"...Can I really have this Master? You won't take it away from me, right?" Her pitiful expression is precious, is it bad I'm awakening to something? I'm still nine years old dammit, I gotta get a grip on myself. Unreal. Wait, wrong phrase.
"Don't worry I got that iPad for your exclusive use, plus you could buy more books if you want. Or at least ones that aren't included as a pdf. I mean I have loads of money, you've read about bank accounts and such right?" I ask in a hopeful tone since it'd be too much of a pain to explain. Her reply is a vigorous nod not even bothering to look at me as she wipes the drool from her mouth. Those bloodshot eyes of hers are scaring me… why the hell is she floating upside down anyway?
Still though, holding hands with a cut on each of them while we close our eyes and share a kiss to form the Soul Bond. Isn't that weird? And perhaps… a little too easy? Or am I being tricked by my system? Don't get me wrong though, I enjoyed every moment of it. Plus, I could obviously feel the connection between me and Jibril.
But if her expression is anything to go by then the ecstatic feeling she is sending me through our connection is probably an understatement to how she truly feels. I won't complain though, her lips are soft and the way she licked them as she stared at me was incredibly seductive. It went from 0 to 100 real quick though! Ohhh, right! There wasn't hostility when we first met! Sure, she was looking down at me, but there wasn't any trace of any active blood lust since the aura she exudes is natural. Perhaps that might have played a role in her decision and the way she acts now at least that's the explanation I'm going with.
Ah! No time to think about how sexy she is! I must check out my updated status, my bonds, and the inventory. Man, what time is it anyways…
[ 11:05:54 AM, Ryu. ]
Thank you! Bring up my status, please! And cut out the old stuff.
[ Updating... ]
[ Status ]
[
[Title(s)]:
[(Soul) System Functions] : [The Cry of the Soul]
[Level] : 180 / 250
[ Stats (Basic Attributes) ] :
[HP] : 102,279 / 102,279 [MP] : ∞ / ∞
[Strength] : 14,000
[Endurance] : 18,000
[Speed] : 10,600
[Charisma (+Charm)] : S
[Luck] : S
[Soul Stats] : 4,500 (Added to All; except Charisma and Luck)
[Money] : ¥10,010,000,000 (Japanese Yen) / $91,375,335.24 (US Dollars)
[Soul-Bound Weapons] :
[ Longinus Sacred Gear: Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet / Boosted Gear (Currently Offline, Unavailable) ]
[ Noble Phantasm: Enkidu- Chains of Heaven ]
[Skills] :
[Passive] -
[Soul Concealment(??)] , [Draconic Senses(B)] , [Dragon Scales(B)] , [Supreme Regeneration(S)] , [Cooking Master(A)] , [Martial Arts Prodigy(C)] , [Sword Arts Prodigy(C)] , [Fire-Arms Prodigy(C)] , [Pain Mitigation(S)] , [Supernatural Physique(S)] , [Serene Life Aura(S)] , [Petting Master(A)]
[Active] -
[Shapeshifting(S)] , [Dragon Form (Sealed)(SS)] , [Aura of Infinity(SS)] , [Pheromones(S)] , [Dragon Breath(B)] , [Nature's Pulse(B)] , [Nature's Grace(B)] , [Holy Light Magic(A)] , [Miracle Magic(S)] , [Limit Break(B)] , [Sharing is Caring(SS)] , [Star Star Fruit(SS)] , [Arc of Embodiment(S)] , [Halo of Destruction(SS)] ]
I'm looking pretty powerful, kinda. But my stats did go up a bit.
Haha, I'm going to conveniently ignore the jab over corrupting a literal angel of destruction. Who is the universe fooling? I didn't mean to awaken her! It just sort of happened, by accident. I didn't mean to tie her up like that. If anything she should've probably stayed put, but in the end, she was trying to get one over on me.
A-anyways, I did level up a lot. Wait, I haven't killed any being, ventured into any dungeon, or cultivated. Doesn't that basically mean I level up whenever I bind my soul to a strong being? Is it a consequence of the system? Or is it just another means to get stronger? I mean, it includes Ophis so that's what I'm assuming. Let's see, Jibril gave me 140 levels. Nice.
And it looks like Enkidu and my new skills appeared there already.
Ah, right. Eve, I've been meaning to ask, did I really get nerfed since that's what I figured when looking at the title I have...
[ Indeed. Though your body was reconstructed with the use of your magic core and infinity, you don't have proper control over it. Your body will need to adjust to the massive power boost that comes with being a Dragon and a Demi-God. Basically, you must 'grow up.' Though you are mentally mature, your body is that of a child so there will be times when you will act your own age, and with those draconic instincts of yours, it'll be incredibly difficult to control. Your 'fight' with Jibril was only won because she underestimated you and was not aware of your preparations. She never once considered that you would 'fight' back after all. Though you were versatile in your use of powers, it came down to you getting one over on her. ]
Haha, I don't know whether to laugh or cry at my sheer dumb luck. I knew I wouldn't be OP at the beginning so there's no use complaining over it. But hey I am getting stronger at record speed I think.
Eve is right though, I don't want power I can't control it, I could hurt my family after all. Just thinking about it sends chills down my back. Plus, having some child-like episodes will no doubt cause some problems, but it will also help me blend in more. I wholeheartedly thank the mighty universe and the system for keeping me in check!
Oh hey, what about the cry of the soul thing? It said it would transfer at the appropriate age, so does that mean I will be able to handle controlling my power in those worlds?
[ Yes, you will be able to learn how to control your power in other worlds. This is also one of the reasons why you are traveling, after all, to get stronger without affecting your main world. You don't even need to worry about your history in the said world since the 'World's Will' will adjust based on who calls you. You don't even have to worry about your control lowering once you return home since your power and body would have adjusted properly already. Fair warning, you might have to be adjusted to the World's power level even if you become strong, you'll still be strong but it'd be reduced to not provoke the Laws of the World. ]
This is some important information, thanks for the heads up Eve! I'll be able to get better control and experience that I desperately need. Banzai to the cheating system!
Next would be the Soul Bond.
[ Here you go Ryu. ]
<
[ ^1 ]
[
[ Family ] [ Retainer ] [ Contract ]
[ Family ]
Ayaka Suzuki { Soulmate }
Ophis { Bound By Infinity }
Jibril { My Master }
?????? { ?????? }^+12
[ Retainer ]
Ddraig { Soul Bound Friend }
]
Seems she was added here… Wait, what's with that suggestive wording on master? I thought she was going to be on Retai- Ah. Yeah, there's no way that would be possible considering what I 'accidentally' did. I'll take responsibility, it's the right thing to do, you know.
As I daydream to myself another screen pops up in front of me, I guess Eve went ahead and opened it up for me… Whoops.
[ Organizing… ]
<
[ ^1 ]
[ [Current Storage: 010 / 700] ^1 ]
[ *Slot 1: Sweaty Blankets, *Slot 2: Sweaty Pillows, *Slot 3: Chunchunmaru (Epic+ Rank Katana),
*Slot 4: 15 Body Strengthening Pills (Rare+ Rank), *Slot 5: Dagger of Severing Winds (Epic++ Rank),
*Slot 6: 25 Elite Health Potions -Peach Flavor- (Epic++ Rank), *Slot 7: 45 High Mana Potions -Unflavored- (Epic++ Rank),
*Slot 8: Random Spirit Summoning Ticket (Mythical++ Rank), *Slot 9: Lovely Skull Hair Pin (Rare+++ Rank), *Slot 10: Needle of Never-Ending Torture (Epic++ Rank) ]
Interestingly, they also appear on the holographic screen. This is mighty convenient. Wait, how many ranks are there for items and such, Eve?
[ There are 8 Ranks in total, but this does not include those items that are out of your reach. For now, there are: Common, Rare, Unique, Epic, Legendary, Mythical, World, and God rank. But there are also stages to their rank with the plus sign you see. ]
Seriously, I just got a mythical like nothing. Man, what a broken Gacha. I won't let myself be fooled, however! But about the Elite and the High parts in the potions, why are they the same rank but with different descriptions?
[ Because flavored potions dilute the purity. At least that is the case for Epic rank and below. Once you obtain those of a higher rank, it will not matter because they will be made with valuable ingredients. ]
I see. Perhaps it's the middle point between mortal items and divine items? At least, that's part of the explanation I can come up with along with better ingredients. I sigh internally once I finish looking over the inventory. I then start getting up, totally ignoring the creepy laughter emanating from the upside-down fool, and begin dressing myself. I may have gotten sidetracked but there is no way I'll miss lunch. Though I am the one who normally cooks for everyone along with my brother Raku, my moms are here this time so I'll be able to eat their cooking. Hooray!
I grabbed a blue and black bordered Yukata along with some underwear and a pair of shorts since I may have gotten sweaty when Jibril showed up. Though I'm sure she never noticed. Once I'm dressed I go to the restroom, do my business, and look at myself in the mirror. Yeah, all my changes are there, the ahoge, the infinity symbol and dragon eye, pointed ears, and my colored hair. Which would look natur- None of them. The ahoge? I do have unruly hair right now so why not. Once I hide everything else and leave the wildly moving ahoge, I leave the restroom and call out to Jibril.
"Hey Jibril, if you can hear me then I'll be heading to eat lunch with my family. Remember what we discussed if you wanna explore then do it discreetly we don't want to alarm any powerhouses at the moment. Make sure to keep a look out if you find anything shady happening. If you're staying then try to keep it down since my family might or might not know about the supernatural. I'll tell them… whenever I can."
"Yes, master! Don't mind me, I'll be ….Guwehehehe here reading all these fascinating books… ehehehe." She is too far gone already, but I'm glad some of those books I got from the gacha are filled with knowledge about the supernatural, especially the myths and lore it is based on.
I only shake my head, with a small smile adorning my face, over how fast she has changed. I am quite shocked, but I guess being powerless in front of a being who you thought was weak and has a pure-blooded dragon race was what opened her eyes. Was I being too arrogant? Probably.
I mean she did pledge her body and soul to me right before the Soul-Bond ritual. This woman is really something.
I take one last look at her before I slowly slide the door closed, quickly making my way to the dining area. My room seems to be at the end of this long ass hallway leading up to a veranda. I turn my head and yup there's the waterfall pond with numerous koi fish. The vegetation here is pretty amazing, there's even some bamboo growing at the far end, along with some Willows and Sakura trees. Is that a little walkway towards the pond I see? It's made up of smoothened stones with some small stones lining up around the edges as if they're there to keep away the rampant grass.
After my inspection, I continued walking and arrived at a blue curtain. From what I saw in my memories, this seems to be the intersection of the house where you go towards my bedroom, the kitchen, the dining/living room, and finally the rest of the rooms where the front entrance is located. Those rooms can accommodate two hundred people if not more. Man, seems like a maze.
I shake away my thoughts and enter. As soon as I did, I came face to face with the head member of the Shuei-Gumi Clan, Ryuu or Sasaki Ryunosuke. He is fairly well built since he usually wears his yukata with one side showing and that's where a dragon tattoo is in plain sight. He has short spiky black hair, a deep scar running from his forehead towards the side of his right eye barely above his small mustache. He has this intense look on his face, but in the years I've been living with him and the refresh of my reincarnation I got to know how dedicated and protective he is of our family.
His name, or well his nickname, is similar to my own, isn't it? I wonder why they named me that way anyway.
"Morning, Ryuu! Are you heading off to the dining area as well? Is dad here?"
His intense face falters and quickly changes into a jolly grin as he answers my greetings and my questions. "Morning, Young Master! Indeed, I would never miss the cooking of the Madams! Ah, your father was planning to stay, but he had an urgent meeting to attend to."
"Haha, that does sound like my father. Well, why don't we head on to Ryuu? We don't want to keep Raku waiting after all."
"Yes! After you, Young Master!"
We walk in and all we see is little Raku trying to keep the rest of the members under control. They're laughing, standing on those mini tables, drinking… drinking?! It's not even noon, okay almost! Man, well let me help out a bit.
"Guys! Quiet down! We're about to eat my mother...s cooking! Or shall we go outside to train for a bi-"
""""Ah! Good morning Young Master!! It's such a beautiful day to eat good food huh!""""
Shameless. They immediately sat down in an orderly fashion, even Raku! Seems like training with me is scary. But I make sure to go easy on them and train along with them… Well, I'm glad they calmed down. I wouldn't want them to become victims of my mother's brute strength. She's like a gori-
"Ara, Ryu-kun I feel like you're thinking something rude about me. I'm wrong right?"
I never got the chance to finish my thought once I heard my mom, Miyu, speaking up from behind me. I turned around to look at her and all I saw was my gently smiling mom… and yet the smile never reached her eyes. My other mom, Mamako, is right behind her giggling at my expense. I gulp and prepare to deny everything.
"Ahaha... what are you saying mom, I was just thinking how I couldn't wait to eat the food you both prepared..." I made sure not to stutter a single time to make it more convincing and I knew it had worked when my mom's eyes turned gentle.
"Hmmm hmmm, well help me prepare the dishes and bring in the food okay?"
"Yes ma'am!"
I ended up helping them set up the tables while rushing back into the kitchen and setting down the food. They gave me no mercy! Aren't I a nine-year-old child!? Is my mom holding a grudge!?
Once I was done, I finally sat down in between both of my mothers and started eating their wonderful food. Seems like they went all out. I see Karaage, miso soup, countless bowls of rice, onigiri, yakitori, takoyaki, croquettes, hamburg steak, salmon, and ramen. Though it seems like it's too much, I'm sure everyone will finish this. Hell, I might even finish it. It's amazing!
I then suddenly get an idea… It might seem crazy but it might prove helpful. I silently mutter, "Aura of Infinity," and make sure it's condensed around me only. I then carefully try to mold it into a shape, starting with it being round then giving it a triangle-shaped mouth, and finally condensing it even further near the top to create some eyes. I take a peek at my surroundings but everyone is still eating so I wipe off the sweat gathering on my forehead before I take a look at my creation.
I could technically see it since I was the one who condensed it and my aura was only visible to me. As soon as I marvel at my silly attempt to create a dog-sized Pac-man, I hear Eve's sudden voice inside my head. I flinch but I hurriedly compose myself and take a proper look at the windows.
[ It seems you unintentionally created a new skill, Ryu. Impressive. ]
I did?! What'd I create? Which then prompts Eve to giggle and show me a window with the information.
[ Hehe, don't worry I was about to show you. ]
[ [Gluttonous Pac-Man(S)]: -Active Skill- A skill created unintentionally by the host, Ryu Ichijou. The Gluttonous Pac-man skill channels the insatiable appetite and relentless pursuit of its namesake.
The user of this skill can manifest either mini versions of Pac-man, moderate size, or super-sized- though the user is also capable of morphing his body to become Pac-man- and gains the ability to consume virtually anything in their path, growing stronger with each meal. They embody the spirit of a voracious eater, capable of devouring obstacles, enemies, items, and magic ease like power pellets. Unlocking the capability to eat potent things such as legendary items or high-level spells will be available when the user has surpassed his limit.
Devouring allows the user to gain temporary power-ups or enhancements. These power-ups may include increased speed, enhanced strength, temporary invincibility, hp recovery, and can even devour and create a skill concept that is compatible with the user. The consumed skill will always be equal or of lowered strength based on the rank of this skill, but only has a 50% chance of succeeding.
Through the use of this skill, the user is capable of gaining exp depending on the target being consumed.
The user's insatiable appetite grants them a form of resilience against certain attacks or effects. They can absorb or neutralize harmful substances by consuming them, rendering them immune to poison, curses, or other negative effects. This resilience extends to physical attacks as well, as the user can absorb/dampen incoming blows by consuming them or destroying them outright before they make contact.
A special effect will trigger when Ryu eats 50 enemies/food- the effect will refresh once the 50th has been consumed; the effect will allow him to have a 20% chance of consuming the enemy's soul and any knowledge/experience they have. The more combos Ryu obtains when eating, the higher the percentage will grow. The food Ryu eats, when he activates this skill, will have the same taste, so he will be able to taste whatever it is. And if the food is either raw or inedible and Ryu eats it with Gluttony it will automatically taste either like Strawberry, Cherry, Orange, Banana, Pear, Apple, or a Pretzel.
But this skill comes with a consequence that either triggers randomly or accumulates, no matter how much the user consumes, their hunger remains insatiable, growing stronger as the skill evolves. At some point, the user will be constantly driven to seek out new sources of sustenance, whether it be physical objects, mystical energies, or abstract concepts. This endless hunger fuels their quest for power and drives them ever onward, but Be Wary. ]
I unconsciously gulp at the crazy-ass skill I randomly created. Isn't this amazing even with the cons, sure having an insatiable appetite is kind of dangerous, but I'm already a dragon, so does it really change anything? I got to train it up to do the crazy stuff described, but that's fine with me.
As I imagined the sheer amount of things I could do with this skill, I was snapped out of my thoughts by my moms. I have to stop doing that...
"How was the food Ryu-kun?"
"Was it good Ryu-chan?"
"Yes! The food was delicious! I'm glad you guys decided to stay for lunch! I'd probably be the one making the food for everyone ahaha."
As I say those innocent words on instinct, Mamako and Myu both freeze with a gentle smile on their faces. Their eyes then turn dangerous as an incredible amount of pressure starts radiating off of them.
"Ara, it seems the men here are so useless they leave the cooking to a nine-year-old child."
"Men who take advantage of little Ryu-chan shall be punished."
Should you two really be saying that when you made me bring in all the dishes and set up every table? Though I won't say it out loud. I still want to live after all. I have no desire to die a second time.
All the members of the clan look at me with pitiful expressions but I smile gently and close my eyes. But I keep one eye open and in that moment I see everyone's expression go pale when they see my moms get up silently and leave the dining area. They wobbly stand up and begin to follow them. Seems like the beat- training they receive from my moms is much harsher than mine. They are dreading every step they take after all.
I mean, it's not like I mind cooking for them. Sure sometimes it's too much but I get help from Ryuu, and Raku. Plus cooking is relaxing for me. Haha, it seems like it's too late to help them though.
I clap my hands in prayer for all the fallen men. I peek at Raku and he's just sitting there worrying over everyone's expression it seems.
I sigh and call out to him. "Hey, Raku. You don't have to worry, they'll just be training for a while, why don't you help me fix the dining room."
"Ah, yes aniki." He was startled at first but released a sigh of relief when I told him they were going to be okay. Oh man, this kid didn't even feel the immense pressure they were letting out. Ah, Raku. How innocent you are.
We stayed back for an hour cleaning and now the dining area looks as good as new. We stand there admiring our work until I suddenly hear Jibril's voice inside my head.
(Master, I found something interesting. I read for a couple of hours and then after a while, I decided to explore the town. I then sensed a battle happening in the forest just outside of the town. I found multiple signatures of some humans with some lightbulb powers, some bat-men, and poor excuses of flugel wannabes attacking what appears to be a couple. One of them is a female bat and the other a human with remarkable control over his light. I also found one slightly stronger bat overlooking the whole thing. Shall I kill them for trespassing over your territory?)
Damn, so they're starting their plan to eliminate them. Things are moving real fast and it hasn't even been a day yet! And ayo? What do you mean my territory, calm your trigger fingers Jibril! (I'll teleport to you right away, let me get ready first. Ah right, you can go have some fun with that bat fool. Make sure you get their name though.)
(Hehehe, of course, master. Ah, it seems there was a band of those black-feathered things and some sort of mystics near a shrine, but when the fighting began they immediately pulled out. I'm sure they'll return though.)
Shrine… Shrine…. Shrine…? Ah! Shuri, Akeno and Baraquiel huh. I gotta check it out, the perpetrators of the attack might be readying themselves. Though, I have to do it without alarming them.
For now, I will place that information for later, as I hurriedly hid my change of expression from Raku and calmly let him know I was off to my room. He looks curious but ultimately nods his head and waves me off. I go through the curtain and head straight to my room.
Once inside, I undress and activate my Arc of Embodiment magic to make some clothes for myself. It was immensely difficult, and I'm pretty sure I spent massive amounts of the mana I produce naturally inside of me. It was way more than normal, though it didn't seem like it affected me, it did strain my mind.
I close my eyes and imagine a black shirt with black pants and a black overcoat with dark blue borders here and there. I also make a mask to cover the top part of my face, it's black with white stripes down the middle in between my forehead and nose.
I may have added two small draconic horns in the middle of my forehead as well, but hey it does kinda fit the aesthetic of the outfit. A little chuuni, but hey thankfully it's about to be nighttime.
Finally satisfied, I rested for a bit and then started expanding my Aura of Infinity and began preparations to teleport to Jibril's mana signature. Right before I do, I hear her voice once again.
(Master, it seems this bat's name is Razevem Lucifer. It was wonderfully fun knocking him around for a bit, but shall I dispose of him?)
(Interesting, can you knock him out cold for me? I think I will store him inside my inventory. I'll be there momentarily.)
(Of course!)
Finished with our conversation I once again go back to preparing the teleportation, making sure the mana signature is the same, and I have a steady grasp over what my aura is perceiving in the forest area.
It may seem like I can teleport anywhere but it's not instantaneous. I do need a couple of minutes to prepare. Or maybe more? The mana usage is no joke, and it's definitely taking a toll on me. At least I feel like it is, but it refills just as quickly because of the neverending flood coming from my mana core. Damn. Talk about overpowered. Though it's far too much and I can hardly keep it under control, I need some finesse. In any case, it might change in an instant if I properly train it though.
As soon as that thought crosses my mind, the teleportation magic activates. I feel the familiar pull of my aura around Jibril so I relax. The transfer felt weird, but it might be because it's somewhere far away.
I reappear right next to Jibril, feeling a bit woozy over the shift but otherwise fine. I then see what I assume to be a knocked-out Razevan. Poor delusional guy.
I automatically send him to my inventory and look around my surroundings. I pay extra attention in case something unexpected happens, but it seems like nothing is out of the ordinary. It might not be night time but it sure as hell is pretty dark in the forest since the sunset is fast approaching.
"Master! Praise me!"
"Yes, yes. Good job Jibril. I'll give you head pats when we get home, we've got two love birds to save after all."
"Yes!"