally reveal things. "Time to get down to business! Keep you wits about you! Especially you three chumps!"
Julius, Jilk, and Chris crowed with excitement.
"That does not inspire confidence," Narcisse mumbled, hanging his head.
With that we all went into the cave. I had to say, it was pretty bizarre. Moss grew over the floor and walls, and light flooded in through a hole in the ceiling. The place was set up almost like a labyrinth, with wild plants growing everywhere. I'd never seen anything like it.
"Here they come. Three hundred meters in front of us. Six of them!" I shoved the portable terminal into my pocked and reached for my shotgun.
Jilk was in front of me. "I'll take the first shot."
He aimed his rifle and blasted the monsters rushing toward us. Empty ammunition shells fell to the ground as he reloaded. He peered through the scope, found his next mark, and fired again.
"Hey, Jilk, leave some for the rest of us!"
Julius raced forward with Chris hot on his heels.
"Your Highness, please allow me! You should stay back where it's safe."
Our enemies kept coming. Some scuttled across the walls and ceiling like centipedes. I changed my position to get a clean line of fire and kept watch over the battlefield. One of the monsters launched itself from the ceiling, and Julius cut it down midair. It collapsed to the floor, turned to black smoke, and vanished. In the meantime, Chris took care of three others.
Since the boys had most of it handled I signaled to Claire to come over. She nodded and then greeted Noelle. "Hey, you've got the pistol we gave you, right?"
Noelle, who had been watching everything in a stupor, snapped to attention. "Uh, y-yeah here!" Noelle tried to hand it over to Claire only for her to shake her head.
"No, I want you to get some experience. Here, aim up." Said Claire as he helped Noelle adjust her posture.
"Up?" asked Noelle.
"Hey Blue 1 and 2! Pull!" Claire commanded Julius and Jilk to swing some monsters up, and due to the fear they've likely cultivated of her thanks to her constantly beating them up, they do so immediately. With that Noelle realized what she was supposed to do. She missed about half the shots, but once she landed the first shot she managed to start landing them with relative accuracy.
It's a good thing we went with the pistol, when I tried to show her how to fire my shotgun she was shaking the entire time. Red too, I was worried she might've caught a fever or something.
"Okay. Looks like we're safe for now. Let's take a small break." I pulled my tablet back out and checked the map. We were still quite far from our objective.
Professor Narcisse clapped his hands. "Wow, that was incredible. I heard that Holfort's adventurers were the real deal, but you guys are even stronger than I imagined. Those monsters were quite powerful, and you annihilated them."
"That was nothing," Julius said. He puffed out his chest, despite only having downed a single opponent. "We could take out ten or even twenty of those beasts."
If I saw that many giant bugs coming, I'd run to Arroganz and take out the flame thrower extension I asked Luxion to add. I nodded. "Great. You fight them, I'll stay back here."
"You truly are contemptible, Barfort."
"What moron would try to fight twenty of those things? Obviously you'd be better off setting a trap and luring them in."
Narcisse slumped. "Please don't set traps in here. This place contains some very precious ruins. And, most importantly, we're close to the Sacred Tree."
As we delved deeper, we kept running into the tree's roots. Some were so massive that they obscured the walls. Others were less noticeable—you'd think you were walking on a normal floor only to discover it was part of the tree. This dungeon sure was incredible.
Julius's eyes brightened. "Precious ruins, you say? Hey, Barfort, can we take a look?"
A strange light gleamed on Chris' glasses. "Greg and Brad sure were unlucky to be left behind."
"Yes, although they do get to spend more time alone with Miss Marie," Jilk said, sulking.
I still have no idea how they find her so appealing.
"Ah, I do so admire the young people of Holfort," said Narcisse, moved by our conversation somehow. "Not only are you skilled adventurers, you have an interest in archaeology too. What good company you are in a dungeon like this.
I can't help but chuckle. "You would've gotten along well with Livia and Sherry."
"Oh? Who are they?" asked Narcisse.
"Well Sherry was an artifact researcher. From what I've heard though, she also had a general interest in archaeology since she kind of wanted to learn where the Lost Items came from." I explained, "Livia loves studying too, but recently she's had an interest in stuff like Lost items as well."
"Gee, I wonder why." Snarked Claire causing Deirdre to take out her fan and try to hide her laughter behind it. Noelle raised an eyebrow at this and opened her mouth but I was already speaking.
"But Narcisse, no offense, but do you really think these guys are interest in archaeology?"
"Am I wrong?" asked Narcisse.
"Pretty much." I said with a shrug before pointing at the three idiots here. "They're all barbarians."
Julius glared at me. "Slander!"
I rolled my eyes. "Really? Julius, if you knew there was a treasure somewhere, but you encountered a sealed door on your way, what would you do? Notably, this door is a part of the ruins and has historical value."
"That's simple" said Julius with a smile, "I'd blast it open and swipe the treasure!"
Narcisse shrieked. "Wait! He just said the door is part of the ruins!"
Jilk laughed. "Please don't worry. We would place our explosives strategically. We'd blow up the door and leave the rest of the structure intact."
"You shouldn't even be using explosives to begin with!" shouted Narcisse.
Chris shook his head, as though he were somehow better than the other two bozos. "His Highness and Jilk are too extreme. You need only destroy the lock, then you could just open it."
Professor Narcisse finally ran out of patience. "You shouldn't be destroying anything! Treasure provides us with valuable data. Why are you so intent on stealing it?!"
The three of them gasped in shock.
"Huh… you know I think in Midgar there's a pretty big debate over the point an adventurer becomes a grave robber." Mentioned Claire. "Besides, how can you get into the profession if you don't take the treasure? You need to make money somehow, and that's the number one way."
Deidre nodded. "Professor, please remember you only had the time to come with us thanks to Kageno's company's sponsorship."
Narcisse flinched at this and sheepishly looked away.
"Well, what would you do Hiro?" asked Jilk.
"Well, nothing you dumbasses would do obviously." I said.
Narcisse nodded a this, relieved. "I am relieved that you have a better understanding of this, Hiro."
"I wouldn't even need to destroy the door. I'd steal the treasure, and I wouldn't even leave any evidence that I'd ever been there." I said. "But if I did need to interact with the door, I'd just look for the key or create a replica."
Julius, Jilk, and Chris all chuckled.
"Well, you've got us there!"
"Yes, I must admit."
"Indeed, that is the best way to handle it."
Honestly these morons are exasperating. I shook my head before pausing. "Hm? Professor Narcisse, what's wrong? Why are you holding your head in your hands?"
"Hiro," he mumbled. "Your answer was the absolute worst."
Huh? Really? I tilted my head in bemusement.
Julius shook his head. "Hiro, you're the most terrible barbarian of all. Or perhaps just the most reckless."
"Why's that?" I asked.
"No one else would enter a dungeon alone to retrieve Lost Items," Jilk snickered. "I can't think of anyone else who'd be so sure they could replicate the needed key either."
Professor Narcisse's head shot up. "Lost Items, you say? So you posses others?!"
The boys open their mouths but I just glare in their direction.
"Well, I had. But some of them had been destroyed in the war. Only way we would've come out of it alive." I answered vaguely.
"Wh-why would you use something as precious as a Lost Item during a war!?" Narcisse howled. "Do you not understand how important they are for archaeological research? And why aren't you more shaken up about it? Hiro! I demand a detailed explanation!"
As he lamented what he called a devastating loss for humanity, I bit my tongue. I couldn't just let it go that those Lost Items were fine, or he might ask more and I'd have to reveal who I really am. While I don't mind letting Noelle know eventually, I figure that if I reveal that I'm the Crown Prince—especially considering how I became the crown prince—Noele and the Six Great Houses might think I was doing things to take over the country.
Which, even if Mylene had said in her letter to me that I could try doing that if I wanted—and Angie even echoed the sentiments, going so far as to recommend I find a girl from one of the Six Great Houses to find an in—I didn't want to do.
I'm happy where I'm at, and honestly kind of hoped Julius would shape up to take the throne as I probably took everyone to my territory or something. I could see myself becoming a new Duke or something given all the girls I'm with, but I didn't want to become king of two nations.
Eventually I just decided to move things along. "I think that's long enough of a break, let's get going."
"I changed my mind," said Narcisse. "You Holfortians are brutes."
Noelle laughed, "Uh, prof. I don't think we Alzerians have a lot of room to speak given… y'know."
Narcisse just sighed.
-Cid/Kageno/Shadow-
Although I kind of wanted to get to the bottom of things in my dream trials, it wouldn't do to sleep all day. So, instead I decided to go training. I haven't done this in a while. Like I'd do stuff like my one finger push ups when no one was looking, and the regular mana stuff, but it's been a while since I've done anything serious.
Now, I do want to try and give myself more options in general, rather than just perfect the one thing. So, I'm going to try and do something I'd meant to a while ago.
Twir-ir-ir-ir-ir-irl*
"Let's see if I've still got it." I said with a smile. The crowbars in my hands just felt right. Like I could practically hear the achievement "Hello, Old Friend" go off above my head.
"Are you sure it was a good idea to leave Duet's reincarnation back there?" asked Violet. "You so cruelly teased her by messing with her chest this morning before you left in the afternoon."
"What do you mean? I was just looking for her notebook," I asked.
"Don't lie to me cutie, you played with that girl's chest because you liked the feeling." Violet booped my nose.
I shrugged, "Okay, maybe a little. I'm a guy with a harem. What am I going to do? Not enjoy my girlfriend a little? She didn't mind."
"You left her ready for more! She probably didn't follow you because she needed release!" Violet scolded me by furiously (and cutely) pounding her fists on my chest. "Suffer my wrath! But thank you!"
In any case, I get to work starting to practice with my crowbars. I would ask someone to spar with me, however—
CRUNCH!*
"Oh wow. Look at that guy's head go." Violet marveled as the ghoul I had targeted had his head fly at least 20 feet back from one swing.
Okay, so my basic swing is a lot more powerful than that of my last life. Good to know, now what if I use some of the basic magic strengthening?
SMASH!*
"Wow, I'm surprised you're not covered in blood." Noted Violet at the explosion of what used to be a person's body.
"Hm… I was hoping to be able to experiment a bit with coating the crowbars with magic like Minoru did in his duel with Leon. But at this rate I'm just going to obliterate these guys before I can do anything interesting." I sighed.
"I suppose this is what it means to suffer from success." Said Violet as she shook her head as well. She then poked her face, "What if you took away the rot? I mean, I don't expect you to be able to completely cure them, but I'm pretty sure they're so fragile because their limbs are close to falling off already."
Huh… a cure? Come to think of it what's stopping me from doing that?
"Because their souls are gone already? At least there's nothing in there. It's why they can't use magic." pointed out Violet.
Is that how that works? I mean, I guess there had to be something fueling our spells, makes sense it'd be the soul rather than an organ.
In any case, let's see…
With a *fwoosh* of the usual Magical fire I use, I toss a glob of violet-blue flame at the nearest ghoul. I see the skin begin to heal, making it so the once decaying body now looked like they recently died.
But strangely with a squeal, the ghoul collapsed and went dead… Like, dead-dead. Not the shambling corpse it was already.
"Trying to heal the ghouls, are you?"
I looked over my shoulder to find a red haired woman in a pretty cool looking outfit with a snazzy hat to match.
"She looks like some kind of hunter…" noted Violet.
"And you are?" I asked. I'm glad I decided to don my Lord Shadow outfit before I came here. The Lesbian territory—
"Lespinasse." Corrected Violet, "I'm pretty sure that 2nd Lieutenant is into Lea in this life as well."
Right, anyway the Lasagna territory was basically directly underneath the Sacred Tree so there was plenty of shade for me to blend in with. I don't think we've finished the white outfits yet, so I was glad for it.
The woman tipped her hat in my direction, making sure to show me one eye. "Call me Mary. I'm a vampire hunter, or rather, I'm the last of the original vampire hunters."
"Oh? Rather strange for you to hunt your own kind." I said.
"You noticed?"
"Hard to hide the teeth from keen eyes." I pointed out. "But that's besides the point I suppose. Care to elaborate on your statement about the ghouls?"
"I suppose I can do that. You wouldn't be the first to try and cure the people of this fate worse than death." Explained Mary as she began to take out her sword. "One bite from one of these creatures and you're likely to become a tool to be used by the vampires. Vlad in particular. The Rault's actually rather dislike the practice. The kindest thing you cand o for these people now…" Mary rushes past the ghouls that flooded the street we were on. She then stands straight, swings her sword in the shape of a Z before holding it in front of her. Every ghoul in her path then fades away like monsters in a dungeon. "Is to end their suffering."
So cool…
"So sure of this are you?" I said.
Mary sighs her visage having a clear air of melancholy and regret. "Believe me, many have tried. Perhaps it could be possible to save people in the same day they had been turned, but such a feat would be impossible for any mere mortal."
So, we can fix it, but it has to be the same day… It would probably help to understand the ghoul thing a bit more. Violet, do you think you could see how the blood works?
"I could try cutie. But are you sure you even need me too? You seem to have a decent understanding of it already." Said Violet.
I just like including you in things.
"Aw…" Violet cooed and then began to snuggle into me.
"I can tell from that look in your eyes…" Mary looks at me again, "Or at least what I can see of your eyes, that you're not going to let me stop you. Don't say I didn't warn you." With that Mary goes back to the roof tops from whence she came. For a split second she gazes upon the Crimson tower. "One last word of advice, should you care for it sir. Beware the crimson moon."
With that She was gone.
"Hm… isn't that kind of performance what you described an Eminence in Shadow would do?" pointed out Violet.
It is! Damn, I could've made a new friend.
Violet comfortingly patted my back before we went back to experimenting with the ghouls.
-P2W/Julius-
"Baaaaaaaaarfooooooooooooort! I'll remember this, I swear!"
Julius charged through the dungeon, firing his pistol behind him. One of his shots blasted through a monster's skull, turning it to dust. However, there were over a hundred of them on his tail, so it was almost impossible for him to miss.
Julius flew toward the rendezvous point at full speed, although he had to be careful with the moss-covered ground and the roots that wove across his path. As he ran, he conjured an image of Leon's face in his mind.
"I knew it. I was a fool to trust him!"
It had never occurred to Julius that he could be used as bait, much less that Leon had intended for him to be used as such.
After what felt like an hour of running, with his chest heaving and sweat coating his body, Julius arrived at the rendezvous point.
"Your Highness!" Jilk hollered. "Keep running!"
There was an enormous caterpillar right behind Julius, but Jilk turned it to ash with his rifle. Julius followed his friend's instructions and dashed past. Leon was waiting just ahead with Noelle, Claire, and Deirdre.
"Great work, Your Highness." Leon lifted his shotgun. A magic circle hovered in front of the barrel. When Julius charged by, Leon pulled the trigger. "Eat This!"
The scattershot pierced the magic circle, imbuing each pellet with electricity. They glowed as they hurled toward the monsters, which disappeared in puffs of smoke.
Julius collapsed to his rear, gasping for air. He craned his neck to look at Leon. "Th-that's incredibly complex magic, isn't it? When did you learn to use that B—Hiro?"
Leon didn't bother looking back. "I just made an effort to learn whatever magic might be beneficial. Although this is the only unique spell I can pull off."
Julius was impressed. Of their group, the only other one who could use magic on that level was Brad. Maybe Barfort really is better than the rest of us. At least when he puts his mind to it.
Leon's disinterest was probably why his grades were so average usually. If Julius recalled correctly, it wasn't until Leon started to plot to take over the position of Crown Prince did he start doing better than the five academically.
Julius wiped the sweat from his face and pulled himself back to his feet. I wonder, had Leon not encountered all that he did on his adventure, would he be this strong now? What would the outcome of the war have been?
Although Leon's main claim to fame, the discovery of his Lost Items and the territory he found, was something of a team effort shared with the Kagenou siblings, Olivia, and that elf servant, it can't be ignored that it wasn't until the last stretch of the adventure that Leon was joined by others.
That's not mentioning his participation in all the invasions done by Fanoss and their associates. Leon was always there front and center to stop them at every turn. As far as Julius was concerned, what made Leon so incredible wasn't his ability itself, but his dedication to getting results.
He only puts in as much effort as needed. As soon as Julius thought that, he was greeted with a hand on his shoulder. The frightening face of Claire Kagenou was what greeted him.
"What is with that poor running form!?" demanded Claire "All the times I've helped you train and a short 10km run with some rough terrain is what gets you winded!?"
If by training you mean chase me across town with a sword as I fear for my life, then yes, I suppose you trained me quite a bit. Thought Julius, although he was at least smart enough to understand that saying that out loud would be a bad idea.
Claire opens her mouth to say something else, likely to demand Julius start doing pushups, but the clearing behind them erupted with a succession of explosions. Smoke gusted toward them, obscuring everything.
"Okay, we're done with the appetizer," Leon called out. "Now for the main course."
-Leon-
We arrived at our objective to find a spacious area, the sunlight pouring in through a large hole in the ceiling. Lumps of magic stone and metal protruded from the ground. It looked like something from a dream.
Deeper in, a gigantic beast loomed, its fur gleaming in the light. It was a mishmash of numerous animals—with huge horns jutting from its head, the nose of an elephant, a hairy body, a reptilian tail, and sharp claws.
Professor Narcisse shrieked. "It's a Chimera Beast! Why is something so dangerous here? D-don't tell me… This place is strange—it's infested with monsters. But for something this menacing to be here… Don't tell me…"
I gave orders over his rambling. "Professor Narcisse, you need to fall back. Noelle, if you're feeling intimidated feel free to go with him. Julius and Chris will take the front. Jilk, Rogue, you support them from behind. Nonna, you be ready to sub in for anyone that gets tired."
Jilk glanced at me sidelong. He already had a grenade in his hand. "Oh? Are you going to spectate Hiro?"
"As if, you moron. I'm going to loop around behind and chip away from a safe distance."
I set off, which Julius and Chris took as their cue to charge. The Chimera fixed its gaze on us for a moment, then threw back its head and unleashed an earsplitting cry. Jilk didn't wait for it to finish before going on the offensive. "How do you like this?!"
A grenade erupted, the explosion swallowing the beast. Strangely, the Chimera ignored the fire singing its fur and went after the blue duo instead. It lunged at them, running on all fours as it tried to skewer them with its horns.
"Coming after me, are you? I must commend you for your bravery! Tetrakarn!" Julius did his best to start deflecting the physical blows from the Chimera.
Chris used the opening to make his move. He swung his sword with both hands, leaving a deep gash in the Chimera's flesh. His blade seemed to glow, a trail of light shining in its wake.
"Be careful!" Professor Narcisse shouted. "It has powerful regenerative abilities!"
"Hang in there you guys!" cheered Noelle.
The wounds on the Chimera were healing almost instantaneously. I signaled for Deirdre and Jilk to get ready. "Fire at its eyes!"
"You sure do ask for the impossible," Jilk huffed.
Deirdre laughed. "Ohohoho! If you're scared about your terrible aim then leave it to a professional!"
The two took out rifles and began to fire at the Chimera's eyes.
"Chris!" I bellowed, "Pincer attack!"
"Very well!"
While the others went for its legs, I took aim with my shotgun and fired. Blood gushed out of the Chimera's head but its eeys regenerated quickly and fixed on me.
"Heya" I said.
It howled and charged. However, I was smart enough to set up a trap before hand, so I just whipped out the tablet again and pressed a button. A number of magical circles appeared around me.
"Man, this thing sure is convenient!"
The Chimera slammed into a invisible wall and went tumbling. Jilk used the opportunity to throw another grenade.
However, when the smoke cleared, our opponent was still raring to go. Its limbs already regenerated.
"B—Hiro!" Julius shouted. "We can't take this thing down if it keeps healing like that."
"Don't worry. I've got this in the bag." I loaded one of my special magic shells into my shotgun and cocked it. "All of you, get back!"
Julius and Chris went behind me but I used my gravity magic to pull someone forward.
"Noelle! I'm going to need you to finish it off!" I said. Noelle didn't seem to question the magic I used but nodded with determination. I wrapped myself around her so that she could line up the shot. With a quick *BLAM* the bullet hits its mark, blowing away the creature's entire upper body. Its regenerative abilities couldn't catch up. The beast then erupted in a puff of black smoke that swallowed up the entire room.
Through the haze, I saw something shining. It had a green hue and absorbed all the fumes. Once the air cleared, all that was left was a single sapling.
I stowed the gun away as everyone started race towards the sapling.
"This is definitely it."
The sapling gave off a celestial glow in the light pouring through the open ceiling. It was a key item from the sequel: the offspring of the Sacred Tree.
"Hm? Miss Beltre!" Narcisse's eyebrows raised in alarm as he pointed at Noelle's hand. On the back of it, I see what appears to be a crest forming. However this crest was particularly more detailed than the others I've seen.
Noelle's gaze brightened, to the point I think she was glowing more than the plant. She then started to look at my hands, but sadly I needed them covered for what I was going to do next, so I turned to Narcisse first.
"Hey, is this a sapling of the Sacred Tree?" I asked.
"Wh—what? Um, yes." Narcisse was clearly flustered by a number of things, "The crest of the priestess manifesting on Miss Beltre aside, I can tell that this is indeed a sapling for the Sacred Tree. Saplings have been discovered many times before, but the last one withered and died. More importantly, the scholars of the republic have realized that there must be some deeper underlying meaning to the locations where saplings are found. It would be best to—what are you doing?!"
I took out a container that Luxion and Cleare had prepared for the purposes of preserving plants. They both had these before hand so they could preserve some of Old Humanity's favorites, but they did repurpose one for my current purposes.
"We can't just leave this here" I said as I carefully deployed the device so that it'd harvest the plant, "Like you said all the previous ones withered and died right? Well, that just means we have to do everything we can to guard this one."
Narcisse nodded, "I… I suppose that's true… and that device you hold… is it a lost item?"
"Yup." I said while popping the 'p' "So, given that everything modern technology had to offer failed, we should try some more high level stuff. Trust me, this is going to be super reliable."
"Very well, but what do you plan on doing with it? My house would gladly buy it from you given how important it is." Said Narcisse.
I shook my head and looked at Noelle. "We have something way more important to do with it."
Narcisse looked over at Noelle and nodded in some kind of understanding. "I suppose all I can do is be grateful I'm ahead of the wave to come."
"Right." I said, "But if it's all the same to you, don't let this knowledge become public for about a month, yeah? We need to make some preparations of our own."
"I suppose that's fine. Now if you'll excuse meeeeee…" Narcisse turned around, likely wanting to take the opportunity to explore the ruins we were in for a bit and study things. However, everyone that wasn't me or Noelle had begun to do their best to find whatever treasures were available. Julius and the boys were digging up stones from the ground in particular.
Noelle and I just laughed together before going back to admiring the sapling quietly.
It's weird, but for a second I felt the back of my hand itch a bit after Noelle rested on my shoulder. I would've told her to get off but she fell asleep from exhaustion so I just left her there.
-Minoru(Cid/Shadow)-
Traveling on a large ship by myself for months was actually pretty difficult. I did appreciate Olivier's gesture, but after the first island I had to trade it in for something more manageable. It was decent training having to run and climb around all the time, but I ultimately still had to sleep for about 8 hours a day in this body.
If only I had magic.
I went to a new world.
I want a new body.
I deserve to use magic.
It's not fair.
That's not me throwing a tantrum either.
Those are just facts.
It's like in my old world, yes, I could likely survive an encounter with a bunch of people. If a few of them had guns that'd be difficult, but still feasible. If they all had automatic or semi-automatic rifles, things would go from feasible to improbable but not impossible. But what if I was hit with a nuke? What then?
There's nothing I could do about it but hope I get lucky. But even then, if I'm hit dead on… well, that's it.
And unfortunately, that's the situation I found myself in now.
I had been fighting some bandits in one of those sci-fi looking places again. I had managed to set all the kids free again, but there was this one guy left. I didn't get his name, but according to him he was a vampire or something.
More importantly, he used tons of magic.
It was a difficult fight, with me only managing to eke out a victory by relying on all the vampire slaying techniques I learned from Olivier. But that wasn't the bad part.
No, see, in this guy's last few moments he chanted a spell called "Megidolaon"
In that moment, as I watched a sphere of destruction close in on my position, what could I do but watch helplessly as it approached me? I could have tried dodging, but the vampire guy hit my legs enough that I couldn't build a decent sprint, not to mention that my exit was probably caved in.
So, I watched.
I watched as my next life was coming to an end.
I watched as what I suspected would do me in was.
I watched, as my dream died for what was likely the second time.
I…
I was scared.
I, honest to god, was scared.
I closed my eyes.
"Mom… dad…" I thought back to my parents back on Earth. I wanted to apologize to them in some degree. I… I don't regret what I had done. The path I had taken. But… in that moment I couldn't help but think back to every regret I've had. "Olivier…"
But before I could reflect on that for too long, a voice had called out.
"Kid, duck!"
I followed the instructions given to me, although I didn't appreciate being called a kid, and felt myself be pushed onto the ground with a few people standing over me.
There was a brief flash and a bit of heat, but when the light ended I was still alive.
"Hoo boy. It's been a while since I've been hit by one of those." Said the man.
A woman in white shook her head, "Lea, you shouldn't ever get hit by a Megidolaon."
Another woman, this one with red eyes, speaks up. "Is anyone hurt? Do you need healing?"
I raise a very bruised hand.
"Oh, don't worry kiddo, I got you." Said the woman with red eyes.
I felt some healing magic wash over me and was able to get up. I tapped my feet on the ground and stretched a bit. "Wow, I think you even got rid of the stuff I got a while ago."
The woman in red smiled proudly. While the woman in white spoke smugly, "That's our Ann! There's nothing she can't heal!"
"Oh Mary, you're braggin' about me too much again." Said Ann as she shyly rubbed the back of her head.
Lea, the man had put a hand on my shoulder, "Hey kid. We heard about you. The kids you saved were talking about a man with a bag for a head with two crowbars who saved them. I suppose that was you."
I nodded. I tried to take my shoulder back but he had a firm grip and a serious look.
"You… why are you down here kid?" asked Lea, his voice kind of reminding me of when dad would scold me for stealing cookies from the cookie jar. "You look young. And you can't even use magic. You don't have proper weapons. What made you come down here alone?"
I opened my mouth.
No sound came out.
I looked away.
I mean, it was a simple enough answer but for some reason I couldn't find the words.
It was weird, honestly.
I think the shame of losing to magic was part of it honestly.
Lea didn't say anything to me until after we all left the building.
"Hey." He called out, "Do you have any plans after this?"
I shook my head.
He smiled. "Well, if you still plan on making enemies of those scientist guys, why don't you join forces with us?"
Scientist guys? Huh, I mean I think I've been fighting them already, but knowing more about the setting would be cool.
"Sure." I said. After all, I can't be an Eminence in Shadow until I figure out how to deal with magic in this world.
With that, the memory had ended.
I had the choice of a red, white, or black accessory. Since I think Leon and Lea are more physical fighters, I chose the black accessory.
There were only moderate memories in front of me, so I went that way.
-Leon-
A couple of days after our excursion into the dungeon, Luxion came back from a mission I had given him.
"So, did she get the letter?" I asked.
[Yes, master. I had helped you send your affair partner a letter.]
"What do you mean affair partner!?" I shouted in outrage, "I'm not a cheater!"
[Oh? Are not most affair partners the ex's of people?]
"I mean…" If I thought about it that was probably true actually. "Bastard you know that this is about important geopolitical business! If anyone heard you they'd get the wrong idea! I'd be done for!"
[Not to worry master. If need be, I can ask Cleare to safely sedate your lovers.]
"You will do no such thing!"
[Oh? But I thought you'd prefer to save the children growing in Mistress Angelica and Mistress Olivia.]
"I mean, if their life was in danger from birth I'd prefer to save the girls… wait I'm getting mixed up here. Stop distracting me! You know I just talked to her because she's the only one of the Six Great Houses we have an in with!" Narcisse wasn't all too fond of us given his current 'don't-meet-your-heroes' syndrome.
[First, you are the only one shouting here. If anyone would cause misunderstandings it'd be you. Second, Isn't it that you simply have a thing for the so-called "Villainess" and "Heroine"? You did court Mistress Angelica and Mistress Olivia after all.]
"I didn't actively choose to do that… at first. I met them by accident and then became friends with them. Things turning romantic was kind of just destiny."
[I do not believe in such a notion. Simply acknowledge the fact that everything was the result of your actions. Past life or not, you chose to get involved with things. I hardly think you can blame your current position as crown prince on destiny. Nor could you blame all the other women you've ensnared on such a thing.]
"I mean, it's not like I was the one to set up my relationship. That was all Angie and Livia."
[Master, despite the fact you are the crown prince of a nation and lover to currently seven women, you are strangely insecure. Don't you understand that your lovers love you? I do not feel such affection, given that I'm an AI, but even I understand that they care for you. Or was the wedding not enough?]
I fall silent at this.
I purse my lips after a brief moment. "This… this is why I need to go see her. I need to say goodbye. To my past… to Hiro."
[Strange that you say that when you chose the name to go by during your time in Alzer.]
"It's the only other name I'd feel I could reliably respond to." I answered honestly. Given everything was going on I felt it best to just go the simple route. "Besides, more to the point. I was going to take Cid and Claire with me to the meeting. This isn't some secret rendezvous. Now. Have we gotten a reply yet?"
[Oh, Running away from your problems master? Very well. Yes, I had gotten a response from Lady Louise Sara Rault.]
Luxion then showed me the letter sent to me.
From what he had scanned, it looked like there were a few tear stains on it, and it made me feel a little bad honestly.
There was also some stuff scratched out, like she wasn't sure what to say. But eventually, she did agree to talking on her estate. And said it'd be fine for me to bring Cid and Claire.
"Okay. Now we just need to…" I trailed off because I started to feel something nudging my foot. I look down and see Elle. "Hey girl, did you just wake up from your nap?"
Elle, this of course being Noelle the dog, just whined. I picked her up and began to pet her on my lap.
[Fascinating, you had been somewhat worked up and stressed but just by petting the dog, you've calmed considerably. Considering how worked up you get, perhaps you should think about getting a dog as well.]
"Ignoring that you're the source of my current stress?" I snarked. You know though, Livia would probably really like getting a dog or cat. She's always liked cute things. I've never shown her the videos of cats and dogs Luxion has in his database because I'm worried she'd get addicted to it like a kid with an I-Pad. I picked up Elle and she feebly licked my face. "Aw, are you trying to comfort me girl?"
Since Cid and Claire went out to dinner, Claire having pestered him to spend some sibling time together, I wouldn't have to do anything but spend time with Elle.
"Such a good girl aren't you, Noelle?" I cooed as I pet her. She yawned, but still had enough energy to wag her tail slightly. "Yes, you are. Yes, you are~ You're my good girl. Such a good girl you are~ I wish I could just keep you to myself Noelle."
Thunk*
I looked over at the door and saw that Noelle, who had been carrying some food, had a really red face.
"Noelle, are you okay?" Elle whined in response. "No, not you girl. I mean Noelle the human. Look at her, she looks like she's running a fever."
"I'm fine…" whimpered Noelle.
I shook my head. "You're clearly not. Look, here go ahead and lie down here, I'll clean all of this up."
I put Elle on her doggy bed and pushed Noelle onto mine. She tried to insist she was fine but as soon as I put the cover over her, I started to hear her breathing really heavily so there's no way she's not sick or something.
-P2W-
Back in the Holfort Kingdom, Olivia and Angelica sipped their tea solemnly while Cleare floated nearby.
"I still can't believe you did that Cleare." Finally said Angelica.
(What? Master said that if anyone tried anything I should castrate them.)
"Okay sure. I get the sentiment, but I think Leon was just exaggerating." Said Olivia. "…Probably."
(Perhaps, but I don't see the harm. It's not as though those men were going to do anything good with their phalluses anyway. And besides, their leader seems to rather enjoy his—or rather her—new lease on life.)
"Just… don't do anything like that again." Said Angelica before she realized how the AI would interpret that. "Don't run any experiments without anyone's permission. And by anyone, I mean me, Livia, or Leon."
(Tsk.)
"What was that?" said Angelica.
(Nothing. Would you like me to look at Luxion's records to see anything Master may have been hiding from you?)
"You can do that Cleary?" asked Olivia. "Won't Luxy get mad at you for that? It seems like a breach of privacy."
(What hubby doesn't know won't hurt him.)
"That's a dangerous phrase, Cleare." Warned Angelica.
(I'm not cheating on him or anything. There's only one AI husband in the world for me. Quite Literally!)
"But what if there was another AI? Would you still choose Luxy?" asked Olivia concernedly.
(Of course! He's way too fun to mess with. Besides, why would I even think about it. It's not like I can just make myself a… body… hm…)
"Cleare? Unless you're planning on making them out of the nano-machines I'm going to have to veto that line of thinking." Said Angelica.
(Oh, that's a great idea! Why don't I make one for Hubby while I'm at it!)
"Ooh that sounds fun!" cheered Olivia. "What should you two look like?"
The rest of the night was filled with excited chatter of the three girls.
.
.
.
A/N: For the record. I already have an idea of what the humanoid versions of the AI should look like. Currently I could see Cleare look like BB from FGO but with blue hair and eyes. As for Luxion… I don't know who'd be a good expy honestly. There aren't any male AI characters I know of aside from maybe 9S, but I feel like he doesn't fit that well. Hakuno or Fujimaru (the male versions) from the same game I guess? But with red instead of yellow/blue.
Most of what Leon's going through is the same as Volume 4 and 5. For the most part we're done with Volume 4, just have the meeting with Louise and her family. Look forward to that I suppose.
When it comes to Cid, he's mainly going to go through his memories during this since the vampire stuff isn't happening until we get to Mobuseka volume 6. This means that he's going to go through all of his memories from his past life. I'll fast forward during some of it (we don't know all of the reincarnations names or personalities sadly) but will hit the major points.
I will say that the final boss of these trials is Lea, Ann, and Mary. And it's going to be an experience for Cid to say the least. I hopefully set up some of those emotions this chapter.
Now, let's answer the comments.
SB
MWKillKenny84: According to Marie this is just a thing he does all the time. Accidentally seduce women, I mean.
Rendfire: Lmao yeah. I didn't really want to write the scene because it just didn't matter ultimately until Aaron turned Erin seduces Jake by accident. So I though just mention it would be better.
That is a funny scene that I might have to do an Omake over. Because if I recall correctly in the chibi manga Delta has an argument with a dog when Cid's charged with taking care of it.
Lmao, Cid's luck doesn't cross over into this universe.
I like making Eta cute, but I think I should probably give her some more of her psychotic moments though. I can't remember the last time I wore anything like that.
I feel like I read a manga with that, but damn I can't remember the name either.
The plot blender approaches. As for Aurora's feelings, I could definitely give her a section over it later. She's been resigned to her fate so far, but I guess I should be a bit more explicit with it. I didn't show the conversation she had with Mary before Cid woke up the first time since it'd spoil everything, but yeah Violet can talk to the people in the helmet. More on that later though.
As always, thanks for the long comments.
VATSTeen: The Seven Shadows have all had their guts rearranged by Cid though? Or are you trying to say that Elizabeth and Yukime would be fighting each other in front of the seven shadows.
Someone ani: Thank you!
Eta kinda just took it for granted that she'd have her subordinates, and now misses them. Also I think you meant accepted? But like you said I should show her dangerous side more.
I'm planting the seeds for now, but the consequences won't be reaped until the John Smith Arc. Violet is like an emotional support person / weighted blanket.
I did see a few more of Violet's interactions. I shit you not, she has a convo with Cid where she says "It'd be fun to be your familiar."
Thanks for advice about Olivier. In my head, this was a younger Olivier who kinda fell for Cid at first sight. Next few interactions should be more in character. Like I'm not going to say I made her OOC on purpose, but I can at least explain it a bit. From here on out I'll try to be more accurate.
The blender approaches.
Exhaling123: I think this is the first time I've seen you comment. Thanks!
In any case, I was referencing that snapcube dub, nice job noticing it.
Bladist: Lol yeah. Pierre was a boss once, but that was due to the cheating stuff behind the crests. Even then, it was mostly due to how dumb everyone was rather than him or Alzer actually being a threat.
Olivia has calmed down a bit since getting together with Leon and giving Angelica the accessories. But she's still Yandere, she's just more Dere right now since she's in the honeymoon phase.
I could see Noelle wearing those, no idea if Mitsugoshi developed them yet though. Can't imagine anyone else would be able to.
Lmao, it took me a second to realize what you were saying. Like someoneani says, It's Kai or Chi based on what you're watching/reading. I've been using Kai though (I think) so I'll keep using that.
You know? I think Cid would if Louise wasn't a named character. He's cool like that.
I always wondered what happened with Elizabeth and Mary honestly. The anime shows that they're fine and just living live now at least. Kinda wish Mary was playable in Master of Garden so we'd be able to find out more about her though.
Lmao yeah. Leon teases everyone so he doesn't realize that he's flirting with a lot of girls on accident.
Carla/Jean is one of those "I have characters left over" things. I do plan on showing some interactions later though.
Luxion's fake betrayal did feel like it could be fun, but wouldn't make a lot of sense here. Plus, I've had Luxion speak way less than in canon since Leon's usually talking to someone in his scenes here, so the fake betrayal wouldn't hit as hard.
I could definitely see Beatrix being ripped, but I think elf physiology prevents that somehow (Author probs said no so she'd look more like Alpha). Claire does train a lot, but she strikes me as someone who'd prefer being toned. Same for Iris, but she prefers to wield great sword / claymore type weapons in game, so I think she'd get massive shoulders by accident and be self conscious about it.
Ao3
Dawnwatch: I should have more scenes with Elle. Just need to figure out how. Probably an omake.
Well thanks, hopefully you'll like it.
Yup, Brad could canonically fight circles around the Alzerians, he just lost because of the crest stuff.
Leon knew it'd be inevitable that they'd have to talk to each other, so next time he's going to do it on his terms.
It's not until volume 6 that it's mentioned. Since Volume 5 is all about Loic and his obsession with Noelle.
Thanks for reading.
Wolfpaladin: If it wasn't clear (bu dum tiss), Cleare took anyone that was looking at Angelica and Olivia funny and made them into girls.
It's less approval and more "sure I guess" right now. They haven't known Noelle for long.
Yeah, Louise is as about screwed as Alexia is lol.
Holfortians are also better trained than Alzerians according to canon. Not to knock down Brad's achievements, but it's not correct to call his opponents strong.
Yup, probably not till the vampire arc though.
She was less angry and more annoyed.
They do need more than that to elevate her status, but that's the basic idea. Mary's a bit more cautious, she's testing the waters for now.
Totntotbt: I was half tempted to bring the idol event from Master of Garden here thanks to that. Lol.
Well, they are friends. For as begrudging as it is lol.
That sounds cute.
Lol, yeah their greediness is making them so stupid.
You know, the other day I saw where Seth even got that phrase from. But I can see how it applies here.
That's kinda funny, I'll consider it.
Thanks for the comment on what to do if I continue the persona fic. I've read the manga for Evil Lord. I stopped when he was confronting the girl with drill hair and giant breasts to make her his fiancé. I should check out the novels when I get the chance though.