The Seraphic System
Chapter: 19
Pa/ t reon details at the bottom of the chapter if you're interested I'll keep posting regardless.
Hope you all enjoy the chapter. Feel free to leave any suggestions you would like to see added to the story.
(Deva's Pursuit)
I knocked on the door that belonged to a small apartment. Shanu had told me this was where Nikhil lived so hopefully I could talk to him. I felt bad since he had been pretty cool and showed me around only to be nearly killed by a shadow-wielding assassin.
Not exactly a good introduction to the supernatural community. A middle-aged woman answered the door, looking at me in confusion.
"Can I help you?" She asked with a glance around to see if anyone else was with me.
I gave her a disarming smile.
"Hello, I'm a friend of Nikhil's. I'm here to speak to him." I announced, trying to sound relaxed. Even as I scanned around for any threats.
She sighed.
"You're not here to bully him are you?" She questioned looking a bit more defensive, her body blocking the door as if it would stop me.
"No? My name is Kai. Your son was kind enough to take me on a tour of Shimla. I'm new here." I explained.
Her eyes widened and her demeanour changed.
"Why didn't you say so? Nikhil has told me so much about it. Come in." She replied. Inviting me inside.
The apartment was small but cosy. It had clearly been lived in for a long time. It had that unique aura.
"Nikhil's bedroom is down the hall on the right." She said with a kind smile. I nodded and thanked her.
I opened the door and Nikhil froze. There sitting in his pants playing on his computer was Nikhil. Who looked completely caught off guard. As if the last thing he had expected to walk through that door was me.
"Yo." I greeted.
He stared at me in horror. We hadn't spoken since the incident, I had been meaning to but I had been busy preparing for the heist. I had seen him sometimes typing in our chat but he hadn't even sent a message.
That horror turned into fascination. Nikhil jumped up. Examining me with excitement.
"What the fuck are you? You had wings coming out from your back! Are you human, no. Humans don't have wings. How do they even fit in your back?" He shot off in rapid succession.
Nikhil started looking at my back as if my wings were suddenly going to burst out.
"Physically, that should be impossible, unless they fit inside some compartment and are very flexible. Your back doesn't have enough space to fit eight wings. Maybe they are not completely physical?!" Nikhil muttered.
I chuckled. I had anticipated many possible reactions, but this wasn't one of them. Though I felt a twinge of guilt for putting Nikhil in this situation out of my own curiosity, it didn't seem to matter much.
"So, do you store them in a higher dimension? That's the most logical reasoning. You being able to interact with higher dimensions would confirm their existence. You created an illusion last time, was that magic? Magic sounds so cool! You can probably do so much with it. Wait, you have golden wings, are you an angel?" Nikhil concluded, his excitement palpable.
"I mean, yeah. I guess I'm an Angel. It's complicated," I replied.
"Do you really belong to the Abrahamic myths? Does God exist? Is God male or female? Damn, am I going to hell for not praying to him and thinking Lucifer was cooler? Should I start praying?" Nikhil fired rapidly.
"Yeah, pretty sure no other faction has angels. God's gender was never really mentioned, but since angels normally refer to God as 'father,' I would assume he is male. No, though you would probably go to Narak if you start praying, I don't think the Hindu Gods would be too happy losing you," I replied with a shrug.
Nikhil looked as if I had just announced him as the lottery winner. What followed was a very lengthy discussion on the supernatural world, turns out Nikhil was pretty smart and put things together quickly.
Hmph, way better than Issei. Then again being able to actually use your brain isn't exactly a hard goal to achieve.
After answering all his questions, we settled into silence. It was only broken when I questioned him about his life and turns out he has had it rough.
I found that he reminded me of Hermione Granger in his knowledge, ignoring the negative aspects. He isn't a snob about his knowledge, but he comes off as a bit pretentious and a know-it-all. I suspect that's why he was bullied.
Despite being able to retaliate with his slightly enhanced body, he didn't because funnily enough, he was afraid of not having a clean record, so he could apply for higher studies.
Now, though. I think his bullies will find themselves in deep shit after the talking I gave to him. He's grown a bit of a backbone with our little chat.
I mentally made a note to pass on a message to Shanu. He owes me big time for involving me in his problems and I like Nikhil. It wouldn't cost anything for Shanu to look out for him, especially since he could one day be of use.
I patted myself down as I rose from my place lounging on his couch.
"Are you going?" Nikhil asked with a frown.
"Yeah, I've pushed my luck far enough already. It's best I don't let the Hindu pantheon decide my presence is a bother." I replied.
I naturally recounted my recent battle to Nikhil, explaining why I hadn't contacted him sooner. To say he was amazed at the fact I battled a deva would be an understatement.
His eyes practically sparkled by the end of it. His reaction made me feel a little better about the whole situation.
Nikhil nodded reluctantly.
"Oh, by the way, contact Shanu if you need help regarding your status as a blessed human," I called out as I left with a lazy wave.
Nikhil nodded and gave me a smile.
Now that I've taken care of that, I suppose it's time to meet the serpent goddess once again.
-Scene Change-
Without any stops, I travelled directly to the temple where I had spoken to Manasa a few weeks prior. I had my guard fully up as I half expected to be attacked by someone mid-flight.
Once again, I stood before the grand temple dedicated to worshipping Manasa, the surrounding wildlife just as beautiful as I remembered. A small snake caught my eye, and I offered it a weak grin.
Hello, Manasa.
My eyes scanned around for anyone. The priest that had taken me inside last time stood outside the temple doors seemingly awaiting my arrival, hands behind his back in a regal manner.
Swami Harish.
He quickly spotted me, and that familiar friendly smile lit up his face as he approached me.
"I've been expecting your visit, young friend." He spoke.
I ran a hand through my golden hair.
"Is Manasa expecting me then?" I questioned.
Swami's smile stretched a little further and he turned around, leading me towards the temple once more. As we walked, I lazily waved at the small snake that was still watching me.
"You've caused quite the commotion." Swami started.
I rolled my eyes. I knew the significance of what I had done. I wasn't even surprised he knew.
"So I keep hearing," I replied.
"Ah, I'm sure you think you do," Swami replied unfazed by the small bit of snark in my tone.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Considering that I've been told by Shanu himself the ruckus Namara's death has caused. I think I know well enough." I retorted.
Swami laughed gently.
"My friend, you haven't even scratched the surface of India's supernatural world. You've been confined solely in Shanu's territory, which is known for its relatively small population of supernatural creatures.
But let me assure you, there are entire kingdoms dedicated to the supernatural. Hundreds, in fact. When I say you haven't seen even a fraction of India's supernatural world, I truly mean it," Swami explained.
I paused, my eyes widening at this new revelation. I knew India was vast, but hundreds of kingdoms solely for the supernatural? That was mind-blowing. Suddenly, I felt a lot more nervous.
"Kingdoms? Surely you must be exaggerating. I mean I know the Hindu pantheon houses the strongest gods in the world but still." I replied with disbelief.
Swami grinned and patted me on the shoulder comfortingly.
"How do you think the Hindus keep such a tight control on all this land, India is a large land mass after all. The Hindu easily has the biggest population of supernatural beings far above any other faction. While our Gods are, without doubt, some of the strongest in this world, that doesn't mean some of them can't be challenged.
There are many gods in other pantheons capable of putting up a challenge. There are only two gods in the Hindu faction that can truly claim to be the strongest. Even then there are monsters out there in the dimension gap capable of defeating even them." Swami explained.
That got my mind racing. Is he talking about Shiva and Vishnu? My knowledge wasn't extensive, but I knew Shiva was often referred to as one of the strongest Gods in the world of DxD.
I wasn't surprised that other pantheons had gods powerful enough to contend with the other gods of the Hindu. Surely the respective chief gods would be a cut above the rest of their kin.
What did he mean about monsters in the Dimension Gap? Was he referring to Ophis and Great Red? Were there more creatures like them out there, lurking outside of reality? That was a lot to process.
I couldn't ask much further as we arrived outside the same room I had met Manasa in the last time. Swami gestured for me to enter. I gave him a grateful nod for our little chat and entered without any further preamble.
This time Manasa was already awaiting my arrival, sitting down on a throne of ice with her amazingly thick legs crossed. Reading through a book I couldn't properly read the title of.
Manasa's stunning eyes locked onto mine as her lips quivered in a smile.
"I must say you've passed my expectations." She said, snapping the book in her delicate hands shut.
I gave a mock bow.
"I'm glad my performance has been entertaining for Her Majesty the snake queen," I replied uncaringly.
She smiled only for it to drop a bit when she stared into my eyes for a bit longer.
"You've held onto your promise, I'm sure the tale of Namara's demise is a fascinating one. Considering he's chosen you as his successor." She spoke softly.
"As much as I would love to tell you all about my experience fighting the tempest deva, I'm kinda on a time crunch, considering the Hindu faction is getting increasingly pissed off at my continued existence," I retorted flatly as I removed her stone from my inventory.
Manasa nodded in understanding.
"I'm aware that the other Devas are kicking up quite the fuss, though let me reassure you that none of the gods have really taken close attention to it, for now anyway," she reassured me, sensing my urgency.
I let out a sigh of relief. I wasn't nearly strong enough to stand up to any sort of god, let alone any gods from the Hindu pantheon.
"You know, I could protect you. You don't have to be an outsider," Manasa suggested, her full pink lips thinning out.
I raised an eyebrow at the subtle suggestion. Does she want to recruit me? Why bother? My eyes narrowed. Was this some plot to get her hands on Galadriel? I thought about it for a second.
No, she could send her own people if she wanted to steal her from me, or even just outright force me to hand it over with her massive power advantage.
She wants something from me. Either she's interested in me or she's trying to lead me around by my dick. I think the latter is more likely. I have a snake belonging to a strong species, and I myself am pretty strong.
She probably wants me in her faction. If what that priest said is true, then there is definitely a very big political game going on here. Hats off to her, I'm actually tempted to accept, though I would never be subservient to anyone.
That's just not who I am.
"Why", I asked just for confirmation.
She tilted her head, almost cutely, and a smirk appeared on her delicate features.
"Why not? You've shown massive potential and you intrigue me," she responded as if it was obvious.
I weighed the pros and cons.
"I think I'll pass," I replied.
Manasa, the mighty serpent goddess, honest to god pouted at my answer. I sent her a flat stare, and she stopped pouting a few moments later, giggling.
"That normally works," she said after controlling herself.
I guess it made sense she would normally get what she wants. After all, she's a stunning goddess who's also incredibly powerful.
She suddenly appeared in front of me, causing me to minutely flinch back, my body tensing. Her soft hand cupped my face as she stared directly into my eyes.
"You've caught my attention, Kai. I have given you my blessing. I shall be watching. You will come back to me at some point," Manasa spoke.
I idly noted her strange use of wording but decided to ignore it.
"Of course I will. You do owe me a favour after all," I replied with a grin.
Technically, I could cash it in now and have her ensure all the consequences of my actions were erased, but why waste such a valuable thing? I could simply leave and wait out the heat.
Even if I did use my favour for that, it wouldn't remove the animosity and desire for Namara's allies or any other beings who hated outsiders to try to assassinate me. Overall, it would be a waste.
Manasa raised a delicate eyebrow.
"Here I thought you would use it to remove any retribution for killing a Deva," she responded, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
I shrugged, raising my hand that held the Manasa stone, which pulsed green in the presence of its creator. Her hand raised expectantly, and I placed the stone inside. Purposefully I made our hands touch for much longer than necessary.
A dangerous glint in her eyes appeared as I stared back at her innocently. If she wanted to play the game then I was more than up for it.
"Say, why don't you stay with me for a while longer? I can have my servants bring us refreshments." She spoke a moment later.
I was pretty certain now that the serpent goddess in front of me held some hidden agenda.
I am assuming that India has some major political factions, all aiming for different things. They all probably want strong talent within their ranks, so that more gifted individuals would be drawn to their cause.
Manasa is either a prominent figure or holds a high position in her faction which is plausible due to her sheer power and status, considering she's scouting talents like me. Now, not to sound like a narcissist, but I am pretty sure a thirteen-year-old who is firmly within the Ultimate Class isn't common.
I suspect she's trying to entice me by the way she subtly keeps pushing her large pale breasts up. Which I kept purposefully ignoring. Begone thots! I mentally chanted.
"As kind as that offer is, I am in a time crunch at the moment. I'd rather not have a hasty conversation with someone as interesting as you. Though, we can definitely spend some meaningful time in the future." I replied smoothly.
She frowned, looking disgruntled at my response.
"I am sure we both have important jobs to do. You probably have more, being such an amazing Goddess. Unfortunately, I really must get going if you'll excuse me." I said in a very sarcastic manner.
Damn it. I mentally cursed. I really needed to learn when to shut up. Despite the rudish remark a minute blush appeared on her pale cheeks. Whether out of anger or something else I had no clue.
Perhaps I should get an empathy-based skill? That did remind me I needed to select my next download. I'll choose it when I get back to my sub-dimension.
Manasa scrutinised me for a moment before sighing disappointedly. "Perhaps in the future then."
I nodded in response.
"I'll make sure to visit again," I replied reassuringly. It wouldn't be a bad idea to befriend such a powerful goddess.
I didn't have many allies due to my rather standoffish nature.
She surprised me with a soft hug, my eyes narrowed in suspicion. What game was she trying to play?
"Make sure to bring Galadriel next time, it'll be fun to see how the little one grows." She spoke before disappearing in a flash of golden light.
My eyes lingered on the spot she had disappeared from for a minute before I turned around and left without another word.
-Scene Break-
My eyes scanned over the map. Yep, this should be the place. I looked up at the airport. Shanu had marked the place on the map that would allow me to leave India. Since a massive barrier surrounded the entirety of it, meaning I couldn't simply fly out.
Apparently, most airports had a terminal for the supernatural, primarily used by beings departing or returning to India. This was due to the Hindu pantheon's reluctance to allow outsiders, resulting in strict regulations.
The wind blew harshly, interrupting my train of thought and making the map scrunch up. Letting out a "Tsk" of annoyance. I created a dome of barely noticeable air around me which worked in stopping the strong winds from blowing in my face.
The barrier itself wasn't visible to the naked eye. I also couldn't see anything when I used my supernaturally enhanced sight to see the borders of India. A quick appraisal said otherwise.
[Vishnatra Kavacha]
Attributes:
Sensing: The barrier possesses heightened awareness, capable of detecting any disturbances within its range.
Protection: Its primary function is to shield against external threats, providing a robust defence for those within its confines.
Energy Signature Registry: It maintains a registry of authorised energy signatures, granting passage to recognized entities and repelling intruders.
Attack Reflection: When faced with hostile assaults, the barrier can reflect incoming attacks back towards their source with amplified force.
Target Aiming: With precision targeting capabilities, the barrier can focus defensive measures on specific threats, neutralising them efficiently.
Elemental Generator: Drawing upon Elemental Energies or sources, the barrier can generate elements.
Elemental Redirectioning: It can manipulate elemental forces that it conjures or is attacked with, redirecting incoming elemental attacks away from the protected area or harnessing them for defensive purposes.
I whistled at the attributes of the barrier, that was an impressive piece of magic. No wonder Shanu was baffled at my unauthorised access. That one-time-use wormhole must have randomly selected a weak spot within India.
A low whistle brought me out of my musings. My enhanced hearing picked on a faint whistling sound, looking up through the clear sunny sky. Due to the lack of clouds, I could see a spear of a certain pale green energy I remember seeing only once before.
"Sunita" I mumbled as I felt white hot liquid rage start spreading through my body, realising my suspicions hadn't been unfounded.
Killing a deva who had been a part of their norm for thousands of years wasn't going to just be ignored.
I felt a surge of anger. I wanted to charge at her and let my anger at killing one of my own destroy her and everything around me. I really just wanted to abandon everything and kill her.
She was more powerful than Namara had been in his weakened state, which I had still struggled against. I just wasn't strong enough.
She saw me looking at her with my enhanced eyesight and I saw a mocking smirk appear on her face.
She was taunting me.
I noticed two other figures behind her shooting through the air at rapid speeds with her straight towards me.
"Appraisal"
{Name: Sunita}
{Titles: Devi Of Death/Daughter Of Yama}
{Race: Devi}
{Power level: 10000}
{Name: Varun}
{Titles: Deva Of Water}
{Race: Deva}
{Power level: 12000}
{Name: Yash}
{Titles: Deva Of Satisfaction}
{Race: Deva}
{Power level: 9000}
The results of my appraisal made my stomach drop. It seems Sunira must have rallied some of her Deva comrades to come take me out. One of them was as strong as Namara in his serpent form.
How was I going to respond? I felt my hand twitch in restrained anger and I cursed. I wanted to launch everything I had at her.
Nope.
I spun around and bolted towards the airport at full speed, leaping over roads and traffic with ease. The scent of fuel filled the air, unmistakable amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy high street.
People below in their cars spotted me quickly shooting over them and gawked. I ignored them for now. I would struggle hard against even one of those Deva and I wasn't going to let my anger be used against me.
Sunita could go fuck herself. I steadied my shaking hands as I nearly controlled myself. I had no chance with the other Deva at her side. It just wasn't something that could be achieved at this moment.
I wanted to rage, really I did and I might have if it was only her but the logical part of my mind was basically telling me to shut the fuck up and run. I could gain more power later but that required me to stay alive.
I burned her face into my mind. I will kill her. I'll tear everything she's built down and fucking thrust a burning holy spear right up her cunt.
With a small wave of my hand, I sent a powerful spear of holy light shooting at them, forcing them to scatter out of the way as people below started panicking. They didn't shoot back due to the humans all around me and the destruction it would cause.
They sped up as I approached the airport. I gave Sunita the middle finger as I exploded into the airport, crashing through walls. I briefly smirked at the sight of her sneer and I released a pulse of magic, detecting a densely concentrated area within the airport teeming with magical energy.
I made an effort to minimise collateral damage as I shot through various rooms, causing people to scream and scatter. Some bystanders were captured on their phones as I burst through walls.
Occasionally, a piece of rubble struck unsuspecting individuals, but given the circumstances, I couldn't be held entirely accountable.
An alarm went off as I came to the hallway filled with dense mana. Dozens of guards were already awaiting my arrival.
{Name: None}
{Titles: Gatekeeper}
{Race: Elemental Construct}
{Power level: 5700}
All of them seemed to be around the Peak High class. As more joined up every second. I didn't wait and shot up through the ceilings and then down behind them.
Various elemental attacks tore through my previous location. I didn't have time or even want to fight. I shot down through a large strange-looking gate, using appraisal I saw the barrier didn't extend through and shot out just as necrotic energy erupted behind me.
Sunita, Yash and Varun. Three devas were right on my heel at this point. I made it out over the Indian Ocean. Sunita didn't stop there as thousands of necrotic spears of death formed as she screamed in rage.
This woman is seriously unhinged.
The necrotic spears shot down, forcing me to weave and dodge. At one point I was forced to make a dome of light around me. However, it didn't work well as the dome would rapidly start corrupting and forced me to dissipate it.
A massive wave of water shot up, forcing me to fly upwards so as to not get caught in the tsunami that was forming all the while narrowly avoiding the spears. The tsunami didn't stop there as hundreds formed from its surface and tried to catch me.
Varun had a singular hand raised looking almost bored.
I let mana condense around me and force it to erupt outwards, I made sure to put a substantial amount of mana since I couldn't hold back against strong enemies, especially Varun.
An explosion of light tore out from me, burning a large part of the water whips that were closing in on me away. I was able to fly over the tsunami finally and used my full power to fly away.
I heard another scream of rage and an explosion large enough to destroy a town erupt behind me. The pale green necrotic energy showed me who the unhinged culprit was.
My body flickered into light and my speed increased tenfold as I turned into a bright streak of light akin to a shooting star making me zoom away before they could do anything about it.
The land disappeared under me. The amount of mana this form consumed was extraordinary, I felt adrenaline pumping through me. I hadn't been able to activate this strange form in a while. I couldn't do it consciously only in stressful situations like now and I knew it wouldn't last long.
I sent a burning look to where the large land of India was as I flew away.
-{Omake: What If?}-
[What if Kai accepted Tiamat?]
Sent flying back, I collide with multiple walls and crash through in a giant explosion of dust. Getting up I cough and wave away the dust.
"I-I'm sorry, are you okay? I thought I held back enough to not harm you." I heard Tiamat's sweet voice call to me.
Glaring at the large pale blue western dragon staring down at me menacingly, I prepared myself.
"Wait, wait. Please I'm sorry, it's hard to control myself. I've j-just never felt this way, it's kinda lonely being so powerful ya know?" Tiamat stuttered, taking a deep breath that showed her terrifying teeth.
I paused. I felt something in me soften at the pain in her tone. Why was I trying to run away again? I mean yeah I don't exactly want to be imprisoned by some obviously unhinged dragon.
"You're not going to like, imprison me right?" I hesitatingly asked. That was mainly the reason I was running away.
"What- no?" Tiamat responded quickly. Noticing my hesitation.
"You did say you were going to 'keep me in your cave forever' so I'm having a hard time believing that," I replied flatly.
The beautiful serpentine eyes of hers widened in realisation.
"Oh, I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I also k-kinda mean-nt a different cave." Tiamat replied, mumbling the last part under her breath and looking away in shame.
She took another deep breath. I ignored the last part because I wasn't totally sure if I heard that correctly.
"Do you have a human form? It's kind of intimidating looking up at you." I pointed out. Trying to be as a civil as I could when faced with a fucking unhinged powerful dragon.
She looked bashfully and nodded. Seemingly too ashamed to answer. A pale blue light shone out from her and I flinched but relaxed. If she wanted me dead there wasn't much I could do. I might as well listen and try to escape if negotiations don't go as planned.
The pale light shrunk into a humanoid and a figure stepped out a minute later. My mouth opened and stayed that way as I got a good look at Tiamat.
Tiamat possessed silky, flawless pale blue hair cascading down to her lower back, framed by two mesmerising blue-slitted crystal eyes that sparkled like diamonds. Her lips were perfectly full, set against smooth, creamy skin that seemed to shine healthily.
Her body figure would evoke envy from most women. I regained my bearings quickly. Tiamat looked at me awkwardly, visibly holding herself from reacting in a way that would make me uncomfortable.
"So… why exactly do you like me? You know I'm kinda messed up right." I asked, a bit confused. My morals had taken a hit in the void along with a bit of my sanity. I also was making small talk while I looked for an escape.
Tiamat frowned at that.
"You're not messed up. Maybe a bit damaged but who really cares if you kill a bunch of goblins or whatever? I've observed you for a long time, mostly out of curiosity but I don't know. You've made me feel something I've never felt in my thousands of years alive." She replied softly. Looking embarrassed.
That was oddly touching.
"Is that why you decided to smash into the fortress and scream about trapping me in your cave?" I couldn't help pointing it out.
She blushed.
"I may have panicked. I don't really know what else I should have done. I've never had someone interested in me beyond trying to make me some sort of trophy" Tiamat spoke self-deprecatingly.
Sighing, I shook my head at the fact I already felt a small connection with her. I'm so fucked up. This resulted in my next action, hesitantly walking towards her and slowly wrapping my arms around. It started off awkwardly, as I hadn't shown affection to anyone in a while.
However, when she instantly hugged me back, it felt a bit more comfortable. I tried to ignore the way her soft body melted into mine and her head slowly came to rest on my shoulder.
I gained a cheeky grin.
Welp, if this hot dragoness wants to be mine. Then who am I to deny her?
My hand lowered to her bubbly ass. She froze as I gave the expansive flesh a squeeze. Now that I didn't have to worry about being imprisoned I had no problem with this arrangement.
I gave her bubbly ass a slap, the flesh rippling almost sinfully. She moaned. A sound I found myself enjoying, her hands tightening around my body.
No problem at all.
[Editor's note: Praise me mongrels. 'tis I, by whom's grace, thou got the chance to read this omake.]
[Author's note: ignore him, he's been reading too many edgy FanFictions lately. It's a phase.]
-END-
AN: The India arc is over, we will be heading more into canon soon don't worry.
if you wish to read up to six chapters in advance among other things please visit pa/t reon * / Snipez818, I appreciate all the support!