The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #16 a LitRPG
Date: 2020-05-27 04:00:00+00:00
Description: Feeling the high of holding back the Punishment Squad, Clyde decides it is time to tackle down an adventure quest that glared at him on the log for a while. Weaken Natalia's curse. Something like this should be a walk in the park, right? Nobody thinks that. And a clusterf*ck of things became: a trip to the Monster Kingdoms which is hosted by Lilith the Supreme Demon Lord herself, the Bright Ones appearing for the first time, and an epic loli rematch that you don't want to miss. Clyde and his party return in May/June 2020's issue, bringing the humor and fun, ass-kicking, and the rising from wea
Rights: Copyright 2020 Alvin Atwater. All rights reserved.

The Anime Trope System

Stone vs. Viper #16

Alvin Atwater

Edited by Adam Luopa

Void Star Publishing LLC

Contents

1. Character List. You may skip this

Episode 76 (Part 1): Off Again to Help a Loli

2. Episode 76 (Part 2)

3. Episode 76 (Part 3)

4. Episode 76 (Part 4)

5. Episode 76 (Part 5)

6. Episode 76 (Part 6)

7. Episode 76 (Part 7)

8. Episode 76 (Part 8)

9. Episode 76 (Part 9)

10. Episode 76 (Part 10)

11. Episode 76 (Part 11)

Episode 77 (Part 1): The Monster Kingdoms.

12. Episode 77 (Part 2)

13. Episode 77 (Part 3)

14. Episode 77 (Part 4)

15. Episode 77 (Part 5)

16. Episode 77 (Part 6)

17. Episode 77 (Part 7)

18. Episode 77 (Part 8)

19. Episode 77 (Part 9)

20. Episode 77 (Part 10)

Episode 78 (Part 1): Behind the Scenes.

21. Episode 78 (Part 2)

22. Episode 78 (Part 3)

23. Episode 79 (Part 1): Trust

24. Episode 79 (Part 2)

25. Episode 79 (Part 3)

26. Episode 79 (Part 4)

27. Volume 16 Epilogue

Outro

28. Bonus

Clyde’s Stat Sheet

29. -Marriage Bonus Insight-

Character List. You may skip this

Clyde: the college boy from our world, who thought he was human his entire life. Main character. The Stone. It’s his story, therefore, I will keep this short. Kidnapped and thrown into a world that he came to embrace. He’d better. Many of us would love to be in his position - err, I mean, he’s the only being capable of learning all elements, skills through magic books, and has frightening hidden powers.

Alice: a beautiful, petite half-demoness, half-angel (angel type unspecified), with twin tails, complimenting long blonde hair, mysterious pink eyes. Clyde’s life mate and soulmate. She loves her sweets and her Clyde. Very powerful, very intelligent. She has the capabilities of ruling an entire planet, but when it comes to political matters, is a bit irresponsible. See Volume 1…

The heir to a powerful demon throne known as Hades (her family name). While she doesn’t speak much of it, Hades holds a dangerous amount of power within the demon realm.

Harumi: a kind and caring girl with long pink-hair and breasts that often make other women jealous. She’s the best healer in the world. There’s also more to her than we think. How foxy!

She’s the most loved on the team and everyone would give their lives to protect her. Not that she needs protecting. When it comes to the power department, this young woman is not lacking! A wonderful cook.

Chika: a silver-haired, unpredictable girl, whose love and LUST for Clyde seemingly transcend everything. Yandere. (Not the stabbing kind.) She’s the top student at the most powerful academy in the world. (Sato Academy is a college for the best of the best.) The best rogue! She’s a part of a really powerful family.

Natalia: a dark-haired super-witch who spends time assisting with political affairs of the House Hades, watching anime, and being mischievous. Stuck in the body of a child due to an unbreakable curse, the adorable loli-witch is one of the most hard-hitting powerhouses on the team. She can switch to her adult form for a very short period of time (no more than a few minutes).

Kitome: a blue-haired girl with a short temper. She has the ability to change into a magical girl. A caring but firm sister (her brother is Yusuke). Takes no one’s shit and sometimes anger is her default emotion, but she’s reliable and responsible. Her soft spot for Clyde peeks out unpredictably. She has no idea that she’s on her way to being the most powerful magical girl in existence. (Clyde suspects tsundere.)

Tear: Alice’s succubus cousin and the one who taught her magic. She’s actually just two years older than the half-demoness. Tear is the driving force behind Clyde’s rising network. A young woman with dark hair, blue eyes, a Harumi-level bust and a seductive smile that could make a man fall to her feet, the succubus is the daughter of a demon lord who has close ties to the Supreme Demon Lord.

Yuki: ex-head maid of a cruel demon named Nezerath, this purple-eyed, dark-haired beauty is a team heavy-hitter of power. While officially Clyde’s finance manager, she still runs the young man’s house as the head maid, against his protests. The demoness sometimes works with Tear behind the scenes for political matters. She also guards the house personally, which explains the lack of intruders. Her aura covers the barrier, but everyone’s used to it. She’s a highly advanced chef and very competitive. Harumi picks her brain or competes with her. Kuudere.

Melody: a red-haired half-trickster demon, half-dark goddess who is also a member of the Hades household due to a punishing favor. Aside from assisting Tear, she attends the Academy. She and Clyde started off on the wrong foot - her maxed charisma caused trouble for everyone. Despite her intense beauty, she’s bad at seduction, a hopeless romantic, and often daydreams about romances she read in books, imagining Clyde as the male lead.

Maki: this purple-haired young woman is the most popular girl at Sato Academy and also has a powerful family to back her elite status. She often acts as the nice girl with every male in the school, having them fall at her feet, but when Clyde showed indifference, she became obsessed with him. At first, it was fun, just a game and a challenge - seduce him. But when a dark god took an interest, things grew weird. She committed a series of sexual assaults which would’ve surely landed her in prison. Clyde instead enslaved her, knowing that with her Ki-based powers, no prison could truly hold her. He saw a use for that power. Yandere.

Ming: a dark-haired young woman with one eye red, the other blue. Strikingly beautiful and a bit of a hopeless romantic. She is the Stone’s prophet, a person with the capability of locating very important items that could help him with his quest, linking with him to access Link-magic, and sometimes foresees when he’s in danger of getting a Game Over. Fortunately, a simple warning can instantly change that future. She’s the author of the Loli Saga.

Ruri: a petite, beautiful hellhound princess, with white hair that drapes just past her neck. As well as being Alice’s childhood friend, she also has strong compatibility with Clyde. Really loves being petted. When she’s serious, her aura’s vast enough to cover an entire metropolitan area. Loves to read light novels and manga and watches a ton of anime. Ruri’s a special hellhound, lacking the dark features of an ordinary hellhound. Pale skin too.

Matsume: Ruri’s most faithful servant, personal bodyguard, and a loved friend. She’s also somewhat of a rare variant of hellhound. She houses the features of brown skin, dark brown hair, and a hunger for men. She controls this sexual appetite to serve Ruri to the best of her abilities.

Toru: brown-haired noble, whose spirit energy attracts monster girls like a magnet. Why it does this is a complete mystery. He’s a skilled martial artist, incorporating the light element into his attacks. His blank stares are infamous for annoying or pissing off nearly everyone, especially Kitome and Chika.

Seth: a tall blond-haired young man who sports a surfer-like way of speaking. It is unclear whether his hair is naturally blond or dyed. An easy-going person. Reliable - he’ll turn off his humor when it’s time to get things done.

Yusuke: Kitome’s brother. A blue-haired young man who is unintentionally a delinquent. Not counting schoolwork, the glasses-wearing boy splits his time between light novels and anime and beating up those who challenge him in his “territory.” He often has no ambition, though one wonders what could be behind this lack of desire. While his sister transforms into a magical girl, he becomes a ninja.

Neko: a beast kin or catgirl, who’s an observer in a family that supported the Stone for many years. Though it seemed like this time around they didn’t want to involve themselves with the stone-viper games, Neko insisted on it. Long white hair with cat ears and tail, she has way more power than she lets on. Mischievous with an odd sense of humor, she’s always reliable.

Ako: Neko’s slightly older sister and senior observer. A busty catgirl with long beige hair. She follows the way of the samurai and mostly wears mikos/shrine maiden outfits and kimonos. Clyde refers to her as the kuudere catgirl; however, she’s still a catgirl, meaning that there are circumstances in which she loses her cool and calm composure. Fatty tuna, a feather stick, and catnip.

Sazuki: a strikingly beautiful young woman with long black hair and gray eyes. The student council president. One of Harumi’s best friends. She’s sometimes referred to as the ice queen, although she isn’t cold all the time. She’s prideful.

Airi: one of Harumi’s best friends and her magic and combat teacher. Airi is one of the most powerful adventurers around. Legendary among the adventurer community. An inch shorter than Harumi with dark purple hair, milk chocolate skin, and light brown eyes. She’s secretly envious of Harumi’s breasts. Clyde refers to her as TheLegend27 in his head, possibly sarcastically.

Kiko: Sazuki’s younger sister. Short black hair, gray eyes. She was turned into a vampire a little after Airi left. The vampire blood running through the young woman gives her the sexual cravings of a monster girl. And with Clyde saving her, her daydreams are often about him.

Detective Tetra: a dark elf/Alethian in charge of the investigation of missing Lot City people. Long black hair complimenting dark skin, large breasts, and hazel eyes. She’s a dedicated detective, which gets on people’s nerves.

Hinako: a professor at Sato Academy. Thirty years old, unmarried and single. Her friends call her a workaholic, but she just isn’t very social. Long dark hair, curvy and beautiful, even some of the married male professors had tried and failed to get a date with her. Soon, she was simply dismissed as the work-robot, which infuriates Hinako. She took quite the interest in Clyde when he openly saw her as a woman and not a workaholic machine.

Noona: former demon lord of Niyoto. An adorable, beautiful demoness with long blonde hair, gray eyes, a large bust, and a rather unique personality. Very kind and pure. Often cosplays/roleplays characters she enjoys from anime or TV shows. Her servants adore her, many willing to give their lives just to protect her smile.

Sophia: a former Viper Maiden, magically stolen and changed into a Stone Maiden. The raid boss of Volume 6, the party was forced to fight her while she acted under the influence of Crusader mind control and experimentation. Truthfully, Sophia just wants to be useful and loved. She never actually met the Viper.

Tessa: the Wind. Clyde’s childhood friend from Earth. Long forest-green hair, matching eye color, pointy ears like an elf but she isn’t truly an elf, and average breasts. Her heroism almost got her elected as a nation’s queen, that is, until the Viper appeared, crushing that dream to goo. She was saved by Venus, given a purpose, hope, and protection. Tessa serves the goddess, but cannot help but feel a bit uneasy at times about her. Her earth name is Arisa.

Kanako: a genie. A beautiful tan-skinned girl with pointy ears, long purple hair tied in a ponytail, and Harumi-level breasts. She wears a range of gold jewelry: a necklace, bracelets, rings on each finger, and even star-shaped hair pins. Kind and sweet, sometimes a little childish and cheerful. Sometimes her feelings are easily hurt.

Misaka: a frail, timid, but beautiful dark-haired beauty who may be a chuuni. Loves anime. Daughter of a phoenix. Angering her unlocks her angry side.

Ex-Crusader champion, Chizuru: a beautiful young woman with a secret love for anime, but of course is forced to hide it from her fellow Crusader team. Raised by the Order of the Crusaders, but kept out of the loop, she unknowingly served as their figurehead: traveling, achieving great deeds, assisting the poor, defending villages, etc. in the name of the Crusaders. After meeting Clyde, she agreed to help defeat the Order. Clyde asked her to do something that put her life at great risk. Now he must wait for the return of the brave, beautiful girl. Funny thing, she has his phone number, but is too nervous to call. Especially after the god-like display. Now known as the leader of the Stone’s Hammers.

Liru: Harumi’s older sister. She lives abroad, refusing to return after the tragic end of the Kitsune clan.

Lilith, the Supreme Demon Lord: Empress of the Monster Kingdoms. A busty, beautiful royal succubus who loves anything sexual and gives no fucks about what anyone has to say about it. She’s also a good succubus.

Undine: a powerful reaperess, who had quite a past thousands of years ago. Some even call her goddess of death. Her alignment was changed on the night Clyde’s power went berserk after Chika’s near death. Now she’s as sweet as an angel. Her love and devotion to Yusuke is strong. Intense beauty - long black hair, enormous breasts, and glistening purple eyes. She loves her kimonos.

Asu: a beautiful and perky lich girl who has a vast sense of humor in addition to her vast magical knowledge. Clyde’s declared Head of the Stone Maidens, she’s completely devoted to pleasing her master.

Fuyoko: leader of the Blood Seekers, a group dedicated to locating treasures in highly dangerous areas. Known as Master of the Stars for some reason. Blue-green hair, light blue eyes, and is quite a beautiful young woman. She has the ability to turn some enemies to stone. On a sad note, her mother is disappointed in her.

Naoko: kuudere loli as Clyde refers to her - she is known as the Blood Servant, second to Fuyoko. In reality, she’s an Entity with a mission to help the Stone reach his true potential. She was injured during her warp to Satovia. Fuyoko risked her life, taking down three powerful demons, to save the injured girl. Naoko has served her since. These days, Fuyoko sees her as a precious little sister that would probably emotionally fall apart if she left. One eye green, the other red - she also has green hair and elven ears.

Kimiko: a cute, orange-haired young woman who is also a member of the Rose Dragon sisters. She hates perverts. Kind of a tsundere.

Chiyo: the oldest of the Rose Dragon sisters. A beautiful white-haired woman who favors wearing kimonos over western-style clothing. A very powerful dragon. She really loves her anime.

Aimi: the middle sister of the Rose Dragon sisters. Hates men; however, she cannot control her urges very well. A bookworm. A closet pervert.

Amina: Clyde’s Stone-Tokken deck leader. She lives in a giant house with nearly infinite books. A beautiful woman with long golden hair and eyes. A mysterious being of incredible power. Known as Amina, the Wise Sorceress.

Princess Kaguya: Kaguya is the princess of a nation called Alon. Clyde and the party first met the young woman after stopping wizards from taking over the country. Unfortunately, Black Mask, a figurehead of the wizard organization, killed her. Venus brought her back as a ghost girl. She joined Team Stone. A kind young woman with long silver hair and tan skin. Clyde often sees her as having a resemblance to Yuuna from the Yuuna and the Hot Springs manga. She is the creator of the androids. They refer to her as Mother.

Dera: An android woman created by Kaguya. She first started watching Team Stone during the Alonian adventure quest. She was simply a hotel worker, but her curiosity increased. Even to sex. And since androids are created by a combination of magic and science, they are completely life-like, have emotions, and can feel everything. Dera can often detect abnormities with her sensors, determine probability of outcomes, and is both a humorous and kind person. She loves her Mother unconditionally.

Venus, Goddess of Love and Sex: An incredibly beautiful goddess and a member of the Noble directory in Celestial. She’s helped Team Stone since Volume 4, starting with the rescue of Tessa. Tessa is her champion.

Stone Maidens:

Arch Priestess Ichika: a young woman with sky-blue hair and a righteous attitude. Possibly the most normal of her small group. Often takes responsibility very seriously and will easily blame herself for any failures, even if out of her control. The second in command of the Stone Maidens, following Head Maiden Asu.

High Priestesses that follow Ichika:

Megu: someone who is somewhat short tempered and sometimes blames others a little too often. The other high priestesses call her lazy. She calls it, “taking a lax approach at life.”

Emi: a tender-hearted young woman who panics a little when things get out of control. Maybe comedically cries a lot.

Jae: a kuudere that loves to eat, but never gains weight. She’s blunt about everything, but doesn’t talk much. Many of the others call her adorable behind her back.

Yumi: a timid girl who is sometimes known for a sense of humor. That is, when she’s actually around. She has a tendency to lock herself in her room after work or take multiple bathroom breaks. Could she be…

Team Dark:

Dark: the Leaf. A chuuni and an interloper from Earth; aka a “player.” Only five interlopers are allowed in the stone-viper games; however, many Watchers consider them illegal, along with any other intruder. Dark’s element is… well, dark. Brought to Satovia by a guide of his own, a green-haired Entity named Selkie, the young man is on a comical mission to… take over the world. Or so he says aloud. The truth is, Satovia is an escape from his horrific old life on Earth. He’s soul-searching. Unfortunately, when he thought he found a place of belonging, the Viper showed up and forced him to abandon them. Selkie was unsuccessful at getting him to return. He did not feel he had the right to show his face to the maids and butlers. He can never face Ikumi again.

Selkie: a friendly Entity, who loves her Chinese-style dresses. A short beauty with green hair and mystery. Dark’s guide. She’s on a mission to save her sister from a special petrification. The Leaf will eventually gain the ability to save her.

Myriad: a thunderbird, and Dark’s party member. Curious nature, loves to eat. Harpy family. She hates eggs, especially when they’re cracked near her.

Team Viper:

Aunder: the Viper himself. Our “antagonist” who lives for the honor of battle. An esper (from a warrior-race). Like Clyde, he was brought into Satovia against his will. Universally powerful, this man is feared. The Soul Taker was a nickname given to him on his home-world, though he doesn’t acknowledge it. He’s not evil, but will not back down from the sweet call of the fight. He’s on a journey to seek out the other “players,” following the rules of the game. However, his heart isn’t in it. His decisions will mostly depend on the journey. He single-handedly enslaved all three Venus sisters. Let’s not forget his love for the drink.

Su Yang: a Venus sister. The Venus sisters are incredibly powerful sorceresses dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of Love and Sex. She’s a woman with long dark hair and alluring brown eyes, a beauty that transcends time. She began to fall for Aunder, because despite being the Viper (the Venus sisters know all about the stone-viper games), he was doing more good than anything. Liberating villages, slaying dragons, and saving children. It irritates her when the man blames what she feels in her heart on Stockholm Syndrome. Her sister Olivia believes her to be a yandere, which is downright ridiculous. What woman wouldn’t get jealous if another woman approached what was hers? She won’t let anyone else have him.

Olivia: a Venus sister. A tall, busty woman with dark blonde hair. She serves as Aunder’s tracker, presenting him with possible whereabouts of the other “players.” She’s the reason why Aunder found the others so easily, despite their vast distances apart. Because the Stone hasn’t imitated the others, she is unable to track him. At least not yet.

Momo: a Venus sister. A white-haired cool beauty. Lacking in the breast department, she is often seen in more revealing clothing. She’s able to Jump the party vast distances, though Aunder prefers to travel by foot. She is the best at hiding her emotions, not that the Viper cares. None of the Venus sisters can harm him due to the Soul Bond.

Princess Dire: a mysterious figure throughout the lore, known to be named after a curse that turns its victims into children. There is a possibility that the princess herself is a victim of the curse. Aunder rescued her from being publicly executed by a group of crazy villagers who practiced witch hunting.

Julius: Seth’s older brother and ex-member of a powerful cult. Bound to Aunder as a member of the Forgotten Party, he shares a mutual discomfort of the Viper with Momo. It is unknown what use Aunder has for him.

Tiffia: A sex-teasing Crusader researcher with a secret project that could supposedly change the world. Many of her fellow researchers back it. She’s a blonde woman who was secretly a customer of Terrance, though he didn’t recognize her when she attempted to “purify” him. Orders from a now-dead Pillar.

Terrance: dark-skinned man with black hair. A psychic, although he didn’t know at first. He didn’t believe in anything supernatural until strange things started happening around him. It is unclear why the Crusaders were truly interested in this man; however, so was Aunder, the Viper. He left Terrance a business card for recruitment, which he eventually accepted, seeking answers. He is the Viper’s prophet.

Other characters:

The Oyabun: Misaka’s father. (Yakuza boss.)

The red-hooded stalker: a mysterious man in a red cloak that serves the Stone Maidens proper.

The Stone Maidens.

The Viper Maidens.

The ex-kid-maid: the 14-year-old Mei sent away in Volume 2.

The Watchers.

Alena: Alice’s mother. An archangel.

Madrian Tanaka: Chika’s mother.

Naomi: a cute and shy, green-haired journalist who gains massive courage when angered. One of Clyde’s first friends.

Hideo: Toru’s uncle. Crusader researcher. Defeated as a major boss of Volume 7.

Kazumi: Harumi’s friend. Perverted girl with the glasses.

Ming’s friends/minions: Han, Peng, Tyrone (Kazumi’s boyfriend), and Zack.

Chesire: servant of the queen of Wonderland.

Ashard: fairy son of Titania the Fairy Queen. He’s a man of mystery at this point, but is definitely a creature of the light.

Thor, God of Thunder.

The Lady Mayor.

The Lady Mayor’s mystery tracker.

Risa Soulless: the youngest of the Soulless family’s elder dragons. She was full of ambition to climb to the top. She’s a blonde beauty of a dragon girl with the ability to shift from human form to that of an enormous reptile of death. Chiyo and the others knew her as someone who wouldn’t hurt a thing.

Sol Niye Lor: the Falcon, one of the five dimensional interlopers invited by the Watchers. With goals of glory, the young man had no intention of letting the other “players” get a one-up on him. If he could change the stone-viper games to the Falcon game… A skilled fighter, although a bit unreasonable. [Dead. He remains on this list for memories of the five “players” of the stone-viper games.]

Anzu: from Volume 3. They first walked in on the loli while she was singing a cat-heavy song. She is the real estate agent who booked Clyde his first house. She’s 23. A friend of Harumi and Liru.

Amaterasu “Juliette”: Melody’s mother. She Who Dawns Time. A legendary trickster demoness, wife of Platus, Dark God of Utopius. Crimson red hair like her daughter. However, she has unnerving glowing eyes. Melody does not share this trait. She was a major 3-phase boss in Volume 8. Clyde pulled a miracle summoning Over-Stone 75%, easily defeating her. (Gave her life to protect her daughter…)

Platus, Dark God of Utopius: Melody’s father. He is not to be mistaken for He Who Paints the Night, a rogue dark god that impersonated Platus. Platus wants to harshly punish his daughter for accidentally breaking the realm’s core. She couldn’t control her immense strength back then. He sealed it as a result. He’s an angry, kingly figure who will do whatever it takes to get things done. Even if it means hurting loved ones.

Fumi: a very kind slime girl with the ability to shift into human form. She is Toru’s lover.

Nina: a gothic loli vampire, who first debuted as Kiko’s mistress, in volume four. She didn’t care about the system constructed by the Lot City vampire clan. Instead, she turned out to be a video game addict and kid at heart. Surrendering and begging for her life the moment Team Stone attacked her clan. Not that she was aware of the plans of those on the upper hierarchy.

Maya: a mucus toad monster girl, CEO of Nowie pizza chains and more. She’s in love with Seth. First appearance was in Volume 3.

Nuri: half-pixy servant of Maya who actually attends Sato Academy.

Ling: Tetra’s coworker and close friend. She’s a short woman with wavy brown hair, a bust somehow exceeding even Tetra’s, and a somewhat sexual-flirty vibe about her.

Clare: a shopkeeper during the day, a maiden during the night. Long black hair, striking blue eyes, with breasts that are almost on par with Harumi’s. Her weapon of choice is the bow.

Sahara: leader of the Fireside magical girls. Long silver hair, red eyes. Cool, calm, and collected: she is the picture of serenity. Powerful and resourceful. The FM has a history of trying to recruit Yusuke and Kitome into their group. Clare’s shop has been booming ever since Sahara and her girls worked the café half of it. The maid café on 21st Street may start to notice…

Entities revealed:

Mortem: the Entity who brought Clyde to Satovia. Technically Clyde’s guide. An asshole.

Episode 76 (Part 1): Off Again to Help a Loli

Last time on the Anime Trope System, Clyde and Team Stone dealt with one of their biggest problems yet: an unexpected and uncalled for visit from the Punishment Squad. Group Eight, known as one of the most reckless and destructive divisions, was sent to conduct an investigation concerning Venus’s appearance and other major figures involving themselves with the Stone, possibly illegally. Haruko, captain of Group Eight, had other plans. His disobedience of Atlas’s orders brought Team Stone to the brink of death.

But…

Even when they’re overmatched, Team Stone should never be underestimated. Pushed to the edge, they fought back with strength that could only be awakened with backs to the wall. Unfortunately, there was still a loss, a casualty. Showing her love for the first time, Amaterasu took a blast from a Punisher’s attack that would’ve surely killed Melody and anyone near her.

Her sacrifice didn’t go in vain.

Through the power of friendship… Just kidding. The plans had worked, although for Clyde things went a little differently. He surely didn’t expect to awaken violently again. Last time he did was due to the Falcon nearly killing his childhood best friend, which spiraled his temper out of control. This time, the absorption of Tear’s energy and Haruko’s continued words as he toyed around and slowly dismantled Team Stone, did it.

Tear’s conditions were met to become something unseen to the world. Ten million percent wrath brought out the awakening of the first succubus goddess. She easily took out two powerful Punisher leaders singlehandedly.

Atlas himself did show up and while he had truly massive powers that dwarfed the entirety of Group Eight, the leader of the Punishment Squad as a whole wasn’t there to fight. He was there to protect his daughter. That’s right, Airi’s mystery is finally uncovered. She wasn’t human, she was an archspirit and didn’t know it. Haruko revealed his true intent as he attempted to murder the druid just to get back at Atlas. After Haruko was slain by Clyde, taint touched the world for the first time, reviving Haruko as a puppet.

Unfortunately, all archspirits were weak against taint, putting Atlas at a huge disadvantage, including the chance of being one-shot by the creature. Clyde had no weaknesses, stepping in and showing Atlas the reason why Team Stone should never be underestimated. Even while not himself, the Tainted Puppet Haruko still wanted Airi’s blood. Clyde easily dealt with it without even so much as breaking a sweat.

Atlas did leave, but not without reminding Team Stone that they had a job to do. Clyde of course gave him a warning. One that he should take to heart.

Atlas informed Airi of a gift he left for her, one which would explain everything. Airi still wanted nothing to do with him.

That night, Clyde declared that he was going on a major quest to do something about Natalia’s curse.

Welcome to the Anime Trope System Volume 16: The Cursed Loli.

Morning…

Clyde’s house…

Saturday. Week 2. Month 3. Year 1. Season: Winter.

[Satovian Universal Calendar: Domino, 46389.]

[School: Winter Break. Day 22 of 30.]

[Current declared fiancée(s): Melody, Alice, Tear, Harumi, Chika, Natalia, Kitome, Yuki, Tessa, Ruri, Ming.]

[Expecting: Harumi, Alice, Kitome, Chika. Time left: Harumi, kitsune: 5 months until due. Alice, half-demoness, half-angel: 5 months until due. Kitome, human: 9.3 months until due. Chika, human: 9.3 months until due. Harumi: week 4, day 3. Alice: week 3, day 7. Kitome: week 2, day 7. Chika: week 1, day 1.]

[Congratulations on completing the waifu quest: Get Chika Pregnant. Reward: one of your children will now inherit a variant of Stone Mode, EXP for Chika: she leveled up 33 times, Potion of Shouta. Item class: *Legendary. Drink the contents to turn into a kid for 1 day. Due to Alice’s energy, your stats will not be reduced. Warning: don’t try anything shameful, you degenerate.]

[Alice and Ruri’s strengthened Friendship level has jumped to 7 out of 10. Only 3 left to enter the last step to gaining access to *cosmic energy.]

He still wondered what the fuck he had been thinking, bursting a load out of nowhere into Chika. Yuki rushed them out of the room that previous night to join the party, so the duo had no time to discuss the intense orgasm, or impregnation. But the silver-haired girl noticed. She suddenly joined Alice, Harumi and Kitome in the non-drinking circle. No matter what, Airi couldn’t convince the yandere to drink. And she seemed flustered for the entirety of the party.

Ah well, he’d cross that talking bridge when he greeted her in the morning. Clyde didn’t run from things like some ridiculous anime main characters did. He did want kids, though he hadn’t expected to get them so early. And Satovian culture was perfectly fine with that.

He crawled out of bed, wondering if he could find Harumi or Yuki to pour out his troubles to. Alice would be fine if she actually woke up on time. Really, any of his fiancées were great listeners, especially Ruri. He opened the room door, intending to peek out into the hall, when all he saw was a crying Natalia anime-diving into him.

“Onii-chan! The big booby-brained hound is bullying me.”

“That brat is going to be the death of me,” Matsume said as she walked into the room.

“What’d you do now?” Clyde asked Natalia, still holding her.

Matsume plucked the loli from Clyde’s grasp. “She’ll be cleaning up the mess of papers she left all over my room.”

“Help me, onii-sama. She’s bullying—ow!”

Matsume tossed the paper fan to the side, and took a deep whiff of Clyde before giggling and leaving with the loli.

Clyde glanced at the bed to see Alice and surprisingly Kitome still asleep. He brushed his teeth first and then took a shower. As usual, Yuki prepared a fresh set of ironed clothes, which always waited for him on the dresser. Melody and Alice tried to compete with her, Melody lasting longer, but eventually the duo realized Yuki outclassed them by miles.

Alice just couldn’t get up extra early every single day. Melody was a bit clumsy and while improving, somewhat gave up, discouraged. Yuki still taught the redhead chores and cooking.

Clyde was about to mess with Kitome when he noticed one more person sleeping in the bed. Pulled in after they drunkenly congratulated her, Ming ended up spending the night in the mega bed without warning. The young man figured she’d probably still want her privacy to write, but Tear and Ruri hadn’t allowed her to escape.

A brief thought about his new item won from Chika’s waifu quest caused him to shudder. Why, just why would he’d drink that? Then the system called him a degenerate. That sounded like something that one would call the edge lord.

Speaking of the edge lord, Clyde wondered if he should goad Ming into challenging him to a duel. Pfft, as if he’d waste time with that death game. Not yet, anyway. Today would be about starting the adventure quest to cure the team’s loli-witch. Or at least weaken the curse.

[Adventure Quest: find a Depleted Omen’s Sphere, an Essence Crystal, and the Horn of a Chimaera for Naoko. Rewards: Weakening of Natalia’s curse, unknown. Items gathered: 1/3.]

This wasn’t the only one. Now that the interrogation of the Crusader researcher wrapped up, the young man had to move onto the next phase of the plan to take down the Order.

[Adventure Quest: Pay the Order of the Crusaders a Visit. Stop their cruelty once and for all. Make sure Chizuru is heavily involved in this quest as your assistant.]

[Have a meeting with the team about Tessa’s news after things calm down, if you survive the Punishment Squad. This urgent quest is mandatory and cannot be refused.]

[Investigate Hideo’s secret laboratory.]

All of the quests needed to be completed and off his list. He’d have to think carefully about the Order. If one of their pillars was an Entity, then chances were a deity or even a small team of deities led the Crusaders as a whole. The Order. Fighting gods, arch sprits, and other powerful beings required planning, just in case Stone Mode couldn’t handle the job.

Clyde poked Ming’s cheeks. She awoke and immediately blushed heavily. The young man wasn’t naked or anything, the prophet girl was simply that cute.

“Good morning,” Clyde said, then kissed his new fiancée. “Breakfast? Before I take you away.”

Ming giggled. “Take me away please. Or at least carry me to the showers.”

“I see someone’s eager for a morning cookie,” Tear said as she walked into the room.

Clyde laughed. “Only mornings?”

Tear’s eyes briefly shined with lust, as if considering something. “I hate to ruin this moment. But—”

“Yep, back to the matter at hand,” Clyde said. “Ming’s going to wash up first. Could you wake Alice? If I do it, cheek poking is going to turn into… other poking.”

Tear laughed. “That’s my baby cousin for you. Luring you in with cuteness.”

Kitome yawned. “Clyde, did you sign up for your classes yet?” she asked in a morning voice.

“Could you help me out?” Clyde asked. “Mortem and his bosses were the ones who chose all of my classes last semester.”

“After the bath,” Kitome said. “…maybe after breakfast.”

Episode 76 (Part 2)

Tie-Avesses, Land of the Twisted…

Venus’s Hell…

Sol Niye Lor had at last reached his destination after nearly seven years of traveling, facing the trials and general awfulness of this realm. Seven years of being haunted by his own memories, his death and, above all, his failures.

Soloing the stone-viper games was the first mistake and this place truly gave him some time to think, even amidst the torturous memories. The second of course was believing he had the power to take the games and make them his own. He almost resented the Bright Ones, and deep down he still did, but he couldn’t deny their aid in his escape from Nivonus, the land of Torture. He recalled their words.

“Now that you’ve experienced a harsh lesson, you must journey back, for your destiny has only begun. We are not finished with you. Go to Tie-Avesses and use the devil queen’s scepter to respawn. Worry not, we figured Celestial assigned the Stone a task to prevent it. They will never see this method coming.” The womanly voice of the Bright One chuckled like a queen enjoying tea with a friend. “Time passes differently, remember that. What you’ve learned and experienced here will stay with you. The journey to that land will be long, but what is time to a dead man?”

Sol’s chains vanished and all he saw were slain, bloody bodies as far as the eye could see. A freshwater lake emerged from nothingness before him. A table with fresh clothing, a backpack, a sword, and even a map resting on top, appeared.

“The water will heal your soul,” the Bright One said. “Go bathe and change. We will not help you again. Our only loophole to do so much is that Venus illegally sent you here, rather than the default land of the dead.”

And so Sol’s lengthy journey through Venus’s Hell began.

Hellfire, seven years of absolute shit. They began as horrors, then he’d gotten used to them. He traveled from village to village—some of them hundreds of miles apart. Often, they were attacked by nightmarish man-eating monsters. One would think children in hell would be rare—and they were; however, there were stories of people being reverted back to their youths just to keep the population’s numbers at a certain position. And the nightmares loved to snack on them. Thanks to the Bright Ones’ blessings, Sol held the power to fight and kill the creatures. They gave up plenty of experience, random items mostly taken from their human victims, and even Hell gold which the system would automatically change into whatever Satovian currency he chose upon exiting.

Now it was time to bust out. He figured the Stone probably claimed his territory and items, so going back would be pointless. Even with the new stats, Sol didn’t want to encounter that form of utter rage.

Rightful rage. Sol had acted out of character, sidelined his own plans to waste time attacking Team Stone. Hellfire, he became the one thing he was taught not to become. He should’ve stuck to looting, taking down boss monsters with efficiency, and privately accomplishing the quests given to him by the Bright Ones.

Approaching a dainty castle, Sol drew… a sword he certainly didn’t have a moment ago. The Bright Ones were definitely around… after so long. The Titanic Elderic Sword.

Maybe seven years meant nothing to them, being unaffected by time, but to Sol, he had changed. He had plenty of time to think, whether under torture, freezing from the coldest weather, crossing through deserts of fire, or taking on the nightmares. He needed to find his own crazy form, beyond Primary Falcon Mode, although facing the Stone would still be out of the question. He had nothing to gain from it anyway. That didn’t mean he’d walk away from a rematch forever, but for now, it was not an option.

Seven years.

Sol took a deep breath as he walked through front gates of the beatdown palace.

“Devil Queen Iris, show yourself!”

Nothing happened. Sol sighed, figuring he’d have to go in there to challenge her. Abruptly, he noticed a small frame. Then saw a teary-eyed little girl peek from around the corner, only to retreat a second later.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Sol said. “Who are you?”

“Go away,” the girl said. “No bullies allowed.”

“Where is Iris?” Sol asked as he started toward the damaged corner the kid peeked from. Hellfire, the dump of a palace looked as if it had been blasted by numerous bombs.

“I’m warning you,” the girl said in a shaky voice, as if she was about to cry. “Turn back now.”

Sol entered anyway. He noticed her hiding behind a large stuffed bear in a… dump. Pillars and statues were knocked over, large craters littered the main area, and the rickety throne looked to be on its last breath before it collapsed.

“What the hellfire happened here?” Sol wondered aloud. He shook his head. “Have you lived here by yourself this entire time?”

The kid didn’t respond, so he walked over to the throne and picked up the stuffed bear. She was a blue-skinned runt with black hair, dressed in rags, looking to be around six or seven years old. Huddled in a corner, knees to chest, the devil girl didn’t move.

Sol looked around, wondering if he could stumble upon the scepter and then leave. A part of him felt kind of bad for the kid, living in such conditions by herself.

“Where are your parents?” he asked.

“Eaten,” the kid said to his surprise. Her voice came out hollow, as if the event had happened… a long time ago. “Papa was killed by the golden dragon from the sky and eaten. Mama… tried to fight it, but some kind of winged person hit her with light from the sky. Then he fed Mama to the dragon.”

“They didn’t come after you?” Sol asked.

The kid shook her head. “Mama made me hide,” she replied.

No one in the realm mentioned anything about the demon queen’s passing, Sol thought. Even in a shithole like this, human towns and villages still received news from foolishly brave messengers. Did they take the scepter? There would be no way for him to respawn out of this place if so. The seven-year journey couldn’t be for naught. The Bright Ones never mentioned anything hopeless.

“Did they…?” He froze. Wait, if her parents had died, certainly the kid would be inheriting the throne. Even if what was left of it was nothing more than trash. “You are Iris, aren’t you? Judging by the wreckage and dust accumulated… How long ago were your parents attacked?”

“A really, really long time ago,” the kid replied.

“So you age slowly or stopped,” Sol said, mostly to himself. “You inherited… this dump.”

“It’s my home,” the kid said. “I…”

“You’ve never left?” Sol said.

The kid shook her head. “Mama said to never leave until she said I was ready,” the kid continued.

Sol looked around, then it hit him. What the Bright Ones wanted him to do. He turned to the kid.

“Iris, my name is Sol,” he said. He offered his hand. “Would you like the opportunity to leave this place?”

The kid looked at him with glistening eyes. “Are you trying to trick me?”

“Nope,” Sol said. “You’re free to stay in this boring dump forever or come to another world with me.”

“Another world?”

The kid’s eyes were wide, hopeful, and she already knew her answer. Sol wondered why in the hellfire the Bright Ones wanted him to take care of the young devil queen. Then again, he wasn’t in a position to ask them anything. Not while indebted to them. The dick move of making him travel for seven years was undoubtably one of their lessons.

“Yes, another world,” Sol said. “First, you must swear fidelity to the Bright Ones. Second, in order to go, we’ll need your scepter.”

* * *

Clyde’s house…

After Kitome showed him the ropes of how to use the academy’s website, picking and choosing courses, Clyde found out that the second half of his classes were required.

Classes: (Year 1, 2nd Semester.)

-Satovia History 2.

-Romance Literature 2.

-Sciences 2.

-Crafting 2.

And Natalia just had to be the homeroom teacher. He glanced at the loli pouting in front of her breakfast as Matsume ate hers with smug satisfaction. Shaking his head, Clyde finished off his orange juice. The three catgirls enjoyed their milk as usual.

“So what’s the latest on the Crusader guy, Tear?” Clyde asked.

“Still no definite location yet, sadly,” Tear said. “Not for the Order. We managed to get information on a secret lab Hideo apparently had in this city. If you want, I can send some of my network there to check it out. Unless you still want to do it yourself.”

[Would you like Tear’s network to do the quest: Investigate Hideo’s secret laboratory for you?]

“Nah, I’ll go,” Clyde said. There was no way he’d miss out on the loot they didn’t get the chance to collect after defeating that asshole.

“There goes your one chance to sit back, relax, and be a little lazy,” Matsume said. “But I understand. If Ruri and I couldn’t go running to burn off these calories, life would suck.”

Neko shook her head. “Nya, there’s nothing wrong with relaxing every day. You will accomplish nothing if you burn out.”

“Of course the lazy cat would say that,” Matsume said.

“Nya, and the dog would be more brawn than brain,” Neko retorted.

“Knock it off, you two,” Clyde said. “Sheesh, you’d think we’d be all kumbaya and shit after the hell we went through yesterday.”

“Kumba-what?” Tear asked.

Clyde sighed. “Never mind. Anyway, I’m going to Hideo’s lab to see what’s inside.”

Airi seemed as if she materialized out of nothing as she emerged from the hall. “I’m going too,” she said, excited.

Clyde looked at Natalia, who was already midflight toward him. He caught her with a single hand.

“We’ll check things out quickly and then go get Lilith,” Clyde said.

“Why the pervy Supreme, husbando-onii?” Natalia said. She feebly reached for the young man’s last slice of bacon. He stuffed half of it into the loli’s mouth.

“To help you of course,” Clyde said. He gave the now teary-eyed loli-witch a head pat. “She’s the big boss of the Monster Kingdoms and could know where to find a chimaera. Ako, do you mind joining us too?”

The kuudere catgirl did an imitation of Chesire.

“Nya?” she asked, tilting her head. “As you wish, Lord Stone.”

“Clyde,” Clyde said. “No more of that—”

“OH great big Lord Stone of the plumbers of pleasure,” Asu said, twirling into Clyde. The Stone Maidens were behind her dressed in miko outfits, getting ready to perform their daily chores and routines. Clyde figured Maki was more than grateful to have them around. Yuki had greatly lightened up on her chores with her trial only being a few days away. The young man thought about just freeing her then, after the bit with the Punishment Squad, but the women didn’t want the things ordered for that party to go to waste. They also wanted that moment to be special, a ceremony of regaining trust.

“Good morning, Asu,” Clyde said, accepting the hug from the busty lich. As usual, he took a silent but deep whiff. She pressed her body against him.

“The succubus queen has responded and is ready to meet with you anytime,” Asu said.

“Perfect timing,” the young man said. “Ming, Kitome. Are you in? Or do you have other things to take care of today?”

“I’m fine with joining,” Kitome said.

“So am I,” Ming said. “You’ve already pre-invited me anyway.” She winked.

“For the quest to cure Natalia, I’d really like to have you come along, Yuki,” Clyde said. “Leave the housework to the others.”

“Let me think on that,” Yuki said. Her half-smile already pinned things toward the young man’s favor. He considered taking all of his fiancées, but decided that Harumi and Alice shouldn’t be placed into any further danger while pregnant. Sure, they were likely to get sucked into something anyway, but a trip like this was… preventable danger.

Clyde placed the loli down. Alice dragged into the breakfast hall, dressed for the day.

“Good morning, everyone,” she said tiredly.

“Morning,” everyone replied.

“Has anyone seen Ruri?” she asked. “She borrowed my shirt and never gave it back.”

“She’s out with Ghost Princess, Pervy Android, and Strawberry Head,” Natalia said cheerfully.

“I see,” Alice said, taking a seat at the table.

“Melody’s supposedly bringing you that thing that you needed,” Tear said, winking.

Alice smiled. “I love her.”

“I can’t wait ‘til Harmony Day,” Natalia said.

“Harmony Day? What’s that?” Clyde asked. Everyone turned to him. Stars emerged in Airi’s eyes.

“Knowing that he’s from another world only makes him cuter,” Airi said.

“Tsk, tsk, sit down, Clyde,” Tear said. “It’s time for some world culture lessons.”

“Just try not to talk with your big fat boobies,” Natalia said, gaining a quick, nonchalant paper fan from Tear.

Episode 76 (Part 3)

Clyde heard Su Yang groan a second before Tear could begin her explanation of the Satovian holiday.

“And why do I have to join that lich?”

“It is because she’s the Head of the Stone Maidens,” Naoko said to Su Yang. “You are a confused soul, pinning her loyalties against the innocent for someone who casually destroys worlds because their rulers disagree with him. You were once a proper Venus sister… and all three of you betrayed the world, Celestial, and the universe. Like Celestial or not, they are still the only beings that protect and guide the souls of humanity to a peaceful afterlife. And for the scum, they get the punishing place they may have avoided during their time of living. You know this.”

“He’s not someone who casually destroys worlds,” Su Yang said, “but I will make no excuse for that idiot. He saved many lives and you’d be wise to team up with him. Hell, he even undid his mistak—”

A slap pulled everyone’s attentions. Tessa removed her hand from Su Yang’s face, eyes glowing with righteous fury. Her voice became a goddess chant.

“You have hurt Venus with your stupidity,” Tessa snapped. “You think murdering someone over a disagreement, throwing a tantrum, is okay? That psychotic behavior is nothing more than a fucking ticking time bomb.” She shook her head, allowing her voice to calm to normal. “I’m Tessa, Lady Venus’s champion.”

Su Yang’s eyes widened.

“She told me all about you, her supposed most loyal servants, those for whom she had a place waiting in her realm.” Tessa narrowed her eyes. “Hearing you defend a man who destroyed an entire world of innocent people… hard-working men, women, children, pets, animals, ecosystems, in such a horrible manner…You’re probably beyond saving. I just hope your sisters aren’t like you. I hope they still have an ounce of humanity left within them.”

The green-haired girl stormed out, aura jolting around her like electricity.

“Ooh boy,” Clyde said. A drop of sweat fell from the back of his head. “We’re going to be working on her for a while.” He turned to Tear. “Give me the short version of Harmony Day. We’ve got a mad scientist’s lab to visit.”

Tear puffed her cheeks into a pout. “Let’s not tell him, girls. He can figure it out.”

“Fine,” Clyde said. “I will. Later.” He grinned at their expressions. “Let’s go, let’s go. I know it sounds like I’m being pushy now, but I’ll explain the reason later. In fact, I’ll treat everyone to their favorite foods while doing so.”

[Quest: learn about Harmony Day, one of Yaponiya’s biggest holidays, occurring at the end of Domino each year.]

He didn’t receive the option to accept or reject, but at least it wasn’t mandatory. Not that the young man planned to go back on his word. The women were excited, especially Natalia. Domino… was basically December. The young man flinched. They were in winter. Could Harmony Day be a fucking Christmas equivalent? The excitement made sense. They really were close to that time.

He didn’t shop in town as much as he’d like, but still didn’t notice any decorations for this holiday. On Earth, Christmas merchandise started up for sale two months in advance. Maybe there were differences… And what about other nations? Surely he couldn’t expect the entire planet to celebrate the holiday, but did they have their own variant?

With Natalia riding his shoulders as usual, Clyde started toward the door. He activated the mini-map just for the hell of it, as well as the mental meters to destination countdown common in open world video games.

“Clyde, I didn’t tell you the location,” Tear said. “And this isn’t the first time—”

“Ah, let’s just go already,” Natalia whined. “No more dumb interruptions.”

Tear was about to open her mouth to protest, but Clyde cheered, “Away!” as if he were a superhero. Natalia predictably copied him. Even Naoko, having even less of a clue about the young man’s Earthly shenanigans, joined in on the chanting.

* * *

“We’ve got some work to do on him,” Tear said to the other women.

Alice giggled. “Maybe. You guys have fun.”

“You’re not coming?” Kitome asked the blonde twin-tailed half-demoness.

“No, I have House Hades work to do and Chika needs my help with a few things,” Alice replied. “Running companies is so much work. I barely get any sleep.”

Kitome smiled sadly, a drop of sweat falling from the back of her head. “I can only wish you luck.”

“By the way,” Tear said at a volume for Kitome and Alice’s hearing, “Yuki’s probably going to win Harmony Day.”

Kitome frowned. “Don’t think you can talk us into giving up.”

Tear chuckled. “Not at all. That’s what I like to hear. And I have the perfect lingerie for the both of you.”

Matsume grinned. “I’m getting in on this.” Her smile faded to a frown, seeming to regret her words as Tear’s eyes went starry. “On second thought, I’m a proud hound. I can find another way.”

“It’s too late,” Kitome said. “You’re in this.” Her eyes glistened. “If I don’t get a say, you don’t.”

“How do you put up with her?” Matsume asked, stepping away from the evilly-grinning, starry-eyed Tear.

“You get used to it,” Alice said, eyes dead.

* * *

“Tear, Kitome, you still coming?” Clyde called. He figured they had some last-minute things to talk about with either Alice or Yuki.

When they finally emerged, eyes seemingly full of mischief and plans, he said, “Finally.”

“Clyde,” Tear said. “Are you going to walk there or would you like me to Jump us?”

Clyde shot her a blank glare.

“Walk, walk!” Natalia cheered.

“Oh, I certainly don’t mind flying,” Tear said. “But—”

“You certainly wouldn’t make us walk, right Clyde, nya?” Ako asked as she suddenly appeared at Clyde’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder. Aside from the anger aura, the young man did not miss the Gin smile.

“It’s pretty far,” Clyde said after checking his mental navigation system. “And no, Natalia. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you walk like the rest of us.”

The loli leaned forward, lazily draping over the young man’s shoulders.

“Again, how do you even know that?” Tear said.

“You should be used to his unpredictably unknown powers by now,” Airi said to Tear.

The succubus sighed, charging her magic. “I’m never going to get an answer.”

“Let’s just call it… tracking magic,” Clyde said. “Or maybe… map magic.”

“Let’s just go with tracking magic,” Tear said as she released the magic, Jumping the group.

* * *

Yuki quickly wrapped up the cleaning of the kitchen, declining Alice and Matsume’s offers to help. They were sweet, but she wanted to quickly finish up. Harmony Day approached, yet she had no idea what to get Clyde, her most loved one. What did guys like him like? Food was out of the question. Even if he told her his favorite food, she’d end up cooking it too often. What made it special would be taken for granted. Besides, food on Harmony Day for a gift? No way.

She sighed. After the furious fight with the Punishment Squad, the demoness expected to be at least a little tired. She’d finally gotten the chance to take one of her fiancée’s numerous offered days off, making him happy in the process. And her body, of course. But she wasn’t tired. Quite the opposite. Fighting the Punishment Squad increased her own strength dramatically and she simply couldn’t think of anything to contain herself.

Cooking and reading relaxed her. Sure, some may find the activity boring, but Yuki’s dream to be a famous chef only strengthened when Clyde encouraged her. Words and actions of kindness solidified the demoness’s resolve, because she came from an unkind upbringing.

Yuki scoped her perfect kitchen once more, admiring its over-cleanliness. Even with Maki’s time as her assistant ending, the Stone Maidens still did a large amount of the household chores as part of their daily training. It annoyed the demoness a bit—she could clean and read simultaneously—even make books float when needed. Yet… Asu had a point. Yuki was getting married.

The demoness allowed herself to smile at the thought. She was marrying her hero, someone she actually loved. A lot of demons from her homeland would never be afforded this opportunity. If one’s parent wasn’t a demon lord or house head, meaning a commoner, then there was a possibility of being sold into slavery.

Most of the time, a bigger household simply attacked commoner families and abducted anyone they wanted and killed off the undesirables. That was how Yuki lost everything: her parents, her siblings, her home. Then, as if to rub salt on the wound, the demon lords that ordered the event would soul bond their new ‘possessions.’ She wasn’t sure if there was a worse feeling than being branded by the same being who wiped out everything, eventually driving her into emotionlessness, accepting her fate, realizing that no one would come for her.

The demon realm, Ragnon, was a place run by demons of political power, each controlling lands and playing the game of houses in attempt to increase reputation and said power. Even House Hades, formerly a demon lord family, performed some ruthless acts, settling themselves as a province strong and feared enough to give up their public political power, especially in the human world. Privately, not many demon lords would attempt to take them on, or betray them.

Ironically, Hades was among the few houses that didn’t take slaves or attack the poorer classes. They preferred being at the top of the business world, which made them so valuable as allies in the eyes of even the scummy demon lords. Nezerath almost married the two families together… Yuki could only be thankful of Alice’s willpower and rebellion, Clyde’s appearance, Tear’s protectiveness, and many other factors that fell into place, which contributed into bringing down one of the largest and most terrible families around. But that didn’t mean they were all gone. Well, their presence didn’t matter anyway. Yuki wasn’t the same soul bonded and helpless demoness anymore. She had a long way to go, but she planned to surpass Tear.

CRASH!

Yuki hurried out of the kitchen into the dining room to see Sophia on the ground, having tripped over something, resulting in her falling and shattering her glass. She cut her hand a few times. It reminded the demoness that the ex-Viper Maiden turned Stone Maiden was only human.

“Are you okay?” Yuki asked.

“Kind of,” Sophia said. “Just one of those days I’m being reminded of how big of a clutz I am.”

Yuki made a slight motion with her hand. The gently-emitted magic teleported all of the shattered glass into midair and reformed the cup. Harumi happened to emerge from the hall at the time, probably curious about the noise. Matsume and a few others around peeked in.

“Good morning, Harumi,” Yuki said.

“Morning Yuki,” Harumi said, her voice a little upbeat, as if the sight of Yuki sparked life into her soul.

“Do you mind brushing her with a little healing touch?” Yuki asked. “She tripped over…” The demoness picked up what looked like a miniature statue of an anime character. “This is definitely Natalia’s.”

“It is,” Harumi said, as she healed Sophia’s wounds. “That girl can be both sweet and careless.”

“Th-thank you,” Sophia said, blush faint. She was a young woman with long white hair, green eyes, a tan curvy body, and a greatly improved attitude. It made Yuki appreciate Team Stone’s accepting nature.

Harumi smiled, which only seemed to brighten the room even further, as if she was some kind of saint from the heavens. “It’s no problem.”

Sophia stood, bowing lightly. “Please excuse me. I’m meeting Asu and Ichika for Stone Maiden lessons.” A drop of sweat fell from the back of her head. “It will end up with Asu and I getting lectured. Our lich leader knows too little about the maidens in comparison to them, so she often ends up making a ton of jokes and calling it a day.”

Harumi chuckled sadly. “Good luck out there.”

Sophia smiled. “Thank you again, Yuki.” She bowed to the demoness before heading out.

“You know, I like her,” Harumi said.

“Indeed,” Yuki said.

Natalia’s statue gave the demoness an idea about what she wanted to give Clyde for Harmony Day. It made her want to laugh aloud because the ridiculousness of the idea. Tear was right to fear her.

“Pardon me, Harumi,” Yuki said. “But…would you like to join me on a trip to Clare’s? I want to pick up a few tools.”

Harumi’s eyes went starry. “An invitation from you? I’d cancel every other plan I had for one.”

Yuki blushed faintly. “It’s not—”

“Let me put on something more comfortable,” Harumi interrupted. “Clare has this new whipped cream coffee I’d like you to try.”

Yuki sighed as Harumi hurried. “She doesn’t know that an invitation from her means the same thing to me.”

The demoness once again allowed herself to feel thankful for her improved life. Her friends… maybe sister-wives, were so amazing that one day after fighting the Punishment Squad could turn to normal.

She had a long talk with Melody that prior night and allowed the sweet redhead to cry into her chest. Her world normally didn’t mourn for their dead for long at all, a cruel thing, but the manner in which her mother stepped in… saving Melody’s life. But exclaiming her love only in those last moments.

Why were so many non-humans like that? The demoness could only hope that Clyde’s influence would spread beyond just the walls of Team Stone and the city. But of course she wouldn’t depend on him to do it alone.

No, they weren’t… going to pull any Yusukes. She’d do her part. And together, they’d fix the dire problems one step at a time.

Episode 76 (Part 4)

Edge of Lot City…

In front of Hideo’s secret lab…

In retrospect, Clyde was kind of glad Kitome asked them to go retrieve Toru first before entering his uncle’s lab. If anything, he deserved to have first dibs on discovered loot. Airi seemed bouncy, eager to go inside and have a look, maybe a few oohs and aahs. Ako karate chopped the top of her head.

“Ow!” Airi said.

“You must learn to control your urges, nya,” Ako said. “Someone of your stature is destined for great things.”

“Not the archspirit thing again,” Airi said. “Blah blah blah, destiny, blah blah blah, greatness. Of course I’ll be great.” She pointed at the cat girl. “I just have to discover something to prove it.”

“I miss Chika’s banter about being the number one student,” Natalia said offhandedly, gaining a glare from the druid girl.

They were gathered in front of an unremarkable gray warehouse on a rather discreet side of town. Saki, Tear’s dark priestess recruit from Nyoto, had somehow managed to disable the entire security system as well as unlock everything from a single keypad. It made the young man wonder what kind of crazy training the succubus put the network through. He mentally noted that spending time with his future wife and her network needed to be done as soon as possible. He was very grateful to them for all of their hard work since the early days of meeting Tear. Their reward felt long overdue.

A system reminder popped into Clyde’s mental vision.

[Quest reminder: Have a meeting about Tessa’s news with the team after things calmed down, if you survive the Punishment Squad. This urgent quest is mandatory and cannot be refused.]

Clyde mentally punched himself for fucking up his priorities. Then again, it was still very early in the morning. The young man would call the meeting and… maybe pet Ruri during it.

The warehouse door loudly creaked as Saki pulled open the thick door.

[Warning: you are about to enter a dungeon. Dungeon type: place of power. Difficulty: unknown. Proceed or call your team off?]

System, why even ask this question? Clyde thought as he selected Proceed.

Airi was about to run inside when Ako yanked her backward.

“Don’t be rude, nya,” the catgirl said.

“I have to make sure it’s safe first,” Saki said. She closed her eyes briefly, allowing her form to become transparent like a spirit. She disappeared into the darkness for about a minute. The lights blinked on, revealing to the group quite a sight. Parading the only large room were test tubes, computers, empty cages, safes, equipment, and strange metallic objects. However, the one thing that caught everyone’s attention, including Toru who now had a horrified look on his face, were pictures of lolis all over the room. At the center of the dead predator-creep’s lab was a strange statue of a four-foot-tall girl with a backpack on.

And now the young man found himself not excited about the loot, nor about turning on any computer.

“I’ll call Tetra,” Kitome deadpanned. Her eye twitched at the photo of a young girl in a provocative pose. The magical girl snatched it from the wall and placed it onto the ground face down. “The only reason why I’m not tearing it to shreds is so that Tetra can do her job.”

Tear patted her shoulder, nodding in agreement. “Toru… did you know your uncle was a lolicon?”

The brown-haired noble looked as if he wanted to die. Natalia hopped off Clyde’s back and walked over to the disgusted young man.

“Who would’ve guessed?” Natalia said. “Nina will get a kick out of this.”

Toru shook his head. “Even Crusaders hide these kinds of people. Let’s set this son-of-a-bitch on fire.”

Kitome grinned. “I’ll—”

“What happened to letting Tetra do her job?” Tear asked.

“So that’s it, huh?” Clyde said to Airi. “We come here looking for treasure and… well.”

“It feels like running into a previously looted cave again,” Airi said. “Oh well. Maybe the cops will find anyone else involved in this filth and toss them into the grinder.”

“You mean put them in the slammer?” Ming asked.

“Toss them into a grinder,” Airi reassured, humor still in her voice. She sighed. “What a bummer.”

Instead of just standing around like everyone else, the archspirit started opening drawers. “There’s got to be some loot around here.”

“Natalia, make me a paper fan, nya,” Ako said.

“You can’t control me, samurai catgirl,” Airi said. She stuck her tongue out at Ako. The kuudere catgirl started after her.

“I will lecture you for forty days and forty nights if you don’t get back here,” the catgirl snapped. Airi laughed as she ran.

“At least someone’s having fun,” Toru said.

“No kidding,” Kitome said.

“Meanie girl has no one to yell at,” Natalia said as she took her place back on the young man’s shoulders.

“I’m sure you’ll be the first in the line to give Kitome someone to yell at,” Toru quipped.

“I don’t yell that often,” Kitome snapped, blush faint. “And stop calling me meanie girl. I’m not mean.”

“Meanie girl, if I didn’t know you, I’d assume you were planning the eventual murder of dummy blond,” Natalia said. The loli sighed. “That poor dummy blond, putting up with your abuse.”

The magical girl shot Natalia a blank stare. Clyde pulled the loli-witch off his back, set her in front of him and then joined Kitome in the stare, followed by Toru.

Tear laughed, picking up the runt. “You may not believe it, but this is my wise blood friend.”

Natalia placed her face into the succubus’s breasts. “Tear, you pervy booby monster.”

The succubus looked fondly at her like a mother to daughter. “The chest pointing fingers at the mimic, I see.”

Clyde blinked. Was that a Monster Kingdoms version of ‘the pot calling the kettle black’? The young man took a mental note, then followed Airi’s lead, investigating the lab and hoping to find something that wasn’t questionable in terms of… predatory matters.

“How long will it take for Tetra to get here?”

“About fifteen minutes,” Ming said. “She’s jumping between helping out Chizuru and the network, and getting things done at her own office.”

Clyde nodded. He turned to the child statue, feeling something off with it. Well, more off than the awful setting, but the young man couldn’t put a finger on it. His mystic calm prevented fear. But… somehow it gave him chills. Did Hideo do something to an innocent child in this room?

Abruptly, one of the larger monitors mounted on the wall flicked on and the lights dimmed. First the screen was white, then it switched to what appeared to be a cinematic PowerPoint presentation.

The Daughter Revival Project…

Could it be that Hideo…?

“That shithead creep never had a daughter,” Toru commented, seeming to answer Clyde’s mental question. The presentation continued in all text, eerily.

For many years, the Order of the Crusaders searched for a way to revive a being that was born on the plane of chaos. A chaos goddess.

They discovered her as a child in the middle of an ice plain wrapped in magical cloth and nothing else, even little memories of the chaos realm. But the Order felt the wrongness, the disturbing source of power. From there, she was declared the Daughter of the Order. And she’d be their key to having leverage over all realms, including the land of the Supreme Gods.

Unfortunately, their goddess unexpectedly died. They learned months later from an archive that the leader of the Order himself or herself pulled from a library of Celestial, that the daughter couldn’t survive off human food alone. It needed to be injected with a source of power known as chaos.

However, what is chaos? Is it taint? Taint is corruption. Chaos is something else. Destruction, mayhem, panic. But… all of this could be associated with taint which is the most dangerous source of power… right?

The order commanded the best of them, Lead Researcher Tizen, to discover a way to resurrect the Daughter. They suspect the World Star Fragments may be able to help them. But the same could be said about the Omen’s Spheres. The truth is, they simply don’t know.

The presentation flickered and shut down. The lights brightened again. Clyde and the others looked at each other and then at the statue, silent. The creepy vibe tickled the young man’s neck again.

“Okay, am I the only one that wants to get the hell out of here?” Clyde asked.

“No, you’re not,” Ming agreed.

[Quest completed: investigate Hideo’s secret laboratory. You have discovered quite the secret. Just look at Airi go nuts. This grave secret is incredibly valuable.]

Clyde turned to see the super druid jotting down notes on a pad at what seemed like a million miles an hour.

“While Airi the archeologist writes that down, we’re going to—”

A sudden siren interrupted the young man. On the monitor, it displayed, Activating Lab Defense…

“But I deactivated everything,” Saki said.

“This is probably a hidden secondary defense system,” Tear said. “Let’s go, Airi.”

“Dammit,” Airi said. “I have so many questions.”

Clyde and Team Stone hurried the hell out of the laboratory.

“Let’s Jump a safe distance away,” Clyde said. “We all know it’s going to self-destruct.”

“They always do,” Natalia said as if she raided mad scientist secret labs on a daily basis.

The young man’s call turned out to be right. The second the group Jumped, the building began to shake violently. Five minutes later, it exploded.

As if things weren’t strange enough, the statue remained, completely unharmed.

“Whoa!” Natalia cheered. “Pervy husbando, did you see that?”

“I think everyone saw that,” Clyde said. “Holy—”

“Shit,” Toru finished.

“Aww, no loot,” Airi said. “I don’t think that weird statue counts.”

“Should we really give this over to the coppers?” Natalia said.

Clyde turned to see Ako staring at it intently. Something quiet escaped her lips. A hiss?

“Are you okay?” Clyde asked, causing her to flinch and jump nearly a foot into the air. The entire team turned to stare at her. She blushed furiously.

“No—nothing, nyyaa,” she quickly said, then cleared her thoughts, attempting to control the situation with kuudere composure, but of course everyone saw that and smiled. “That may be a cursed idol. It is best to find someone who destroys curses, then maybe store it in a blessed shrine, nya. At least with Celestial keeping an eye on that thing, we can rest.”

“Lady Alice can break its curse,” Natalia cheered.

“I guess her relation to you know who explains a lot,” Ako said.

“I’m still annoyed that you guys left me in the dark,” Clyde said. “Even you, Natalia. I should choose a new right hand.” He grinned, but placed a finger on her lips before the whining and crying could start. “Anyway, I’ll call—”

Kitome’s phone rung. “Speaking of the twin tails, look who’s calling.”

“I wanna talk to her,” Natalia said. The magical girl ignored the loli and answered. A minute later, she hung up.

“She’ll be over here in a bit,” Kitome said. “Did you know with her new power, she can fly faster than—”

A burst of wind paused her sentence. Alice landed, dressed in jeans and a flowery pink shirt that matched her eyes.

“Hello,” she said. The half-demoness paused as she turned right to the statue located in the distance and frowned. “Ew.”

The young man noticed Ako glaring at it again. They had to be feeling the same nasty chills that he felt.

“It’s definitely cursed,” Alice said. “I’ll break it from here. I’m not going near that thing.”

Ako nodded in agreement.

“It’s giving me freaky vibes, that’s for sure,” Airi said, further confirming Clyde’s theory.

Alice aimed both of her hands at the statue. A golden light emerged around her, its radiation heating the area slightly.

[Alice activated Special Tier skill: All Calm Curse Eater.]

She released the golden Kamehameha, hitting the statue with perfect aim. It shook. The steel statue glowed for a minute. When the light cleared, it was gold and even worth admiring from a craftsman’s standpoint. The unsettling vibe vanished.

[Secret quest completed: purify the cursed statue. Reward: EXP and Omen’s Sphere. Retrieve the Omen’s Sphere at the foot of the statue.]

Clyde gestured for the group to follow him. Sure enough, waiting for them was a crystalline orange sphere the size of a grapefruit.

“An Omen’s Sphere, nya,” Ako said. “But… why?”

The young man shrugged as he absorbed it into himself.

“There is a lot of strange shit in this world,” Clyde said. “And I have a feeling I haven’t seen anything yet.”

[Omen’s Spheres: 11 of 25. (2 of 5 super). Collect two more to receive your next bonus skill or ability.]

With such a high requirement for the upcoming bonus, Clyde couldn’t help but wonder what was next. What possible ability could it give him? It gave him freaking astral projection, flying, and a special. It wouldn’t give him another death beam to add, but practical things.

Astral projection had been a huge help during the Inquisition situation—mainly because Stone Mode simply wasn’t enough.

So many of his abilities evolved after that Punishment Squad fight. Hell, even Blizzard finally became that mysterious Unknown Tier skill he wielded out of Stone Mode fury: Pluto’s Ice. His Telekinesis maxed out, Meteor became freaking Asteroid, and Neptune’s Water evolved to Hydro Cannon of Poseidon.

There were more evolutions gained, reminding Clyde of the benefit of chugging experience. Stone Mode did dramatically reduce rewards, but it was either defend himself or die. But hey, at least the team experienced power gains out of this world. They were fucking climbing!

That reminded him about Su Yang. And, of course, Dire.

“Fuck it. Natalia, you’re going to hate me for this, but we’re going to force Su Yang on this quest with us,” Clyde said.

Ako turned to him. “Clyde, have you lost your mind, nya?”

“If the Venus sisters are supposed to be helping us,” Clyde said, “then I need to know why they’d equally betray the world, let alone Venus herself, and so fast. Tear can only do so much thought probing.” He sighed. “Anyway, let’s get back home. We need to have a meeting about what Tessa discovered.”

“Onii,” Natalia said softly. “If Su Yang does anything to threaten us, I will kill her without hesitation.”

Clyde pet the loli. “No, I will.”

Episode 76 (Part 5)

Later that morning…

Clyde’s house….

Living room…

As Clyde waited for everyone to show up for the upcoming meeting, he checked his new abilities. Specifically, one that baffled him.

[*God Tier skill: Dimensional Fissure. Type: ??? Class: ??? There is no description for this skill…]

System, can you explain this please? he thought.

[System notice. You are deemed fit to read. You should try reading.]

Why do I bother? Clyde thought. Why would he use a skill with no description? Sure, the gamer within wanted to test the new ability, but the realist inside was like, “Now hold on, let’s talk about that.”

He sighed, finally turning to the glaring Ako.

“Fine. Teach me, oh great samurai observer.” He noticed Melody walking out of the kitchen with Yuki. “Melody. You have to join us.”

The redhead unknowingly walked over. “In what? Did you find out—”

“In Ako’s lecture,” Clyde said, then grinned evilly. He pulled his fiancée into his lap, kissing her the way she enjoyed.

Ako continued to glare. In fact, anger aura emerged around her.

“Nya, remember what I said about Ako being scary,” Neko reminded as she passed by, continuing into the hall.

The Gin smile emerged on the catgirl’s face.

“Lord Stone, it is not Lady Melody who needs these lessons, nya,” Ako said in a collected, but threatening voice. “She should be teaching you, in fact.” The catgirl nodded to Melody. “I know you love him, but I must continue to teach. Or beat these lessons into Lord Stone’s skull. You’re not the one who needs to sit through this.”

Melody smiled sadly. “It’d be rather awkward teaching someone like this.”

She kissed Clyde on his forehead and then reluctantly stood.

“Noooo, don’t go,” Clyde said playfully.

“Don’t give Ako a hard time,” she said, then kissed the young man.

“Don’t mind me, nya,” Ako said. “I am not insulted by the lovey-lovey couple being indecent in front of me. I am completely fine.”

A drop of sweat fell off the back of Clyde and Melody’s heads. The redhead joined Alice and Natalia on a couch further off. The loli was in Alice’s lap, watching a Loli Saga rerun while getting her hair brushed. The scene really did make the young man wonder about their history.

Clyde took mental notes as he focused on Ako’s lessons. He wasn’t the number one student at both his old college and Sato Academy for nothing. The young man loved learning, which in a way was why he admired Airi’s ridiculous craving to know every single thing.

“An efficient samurai… no, an efficient warrior must practice discipline,” Ako said. “I’m not saying do everything in the name of honor, nobody’s perfect, but you must carry yourself in a way that will convert to your ability to fight. Let’s go outside, nya. I will teach you some more on the combat side.”

Clyde’s mind just wasn’t fully there, even though he told himself to focus. The Punishment Squad, the discovery at Hideo’s lab, Tessa’s discovery, Atlas being Airi’s fucking dad, Alena being the daughter of Mother Nature—which probably explained her ability to cast Resurrection like it was nothing—and that making Alice’s maternal grandmother someone he may end up meeting sooner than he’d like. The ruler of Celestial…

So much to process.

Ako would’ve landed a blow on the young man if not for his mystic senses, which enabled him to dodge, block a secondary attack, and then counter without even looking.

On top of all of his woes, Clyde was on his way to fatherhood. A fate unavoidable and strongly pushed by the system. He didn’t want these fucking supernatural assholes putting his kids in danger.

“Let me rest for a bit,” the young man said as he sat on the ground. “I just need to think.” He manifested a yarn-like stress ball, tossing it up repeatedly as his mind wandered, and he generated solutions to some problems.

[Your Samurai Combat Style has increased to Moderate.]

Ako watched Clyde for a few seconds and decided it was probably best to just let him decompress. Then her eyes locked onto the ball. The catgirl’s eyes glistened as it bounced and bounced and bounced.

She almost leapt onto the young man when Natalia’s voice rang through the air.

“Pervy-nii, let me check your power level!”

“I’d better go check on Neko, nyaaa,” Ako quickly said, blushing as she hurried off.

Clyde blinked. The feeling that he’d missed something really amusing soured his stomach. Natalia anime dove on top of him.

“What’s up, squirt?” Clyde asked, petting the loli.

“I’m not a squirt,” Natalia said as she puffed her cheeks into a pout.

Alice emerged from the house. “That Yuki,” she said. “I swear she’s too good for us.” The half-demoness sat next to the young man. “Ako seemed to be in a bit of a hurry. How’d the training go?”

“Today isn’t the best day for it,” Clyde said. “And here I am, getting people ready for another one of my ridiculous trips.”

“They are quite fun,” Alice said, surprising Clyde. He did a double take.

“They are?” he asked. The young man could’ve sworn Alice would be among the most annoyed, being dragged around. And maybe anyone human.

“Of course, husbando,” Natalia said. “Sure, the dummy wizards were annoying in Alon but traveling is fun.”

“Sure is,” Alice said. “Having everyone there, eating new foods, laughing and exploring together. Honestly, I think nobody wants to miss out on this next trip.” The half-demoness laid her head on his shoulder. The trio sat in silence for half a minute until Natalia spoke.

“So did you reach a power level of more than three hundred pervy husbando-onii?” Natalia asked.

“Yeah, I’m sitting at three forty-two,” Clyde said. “Could be higher, but using Stone Mode comes at a cost of nin—”

“Awesome pervy-nii, you’ve met my requirement way faster than I thought was possible,” Natalia said.

[Secret quest completed: reach level 300 as suggested by Natalia. Reward: EXP, *Elroot Core. Can be used to power a legendary weapon known as the Elroot Wand. You’ve also received a Magic Blank Picture Frame.]

“So what do I win?” Clyde asked, then winked. “Hold that thought. Before we do anything else today, we need to see Asu or Fuyoko.”

Alice and Natalia looked at him expectantly. The young man mentally recalled the quest given to him from the previous dungeon run.

[Let Asu or Fuyoko inspect the Kamaron Dungeon Broken Objects.]

“Airi passed me some bizarre metal objects from the dungeon,” he said. “And well, if Su Yang was in there, I don’t think we can just pass this off like some typical dungeon. Maybe they’ll find some use for them.”

As the trio headed back into the house, the young man briefly glanced at one of the most worrying quests on his list.

[Dragon Business, Step 5: Confront the Thousand Year Dragon. This is an incredibly dangerous quest and you should take the time to prepare.]

The final step to a Harumi quest line. The dragon goddess. This was someone that worried even the Punishment Squad. Hell, it was among the reasons why they sent forces to investigate. She still roamed, just nations away; however, one thing the young man noticed as he used his mystic senses to feel for presences was that Emyo had slowed. She noticed the Punishment Squad and probably their departure with Team Stone being one hundred percent alive. If that didn’t turn on the curiosity, nothing would. When the time came, he’d have to be ready.

“Are we still meeting up with the Supreme lady?” Natalia asked.

“Yeah,” Clyde said. “I really didn’t expect her to risk her life to help us out, but damn am I glad.”

“Are you still mad at her?” Natalia continued.

“Maybe,” Clyde said. “It’s pretty hard to immediately trust someone who calls herself a Supreme Demon Lord easily. Considering what happened with the Inquisition, we have no proof that she wasn’t the one who ordered the city’s destruction. But there are times that keeping a possible enemy closer works.”

“Does that mean she’ll be living with us?” Natalia asked.

“Yeah, no,” Clyde said. “I want to consider her an ally. A fucking unusual one, at that. It’s not like we know anything about her.” He gave the loli and Alice head pats. “However, Lilith will be welcome in our home as just a friend.” He raised a finger. “I need an edge on Celestial, hell, any realm that’s watching the stone-viper games. I’m pretty damn sure there are others. From the beginning, I’ve never gotten the chance to look at everything through the generic black and white hero-villain thing. I feel the same about Celestial and whatever their counterpart realms are. If I did, I’d have a bad misunderstanding about the majority of Team Stone. We’d probably still have monsters roaming the city, idiots in Alon, and hell, idiots here.”

“Whatever decisions you make, I stand with you,” Alice said.

Clyde gave her flat stomach a rub, causing the half-demoness to blush.

“Onii-chan, make babies with me too,” Natalia cheered, anime-diving toward the young man. He caught the loli out of midair.

“You are a piece of work, squirt.”

As he opened the door and allowed Alice and Natalia in first, Clyde thought about the strange item he received for clearing Natalia’s quest. Magic Blank Picture Frame. The system popped it into his mind’s eye.

[Magic Blank Picture Frame: Item class: unknown. With just a thought, it will become a picture of your choosing.]

Clyde immediately knew what he had to do. If he wanted to be even a half-way decent fiancé to her, he wanted to show that he cared. Moving past the others, he gestured to Tear. Then whispered his idea to her. She nodded, then dialed a number. The Team Stone members that were early for the meeting looked at the duo curiously. Ten minutes later, a small group of succubi brought in a memorial altar and strange… crystal flowers that Clyde assumed were from the redhead’s world. They set the altar in a large, mostly unused room.

The young man selected the picture frame in his inventory. He imagined Melody’s mother with a peaceful smile. The frame accepted the snapshot.

Everyone watched in amazement as Clyde spawned the picture from his inventory and placed it onto the altar. The succubi network surrounded the picture frame with the crystal flowers. He clapped his hands together once while closing his eyes and giving the situation just a moment of silence. Not just for Melody’s mother, but also for the people who lost their lives to the Inquisition.

He stepped to the side for a teary Melody to see the beautiful altar. She mimicked him, clapping her hands once with her eyes closed and allowing just a moment of silence.

[Your relationship with Melody has jumped from Absolute Cherished to Absolute Treasured, level 3. You may link with Melody. Warning: linking with her may produce a source of power that is too much to handle at once. Use this cautiously.]

“For dinner, I’ll serve the traditional mourning dinner from your realm,” Yuki said.

“You don’t have to,” Melody said.

Clyde gently grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze.

Harumi nodded and smiled at the redhead as they briefly made eye contact.

“Please let us do this for you,” Clyde said.

Ruri walked to the duo’s side, pulling them close, ears sagging.

“Please let us,” she said. “I’d like your scent of mourning to pass.”

Melody stared at them for a moment, then nodded.

“Thank you, everyone,” she said softly.

[The aura of Melody’s mother has increased your house’s defenses. This can be duplicated for any power core you discover. Not that you’ll likely discover another relic like it. Just knowledge for the noggin.]

Clyde’s eye twitched just a bit at the system’s sass.

[Increased stats.]

[Lot City: [Current Main.] Barrier Level: 38. PP: 225. BP: 215. You are greatly protected. Not even deities would easily detect you.]

Tessa walked to the shrine, performed the ritual of respect, and then hugged Melody.

“We will always be here for you, so please cry with all of us,” Tessa said. “Including Clyde, our fiancé.”

“Normally we’d let out a howl of passing,” Matsume said. “But… it’s probably not appropriate for this.”

Clyde nearly anime-fell to the side, but also couldn’t help but find that intriguing. What kind of interesting cultural rituals did his soon-to-be wives hold within their arsenals? The young man couldn’t wait to find out.

He supposed things would start with dinner.

“Let’s go to the boardroom,” Clyde said. “I want the meeting done quick, so we can dedicate this day to rest, mourning, and remembering the heroic deed that saved the lives of Melody and everyone around her.”

Episode 76 (Part 6)

Lot City hotel…

Dark was having a dilemma again. He stared intently at the opponents that were before him, demanding his time. This would be the ultimate battle. The battle that could crush even the lord of the dark’s heart and shatter his mind into itty bitty emotionless pieces. And he had to decide like a hero giving a speech before a war that would determine the fate of a nation… no, the world. This would be it.

He couldn’t do it. He’d let himself down, his culture down, and all of those who also had culture, and…

He glanced at the bed again where two DVDs lay, gifted to him by some random Team Stone fan.

Loli Saga Uncut Hearts edition and Ming’s unannounced Big Sisters with Green Hair Warrior Princesses. Flat justice or oppai for life. Dark wanted to melt. Which should he watch first?

A knock on his door pulled the young man back to reality.

“Dark,” Selkie barked. “Get your ass into gear. Clyde invited us to a meeting and we’re fucking late. What are you doing in there? I hope you’re not mastur—”

“Alright already, sheesh, woman!” Dark snapped. “Can’t the great lord of the dark decide what anime to watch in peace? This is important business of culture, and a pleb such as yourself would never understand.”

Selkie sighed. “Just hurry the hell up and get dressed, chuuni-for-brains.”

He heard her stomp away.

“You better run from the presence of the great lord of the dark,” Dark said under his breath. “When I take over this world, you will beg for my—”

“He who breathes the moon,” a familiar voice said from outside of the door.

“Fuck off, birdbrain,” Dark snapped. “The great lord of the dark must prepare for his meeting.”

Myriad laughed. “Hurry it up, chuuni. Or would you like to make them wait longer?”

Dark shook his head. “You will always be an uncultured birdbrain.”

* * *

Clyde’s house…

Boardroom…

Clyde shot Selkie, Dark, and Myriad respective blank stares as they entered the boardroom, ten minutes late. The young man waited out of the ‘kindness’ of his heart, but next time, he swore he’d fucking start this meeting and they could stay left in the dark.

Selkie gave him a sheepish smile, which made him sigh, an indication to either accept this or go fuck off.

“Alright, Tessa, you may kick this thing off,” Clyde said, petting Ruri. Her tail wagged in excitement and appreciation. Her ears, which he scratched behind, wouldn’t miss a thing.

Arisa… Tessa’s eyes hardened. Clyde knew she recalled the painful memories of those she cared about in the village. Her friends, new additions to her family.

“A day before the Punishment Squad attacked, I Jumped back to a village in Messalay to pick up the World Star Fragment we’ve saved for Clyde,” Tessa said. “The first thing I saw were the Crusaders.”

Clyde noticed the clenching of Chizuru’s fists. The beautiful ex-Crusader’s eyes shined with regret and anger.

“They were struck down before I could get to them,” Tessa continued. “There were two of them, one psychic man in a green cloak, and a woman wearing a purple one. They call themselves the Viper’s Reapers or something and apparently work in pairs. Lady Venus and I tried to gather as much information as possible, trailing them for as long as we could, before they disappeared and of course the Punishment Squad interrupted.” Tessa turned a controlled glare to the room’s prisoner, Su Yang. The busty tan woman was bound to a seat via a spell and monitored by Yuki’s magic. The young man suspected Natalia supervised the magic space around Su Yang as well to make sure she didn’t make a sudden escape. “Based on Ming’s account, Su Yang’s partner is Dire.”

“Su Yang, have any nice pointers for us?” Airi asked, hiding the evil deep with her voice.

“What do you expect me to say?” Su Yang asked, rolling her eyes.

“Not feeling talkative, eh?” Airi said, then grinned. “I love it when they do it the hard way. Let me help you out.”

“Here comes the slap,” Natalia cheered.

“No, I don’t need petty violence,” Airi said. “Besides, Tetra’s the detective. Maybe she does that kind of thing.”

“Do I look like some kind of savage to you?” Tetra asked. “I do not need to resort to that to make my quarry talk.”

Airi chuckled, eyes glowing gold. “Neither do I.” She poked Su Yang’s forehead.

The busty woman clenched her teeth together, straining in pain. And it didn’t take long for her to start sweating.

“Come on, let us hear about the Viper and his crew. Come on, the world is at stake. And you can’t resist me.”

“What the hell’s going on?” Clyde asked softly. The others ignored him, watching the scene intensely.

Su Yang deemed to deflate as her eyes suddenly went glossy.

“That a girl,” Airi said. “Sometimes I can feel the pain detectives have to go through to make criminals give out any information. Now for a test. Name the Viper and his closest circle. Generals. I want their cloaks too.”

Su Yang bucked, then spoke, “The Viper is named Aunder. Black cloak. Dire, his successor, is second in command, with a red cloak. I have… a white cloak. My sisters… Olivia has a…yellow cloak…” Su Yang struggled against whatever Airi had done to her, but couldn’t free herself from the compulsion. “Kaymen is orange cloak… Tiffia… a former Crusader researcher is… purple cloak.”

“And it continues to unfold,” Chizuru said bitterly. Her companions next to her nodded in agreement. The young man noticed the petite girl sitting next to the former Crusader champion had eyes that shone with lust. She looked as if she’d jump Chizuru at any moment. Maybe… the young man looked too far into things.

“Green is important… Gr…”

“So that’s how you made Lead Researcher Tizen talk,” Chizuru said softly.

“It’s sort of a last resort,” Airi said. “I don’t like to use it if I don’t have to. It’s sort of dangerous, you know. An unbreakable will can bypass and block the magic. Now, Su Yang, give us more.”

Su Yang suddenly shook as she struggled to hold in the information. Whatever it was, it had to be crucial somehow. “Aunder plans… the cloaks are—”

Abruptly the busty woman fainted, overwhelmed by the ridiculous magic Airi had put in her.

“Oops,” Airi said, then smiled sadly. “Ooh, think I went a little too far. Ah well. A little rest and she’ll be back up to speed again.”

“This is why you need training, nya,” Ako said. “You may not like it, but your archspirit powers aren’t going away.”

“You… may be right,” Airi said, a little reluctantly. “But don’t expect me to give up Druidry. I’m the number one awesomest super druid for a reason.”

“Nya, if you want, I can ask my queen about the cloaks,” Chesire said.

“Nya, she still hasn’t come back to fetch Clyde,” Neko said. “We still need that Super Omen’s Sphere. What gives?”

“She put it off,” Chesire said. “She didn’t want to invite anyone to her realm on account of being injured by the Punishment Squad.”

“I’m still sore,” Kitome said with a sigh. “I don’t know how many times I saw my life flash before my eyes during that fight.”

Chika placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling. “Seeing how you fought with Clyde against the leader, you should be.”

“Tsk, tsk, even I have to admit meanie girl’s strong,” Natalia said. “But I should’ve been the one fighting with onii-chan.”

“Never mind you being a caster,” Tear said, “Clyde was right to spread out those who utilize heavy-hitting spells. Otherwise, we’d just get in each other’s way.”

“Speaking of heavy-hitting, Tear, don’t get mad when I say you were amazing,” Seth said. “You took out two leaders like it was nothing.”

Tear shrugged, pretending as if the compliment didn’t make her a little smug. “The conditions were right for me to access my trump card. Accidentally absorbing a little of Clyde’s War Mode aura jumped started things.”

“Do not undercredit yourself, onee-sama,” Naoko said. “You absorbed nothing from him. On the contrary, onii-sama involuntarily absorbed some of your energy, which triggered the war form.”

“So the spell Venus did never wore off,” Harumi said.

“She’s a rule-breaker, nya,” Ako said. “But thanks to her, lives were saved.”

“Yeah, to think even Lilith joined the fight,” Dark said. “The great lord of the dark has formed a new opinion of her.”

“I told you she was nice,” Kanako said. “This necklace is proof.”

“I still don’t like her,” Tear said. “But I am thankful she entered when she did or things wouldn’t be as they are today.”

“I need to get stronger,” Ruri said after sitting up. “I was raised and trained by one of the most powerful hellhound clans around. That fight shouldn’t have been a struggle.”

“Ruri,” Matsume said softly.

“You were fighting really well to me,” Alice said, surprising everyone. A compliment from her? “We just happened to be fighting the freaking Punishment Squad.”

“Well, you heard it from her,” Seth said.

Ruri chuckled.

Clyde smiled. “Ruri, don’t forget your own strength. Oh, and how your aura is so strong, it covers the city in an instant.”

The hellhound’s tail wagged harder.

Matsume laughed. “She still has a ways to go before she can defeat me,” she said. “But that’s why I’m her most loyal servant.”

“You’re more than a servant,” Ruri said. “You know that.”

Matsume chuckled. “But I will never forget the blood you carry. And what you’ve done for me.”

Ruri blushed.

“Nya, hounds are never this cute and sweet,” Neko jibed. “Wake me up from this dream already.”

“Ah can it, ya cat,” Matsume said.

Neko stuck her tongue at her, earning a paper fan from Ako.

“See. You should learn to be like your big sister,” Matsume said. “A cat I can stand behind when it comes to respect.”

Ako chuckled. “Hound and nekomimi, we always have strange ways of showing affection or giving compliments.”

“Every blue moon, we get mutual great respect like Ako and Matsume,” Chesire said. She sighed.

“Nya, everyone’s a critic,” Neko said.

Everyone laughed.

“What will we ever do without the cat?” Alice said, petting the catgirl.

“Nya, I don’t want your pity,” Neko said, folding her arms and turning her head like a tsundere. Everyone saw the glint of playfulness in her eyes and laughed lightly.

“Alright, now that we know who at least a tiny bit about our enemy—or at least to look out for the cloaks… hmmm, Tear would you like to send your network to secure Su Yang’s cloak? We need to get it far away from here just in case the Viper can detect it.”

“Good call, husbando-onii,” Natalia then patted his head, soliciting a sigh. “The strange aura it gives off would certainly be a reason why the others are probably nonchalant about their missing general.”

Clyde swallowed. “You don’t think Su Yang purposely lost and is infiltrating us, do you?”

Natalia whacked the young man with a paper fan. “That would be stupid of her. If the power difference between you and her… or… with all of the battle experience we gained after facing those Celestial dumdums isn’t enough to keep her at bay, then I don’t know what would. Hell, I think even dummy blond would be able to keep her distracted long enough for one of us to secure her.”

“Don’t casually insult my power level, twerp,” Seth said.

Natalia stuck her tongue out at him.

“Don’t you two start, or I’ll make you regret it, nya,” Ako said with a cheery, scary Gin smile on her face. The room seemed to glow with red aura for a brief moment.

“We’re sorry,” Natalia and Seth immediately said.

“Nya, scary,” Neko said, earning herself yet another paper fan from her sister. Maki and Noona giggled lightly at the exchange. Matsume snickered.

Clyde cleared his throat. “Anyway, Tear, get them to send it nations away.”

“I’ll send it to the Futas’ vault,” Tear said, grinning evilly. Within a second, she was out the door, presumably to where they currently held the cloak.

Clyde laughed. “She’s amazing, isn’t she?” He cleared his throat at the stares. “Anyway, any questions, concerns, ideas, whatever?”

“I have something I’d like to say,” Amina said.

Clyde noticed Ming’s starry eyes scanning the sorceress. Of course. The regional champion of Stone-Tokken couldn’t help herself.

“Who’s she again? I feel like I’d really like to know,” Dark said quietly. Selkie rolled her eyes and ignored the chuuni.

Airi talked over Amina. “I won’t let this meeting end fruitless.” She shook Su Yang awake. “Su Yang Venus, you… Is there anything else you wish to say? Like the Viper’s location. Are you really going to let the world perish?”

Clyde felt the anger briefly surge through him like the sudden activation of a faucet.

“Wow,” he said as the Venus sister continued to hold her silence. “You really are going to withhold that information.”

“It is for your own good,” Su Yang said after half a minute of intense silence and all eyes on her. “You’re no match for him. Once he finds out I’ve been abducted, he’ll come get me. But worry not, for I doubt he’d harm anyone unless provoked. He won’t even give you much of a passing glance.” She laughed.

Tessa’s fist seemed to come from nowhere as she decked the woman in the face, drawing blood from her lip. The other girls quickly held her back.

“He attacked ME unprovoked, you bitch,” Tessa snapped. “And for what? Because I didn’t want to drink with him. I hadn’t a clue he was actually there to kill me for no fucking reason. He’s a psycho!”

She stopped struggling against the other girls as she calmed down, allowing the glowing aura of pure rage and wind to fade away.

“Take Su Yang back to her holding room,” Clyde said coldly. “Remember, no violence. Being soul bound to someone and being under their wing day after day can give a twisted world view to even those who are supposed to be better than the average person. Who are supposed to be… what Ako called it. Bringers of Wisdom.” Su Yang’s eyes widened only slightly, but it was all the young man needed to see. “She needs more time to be cleansed.”

“I’ll take her back,” Yuki volunteered.

“I’ll come with you,” Naoko said. “I have words for the Venus sister who lost her way.”

Episode 76 (Part 7)

Noon…

Clyde’s house…

Clyde watched as Alice gave Ruri a head pat.

“Do you want to do some quick shopping?” she asked.

“Hmm, I could use a little meat to hold me over ‘til dinner,” Ruri said.

“Nya, I guess I’ll go take a catnap,” Chesire said.

“Nyyyaa, I second that idea,” Neko said.

Ako snatched a paper fan from the table and delivered a swat to the two of them.

“Funny how this gag is still going on,” Clyde said.

“Like lazy writing?” Airi asked as she passed by, lightly knuckling the young man’s shoulder.

“Not exactly,” Clyde said. He nodded in approval at the visually-improved friendship between Alice and Ruri. Soon he’d get the chance to find out why he should even bother with cosmic energy. Why not just stick with magic? The only reason he could think of was that of a rock-paper-scissors sort of ordeal.

[Quest completed: have a meeting about Tessa’s news with the team after things calmed down, if you survive the Punishment Squad. This urgent quest is mandatory and cannot be refused. Reward: EXP, ticket to upcoming and unannounced Loli Saga movie.]

* * *

Later that afternoon…

“Nyaaa, nyaaa.”

Clyde narrowed his eyes as his hand moved toward the card Neko set onto the table.

“I just know you’re cheating somehow. This card should be… red.”

Neko gave him a comedic cat stare. “Nya, can’t accuse me of it in a game of chance. Not my fault if your luck sucks.” She grinned.

Clyde glared at the black Jack he revealed.

[System notice: your luck stat is 678. Neko’s luck stat is slightly higher. However, in a game a chance like this, your stat may only account for 2-10% of things falling in your direction. Dumb luck. Although, every edge may be useful one day, even for luck-based situations…]

Clyde promptly flipped the mini wooden table. Dark shot Selkie a stare. Selkie rolled her eyes. Neko pounced the young man, laughing. They were interrupted by a low cursing from Matsume. They turned to see her sniffing the area around an unoccupied sofa. That display seemed to fascinate the chuuni.

“I know I put it around here somewhere,” she said, her tail wagging a little.

“Do you need any help, Matsume?” Dark asked. Under his breath he declared, “Canine waifus are the best.”

“The only thing you’re useful for is walking out the door,” Natalia said to the chuuni as she exited the hall. “Ruri took it with her, booby cow hound.”

“You twerp—”

“Oh God dammit,” Matsume said, interrupting Dark. “No wonder why she took off with Alice.”

“What’d she take, if you don’t mind me asking?” Clyde asked.

“Our shared meat pass,” Matsume said, causing everyone to anime-fall to the side. “I wanted a few steak strips and specialty sausage rolls to hold me over until dinner.”

The young man sighed. “Why not just buy them?”

“Do you have any idea how much they cost? They also set a really small limit on anyone without meat passes. Ruri and I each pitched in half…” She sighed. “And she took it with her. She’s probably bringing some back, but I’m in no waiting mood.”

“Let’s go,” Clyde said, causing the hellhound woman’s ears to perk up, her tail wagging. He lowered his voice. “Don’t tell Yuki.”

“Are you really…? Clyde, you don’t have to,” Matsume said. “It’s really expensive. And exclusive.”

“We’re going,” Clyde said.

[Your relationship with Matsume has increased to Endearment, level 10.]

He quickly checked on Melody only to see her engaged in a light-hearted conversation with the Stone Maidens and Chizuru’s odd friend, Mina. Out of respect for his adorable fiancée, the young man delayed the adventure quest. However, he had no doubt that some time out of the city would probably benefit all of them. The time before the next semester only continued to shrink.

“One sec, Matsume,” he said, pulling the dungeon object from his inventory. He passed it to Asu. “This thing is your problem now.” He grinned.

“Oh great master of the lewd, what you’re holding is a…” Asu took it from him, seeming to be in awe. “Where did you get this?”

“Airi, there’s something new to learn,” Clyde said. “You’ll just have to explain the details to Asu.”

“Sure thing,” Airi said. “Come join me at the table, Asu. Yuki won’t let us drink more than wine before dinner, but it’s tasty.” She pat Harumi on the shoulder. “Maybe some time after the baby you can—I’m kidding, I’m kidding.” She laughed at Harumi’s glare. “You never were a drinking type.”

[Quest completed: let Asu or Fuyoko inspect the Kamaron Dungeon Broken Objects. Reward: EXP. Whatever they discover about it.]

[Congratulations, you have reached level 343. Making progress to the milestone of 500! Continue to clean that quest log.]

Clyde gave the log a quick inspection. There were two adventure quests left, one which he planned to start the next day. The rest were normal and side quests. Could he clean his log without the system piling onto it?

[System notice: good luck with that.]

Oh fuck off, System, Clyde thought.

“You ready to go, Matsume?” Clyde asked.

“Sure am,” Matsume said.

And out the door they went, surprisingly without Natalia hopping onto the young man’s back. Nina and Naoko were there to distract her.

Matsume’s joy and eagerness increased as they got closer to their destination. Clyde and she had a decent chat. The hellhound definitely beat Ruri in the maturity department. Sure, the white-haired hellhound princess mostly kept up a dignified attitude, until she wanted head patting or food, but Matsume had the air of an experienced woman. Kind of. She was only a year older than Yuki. Just barely older than Clyde.

As they reached the inner city, the young man froze, Matsume doing the same, her ears twitching, nose sniffing, realizing the same thing as him.

First, the absence of people on a busy street just screamed supernatural. Second, there were objects in midair, as if frozen in time.

“Someone erected a barrier around us,” Matsume said. “My nose is detecting something, just not who.”

Just then, a voice that sounded like a prissy noble from every cliché TV show.

“I found you first. Thank heavens that troublesome dragon slowed her movements. I certainly don’t want to be the unlucky sap tangling with that one. It took fifty powerful gods just to barely seal her.” He cleared his throat. “Anyway, greetings, Great Stone and his lovely companion. I am a servant of a great supreme goddess. The Goddess of Curses. I come with a warning. If you want to live, it is wise to drop your intent to weaken the Princess Dire curse.”

“Any particular reason why you would come here, expecting me to give a damn about your threat?” Clyde asked, annoyed with the anime trope.

“Wha—”

“No, seriously,” Clyde continued. “How were you even able to track me down? Explain that bullshit to me.”

“Obviously everyone felt the arrogant powers of Punishment Squad Group Eight, smartass,” the voice snapped. “My supreme goddess may be a Watcher too, you know. And the moment she sensed your intent, I was assigned to give you a warning. A warning that you’d be wise to not ignore. Else, I’ll have to start hurting people.”

Matsume began to growl. Clyde placed a hand in front of the hellhound, instantly calming her.

“I find it hard to feel threatened by someone hiding away,” Clyde said. “It would be best if your goddess minded her own fucking business and we won’t have to interact.”

The voice laughed. “Beating up the Punishment Squad doesn’t automatically mean you stand a ghost of a chance against a supreme goddess. Let alone my master. But if you’re not going to listen, maybe I should hurt your friend there. You are in my domain. And trust me, she specifically gave me permission to… convince you to listen.”

“How does she know what I plan?” Clyde asked.

“It seems like she took a correct guess after all.” The voice laughed. Clyde cursed beneath his breath. A classic trick and he easily fell for it. “She saw the witchling in your group, felt her trust of you, felt your intentions. Honestly, I thought I’d never find you in the sea of people, wizards and witches, and other supernatural walking among this place, freeloading off your protection. So I waited in this area for a few hours. I forget that the sun can be annoying even in the winter.”

Clyde shook his head, but mostly in relief. From the sound of things, Team Stone’s location hadn’t been discovered. The barrier points had done their job.

“Look, I’ve got shit to do,” Clyde said. “If you aren’t going to show yourself, undo your barrier and fuck off. I don’t give a shit about what you or your goddess have to say.”

“You dare insult my goddess,” the voice snapped. “That’s it. It is time for some hurting now. I’ve warned you.”

A man with pointy ears and purple skin appeared before them. Dressed in an expensive-looking brown suit and pink tie, Clyde felt once again thrown for a loop.

“One more question,” the young man said. “Why did you tell me anything?”

The man scoffed. “As if I have anything to fear from someone who will end up following my goddess’s orders. I’ll give you one last chance.” He raised a finger. “One fun fact. She beat the Viper without taking any damage.”

Matsume’s growl returned. Clyde’s eyes widened. Well, assuming the asshole in front of him was telling the truth, the Viper wasn’t an unbeatable force.

Clyde analyze the tall man before him.

Zilum, last servant of the Goddess of Curses.

Level: 400

Type: dark entity

Works under: Goddess of Curses

Special: ???

Weakness: solar.

Resistances: dark and all of its attributes.

Secret: he was once stationed to guard the Goddess of Curses while she slept. In the room with her. It took all of his willpower to stop imagining her nakedness beneath the covers.

“I’ll make you regret not taking my advice, boy,” Zilum said. He thrust his palm forward at Clyde, smirking. “Let’s make you worry.”

<Zilum accessed Black Ki.>

<Zilum channeled Unholy Blocking. This is an unblockable and undodgeable skill.>

Clyde tried to react, surprised by the use of Black Ki of all things, but couldn’t do anything as the energy hit him.

[Your Stone Mode has been disabled. Time until Black Ki infection wears off: 1 hour.]

“By the surprised expression on your face, you weren’t expecting that?” Zilum asked, then laughed.

“Expecting what?” Matsume said. “What is he going on about?”

Zilum waggled a finger. “He can’t use his famous Stone Mode, my lovely. Now torturing or killing you will only take a few minutes.”

The dark entity unsheathed two long black daggers, coated in glowing crescent moon symbols.

Clyde decided at that moment that it was time to finally switch legendary swords. Sure, Clare had upgraded Bloodlight to be amazing, but it hadn’t leveled past five, which meant limitations or expensive parts. He equipped the Sword of Thunder and Rage and his mouth dropped in so much surprise.

[Sword of Thunder and Rage: Item class: *Legendary*. +675 to attack. Lightning element. Can fire small bolts of deadly lightning from the weapon. Lv. 18. Upgrades obtained: 0/2.]

Not only was it a level eighteen legendary weapon, but the damned beast added six hundred seventy-five freaking attack to his stats. HOLY SHIT. A small window revealed the upgrade requirements in red words, which of course he didn’t meet.

“Disabling Stone Mode won’t make me less of a threat,” Clyde said, holding back his urge to laugh maniacally. The new sword in his hand looked like a diamond and gold masterpiece, endlessly glowing with lightning. “I won’t be abandoning Natalia, especially in her time of need.”

“Tell him, Clyde!” Matsume said, taking a fighting stance, her claws appearing. Her intense aura followed, reminding him that she was much stronger than Ruri. That made sense. She had to guard her clan’s princess by herself. The hellhound… trained ruthlessly in secret. The experience gained from fighting the Punishment Squad only made the ordeal many times sweeter.

Zilum actually looked nervous for a second, before quickly covering that up with a neutral expression. He took a stance.

And the tension in the air thickened.

[Your party has entered *fierce combat!]

[Life and Death!]

Episode 76 (Part 8)

Clyde gave the hellhound a skeptical look when she placed her hand in front of the young man. Flames or at least fire-like aura flared from the sides of her eyes. Of course, that became full aura, surrounding her body in a magnificent display of canine power. Then she grinned.

“I’m stronger than him,” she said.

“What?” Clyde asked, a little taken aback.

“That tiny power level won’t touch me,” she said. “Now put away your glowing electric stick and watch this.”

Clyde sighed, but didn’t let down his guard. “Fine, go. Take away my chance to use my awesome new sword.”

“You talk a lot of smack for a dog,” Zilum said. He whistled and made kissing noises at the hellhound. “C‘mere, girly girly.”

One moment Clyde blinked. The next, Matsume moved, maybe teleported, snatching the entity up and smashing him against the concrete. And the jiggles somehow added to the effect… that she was nowhere close to full strength. She was just playing around.

Zilum’s yell was muffled, his face submerged in the shattered road.

“Too weak,” Matsume said. “You’re nowhere near as strong as the Punishment Squad. I bet your goddess won’t give you hell insurance. Now.”

She actually picked him up and did the upward anime punch that sent the entity flying. Clyde couldn’t believe the sparkle actually showed up in the sky.

The only confirmation that he died of course was the prompt. He made a mental note to himself that being knocked that high in the sky would also kill you in Satovia.

[Zilum’s HP dropped to 0%.]

[Battle completed. Victory! For letting Matsume deal with a threat and humoring her canine pride, your reward has dramatically increased in value. Reward: EXP. Entity Creation Wand, part 1 of 30: Item class: **Symbolic**. A powerful wand that is also a threat to many in the wrong hands. One of its primary effects is to turn anyone into an Entity.]

[Critical warning! This is an item created by the Goddess of Curses, long ago. An unknown hero shattered it into pieces, magically scattering them, before he died, his death without an identified cause. The Goddess of Curses is known to be pure evil and is among the strongest of dark supreme deities.]

“Holy shit, Matsume,” Clyde said. Thirty parts, annoying, but made sense for rarity this high. A rarity he’d never obtained before, minus the ring he gave Alice. On top of that, one of its base abilities was insane. No wonder the hero destroyed it. Ah well, if the system presented him the opportunity to collect the pieces of a fucking symbolic-rare item, the young man would gladly retrieve them. If the objects ever spawned… Fuck. Legendaries were appearing slightly more often, but relics felt nearly impossible. The young man decided that he’d have to ask Airi. He also needed to know the progress on the seed. Ugh. The archspirit druid girl was definitely going to spaz.

Abruptly, like the flip of a switch, the world shifted back into motion. People reappeared, objects moved again, the road instantly repaired itself, and the sounds of a busy city filled Clyde and Matsume’s ears.

“Shall we resume our meat date?” Clyde asked.

“Damn right,” Matsume said.

Clyde took the time to briefly glare at some blushing men whose eyes wandered right onto Matsume’s breasts. Then he just chuckled. It didn’t take them long to realize that two of Team Stone were casually strolling about. Like normal people. The young man could tell that put many civilians at ease. They weren’t some mystical entities residing in the sky or past legends, Team Stone were just Team Stone, living among them. And Clyde protected his city.

Matsume suddenly grabbed his arm, excited, tail wagging fast. She let a lolling tongue slip for just a split second before immediately correcting herself and fighting canine instincts.

“There it is,” she said, taking a whiff of the air. “Oh man, it smells so good. I got Ruri’s scent too. She’s waiting in line with Alice. Let’s go.”

“Damn, this place must be amazing,” Clyde said. Then again, hellhounds would probably love any place that heavily featured meat.

“I’m sure it is,” said a familiar voice, seemingly cold. Even though it was completely normal… The vibe, determination, and suspicious annoyed aura oozing from her made the young man gulp.

They turned to see Yuki, in her maid outfit, casually walking toward the meat restaurant, a teary-eyed Natalia beside her. Yuki was holding her hand. “Worry not, I only made her do some talking. Scoping out the competition is a normal thing, right?” She gave them a Gin smile then continued forward. “You two enjoy your midday snack.”

“Ah shit,” Matsume said. “Well, at least we’ll get to see Ruri paler. Come on—we’ll eat in a private room so they can’t distract us.”

Clyde sighed. He’d have to make it up to Yuki after this. The fact that she made Natalia talk… the young man shuddered.

Another mental note to take—don’t piss off a Master Chef, Clyde thought.

[Quest: give Airi the Entity Creation Wand for examination and study. System notice: she is the best person fit to study such an object. She often calls upon the help of Asu, Fuyoko, Amina, or Tear for added opinions and observations.]

When Clyde and Matsume entered the restaurant, the hellhound waved at Ruri. And she was indeed nervous about Yuki standing in line right behind her. Her tail still wagged, her nose unable to ignore the delicious aroma flowing through the air like gaseous gold to a canine. Hell, anyone really. The luxurious dining establishment nearly blew the young man away. A beautiful carpeted interior with a comic-book meat theme for decoration. A meat superhero mascot and its villains made up the lore for the wall paint, tablecloth, and figurines. Clyde suspected this had to be one of the reasons why the hellhounds loved this place. Yuki looked both impressed and agitated.

“We may as well get our fair share of the meat pass,” Matsume said.

“No, that’s fine,” Clyde told her. “This lunch is on me.”

Matsume’s tail wagged harder. “Are you sure? Because—”

Clyde gave her a look. The hellhound blushed. Moments later, a waiter directed the duo to their private room. In it were even more comic meat hero decorations, a TV, and lower, but relaxing lighting.

Matsume and he were dressed casually, but presentable. The busty hellhound did love her shorts, but mostly just wore them around the house and during running sessions with Ruri. Winter aside, her dress choice depended on her mood when it came to preparing for possible battle.

Clyde examined the menus, chuckling slightly at the ridiculous prices, and then decided to try something called the erogon meat burger. Matsume praised him for his choice, so he stuck with it.

She ordered a large steak, specialty sausages, six burgers of different types of meat, and something that resembled beef wellington. While Ashfall money would be paying for the meal, the young man couldn’t help but wonder just what the hell kind of quality they’d be getting for such prices.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you what it’s like in your homeland,” Clyde said as they waited to be served.

“Ah, Eastern Hellhound clan life,” Matsume said. “As the name states, we lived in the eastern section of the Monster Kingdoms, just as our own province. Ruri’s mother is our queen and above her is only the empress. The Supreme.” Matsume sighed. “For the most part, we lived similarly to humanity, adopting the modern area simultaneously, only with the added twist of hellhound rules. It’s not a place for the weak. Luckily, learning to fight was among the mandatory curriculum, so we rarely had any weak issues. We allowed tourism, but who the hell would willingly visit a nation run by our kind?” She chuckled. “It’s mostly a trap to lure men in, anyway. Courtesy of uncontrollable urges thanks to a certain Supreme’s curse. Are you sure killing her won’t undo it?”

“If it were that easy, someone would’ve had it done, somehow,” Clyde said.

“True,” Matsume said. “Maybe if we continue to improve as… allies or something, she’ll tell us the full story.”

“You’re right,” Clyde said. “Maybe even some of the secrets she’s holding back. But whether she does or not, I will at least try to improve our relationship with her. Fighting to defend this city and us from one of the worst possible threats instead of being smart and getting the hell away says a lot. And given how many of them would love to end her…well, Lilith has definitely gotten my attention.”

“She was always a touchy subject for us,” Matsume said. “Most monster or demi human girls decided to go with neutral feelings about her. There are a few that would love to kiss her ass and a few murderous types. Add in her being the empress, and you’ve got yourself a good clusterfuck of problems.”

Clyde nodded in agreement. This solidified his decision to invite the royal succubus on this trip. Everyone would naturally have their guard up a little, but the young man had faith that if Maki and Sophia… were redeemable, so was the Supreme Demon Lord.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you why you’re so hellbent on going on another trip,” Matsume said. “Not that I’m complaining. I love them. Ruri and I love discovering new scents. Well, good scents. Traveling the world fills those cravings greatly, you know.”

“I’ve put off helping Natalia for way too long,” Clyde said. “We still don’t understand why such a stupid curse exists in the first place and why the fuck no one has discovered a cure. Naoko offered a solution to weaken it, which could be valuable research to her and Tear. Fuck, I just need to know if this will actually work.”

“That Naoko,” Matsume said. “Cutest damn brat alive. Her condition is like the Dire curse but without a known fix.”

“Do you think Naoko has an adult form?” Clyde asked.

“If she did, would you—”

The sound of an approaching server alerted the duo to pause the conversation. To the young man’s surprise, the specialty burger he received was huge. Maybe the size of an eighth-generation video game console.

“Holy shit, are they feeding a person or a fucking bear?” Clyde said after the server left.

Matsume took a delighted whiff of the air, admiring the mix of delicious aromas.

Thankfully the staff provided a knife. He cut himself a portable-sized sandwich and took the first bite.

The taste of the meat was… delicious. It was like eating a curry sandwich, but with somewhat fatty super-beef.

“That’s really good,” Clyde said after swallowing.

“Right?” Matsume agreed. “This place has meats that Yuki doesn’t buy. You could choose to buy them and cook at home or eat here like this.”

In the end, Clyde decided it was best not to spoil the upcoming dinner Yuki was preparing. Matsume happily finished off his super sandwich and even longed for more.

After the lunch, Clyde and the hellhound went for a quick stroll in town. Alice and Ruri headed back with their shopping bags. Yuki had already left minutes before.

Clyde and Matsume noticed Yusuke ahead, carrying a few textbooks, presumably for the new semester. The young man waved at the ninja.

“What’s up, Yusuke,” Clyde said. “I see you’re looking forward to the next semester.”

Yusuke chuckled. “Someone has to dethrone you.”

Matsume snorted. “It wouldn’t surprise me if Chika took back her throne. That crazy girl is either studying nonstop or running her business.”

Yusuke nodded in agreement. “I’d suggest taking her out again before she burns herself out.”

“So, maybe I should just force everyone on this possibly hopeless quest of mine,” Clyde said.

“I’d be down,” Yusuke said. “You may feel like you’re dragging us along, but traveling around the world instantly is pretty fucking cool. And fun as hell. I was counting on Seth to end up getting himself caught in a pegging situation. The more ammo I have on him, the better.”

The trio laughed.

“Yeah, getting roasted by Seth without any comeback does suck,” Clyde said.

“Ironically, Natalia’s his main challenge,” Yusuke said, shaking his head.

“Speaking of the little nugget, her personality is like night and day between her twerp and grownup form,” Matsume said. “I know it should be that way, maturity and all, but that still just doesn’t make sense. Why can she not maintain her adult awareness? Even while serious, she’s still childish.”

“Yeah, it’s one big clusterfuck in that department,” Clyde said. “And after what we encountered today, we’ll need to keep our guards up.”

“What happened?” Yusuke asked.

“That reminds me, I need to send out a mass text explaining it,” Clyde said. “And I guess that will be one incentive for everyone tagging along on the quest.”

Matsume explained the situation to the ninja as Clyde drafted the message. After sending, he and the hellhound waved him off, continuing their stroll through the city.

“I wonder what kind of dishes they serve during mourning, for Melody’s world,” Matsume said. “And for royalty nonetheless.”

“Speaking of Melody’s world, it’s been just a day, but how do you think her father’s going to take this?” Clyde said.

Matsume sighed. “He’ll probably use it as an excuse to start attacking Celestial. Or maybe gather some kind of support to rally against the Punishment Squad.”

“That’d be suicide,” Clyde said. “We struggled against just one division and just barely came out of that. And—”

Matsume snorted. “Lucky for us, it’s not our problem.”

Clyde sighed. “I suppose Melody’s realm could be free of any divine interventions. And seeing how it sounded like they treated her poorly, I doubt any of her family members would come back to ask her to be on the throne.”

“Human democracy, huh? I suppose that’s not a bad idea,” Matsume said. “Not everyone’s so lucky.” She smacked the young man on the back. “Maybe we should visit her world sometime.”

Clyde shrugged. “Only when Platus isn’t ruling it.” He chuckled.

Episode 76 (Part 9)

Late afternoon…

Clyde’s house…

Airi and Asu were still examining and discussing the strange object from the dungeon, so Clyde turned his attention to Ako, who was sitting seiza, possibly meditating. Since everyone else was wrapping up last-minute things or comforting Melody, something he tried to do only to get shooed out of her room by Tear and Neko of all people, he decided to have a little fun. The first thing he did was materialize a feather toy.

[Special Tier Skill: Energy Materialize: Type: light, deity. Class: epic. Form weapons and objects made of energy in your hands for a short time. The more MP invested, the larger the object. Be careful of overdoing it. The magical backlash can daze you in the middle of a fight. Chance to inflict light blight at 4%. Chance to burn at 2%.]

“Are you sure you’re not taking a cat nap?” Clyde asked Ako.

She opened her eyes to glare at him. “Lord Stone, you should be reflecting on what Melody means to you as a future life mate, before dinner, nya,” she said. “Physical training alone will not ascend you to your goa—”

Her words cut off as Clyde waved the feather toy in front of her, grinning. Ako’s kuudere eyes glistened as they involuntarily followed the feather. “L… Lord Stone, you are beginning to…” She shook with frustration, then comedically whacked Clyde on the head with a fist. He laughed and wiggled the toy in a more inviting way.

Ako’s eyes followed it again, her tail standing up at an angle. The young man could feel her slowly giving in to her instincts when Neko walked into the living room.

The beige-haired catgirl instantly snapped back into her composed kuudere state, blushing faintly.

Clyde waved the feather toy in front of Neko.

“Nya!” To her sister’s horror, the white-haired catgirl immediately swatted at it, eyes glistening. Ako rolled up a nearby newspaper, whacked her sister, and comedically dragged her to her room. The young man let out a chuckle.

“There’s nothing like daytime catgirl entertainment,” he said.

Naoko simply stared at him, large lollipop in hand.

“Don’t judge me,” he told the kuudere loli. She didn’t react, which somehow made the young man mentally translate that as a sigh. Great. Judgmental lolis. Just what he needed.

Before he could move, Ruri hopped into his lap. The judgmental loli simply stared at him. The young man could only shrug.

“Alpha love mate,” Ruri said, snuggling into the young man. “Carry me to our bath.” Clyde looked to see no expression change on Naoko. But she still stared.

“Like I said, don’t judge me,” he said as he caressed Ruri’s head. He felt soft breasts press against his head and arms wrap around him.

“I’m joining,” Matsume said. “And before you complain, you are the princess of the Eastern Clan. It’s a requirement for an attendee to wash her lady’s back.”

Ruri turned to glare at the grinning busty hellhound. “Don’t try to use the royalty card. You know we’re all equals on Team Stone.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Matsume said. “I haven’t forgotten where we came from. Now just let me wash your damn back.” She winked. “And maybe I’ll not bitch about how you ran off with the meat pass without taking me with you.”

Ruri flinched. She chuckled, rubbing the back of her head. “Sorry. Alice dragged me off so fast. But I was going to bring your favorites.”

Matsume wagged her finger. “Nothing beats fresh. Besides, I was so hungry. Luckily, Clyde was here to save me from starvation. Even when I tried to convince him not to waste his time.”

The judgmental loli licked her lollipop. The young man sighed.

“Nya, you can’t trade felines for canines,” Chesire said as she took a seat next to Naoko.

Clyde stood, princess-carrying his fiancée. “Neko was pretty much stolen. But how can I complain when someone so loveable hops into my lap?”

Ruri blushed. Matsume chuckled.

“You heartless cats will never learn,” Matsume said. “The key to a man’s heart is through his stomach—”

“Nya, who are you calling heartless?” Neko asked. Whatever her sister lectured seemed not to have any effect, because the catgirl went right back to lounging on the couch. She made the mistake of choosing the one Alice was napping on.

“Get off my leg, you stupid cat!” Alice snapped.

Neko grinned and tickled her. “Nya, someone’s way too grumpy,” she said.

“Cut it out,” Alice laughed. “You… intolerable… cat.”

“Nya, are you going to feed your baby with these?” Neko asked.

“Don’t squeeze them—go away you pervy—” More laughter from tickling cut off Alice’s sentence.

Clyde looked right at Naoko. “And you judge me,” he said matter-of-factly.

The loli only blinked. Which somewhat felt like a shrug, maybe with a nonchalant smile, if she ever did.

Clyde was about to start toward the master bedroom, but the moment he turned around, a teary-eyed Natalia dove into him.

“Okay, Alice is right here, Matsume’s here.” He checked for Kitome, but she was also on a couch with Harumi. “Who could you have possibly ticked off this time…?”

“Lord Stone, do you not discipline her enough?”

Clyde flinched as the Gin-smiling samurai catgirl emerged from the hall like a dark entity.

“Natalia, what did you do?” he asked, tired.

“She—”

“Never mind, you’ll apologize to Ako, and I’m headed to the bath,” Clyde said. “If you don’t, instead of a quiet bath with Alice, you’ll be taking one with Tear, while she tickles you nonstop.” In a lower voice, he added, “And I’ll tell Alice that you ate some of stash three.”

He sat the loli down, watching. She really apologized—a rare thing, that… was actually becoming more common. He made a mental note to start rewarding her for being nicer. Then promptly tossed that idea away. The young man would simply work harder to delete the curse that was causing her to be this way in the first place.

“Nya, wait a second, you’re headed to the bath with those two hounds,” Neko loudly blabbed, causing the entire house to look at him, including Kitome. He decided to stick with nonchalance.

“What’s wrong with bathing with Ruri?” he asked. “Matsume’s coming to wash her back. And I’m not getting involved with hellhound politics. She’s her princess.”

That actually worked. The others either shrugged, nodded, or just tuned back into their conversations, most muttering about how Neko should get her butt off the couch and actually be an observer. Or be more mature like her sister.

“You’re welcome to join,” Clyde said in a low voice. Since the hellhounds were on his side and had the best hearing in the house, the young man didn’t have to worry about any objections.

In fact, Matsume and Ruri didn’t seem to care when Neko shrugged.

“Nya, I’ve got nothing better to do.”

For the briefest moment, Clyde considered inviting Ako, then slapped that idea away. Getting greedy would not work with her.

Clyde’s boner was maximized by the time they reached the shower. Ruri had started a rather… nice hand job on the way there. And since he humored her by carrying the petite young woman, all he could do was enjoy it. Regardless of who saw. Fortunately, no one walked the halls.

“I think it’s time I pay you back,” Clyde said as he entered Ruri while still holding her. Matsume closed the room door, locked it, and then closed the bathroom door to add more sound barriers. Neko chuckled when the hellhound let out a gasp, followed by a moan.

“Nya, she has a really cute moan for a hound,” the catgirl said.

The young man grinned as he went to town on her.

“She sure does,” Clyde said.

After he finished off Ruri, he moved onto Matsume, taking her from behind. The hellhound princess washed herself in the shower before hopping into the giant tub.

The young man didn’t leave Neko out of the fun, kissing her and, with two fingers, gave the catgirl pleasure. That held her off until at last, came her turn.

The tease finally ended and plunging into the tight, cute woman brought out his aggression. Well, motivation? Hype?

He almost released inside, narrowly pulling out in time. She laid forward, panting, purring.

After they were all showered, Clyde and the women relaxed in the giant tub. Ruri of course took his lap.

“Nya, I’ve been meaning to ask why you’re adamant on traveling so soon,” Neko said. “Your body still needs to recover from expending so much magic and energy. Nyaa, not to mention that your next semester starts in less than a week.”

“Did he not answer that already, ca—”

“I don’t want to delay this any longer,” Clyde interrupted Matsume. The hellhound sighed.

“Let me wash your back,” Matsume said. Ruri gave her a skeptical look.

“Not yours, highness,” she said, almost a little evilly. “I’m not going to interrupt your petting.” Ruri closed her eyes, not caring. The young man somehow… maybe through the bond, could tell that she tracked Matsume’s actions with her nose. The hellhound princess asserted herself in a way to let the others know that she had a ring and they didn’t. Maybe. Her assertiveness somehow turned him on. He shoved that thought into a box and locked it. He already dealt with BDSM shenanigans from Chika, like that time she somehow tied herself up in what he could only describe as an elaborate manner.

[Ki increased. Matsume, Ruri, and Neko: + 3 each. You are right to be thankful to Natalia.]

[Ruri: Control: 10. Agility: 10. Lust: 10.]

[Neko: Unpredictable: 8. Spark: 8. Rain: 8.]

[Matsume: Fierce: 10. Fire: 10. Composure: 10.]

[A few system notices and tips: your Ki control, natural speed, and Ki damage output has increased. Build your composure to be able to utilize Ki without interruption. If you get Unpredictable to 10, lesser Ki users will not be able to feel the flow of your Ki to easily block or counter it. Raise that high enough so that no one can. Remember, you will need Ki to defeat someone crucial. Natalia’s genius bracelets are one of a kind…]

Clyde had a way to go, but he once again renewed his dedication to clearing the damn quest log and then keeping it clear. If possible.

After the bath and changing into fresh clothes, the young man headed back to join the others. Seeing how Yuki angrily chopped vegetables, he debated. Favorite person ever in angry mode, or Harumi, his other favorite person?

His fox girl was in a conversation with Noona. He almost decided to intrude until realizing the cosplay the blonde demoness was wearing. The cowgirl. Yeah, he wouldn’t be dealing with that. She’d not dare come to Yuki’s dinner table while roleplaying. Unless of course she had some kind of death wish.

He sighed. If he let the kuudere demoness continue to be angry, who knew what she’d do in bed that night. Clyde was almost tempted to find out. Then again, she could cockblock every attempt to cuddle with even one of his fiancées.

Kitome would be an amazing direction to go… but no. He couldn’t cop out this one. Things would only get worse.

He waited until she put down the knife and dumped the vegetables into a pan to be stir-fried.

Clyde came from behind, caressing the kuudere demoness, until eventually pulling her into a kiss. What would he do without Yuki?

A conversation with Yuki was actually completely normal. Well, a thrill for the person talking to her, just to hear her voice.

Clyde ended up helping her out in the kitchen. A couple hours passed, and the dinner was finally done. Maki and Sophia served as usual. The Stone Maidens tried to volunteer, but the purple-haired young woman and the ex-Viper Maiden insisted that they take seats.

As expected, Clyde recognized none of the dishes. He did ask Yuki about a few, but honestly, couldn’t remember the details. Ah well, none of that mattered because his kuudere fiancée’s mood was good again. He of course chose to sit by her and Melody.

Team Stone as a whole was present at this dinner to mourn the redhead’s mother and commend her sacrifice, even if Melody didn’t agree with it. Thankfully this dinner had nothing more than simplicity: no speech, just eat. Natalia still asked though, but the redhead shook her head.

“Ah, I wanted to say some things about the scary lady,” Natalia said.

“Nya, talk about insensitive,” Neko said. “Natalia, even you wouldn’t tarnish the names of the deceased.”

“I had good things to say,” Natalia defended. “Like how she was ready to be a grandmother.”

Everyone nearly anime-fell to the side. Harumi facepalmed softly. Blushing furiously, Melody let out a sigh.

Episode 76 (Part 10)

Unknown city…

Stupidly expensive hotel…

Aunder’s room…

“Master Aunder, what’s the best way to keep a man happy?” Dire asked after hearing two reality show participants talk about it on the television. “And don’t say the drink. I’m really tired of hearing that.”

Aunder set down his mug to glare at the current adult-form annoyance of his life. His successor.

“Breasts.”

“What?” Dire said, giving him a skeptical look.

“The best way to make a man happy is through—”

Princess Dire picked up a paper fan from the table nearby and whacked Aunder across the head.

“Could you take a conversation that’s not about battle, stupid fighting, swords, the stupid drink, and dumb men stuff seriously for once!” She huffed and to Aunder’s freaking relief, stormed out of his room.

“Someday, I’m going to end up killing that one,” he said, then took a long gulp from his mug. “Or she’d end up being the death of me.”

He looked at the strange deck of cards Terrance left for him the night before. He explained the game, not that the man cared for it. There was just too much to do. A children’s card game didn’t make his priority list.

The current show on his wall-mounted TV changed to… a pornographic show between a large-breasted elf woman and… a ladyboy. Maybe an elf man? Aunder closed his door with telekinesis the moment the elf man shoved his giant tower of doom into her.

Aunder had to quickly turn down the volume because the elf woman’s moans threatened to wake all of his neighbors. Maybe even alert the hotel staff. She looked amazing. So much that Aunder considered… relieving himself.

Just then, a large blast of thunder, followed by an explosion of light, covered Aunder’s room. Seconds later, it cleared. Thor glanced at the TV.

“Really?” Thor asked.

Aunder shrugged. “It’s common late-night television in this nation.”

Thor waved a finger, causing the TV to power down. “Listen, Viper. Aunder, I think it’s time for you to make something happen or I will depart.”

“Oh?” Aunder asked. He gestured at the chair that Dire occupied before she threw a tantrum and left. “Thor, Thor, why don’t you have a seat and enlighten me?”

Thor stared Aunder down, eyes glowing, electrical aura crackling through the air. He sat, unafraid, possibly frustrated.

“You’re moving too slow,” Thor said. “If you want to be taken seriously, now is the time to push your plans. And I’ve got an idea that could make you quite powerful, that is if you’re willing to change a shitty part of you.”

Aunder glared at him with his usual glowing purple eyes. Not even Thor could avoid swallowing involuntarily at the chills it sent.

“Well, Thor, great god of thunder and probably one of the biggest assholes I know, what’s your great plan?”

“Business,” Thor said.

Aunder’s eyes widened, taken aback. “Say what?”

“Step back from the useless combat scene and handle everything from a business standpoint,” Thor said. “If you need assassinations, you can always send someone to do that. Sooner or later, you’re going to run out of money. And without money, you can kiss connections goodbye.” He raised a finger at the start of Aunder’s protest. “You need connections. Your magic is strong, hell you’ve got infinite amounts of it. But throwing it about will only raise the guards of everyone around you. No one will want to work with you, no one will hear your cause. No one will figure out a way to send you home. Your minions will turn their backs on you. Your elites will betray you, if they aren’t already in the act of it. Eventually the Watchers, who you think you can best, will strike you down and in death, simply form a replacement. Aunder, I’m very close to destroying your bond. I only use it for my own gain. You know that. They don’t call me the god of thunder for nothing. And the same trick won’t work again. So even I could fry you, destroy this place. But we both want the same thing. I will hold my bargain if you hold yours. Now make it valuable. Start investing. Battle is useless when you are at the top of the power chart. Hell, it’s boring, pointless, and repetitive. You show your might against someone you don’t like and then what? Kill him? Leave the body to rot while gaining nothing? The knowledge of that dead one is lost forever.” Thor stood. An electrical aura surrounded him.

Dire burst into the room and Thor’s eyes widened.

“She… broke through my God lock like it was nothing,” he said.

“Yeah, only I’m capable of locking her out,” Aunder said. “I’m keeping the structure of my ability a secret from her as long as possible.”

“I heard everything,” Dire said. She was still in her adult form thankfully, which enabled the God of Thunder to take her seriously. “I agree. Business is perfect. We should also change our name again. The Forgotten Party is dumb!”

Aunder sighed. “And you have something better?” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Yes,” Dire said. “Something simple and more attention grabbing. It also stands as a direct contrast to a certain group I heard about. We will be Team Viper. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“That’s the name change?” Aunder said, shaking his head. “That’s the stupides—”

“Brilliant!” Thor said. “It’s not a super attention grabby, but it’s less… childish. The Forgotten Party sounds like a bunch of… what the humans call… emo kids in a sad band. Team Viper will represent your brand.”

“My brand?” Aunder said.

“That’s right, your brand,” Thor said. “Of course, ten percent of all profits will go to me. That is, if you want my direct help. A small number, but I’ll be using that to fund a portion of your force to help you build your business.”

“Excellent,” Dire said. “Battle out! Money in! I’m so tired of looking at dumb ol’ swords being swung around. We’re in the modern era. Since we’re at the top of the food chain, we shouldn’t lower ourselves to the barbaric ways of your counterpart or Celestial. And if we play our cards right, a portion of Satovia will depend on Team Viper’s businesses and corporations for their economy.”

Thor smirked. “We could eventually acquire our own chunk of land, dedicated to Team Viper and its enterprises. What do you say? Since you’re already the strongest, will you put aside the sword and try something new?”

Aunder stared at Dire and Thor for a long time, debating and weighing his options. On one end, he loved fighting and the drink. However, on the other end, the man knew they were right. He had a transformation in reserve, but without ever using it, Aunder truly wasn’t sure if he stood at the top of the power chain. None of that would matter if he decided to leave the love of his life for something even greater. The business world wasn’t meant to be easy, but… a new challenge. Now that was intriguing. A rebranding of his entire party. Team Viper. Both killers and business elites.

“Fine, I want you to teach me everything there is to know,” Aunder said. He passed Dire his debit card. “Order me some fancy suits. We’re going to beat Celestial in the strangest fucking way I’ve ever…” He sighed, eyeing Thor. “Since we’re both using each other, let’s make this work.”

Thor laughed. “By my great name, we will.” He held out a hand. “Business partners. I, the Great God of Thunder, and Team Viper.”

Aunder accepted the handshake. “Damn right, you cocky bastard.” He chuckled.

As Thor started toward the open window, he said, “Watching Celestial’s reaction to what you build is going to be quite fun.”

He vanished, leaving Aunder and Dire behind with their thoughts.

* * *

Morning…

Clyde’s house…

Sunday. Week 3. Month 3. Year 1. Season: Winter.

[Satovian Universal Calendar: Domino, 46389.]

[School: Winter Break. Day 23 of 30.]

[Current declared fiancée(s): Melody, Alice, Tear, Harumi, Chika, Natalia, Kitome, Yuki, Tessa, Ruri, Ming.]

[Expecting: Harumi, Alice, Kitome, Chika.]

[Countdown until babies are born:

Harumi, kitsune: 5 months until due. Currently: week 4, day 4.

Alice, half-demoness, half-angel: 5 months until due. Currently: Alice: week 4, day 1.

Kitome, human: 9.3 months until due. Currently: week 3, day 1.

Chika, human: 9.3 months until due. Currently: week 1, day 2.]

Clyde awoke with his face buried in Ming’s breasts. They were all positioned a bit wildly. Melody’s face was on the young man’s crotch, Tear’s tail was fairly close to Chika’s panties, and hell, the softness pressed against his back revealed Harumi’s playfulness.

Needless to say, his erection woke Melody up. Somehow her blushing reaction only strengthened it. Ming took that time to awaken and also flushed furiously. The young man’s wood seemed to pulse.

“Good morning?” Clyde asked, then chuckled. Melody gave him a suspicious glare as he looked at her. “What? It’s a natural morning thing. Can’t help it.”

Just then, Harumi’s tail wrapped around his wood and stroked repeatedly in a slow rhythmic manner.

“I guess I have no choice but to help you get rid of it,” the fox girl said.

The young man almost blew his load right then and there.

Chika broke the moment by letting out a large sneeze, waking everyone, including Natalia. Further subduing that moment was Yuki entering the room, fully dressed in her maid outfit.

“All of you up,” she said. “I hope most of you at least started packing. We’ve got a trip today. Up!”

Her eyes turned to Clyde’s erected tower. Clyde continued to smile. Yuki tossed his clothes into his face.

When he moved them, she was right there, enveloping the young man in a soft touch of perfume. She kissed him before turning to leave. “Be ready within an hour. That includes breakfast.”

“I’m pretty sure I can’t live without Yuki,” Clyde said after she left. He failed to mention how he nearly released on the kuudere demoness just from being super turned on.

After the morning activities, Clyde started down the hall, fully dressed and ready to assume his Team Lead persona. Not that everyone had arrived yet. Ming walked with him, adjusting his shirt and lecturing him on the importance of awakening on time. Even though she slept just as late as him. He interrupted her with a kiss.

That startled Ming, causing her to stumble backward and barge open Maki’s door. Maki was in bra and panties, getting ready for the day, maid outfit to the side. She sighed.

“I won’t interrupt, keep going,” Maki said.

“Maki,” Ming said, a little apprehensive.

The purple-haired young woman shrugged. “A quick morning romp never bothered me,” Maki said. “I don’t see why society’s so skittish with sex.” She talked over Ming, while closing the door and locking it for good measure. “If we were to have a threesome right here and now, what exactly would change?” She pulled down her panties and undid her bra while still talking. Clyde felt taken aback at her smoothness, cleverness, slickness, and speed as she continued to talk while attempting to transition into a threesome. The moment she touched Ming’s breasts, obviously getting ready to rip off her clothes, Ruri’s voice rang through the air.

“Kun, kun, he’s in here,” she said. The young man could almost feel her tail wagging. As much as his curiosity wanted to see how far Maki could get with Ming, he knew she had chosen the wrong time to try this.

“Lord Stone, I wish to have a word with you, nya,” Ako said. “Why did you lock Maki’s door?”

Clyde motioned for Maki to dress. Ming, realizing what almost happened, folded her arms, stepped away from the purple-haired young woman, and looked at the door, blushing faintly. Fortunately, Maki’s dress speed matched, maybe exceeded, Chika’s.

Just then, Kanako walked through the door.

“Master, explain to Tear tha—”

“Open the door,” Ruri interrupted.

Kanako opened it, then continued. Or tried to, but Ruri pushed past her to dive into Clyde’s arms. She was sniffing of course, only to stop when she saw Ming. A ring holder. She gave Maki a micro-glare before turning back to her Alpha.

“When are we leaving?” Ruri asked. “I’m looking forward to more traveling.”

Clyde gave her a head pat, chuckling. “In about an hour or so.”

Ako looked around. “Lord Stone, why were you locked in here?”

“Who knows,” Clyde said. It wasn’t a lie, so Ruri couldn’t detect it. Just a complete avoidance of the question. He talked over Ako as she tried to pursue the ordeal. “Let’s go eat breakfast. We can’t have Yuki mad at us.”

Ruri’s tail wagged faster. “Breakfast sounds amazing right now.”

Clyde was once again reminded that Ruri also stood as one of his favorite people ever. He and Ruri quickly escaped Ako, Ming following as to not be left with a possible lecture. A lecture she probably wanted to do herself, especially over Maki’s openness with sex.

It was at last time to start another adventure quest. Hopefully this one would be quick. Although, he knew it wouldn’t be easy.

They had to go see Lilith.

“Tear,” he said upon entering the dining room. “Do you mind having someone contact Lilith for a meeting? And to pack her things to accompany us? Preferably by phone, if you know what I mean.”

Tear laughed. “Sure do.”

Episode 76 (Part 11)

Morning…

Downtown…

Clyde glared at Airi one more time for good measure, but it didn’t seem to calm down her starry eyes and internal spazzing. She had so many questions about the adventure, the young man’s decision to travel with the fucking Supreme Demon Lord despite it possibly being a bad idea, and so much more.

Noona wasn’t making anything better, choosing to dress up in a revealing cheongsam that looked even more expensive than the ones Selkie wore. And the men were blushing. Some got smacks from their wives or girlfriends.

“Husbando-onii, are you going to soul bond that super-pervy lady?”

Ah yes, putting the icing on the cake was the loli-witch riding his shoulders. Clyde thought he was used to this, until she made him flinch with such a legitimate question. Not that she sounded serious. The only time the young man would feel true danger was if Natalia looked worried or was on the verge of tears. A rare thing really.

Tear’s hidden power turned out to be a succubus goddess. Something Natalia, her best friend, knew. Just how strong would a serious adult Natalia be? A question like that only motivated Clyde for the upcoming journey.

“I still feel uneasy about this,” Kitome said. “We just don’t know a lot about… the Supreme Demon Lord.”

“I think things will be fine,” Maki said. “I mean, if anything, Clyde and Tear could punch her.” She gave a half-smile. “I look forward to working with her. And there’s nothing wrong with adding more powerful allies to help us out.”

“I guess that’s one way to look at it,” Chika said. “I hate to admit it, but I agree.”

Clyde did his best not to give Maki a suspicious glare. She’d more than likely throw herself over to the succubus queen.

Eventually, Clyde and Team Stone arrived at the large hotel in which Lilith, Selkie, Dark and Myriad were staying.

Maybe I should’ve brought my lich, Clyde thought as they entered the front doors.

“Oh my God, it’s Team Stone,” some random girl said from a small group. “Auto—”

Tear’s succubus network team blocked them.

“Sorry, but they have a meeting to attend,” Saki said from amongst the succubus network. “Please understand.”

The girl had no choice but to nod, though she was a bit teary-eyed. Clyde led the large group on, following Asu’s instructions. Upon reaching hall four, they heard familiar voices arguing from a room ahead.

“You know, we probably won’t all be able to cram into her room,” Seth said.

Chika shook her head. “You’ve obviously never been to this hotel. The rooms are bigger than most apartments.”

“Do you really expect dummy blond to know anything relevant to culture?” Natalia asked.

“Why do I bother talking?” Seth asked. “The spoiled rich girl and the toddler team-up. I’d be better off—”

“Get out of here, you stupid birdbrain!” Dark’s voice yelled from the room.

“Oh boy,” Toru deadpanned.

“I know, right?” Clyde said to him.

Sure enough, the door opened and Myriad stormed out dressed in short shorts and an idol-themed tank top.

“He’s an idiot,” Seth declared.

“If there’s anyone that’s more dummy than dummy blond, it’s baka chuuni,” Natalia said.

“And if there’s anyone more childish than the toddler, it’s Dark,” Seth quipped back.

“Enough you two,” Clyde snapped, voice tired. “If you two don’t stop arguing, Alice will probably be more than glad to glue you to the ceiling, holding hands for hours.”

“Sure will,” Alice said. “Your fighting is giving me quite the headache.”

The two harrumphed like tsunderes, folded their arms, and looked away from each other.

“Lilith’s two doors past the edge lord,” Clyde said.

Upon reaching the door, he took a breath and then knocked. The sound of loud vibrating could not be missed. Following that, the group could hear things being knocked over as someone rushed to the door in haste.

“Coming!” Lilith said.

Harumi and Tear facepalmed softly.

“That pervert never ceases to surprise me,” Yuki said softly.

Clyde nodded in agreement.

“She’s not even trying to hide it,” Kitome said.

“Nya, in the middle of the day, playing the game of hide the tube,” Neko said, earning a paper fan smack from her sister.

Chesire shook her head.

Just then, Natalia began to hum a very familiar parody song from Earth. But… it couldn’t be. And why that song?

“Natalia… where did you hear that song?” Clyde asked.

“From the purple cat’s CD player,” Natalia said. “I don’t know what a Barbie girl is though. But it’s so catchy.”

Chesire flinched, of course. Clyde turned to the catgirl, who gave him a sheepish smile.

“How?” he asked.

“I found the CD player some time ago, in the Forest of Peril,” she quickly said. “We’re not supposed to go in there, but I couldn’t help it. You know what they say. Curiosity crowned the cat.”

“It’s killed the cat,” Clyde corrected. “So, you found an Earthly item in your realm—” He paused when the door’s knob turned. “We’ll talk about that later. Now I’m really interested in going to Wonderland.”

“Good morning, Stone and wow, the whole group’s here,” Lilith said as she swung open the door cheerfully. She was dressed in a skin-hugging short dress, revealing an ample amount of cleavage. The young man figured if she wanted, one release of her succubus aura would get the horns up in marching band position. “Come in, come in. I wish I had servants here to make you tea.” Her gaze rested on Tear for just a second. She actually bowed before turning around and motioning the party to follow her inside the large hotel room. Tear showed no reaction to that.

Despite the suspicious noises moments ago, the entire apartment-sized area was quite clean. “This place lacks the typical cute hotel staff. I’m spending every night alone.”

They stopped at a table that was obviously prepared ahead of time and with the meeting in mind, based on the large number of chairs surrounding it.

Lilith sat first, followed by everyone else. “I know it probably means little coming from me, but thanks for stopping by.”

Clyde examined the beautiful succubus queen for a bit before speaking. “First off, I want to thank you for joining us in that fight—”

“Not at all,” Lilith said, grabbing Clyde’s hand, eyes starry. “Let me join Team Stone. We fight so well together.” She placed his hand on her breasts, though seemingly oblivious to that action.

“Jiiiiii,” Natalia said, staring right at the royal succubus’s jiggling weapons.

“What’s it like running the Monster Kingdoms?” Airi blabbed, eyes starry. “Do adventurers attack you while you’re taking a sh—”

Harumi covered her friend’s mouth. “Now is not the time, Airi.”

Clyde cleared his throat. “Anyway, I’m glad you brought up the idea of joining Team Stone. We’d like you to come with us on a quest. We’re looking for items to help cure Natalia of the Princess Dire Curse. Well, they’ll weaken it anyway.”

Lilith nodded. “Gladly. What are these items, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Jiiiiii.” Natalia glared at her breasts.

Lilith actually sighed.

“Wow, I have to commend you, toddler,” Seth said, grinning evilly. “You sure can be a royal pain in the ass.”

Clyde shot the blond a blank stare. Natalia was getting ready to quip back, but the young man and Alice’s glare made her fold her arms and harrumph instead. “I’ll let you have that one this time but stop interrupting.”

Seth shrugged. Clyde turned back to Lilith and continued. “Thanks to Naoko, we know that a Depleted Omen’s Sphere, an Essence Crystal, and the Horn of a Chimaera can be used to weaken it. I already have the Depleted Omen’s Sphere.”

Lilith nodded. “Interesting. Such a curse is not easy to take on. I won’t say it’s incurable, but nobody, as far as I know, has found any way to actually weaken it, except you. I don’t know exactly where we’ll find an Essence Crystal—I’d have to get one of my servants to check the archives back at the palace. I do know where we can get a chimaera’s horn, though it won’t be easy.” She raised a finger. “It will require a trip to the Monster Kingdoms.” Lilith’s eyes went starry. “I invite Team Stone for a highly luxurious stay at my palace. And to explore the cities of our wonderful nation. Need testimony? Look no further than some of your members who were born there. Ruri, or her servant.” Lilith tilted her head. “Maybe you could live with me—”

“Alright, I’m going to have to cut you off there,” Clyde said. “The downside to this trip is our limited time. We’ve got less than a week before the next Sato Academy semester starts.”

Lilith leaned over close to Clyde. “One week. I’m sorry, what?”

“One week, perv—”

Tear covered Natalia’s mouth.

“I guess the toddler thinks we’re royally fuc—”

“Alice,” Clyde interrupted in a deadpan. The half-demoness sighed and then proceeded to glue the blond to the ceiling via telekinesis.

“Oh, come on!” Seth said.

“Anyway,” Clyde said. “One week. I’m not saying we’ll make miracles happen, but any progress is better than no progress.”

Natalia looked at the young man, eyes glistening, but she said nothing. Clyde gave her a head pat.

“Natalia, one of the most feared witches of the lost path, she who wields the seven seals of divine destruction, someone who could stand up to even me in her adult form, and is the honorable blood friend of my goddess, Tear,” Lilith said. Clyde thought he’d have to intervene, but… the perverted succubus suddenly had a nosebleed as her eyes shined with lust. “I will give it my all to help get someone so great back to her delicious adult form. In the name of Tear!”

Tear shook her head. “You never change.”

“My goddess, maybe I’m just misunderstood,” Lilith said. Her eyes went lusty as she breathed a little huskily. “Maybe we should talk about this privately. You are the succubus goddess and I am but your worshipper—servant. Surely you have a great pleasu—plan for me.”

Amina whacked Lilith on the head with a paper fan. “Pardon me, Empress of the Monster Kingdoms, but I no longer have the patience for your flirting. Pack your things and be ready.”

“Amina, Wise Sorceress of the Infinite Libraries,” Lilith said. “And as formal as ever.” Lilith’s nose sprayed into the air like a fountain. “Lord Clyde, you should share your harem with m—” A second paper fan strike from Amina cut off the succubus queen.

“Pervy booby cow,” Natalia said to Lilith, stuck her tongue out, and then snuggled into Clyde.

Abruptly the outside door opened. Within a second or two, Selkie appeared from around the corner.

“You’re taking the chuuni and Myriad with you,” she said. “I have to return back to my master for updates. I really don’t feel like bailing him out of trouble again.”

Clyde shot her a glare. “I sure hope you’re kidding, because Dark isn’t a kid, you know. He can take care of himself.”

Selkie grabbed Clyde’s arm and dragged him around the corner. Of course, Natalia held onto the young man, which in turn allowed the other women to not care if the Entity had him in private. Nothing would be happening.

“Dark is your ally,” Selkie said. “Maybe even a pseudo member of Team Stone—you know we’re here to support you. Even when we must head off to handle our own tasks, we will always back you.”

Selkie was about to place a finger on Clyde’s chest, as if to poke in a point, but Natalia swatted it away. She sighed.

“Why can’t he just wait in the city until you get back?” Clyde asked.

“Because his luck is terrible,” the Entity answered. “Every time I leave, he gets himself caught up in something—often being captured by monster girls. I would leave him in Myriad’s care, but she shouldn’t have to deal with this heavy burden alone. Besides, Dark could use the experience. And maybe the social contact. Don’t worry, I’ll tell him not to cause any trouble.”

“What do I get out of this?” Clyde asked. “We’re busy and I’m not about to play babysitter for someone who’s the same age as me.”

“Don’t even try to offer something perverted,” Natalia said. And as much as the young man felt a little annoyed, he couldn’t get angry. She was right anyway. Boobs weren’t enough of a price to deal with the mess that was Dark.

“I’ll have your child,” Selkie said. “How does that sound?”

“Why you—”

“I’m kidding,” Selkie said, holding back Natalia’s bite attempt.

Clyde pulled the loli in.

“Geeze, calm down, little chihuahua,” Clyde laughed. “Have a little sense of humor at obvious jokes.”

Natalia stuck her tongue out at the Selkie. “With her, jokes like that aren’t so obvious.”

Selkie sighed. “I don’t know if I should be insulted or baffled at how little you think I value myself.” She eyed Clyde again. “Let this be a quest. Take the chuuni with you and I’ll give you a reward. Something worth it.”

Clyde sighed. “I really don’t want to, but if you want to bribe me, fine. Just make sure it’s something good.”

Selkie smiled. “Thank you for doing this.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Clyde deadpanned. “Make sure he and Myriad pack now. We’re leaving today.”

Selkie nodded. “With Lilith a part of the team now. Good luck with that. I don’t know how you managed to get someone like that under your control… but it makes sense. Tear’s a succubus goddess now. All of her kind obey her, believing in a legend. And if there were any incubi left, they would too.”

[Quest: take Dark with you to the Monster Kingdoms. Conditions to receive reward: bring him back to Lot City safe. Reward: up to Selkie. It is recommended to be alone to increase the reward tier.]

[Lilith, Supreme Demon Lord and Empress of the Monster Kingdoms has joined your party!]

[Lilith is a chaotic party member.]

[Know this, a chaotic companion on your side could dramatically alter the battle in your favor. Remember your vows. Anything promised to them will serve as motivation while they eagerly await the award.]

[List of chaotic companions: Chika, Ruri, Kanako, Naoko, Sazuki, and Lilith.]

[Chaotic energy has reached 2 points. Do not forget of your passive ability, Chaos power. That is, if you ever find yourself needing it.]

Clyde rolled his eyes at that prompt. Sazuki needed a ring for it to become more useful.

[Your adventurer rank has dramatically jumped from A-40 to A-2! You are getting very close to S rank. The current A-1 adventurer will definitely sweat when he checks out the new rankings board. And he may binge on quests in an attempt to widen the gap and hold his spot.]

“Well, no use to beating the bush around here,” Clyde said. “You get your people ready and I’ll get mine. Meet us at my house in about an hour. Lilith’s Jumping us to the Monster Kingdoms.”

Selkie nodded. “The monster girl paradise.” She sighed. “Luckily they’re civil. Many of them quite kind. A few of them may give you trouble, but your team should be okay, I guess.”

Selkie started toward the door, though not without waving at everyone with a warm smile. They were friends after all.

“Let’s get this over with,” Clyde said. “For the squirt.”

He kissed Natalia on the forehead. The loli blushed then pouted.

“I’m not a squirt.”

End of Act 1.

Episode 77 (Part 1): The Monster Kingdoms.

Act 2.

Night…

Somewhere…

Hotel room…

Team Viper floated before Aunder in astral form, waiting for their leader to continue the meeting. All were present, except one. Dire, Tiffia, Momo, Olivia, Julius, Kaymen, and Terrance.

Aunder’s glowing purple eyes seemed to rage like flames, but not with ignorance. The man was not naïve. Even if he could soul bond Su Yang, the original cooldown still hadn’t lifted. Twelve years—fuck that.

Su Yang wasn’t a traitor. Yet Terrance had failed to locate her, his psychic energy blocked by another psychic. One that was actually as strong as him.

Dire’s rescue failed, locating her failed… He was beginning to miss her again.

“Terrance, try to predict where you think she’d be taken,” Aunder said.

“No disrespect between you and your girl, but I doubt that will help us,” Terrance said. “We should continue to search the surrounding cities where I found Dire. Not going to lie. I’d hate to run into someone actually strong enough to send her flying.”

“Send her flying,” Aunder said, eyes glowing, peering into Terrance. And there, he saw the first moment of hesitation. “Prophet, what aren’t you telling me?”

To Aunder’s surprise, Terrance continued calmly. “Alright, I take more of the failure than you think. Fuck, the Punishment Squad were in the area, exerting enough aura to essentially blind me. I only caught the last few seconds of Dire’s defeat. But I couldn’t determine if it was because she fought with the Punishment Squad or someone else. You already know about the memory problem. Now, will you take my advice, get in contact with someone able to dig into memories and maybe restore—”

“I’ve already started that,” Aunder said, “but the Supreme Demon Lord has been missing for a while, according to her troops. The ones we interrogated. It’s only been a couple of days, but I doubt my letter will have any effect. Spies have reported that her personal attendants managed to break my spell and burned it.” Aunder chuckled. “I can’t help but be impressed by the feistiness. If only I could’ve bedded—”

“So what do we do now?” Terrance interrupted. “Su Yang’s either dead or captured by the Punishment Squad.”

Aunder held his temper down, despite the insistence of the taint within. His plans were too far along to mess them up now.

“For now, we’ll proceed with Thor’s plans,” Aunder said. “We’ve got a hell of a lot of preparations to make and it may be weeks before things get afloat. Su Yang will just be replaced.”

“Who could possibly replace Su Yang?” Tiffia asked. Like everyone else, she was in astral form, somewhere in the world with her partner, Terrance, at her side.

Aunder chuckled. “The Falcon, of course.”

Dire, in child form, frowned. “Why do you want to bring back that creep?”

“The pot calling the kettle black,” Kaymen said.

“You take that back!” Dire snapped. “You’re—”

“Shut the hell up!” Aunder yelled, ending the argument before it began. “As much as I hate to say it, Su Yang may be a loss. We won’t know until we get a powerful succubus to dig into Dire’s memories.”

Aunder turned to his right, where a woman with void-colored hair hovered, poking curiously at the laptop on the man’s desk. “Do you have anything to add, Athens?”

The Entity of Fear tilted her head, then shook it. Aunder sighed. “Silent beauties are fine. Hold on, I’ll put on another cat video.” He forced himself not to sigh again. “A great and ancient being, giving in to this stuff.”

The second compilation of humorous cat videos seemed to please her. He could tell by the dark Entity’s brightness, the slips of small smiles, gasps, and awed expressions. The man had to admit the adorableness there and felt just a tiny bit of guilt for using her. But his biggest plan, which only the taint inside knew, required the woman.

“You’re all dismissed now,” Aunder said. He broke the connection right as Tiffia raised a finger to protest. “Now, onto the business building. That damned Thor moves fast. I’ll have to keep close watch on him.”

* * *

Late morning…

Lot City, Yaponiya…

Clyde’s house…

Backyard…

Alice’s watch idea was gone. The shattered pieces she recovered after the Punisher attack still felt warm in her hand. So much work in attempt to make it as powerful as possible, gone to waste, but she wouldn’t cry about it… She wouldn’t!

She was an innovator. One thing her Clyde lacked, which no one else had given him, was a ring. Not just any ring, but something that could give him an advantage when it came to magic, training, and even access to other sources of power.

The young woman wasn’t confident about making that last thing possible, but if she really was the granddaughter of Mother Nature, couldn’t she… wish for it or something? She sighed. If only things were that easy. Maybe she’d actually cry about her father’s presence vanishing. She knew any normal person would be sad about the death of their parent, maybe give that person a mental farewell. But the demon half of Alice’s blood didn’t allow it.

Alice closed her eyes and allowed her magic to gently flow into the watch shards. She imagined a ring, its design, and begged for the pieces to take shape. Nothing happened. Someone sighed.

“Let me do it.”

Alice turned to see Kitome walking toward her.

“You have the enchanter ability and maybe some form of basic crafting, but for that watch, you’ll need more than basics to shape it,” the blue-haired girl continued.

The half-demoness passed her the shards.

“I couldn’t… form even a basic ring,” Alice said.

“That’s to be expected,” Kitome told her. “You’ve placed a lot of magic into the watch, which fused itself with the material. The gold, any metals, crystals, even the glass face of the watch.”

Alice watched as Kitome’s magic formed the shards into a ring she believed perfect for guys.

“Here,” Kitome said, handing it back.

The half-demoness hugged her. “You’re the best, Kitome,” she said.

Kitome blushed. “It… it’s nothing.”

“Nya, don’t go tsundere now. You know you’re a kind person.”

“I’m not a tsundere,” Kitome said to Neko.

Alice gleefully enchanted the new ring.

“What are you trying to do with that?” Kitome asked Alice.

“Nya, right? That thing has a lot of magic in it,” Neko said.

Alice smiled. “Allow me to explain the idea behind it. Even you’ll get it, cat.”

“Nya, I just hope Clyde will acknowledge Harmony Day,” Neko said.

Kitome chuckled. “We’re giving him gifts to welcome him to the holiday—don’t forget that. He won’t be able to contain himself.” She and Alice let out a chuckle, which held just a hint of perversion in it. Neko sighed.

“Nya, he’ll probably impregnate us all.”

Alice and Kitome blushed.

“Nyyyaaa,” Neko grinned. “Tear enrolled you both and Harumi into mothering courses.”

Alice sighed. “That perverted cousin of mine is so overprotective.”

* * *

“Hurry it up, people,” Clyde said. “When the edge lord and Lilith get here, we’re gone.”

He stopped by a random room, debating if he should let the empress crash there.

“Oh great, giant snake in the hole, hammering motion of the oceans, he who’s destined to impregnate me no less than five hundred thousand times, why do you leave us behind?” Asu twirled into his embrace, pushing them both into the room. His wood was already at max hardness as he pushed it against the beautiful woman’s crotch.

“I didn’t say that,” Clyde said, “but it’s nice to have the house protected. I have a sneaking suspicion that Dire’s memories may return. I’m counting on you to have a nice trap waiting for her and anyone else with her.”

Asu’s eyes shined. “I won’t fail you, my great pounder of plushies, lord.” She took a deep whiff of Clyde, causing him to feel his face warm up. His maximum boner aided his eyes to notice Asu’s large breasts, her short dress and panties beneath. His nose took in her amazing scent.

He had to go for it. Even the lich woman expected it.

“Pervy-nii, Harumi called,” Natalia shouted from the hall.

He sighed. “Fuck.”

Asu suddenly kissed Clyde with soft lips. She actually blushed heavily. “I’ll be fine with this teaser, my great tower of a lord.”

He… noticed juices oozing down her leg. “You… came?” Clyde asked.

“Pervy husbando-onii,” Natalia called again, which finally caused the young man’s tower to wilt back to normal.

“Anyway, I’m counting on you and the maidens,” Clyde said as he hurried out, doing his best not to be pissed off at the loli.

“Onii-chan—”

“Shut up, I heard you already, you loli,” Clyde snapped. He found Harumi in the master bedroom, Melody with her.

“Sorry,” Harumi said. “Natalia misunderstood our conversation.”

“Ah.” Clyde turned to the loli, who was peeking around the corner with teary eyes. He let out a sigh. When it came to Harumi, the loli-witch had a soft spot. Before she could run, he plucked her up and onto his shoulder. “How’s the packing? Do you need anything?” he asked Harumi and Melody. “Are you sure you don’t want to sit this one out, Harumi?”

“Nope,” Harumi said. “There’s no way I’m missing out on this.”

“Don’t try to make Harumi stay,” Natalia blabbed.

“What about you, Mels?” Clyde said. He didn’t mention her mother’s passing, but figured she knew what the young man meant.

“I’m going too,” she said, walking over to Clyde. After resting her face against his chest for just a moment, she continued in a soft voice, looking up to him with glistening eyes. “I was really happy about what you did yesterday, but I won’t let my personal problems overrun my ability to be productive on the team.”

“Still,” Clyde said. “Most people from my world take a few days off to mourn—”

“It’s okay,” Melody interrupted.

“Pervy-nii… remember, mourning is different for every nation, every realm,” Natalia said.

“The shrine you brought in for her has more meaning than you realize,” Harumi said. “You memorialized Melody’s mother, held the dinner of mourning, and allowed her to say final goodbyes.”

Melody nodded. “It’s thanks to that, I can be at peace.”

Clyde nodded, finally understanding. It was almost as if they held a funeral service, enabling all to say their final words. The culture of Melody’s world may do things a little differently, but between it and the cultures of Earth, similarities could be found.

When he left the master bedroom, leaving Natalia behind, he walked into the living room to find Yuki scolding Airi and Matsume.

“Let me guess,” Clyde said. “They tried to get drunk right before the trip.”

Yuki sighed. “If you two continue to be a nuisance, I’ll ban you from drinking.”

“You do realize that Lilith’s our guide,” Clyde told Airi and Matsume. “Do you really want to be drunk around her?”

“She can’t be that bad,” Airi said. Clyde narrowed his eyes. The super druid smiled sheepishly.

The young man noticed Fuyoko brushing Naoko’s hair while watching some anime. Sitting with her were Undine and the gothic loli. He felt someone hug him from behind. Just by the touch, he knew it was Chika.

“Am I the only one whose imagination is running wild about what we could find in the Monster Kingdoms?” Chika asked.

“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you’ll find, depending on the province,” Tessa said as she emerged from the kitchen. “Not that I had time to do much exploring.”

“I have,” Airi said, “but I won’t spoil anything.”

“By the way, how’s Venus?” Clyde asked Tessa as he pulled Chika into him. That seemed to trigger something within the silver-haired girl, although she was holding back. He could tell.

“As good as she can be,” Tessa said. “Thankfully things calmed down a little in Celestial.”

“Either that or she’s not telling you everything,” Airi said. “The not telling you everything is common with her type.”

A knock on the door gained everyone’s attention. Dark’s voice coated the air with annoyance.

“The great lord of the dark has arrived. His amazing magnificence requests entry. I mean demands entry!”

“Please don’t start agitating these people,” Myriad said. “I’d like them to actually let us in.”

“Quite frankly, I’m amazed that he can continue this chuuni act for so long,” Lilith said. “But please tone it down when you get to my palace. I don’t want the headache, and neither will my servants. And trust me, there are a million ways they can silence you.”

“The great lord of the dark does not fear your petty threats,” Dark said. The sound of a paper fan echoed, even through the door. “Ow. What was that for?”

“For being a chuuni-for-brains,” Selkie said. “I came all this way to drop you off. Don’t be a nuisance to the very end.”

“And here we go with the triple-teaming,” Dark said. “Women.”

“Don’t even try to hide behind the sexist route,” Myriad said. “Never mind, why are we wasting our time with you?”

Another knock followed.

The entirety of Team Stone held blank stares.

“Well, that’s our cue,” Clyde said. “Let’s go.”

“That baka-chuuni,” Natalia said. Toru sighed.

Episode 77 (Part 2)

Outside Clyde’s house…

Clyde shuddered as Detective Tetra gave Lilith a brief, suspicious, narrow-eyed glare before continuing forward with her roller bag. He figured she hated the succubus queen less than the dragons. To her credit, Lilith seemed either oblivious or unfazed by the micro-glare.

“Everyone ready?”

“Why did you invite me again?” Clare asked Clyde. “Tear’s minions basically stuffed clothes into a suitcase then tossed my keys to the magical girls. They kidnapped me!”

“The more, the merrier,” Lilith said. The young man did not miss the empress licking her lips. Or was that a slight… ahegao face?

Clare glared at Clyde. He smiled sheepishly.

“I think the Monster Kingdoms is something you should see with us,” Clyde said. “I also have a few favors to ask.” He winked. “I’ll be sure to pay.”

Clare sighed. “Oh, you’ll be paying alright.”

Clyde shrugged, not getting the implications behind that veiled threat. Maybe because Lilith began to charge a ton of magic. Her being the Supreme fucking Demon Lord, the force of her magic shook everyone. It was like sitting on a vibrating chair set to shake at a million miles per second.

“I’m going to need you to tone it down, Chuck Norris,” Clyde said. “Showing off isn’t going to help our human team members recover from this trip.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Lilith said, a drop of sweat falling down the back of her head. She gently unleashed the magic, targeting the entirety of Team Stone, including Clare.

“Have a safe trip, oh great hammering mountain, born of the lewd gods, and should impreg—”

Asu’s voice was cut off as they made the Jump. However… Lilith accidentally targeted her too.

[Area unlocked: The Supreme Demon Lord’s Palace, *Monster Kingdoms*.]

[You have entered the Monster Kingdoms for the first time! Be careful of the wild areas. The monsters or monster girls that don’t care for Lilith’s jurisdiction will attack you.]

[This is a godless land. Your connection to Celestial has dropped from 100% to 5%.]

[Heavenly Aura passive activated. You have become your own beacon of Celestial.]

[System advice: joining forces with Lilith, adding her directly to Team Stone, was a galaxy-brain smart move. Congrats for actually coming to your senses. Because of that, you and the team do not have to ask Lilith for passports, permission to use her facilities, etc. Although, if you don’t know what you’re doing, please use common sense. She’s your ally in earnest.]

[System advice: if you get that one pregnant…]

Goddammit, System, Clyde thought as he laid eyes on the enormous fantasy-style palace. It looked… like it was its own city. However, a few miles opposite of it there appeared to be an actual city.

[That city is called Lilus. It is the Nation’s Seat of the entire Morbid Continent and united nations known as the Monster Kingdoms. Lilith may be empress, but she cannot control every action within the nations. Remember that. You will find out… that things are quite different in this place.]

“Welcome to my palace,” Lilith said. “I’ll have servants take your bags and show you to your rooms. I—”

“Empress, is that really you?” an armored guard asked. He bowed deeply. “Holy shit, it really is—we can finally stop planning our funerals—I mean we can breathe easy, knowing our incredible leader has returned at last.” In a lower voice, he wondered aloud as he looked at Clyde and Team Stone, “Who the fuck are they?” Back in his guard captain’s voice, he yelled to the others. “The Great and Amazing, Wonderful, Hot Empress has returned! Open the gates, you lazy idiots.”

The metal gates suddenly glowed. The area shook as they opened, revealing a courtyard, leading to the front doors. The maids that were watering the courtyard garden’s roses stopped what they were doing to bow.

“Welcome home, Great Empress,” they all said.

Clyde noticed one of them briefly made an ahegao face during her bowing. What kind of crazy shit had he brought his team into?

“Come,” Lilith said. “Travel can be done during the day, then we Jump back here. You’ll save a lot on magic while getting to know this place.” She looked at Asu. “Sorry about that, powers like mine love to pluck extra roses. Don’t worry, my servants will provide you with everything you need, including clothing.”

Natalia scoffed. “She even bugs the pervy lich.”

Asu shot Natalia a blank stare. “You know, her hospitality is more preferred than yours, Nattie.”

Natalia flinched. “You’re not allowed to call me that, pervy—”

“Don’t start,” Clyde said, tired. “Natalia, she’s going to help find your cure. Don’t give her crap, okay?”

The loli folded her arms and pouted but said nothing else. They all knew that was the best they’d get from her.

Lilith eyed Tear. “Tear, while you’re back on this side of the woods, why not visit Ceruliam? I’m sure your mother would love to see you and meet your friends.”

Tear rolled her eyes. Tetra snorted. Chika blinked.

“I take it that it’s a bad idea for Clyde in particular to meet your mom,” Chika said to the succubus.

Tear sighed. “At least someone understands me.” She gave the silver-haired girl a sad smile.

Chika returned it. “They’re always like that, aren’t they? Not including Kitome’s mom,” she said with a chuckle.

“Don’t remind me of her,” Kitome said with a silent shudder.

“We really should tell her,” Melody said. “After the trip.”

“Lilith, lead the way,” Kitome said.

“Kitome,” Melody said, a little pleadingly.

The magical girl started forward. Lilith chuckled, then took them into the Supreme Palace. Clyde looked at Yuki to see if she detected any traps. The kuudere demoness shook her head. Sure, Lilith counted as a member of his party, but the young man figured it was better safe than sorry.

The interior was as fancy as Clyde expected but with a slight difference. The paintings were of naked big-breasted succubi in various poses, all making the ahegao face with various gestures, from punk rock to the middle finger.

“Oh my, the maids forgot to switch out the art for guest viewing,” Lilith said. She clapped once. All of the paintings magically switched to the same succubi, only fully dressed in various outfits. They still revealed plenty of cleavage.

“I’m starting to think we made a mistake,” Alice grumbled.

A drop of sweat fell off the back of Tear’s head.

Lilith cleared her throat. “Maids, show our guests to their rooms, please. Bring them whatever they need.”

“I thought the paintings were pretty good,” Airi said. “Nude art began it all.” She grinned.

“Right?” Lilith agreed, eyes starry. Clyde could’ve sworn a blast of steam shot from her nose from sheer excitement. He’d hate to imagine how much the artwork cost.

Harumi shook her head, not knowing what to make of her perverted friend. The maids bowed to their master.

“Right this way,” one said, seeming to be in charge. She and Yuki made brief eye contact.

All of Clyde’s fiancées followed him, widening the eyes of the servants who felt ignored.

“Harem,” Lilith said simply.

“Ah.”

At least two of them licked their lips. Lilith chuckled.

“Don’t worry, I’ll… give you ladies some dessert later,” Lilith said. She continued in a lower voice, even though most of Team Stone could hear her. “Most of the guards have wives, so I know my time away must have been hard on you.”

Her voice faded as their guide led them further down the main hall and then turned down another before stopping at a large door. Clyde and most of the others looked at Yuki. She shook her head. His own trap detection skill didn’t go off either, even when stepping into the giant apartment-sized mega room. The young man had to admit that it was much nicer than what the hotels offered. It included two enormous beds, which the women immediately placed together, binding them with magic.

“Is there anything else I can help you with, Master?” the maid asked Clyde. Suddenly, her eyes shined with lust as she pressed her breasts against him, breathing huskily.

“I can help you with anything,” she continued, blushing furiously. “Bath, massages, rubs, cuddles, extra things—all for free too. Anytime. You seem stressed—”

Tear delivered a paper fan of justice to the busty succubus-maid.

“To think you’d have the nerve,” Tear said. “Get out of here. And don’t go near my husband again.”

“But Tear, I’m only trying to help,” the maid protested. Blood drizzled from her nose as she gave a perverted grin. “Orders are orders from the empress. Someone of his stature must always—ow, ow, ow, sowwy.”

Tear let go of her cheeks. “Ria, don’t insult us. Especially our Yuki.”

Ria bowed. “I’ll still check in on your needs. Just… buzz me up. Yeah… buzz.” She turned and left.

Airi, who happened to follow them because of curiosity, laughed. “Now that was hilarious,” she said. “Are you going to introduce her to your jackhammer?” She grinned at Clyde. And of course his blank stare was the reaction she wanted.

“Do you want to be kicked out next?” Harumi asked, tired.

“Sorry, sorry,” Airi said. “Hey, can’t blame a girl for finding this kind of thing interesting. And funny. Besides, it’s not like we’ll let anything happen.”

“True,” Chika said as she roughly pulled off the sheets from the bed.

“Ah, you brought sheets too?” Airi asked.

“Always,” Harumi said.

“Of course,” Airi said. “I wouldn’t put it past the maids to either do each other in the empty rooms or go solo, if you know what I mean. She sure wanted to know all about the buzz.”

Everyone groaned.

“And I thought pervy-nii was the bringer of bad jokes,” Natalia said. “Chika, can I help make up the bed?”

“Sure,” Chika said. “Grab these.” She passed the loli some fresh sheets.

Clyde didn’t question that. There was an unspoken agreement between Chika and Natalia, built from fear and respect. She craved Harumi for sweetness and seemed to be a little afraid of the silver-haired girl for reasons she didn’t understand.

“I’ll help too,” Ruri said, tail wagging.

“Make it quick,” Clyde said. “I’m hoping to get started on the first search.”

“I’ll start the wards,” Tessa said. “Ming, Natalia, mind assisting?”

After they finished putting away their things and arming very powerful, retriggering wards, Clyde and his fiancées went to check on the others. Misaka was first. It turned out she kicked out her guide too. Seth, Toru, Yusuke, Undine, Nina, and a few of the others were chatting in the main room, things already put away. Undine warded their rooms, saving Yuki and Natalia a lot of time.

Clyde noticed Sophia chatting with Amina.

“Where’s Maki?” he asked.

“Her room’s in hall two, room four,” Fuyoko said. “Next to mine. She was chatting with her maid guide a few minutes ago.”

“Let’s go get her,” Alice said. “We don’t have all day to wait.”

They noticed her door slightly open but couldn’t hear any talking. Not even a TV playing. Just… silence. And… heavy breathing?

The duo opened the door and walked in, stopping at the scene.

Maki was on the bed, the maid on top, slowly pulling off the purple-haired girl’s shirt, eyes full of lust, breathing sexually. Alice grabbed the maid with the force and flung her outside the door. She crashed against the wall, although… the ahegao face was still there.

“It was only going to be a massage,” the maid lied as she stood, dusting herself off. She gave Maki a wink before walking away. That was definitely a silent promise to return.

“We’re all ready to go and you two are in here, getting ready to fuck up a storm,” Alice snapped.

“Language, Highness,” Natalia said as she walked in, hopping onto the young man’s back. Alice sighed, but didn’t argue with the loli this time on princess etiquette.

“I don’t care what you do with your guide,” Clyde said, “but do that shit on your own time. Remember, Team Stone first, alright?”

Maki nodded. “Sorry… She offered the massage, the backrubs, and I couldn’t resist.”

“Trust me, we know,” Alice said, shooting Clyde just a tiny micro glare. He shrugged. Alice helped Maki stand while using telekinesis to return her clothes and hair back to decent state before the… dishevelment. “Let’s go see where the crazy succubus empress is going to take us.” She made eye contact with Maki. “Just… be careful around these succubi. Tear’s succubi network actually have hearts. Lilith’s succubi will probably sap away all of your strength. It won’t physically harm you, but you’ll be a strengthless, tired mess every day. My cousin will send you back for your own good.”

“She’ll be fine,” Clyde said, “lay off her, Mom.” He looked at Maki. “We’re not going to babysit you, feel free to fuck to your heart’s content. But keep it at night. And get proper rest.”

Maki blushed. “I won’t screw around.”

Clyde, Alice, and Natalia shot her blank stares.

“Uh-huh,” they said in unison, skepticism radiating.

Maki sighed. They turned to see Toru standing at the doorway, stare blank, eyes on the purple-haired girl.

“Don’t you start too,” Maki said, then marched out of the room.

“Everything okay?” Toru asked Clyde and Alice.

“Sure is,” Clyde said. “Let’s move.”

Episode 77 (Part 3)

Supreme Palace, outside…

She stood on the palace rooftop, power concealed, watching them with her mind’s eye. Her eyes were especially on the young lady with blonde twin pigtails. She wasn’t sure about the lad next to her—they seemed very… close, familiar with each other. An inappropriate relationship with the princess of the Hades household…

Things were worse than she thought. To think this surprise visit on that slut would actually turn out to be all that she needed. That was a large group of people… her friends, maybe? There was also the other one, who may be succubi but was certainly not a slut, but the slut’s chosen successor. Maybe the pressures from her mother and the slut made her give in? That would be no marriage worth staying for.

She turned her mind’s eye to the witchling. The poor girl still suffered from that nasty curse with no cure in sight.

Another thing that surprised her was the redhead’s demeanor. So happy—as she should be. To think her father, Platus, would make a terrible deal with the Ashfall family. In order to profit, they traded her. Thankfully, the redhead ended up in good hands and the rumors of the Ashfall head and his son’s deaths true. That smile…

“I think I’ll test them,” she said. “And then lecture a twin-tailed brat about political duties of the family.”

* * *

Supreme Demon Lord’s Palace…

“My servants are currently searching our databases for chimaera sightings,” Lilith told Clyde and Team Stone. “They’re rare. For now, we’re going to check a couple of miles north of here in a town where one was spotted a year or two ago.”

Clyde noticed that she briefly eyed her ceiling in alarm. He looked her direction but saw nothing. If she saw something, he wouldn’t know, not being familiar with all of Lilith’s servants. The moment was just too brief to make anything out, so all he could do was follow the succubus empress outside.

“Should we really just Jump there like this?” Undine asked.

Lilith smiled sadly. “Now that you mention it, I’ve never actually visited it. And the only minion that did so can’t Jump.”

Clyde, Harumi, and the rest of the team anime-fell to the side.

“Are you serious?” the gothic loli said. “We have to walk?”

“Don’t start whining,” Toru said. “Fumi’s not here to stop me from torching your umbrella.”

Nina pouted, but said nothing.

“Kanakooo,” Natalia cooed. “After this, you, me, Loli Saga Fighters. I need to blow off some steam.”

Now it was the genie’s turn to pout. She folded her arms, rightfully ignoring the witchling. Something Clyde wished Seth would do.

“Only the royal pain in the ass would challenge someone not good at the game to bully,” Seth said. “You wouldn’t know a real challenge even if it bit you in the ear.”

“I do know a real challenge,” Natalia said, then stuck her tongue out. “Dummy, dummy blond. I can beat everyone.”

Seth chuckled. “Like Chika, who’s undefeated against you. Or—”

Kitome elbowed Seth in the stomach. “How old are you again, Seth? Because if you’re older than five, then focus on the matter at hand, idiot.”

“Let’s start walking,” Clyde said, annoyed. “Lead the way, oh great and unreliable empress.”

By the flinch, Lilith probably felt as if a giant arrow struck her heart. She let out a sigh.

“Sorry,” she said.

“My great plumbing snuggly man tool will forgive you this once,” Asu said.

“Somehow I doubt it,” Lilith said in a comedically tired voice. “Anyway, as soon as we leave the palace gates, we’ll take a right for the Nuyi Path. Stay on guard. Monsters in the wild this close to my palace are incredibly strong.” She smiled in a ditzy way. “Well, most of them are dormant. Adventurers usually go into their territories, caves, or dungeons to challenge them. The whole thing is a mess.”

Lilith started walking. Clyde shook his head and followed.

“You’re reminding me of how a catgirl treated us back in the earlier days,” Clyde said.

“Nyyaaaa,” Neko said obliviously as she tossed up a ball of yarn. He shot her a micro-glare, then just let it go. Neko being Neko. Nothing new there.

“Ow! Watch it, cat,” Alice said.

“Nya, sorry, Lady Alice,” Neko said, although there wasn’t a trace of remorse in her voice. The half demoness still seemed to forgive her though.

As soon as the party was out of the gate and on the forest path, Lilith slowed her walk to get alongside Clyde.

“Tonight, I need to speak with you,” she said. “As a new member of Team Stone, I want you to know that I fully acknowledge you as my owner.” Her eyes suddenly shined with lust, almost as if she wanted to drool. “And you own all of me.” Clyde nearly fell. “There are some things that you as a leader should know. There are things I know about Celestial that even your Entity friend wouldn’t tell you.” She winked. “I know things about the demon realm too.”

“And you’re actually going to tell me things without keeping it shrouded in mystery,” Clyde said. “Because believe me, since I’ve been here, I had more than enough of that.”

“Of course,” Lilith said. “I don’t give a damn about Celestial. Not that you should be surprised by that, given how many times they tried to kill me.” She sighed. “I’ll provide you an extra insight on whatever you need or ask.”

“What’s the catch?” Clyde asked.

“How about not kicking me off the team for starters?” she asked, then winked. Airi laughed. “I’d really like to undo the mess I’ve made with the world… but without any allies, I’m just a woman with magic and unreliable authority. Having an ally… a friend, would be nice for once.”

Clyde nodded. Natalia didn’t have anything to add, so he figured his relationship with Lilith was off to a decent start, a contrast from how everything began. The system seemed to agree.

“I’ll be your friend for sure,” Clyde said. “And yeah, fuck Celestial.” He and Lilith shared a laugh.

[Your relationship with Lilith has jumped to Friend, level 5.]

[You have receive the rare title: *Strange Friends*. The Watchers did not anticipate you forming a friendship with the Supreme Demon Lord.]

Ruri snuggled into Clyde’s side, walking with him, her love bold and strong.

“It continues to baffle me,” Lilith said.

“What’s baffling you?” Alice said.

“This,” Lilith said, gesturing at the team. “The princess and house head of Hades, one of the most powerful and feared clans of the demon realm. Tear, who’s supposed to be the next Supreme Demon Lord, but is still something greater.” She almost let the perverted face slip—the young man could tell. “Our goddess.”

Tear rolled her eyes. “Piss off already. Don’t try to trade me for another throne.”

Lilith bowed. “Sorry. But it can’t be helped. Do not pretend to not know why. Anyway, I promised Clyde not to bug you with that anymore. If you don’t mind me continuing. Along with Princess Alice and High Lady Tear, there’s Princess Ruri and even Princess Melody. Chika Tanaka…” Chika’s neutral expression didn’t change, showing how much she gave a fuck about the acknowledgement. “Since you’re the daughter of one of the powerful men in Yaponiya, you’d technically be a modern princess or noble woman.” She looked at Kanako, hunger in her eyes.

The young man needed to get used to that—a succubus empress radiated seduction, even if it was unintentional. She probably wanted to fuck almost the entire team, but wouldn’t act on it. Else he was sure Lilith would’ve already shown the signs in some way. In other words, an empress couldn’t lower herself to the level of a normal or uncivilized succubus. Uncivilized monster girl. He hadn’t heard the women use that term in some time. Maybe because they didn’t see as many of them in Lot City these days.

“A beautiful, amazing, and kind genie. Household Head Noona,” Lilith continued, “a magical girl. Yuk, the goddess of luck as they call her. I could go on, really.”

“Not something we haven’t heard before,” Toru said.

“I see,” Lilith said.

Just then, something leapt out of the bushes. There approached two standard lamia and a third from what appeared to be a subspecies. Behind them came twelve… goblin monster girls. And unlike their male counterparts, they all had the anime girl natural beauty.

“Well, I see we have company,” Lilith said. “What do you want?” Her eyes were on the lamia subspecies.

Uncoiled, Clyde predicted she’d rise to a height of at least fourteen feet. Her snake half was covered in bright green fur, matching her hair color. It made her seem fluffier and more huggable rather than threatening. An odd thought for the young man. At the beginning, when his powers were dormant, he wasn’t a fan of lamia.

Then again, being suddenly chased by a strange creature he knew nothing of could do that to a person. He analyzed her.

Ira

Level: 800

Type: northern lamia

Work under: Northern lamia hive

Special: Wrap and Tap! (If you get caught in that, well, who knows.)

Weakness: fire.

Resistances: forest, earth, and nature.

Secret: she lets the other lamia grab her tail for pleasure.

Clyde shot Lilith a blank stare. “So you just happened to have level eight hundred creatures living near your castle? And didn’t tell us, why?”

Lilith raised her hands in surrender, smiling sheepishly. “I kind of forgot they were this strong. They’re usually fighting with adventurers.”

“Turn around and leave this place,” Ira said.

“Or what?” Clyde and Lilith said in sync, voices threatening.

“Don’t try to steal my thunder,” Clyde said to the Supreme Demon Lord.

Lilith raised a finger. “No, no—you’re the one who’s stealing mine. I rule these lands, you know.”

“Rule these lands? Who are you again?” Ira said.

Lilith anime-fell to the side. Naoko gave the crestfallen demon lord a head pat. Matsume didn’t hold back, laughing.

“Either move and let us through or die,” Kiko said. “We’ve faced way worse things than you.”

“So you will not take our warning,” Ira said. The accent in her voice was becoming apparent. “Intruding on our territory has—”

“Now, now, no need to resort to violence,” Clyde said as he walked up to the lamia. “We can talk this over. Besides, we really don’t have time for this.”

She seemed taken aback as he stood face to face with her without a hint of fear in him. Then the young man saw her eyes briefly flash with lust, indicating the losing battle against the urges.

[Your party has entered combat!]

Before Clyde could try talking with her again, one of the other lamia shouted, “Kill them!”

“Great power, power that’s all for me, Erupting Darkness!” Dark shouted, unleashing his energy.

[Dark activated Special Tier skill: Mass Erupting Darkness.]

[Critical! All enemies are stunned.]

[Ira’s HP has dropped to 900%.]

Clyde shook his head. “No, seriousl—”

“Let me talk to her, great lord,” Asu said, but she slipped on something, pushing Clyde forward into the lamia. Clyde instinctively grabbed at something. Ira let out a loud moan, then slumped forward, breathing huskily. Silence, which helped the young man to clear the fuzziness out of his head and assess the situation.

Of course, he was holding Ira’s tail. Why wouldn’t he be? His other hand was… dangerously close to her skirt.

Lamia girls wore clothes. Clyde would have to make sure the naked myth never got spread again.

“Should I take you in the air, dangle you upside down, and let the world see?” Clyde asked. “Or will you let us pass without any of this bullshit? I just cleaned my weapons.”

“I know, right?” Alice said. “It’s not easy getting bloodstains and monster goo off Hellbreaker.”

“Nyaaa, I’d rather nap,” Neko said.

“None… none of you people are taking us seriously,” Ira said. “With your power levels… wait… your power levels are so vastly different.”

“By the way, that one right there,” Clyde said pointing at a teary-eyed Lilith, still sitting on the ground, comedically depressed. “That’s the Supreme Demon Lord.”

Clyde finally got the desired response—the lamia going pale. “Yep, your empress. I’m just going to assume you’re a civilized bunch since you know, you didn’t try to—”

“Why are you blocking this path?” Harumi asked.

“It… it’s our job,” Ira said. Clyde released her tail, which caused her to let out an involuntary grunt. “Our orders were to block the Nuyi Path until the main guard took the queen onto the secondary path. We cannot allow anyone to get near her.”

“Fair enough,” Clyde said. “Well, here’s the new rule. We’re on our way to a village north of here. You’ll be coming with us as an escort of the Supreme Demon Lord herself.” He turned to Lilith. “I wonder if using your name will get me whatever I want in this kingdom.”

“Please don’t,” Lilith said, voice tired. She stood, allowing the playfulness to morph into seriousness. “Do you understand, Ira?”

The lamia nodded twice, eyes teary.

“Good.” Lilith turned to Ira’s group. “Get out of here. Tell your queen what happened. My spies will be watching, so don’t lie.” Lilith narrowed her eyes. “Well, destroying your village will probably not be enough to satisfy my wrath.”

The group nodded and then scampered off.

[The battle was cancelled.]

“I haven’t… had alone time with a lamia in ages,” Lilith said. She cleared her throat. “Anyway, let’s go. You lazy cats could use the exercise anyway.”

“Nya, who are you calling a lazy cat?” Chesire asked.

“What she said,” Neko said.

Lilith smiled then continued forward, making sure to stick by Clyde’s side. Ira reluctantly followed, although nervous. The young man wondered if she knew of the Supreme’s reputation with wanting to fuck everything in sight.

Clyde glanced back to check on Su Yang. She couldn’t do anything against his soul bond, but Tear and Chika still walked at her side. Those two wouldn’t take any chances.

Forty minutes passed without incident, just conversations between the group and Lilith’s sense of humor colliding with Yuki and Airi’s. Someone was standing several meters ahead of them, arms folded, eyes closed. So much aura flowed around this person… At first, the young man could’ve sworn an older woman stood before them. But as they closed the distance, her appearance became clear. A… loli with her blonde hair done in a bun. She wore a simple white dress, sandals, and something about her… felt… off.

“Oh—holy fuck,” Lilith said. The loli opened her eyes in that anime way that always made a scene or character decision dramatic. Clyde almost rolled his eyes.

“It couldn’t be,” Tear said, her voice taking on an extremely rare lack of confidence.

“Uh oh,” Melody said, seeming as if she wanted to cry.

“It seems like my idiotic son didn’t teach you a thing before he died,” the loli said, looking directly at Alice.

Alice was paler than purity itself.

“Who’s the kid?” Clyde asked.

“That is Highness’s and Tear’s grandmother,” Natalia said.

“What the fuck—Alice’s grandmother is a loli?” Clyde asked, eye twitching at the trope.

“Well, slut… I mean Supreme, I have to say, dropping by your place wasn’t a waste of my time after all,” she said. “I bet Queen Cora saw me coming and tried to warn you. That old coot. Nudging her head into our politics in an attempt to gain some influence. I wouldn’t be surprised if the milk in her breasts is drier than the demon desert’s hottest sands.”

Clyde felt real power emitting from the loli as she walked toward them.

“Should… should we run?” Melody asked Tear.

“No,” Tear said, her voice in surrender. “Let’s show Grandmother we’ve grown up.”

The grandmother chuckled. “Good. She still knows that just because I’m old doesn’t mean I lost my speed. Or my ability to slam a fist into the jaws of you whipper-snappers.”

Seth groaned.

Natalia hissed at him. “Shut it, dummy blond,” she said.

“Well, what are you waiting for, Alice?” the loli said as she continued forward. “Tell your friend there to defend himself or he’s dead.”

Clyde’s eyes widened as he dodged a kick that he could barely see. Good thing mystic senses ran on autopilot.

Bright blue light emitted around her legs and feet. Wind and energy were released from that attack, blasting numerous trees.

“So you aren’t just fooling around with my granddaughter,” the loli said, still midair.

“Grandmother, stop it,” Alice said.

The loli ignored her as she landed and started for Clyde.

“What happened to making cookies?” Clyde said, gaining a blank stare from the women. He shrugged. Natalia hopped off his back and placed her body between the young man and the grandmother.

“You will not touch our fiancée,” Natalia said. “Besides, Alice is pregnant.”

The blonde loli fainted.

“Well, that came out of the bag,” Clyde said.

“Natalia…” Alice sighed. “Let’s scoop her up. The village is just ahead. We can ask them about the chimaera while’s she’s out.”

Lilith chuckled. “The hag never changes.”

Episode 77 (Part 4)

The moment Clyde and his party reached the town, a disturbing demand came from a loli that was supposed to be asleep.

“Chop it off… chop it oooofff. Chop it off.”

Clyde and the men turned to look, on guard for instinctual reasons, when the loli’s eyes shot open.

“CHOP IT OFF. I will kill that rapist, defiling bastard! How dare he take away my granddaughter’s future!”

She started to get up, but Lilith delivered her a whack on the head.

“Calm down, you old fart,” Lilith barked. The loli grandmother glared then flinched as she looked around, as if realizing for the first time she was in front of a lot of people. The staring townsfolk ahead excluded.

She cleared her throat. “Pardon me.”

Clyde and the others nearly fell. Harumi facepalmed softly.

“Grandmother, what are you doing here?” Alice asked.

The loli stared at them for a moment before speaking. “Before I get into that, let me introduce myself. I’m Nila Hades, High Elder of our family.”

“They let preschoolers be elders?” Seth asked, shaking his head. “I can see where the problem starts.”

Everyone, including Clyde, looked at Seth with an open mouth. Nila’s face turned three shades of purple, before she placed her hand on her head.

“I’m far too old to be getting that angry,” she said. “I forget humans don’t have the capacity to understand a supernatural being. Just be thankful I’m not killing you this once for such insolence. Cross me again and I’ll rip out your heart, you brainless mortal.”

Now it was Seth’s turn to stare agape.

“The words coming from children’s mouths these days,” Seth blabbed.

“Seth, don’t,” Alice said.

“Dummy blond, shut up,” Natalia snapped, but it was too late.

The blond continued. “Someone give this toddler her milky before she goes on another tantrum. Yeah, that’s what we needed. To lose time from our mission because some four-year-old baby comes charging out of the woods crying.”

“I’MA KILL ‘IM,” Nila yelled, eyes glowing with power.

As the others held the raging loli-granny back, Clyde turned to Seth. Humor seemed to dance through the young man’s eyes, but as much as he wanted to laugh, they needed to get a move on.

“Seth, while you’re not wrong, you are contributing to more wasted time,” Clyde said. With both hands, he made a gesture indicating for the blond to tone things down.

Suddenly Nila broke free of her restrainers.

“YOU FOOLS,” she yelled. Green aura radiated around her, adding a threatening atmosphere to her fury. “I will kill this human. He’ll make a fine example to why disrespecting a High Elder—”

“Oooh, monologuing,” Seth said, his voice mocking. “I’m so terrified of the rampaging child.” He chuckled. “Look, I apologize for being… an ass. Let’s call it a truce.” He winked. “I’ll even address you by High Elder Lady whatever.”

Everyone looked at Seth again with wide eyes, mouths open.

“He… has no fear of death,” Nila said. Her eyes glowed red. “Fine! I’ll show him.”

Her aura expanded until it covered the entirety of the area. Clyde noticed her fangs, which somehow made her more adorable than frightening. She condensed her power into a fist, lurching toward Seth as a bringer of death. The blond playfully held his hands up in surrender but grew nervous when Nila continued toward him.

She launched a fist that could effortlessly destroy an entire mountain rage. Something made her eyes widen.

Clyde sighed, his finger blocking an attack that she probably calculated to have enough power to wipe out the majority of Team Stone. Too bad the loli had no idea who they faced. Even worse was that she hadn’t noticed the giga-inferno of power within the young man until now. He knew by the look on her face.

Alice’s grandmother wasn’t a pushover—Clyde could tell by her levels being question marks.

“So… you got my granddaughter pregnant,” Nila said, the paleness of being outmatched by a quadrillion and more, soaking deeper into her realization. If she made a move on the young man, he’d finish her off with a single attack. With his finger. But Clyde didn’t want to fight with his fiancée’s grandmother.

No, she presented an opportunity to further his connections where Tear and Noona couldn’t touch. Someone with a strong influence on even the demon realm. A new chance to increase the logistical strength of Team Stone. Sure, Lilith joined, which exponentially increased it, but this was a blood relative of Alice. He would be seen as favoring neither Celestial, the demon realm, or anywhere else. An image like this could be useful in the future.

Clyde blinked. When the hell had he gained this kind of ambition? Yep, he was definitely still tired from the Punishment Squad fight.

“Sure did,” Clyde said. He gave her a Gin smile unintentionally as he leaned over to her. “I know you have a lot of questions to ask. Who this young whipper-snapper is, who these people around her are, and so on. We’re limited on time right now, so the short version is that we’re Team Stone. And I would greatly appreciate it if you didn’t attack one of mine.” Nila swallowed. “Good.” He stood tall, facing Alice. “Alice, your granny’s not so bad. She’s definitely not scary. Quite the opposite, actually. I can see through her, why you’re so damn strong.”

“Well, of course she’s strong,” Nila said with smug pride, placing fist on hips, nose high into the air. “I gave her the best damn training a demon could ask for in her youth.” She sighed. “Her idiot father was way too strict on her diet though.” She walked over to Alice, causing her to flinch. “Your ambient diet… so many sweets.” She glared at Alice, then turned to Tear. The half-demoness blushed.

“Don’t look at me,” Tear said. “We make sure her diet’s proper, but nothing can stop her night raids. If you knew how many chocolate stashes she had, you’d lose your mind.”

Nila continued toward the town. “You kids finish your business. I’ll be in the café.”

Alice blinked. “You’re not coming with us, Grandmother?”

The loli smiled sheepishly. “My back hurts.” She spawned a walking cane and continued forward. It… looked awkward seeing a loli walk with a cane.

Clyde and the team nearly anime-fell to the side.

“To hear those words from a kid,” Tessa said softly. Clyde nodded his agreement.

“Seth, you were always questionable, but wow,” Airi said. “You really do have no fear. That and you clearly don’t know anything about the Hades Elders.”

“When you spend as much time putting up with the smarmy crap of Natalia on a daily basis, you become desensitized to the threats of any pint-sized, name-calling, threat-spitters,” Seth said.

The loli-witch stuck her tongue out at him.

“I’m not expecting a dummy blond to be able to grasp the severity of a situation,” Natalia said. “Dummy blond will always be that. A dummy blond. It would be wise to obtain some manners for once. Onii-sama won’t be here to save you every time.”

Seth sighed. “Maybe you’re right.”

“Huh?” Natalia said, a little surprised that the argument didn’t continue into bickering like usual.

Seth started into the town. “Come on, let’s go. We’ve got a lot of people to talk to. I’m not sure if they will actually answer our questions.”

“Good point there,” Sazuki said. “Let’s split up.”

Everyone looked to Clyde. He sighed.

“Just keep an eye on the men. Especially Toru.” Clyde said. Toru glared. Clyde laughed, patted his shoulder, then followed Seth. “Let’s go.”

[Area unlocked: Nuyi Town, Monster Kingdoms.]

The young man delayed the splitting anyway…

The town wasn’t much, but still felt modern enough. Clyde saw little vehicles, as all natives being either monster girl or monster, many of them seemed have alternative methods of travel which included flying, Jumping, running or walking, slithering, and even hopping several meters at once. That last one being courteous of a frog monster girl. There weren’t many inhabitants.

Ira, the lamia they forced to “escort” them, began a bathroom dance. Clyde could see that Lilith, with lusty eyes, was about to volunteer to take her, but he quickly intervened.

“Amina, Kanako, mind if I ask you to… escort Ira to the bathroom?” Clyde asked.

Ira blushed. “Sorry…”

“It’s okay,” Kanako said. “Let’s try that store ahead.”

Amina sighed. “This is what the deck leader of the Stone gets reduced to.”

“You could always just say no,” Clyde said, chuckling. “Requests aren’t orders. I’m no dictator.”

“I know,” Amina said. “I’m still going to take every opportunity to remind you—”

“Deck leader?” Dark said.

“Don’t barge into their conversation, idiot,” Myriad said, pulling the chuuni away. “It’s rude.”

“Oh come on, the great lord of the dark—ow! What was that for?” Dark said.

Clyde gave a small nod of thanks to Myriad before addressing Amina again.

“We’ll discuss this later,” Clyde said. “The snake girl’s about to explode.”

“I’ll make sure we talk about this again,” Amina said.

While the three women started toward the grocery store, Clyde said, “Lilith, start getting your people to answer questions. It’s not like they’re going to care what we have to say.”

“Should we try the bars first?” Airi said. “Every adventurer knows that’s where the juiciest information and rumors float.”

Matsume grinned. “That sounds like one hell of a plan to me.”

“Only the drunks would want this plan,” Natalia said.

“I don’t know, Airi kind of has a point,” Seth said. “You don’t like the idea because you won’t be allowed inside. We can drop you off at the nearest daycare.”

Clyde strained against both laughter and the annoyance flooding through his veins.

“You two, this is your last warning,” Clyde said before Natalia could quip. He made sure his eyes glowed for effect.

“You’re like their father,” Tear said. “Bickering kids, constantly fighting. Not that I don’t find it amusing sometimes. It shows how much they love each other.”

“Tear, if I had to choose between…” Seth paused his sentence when Clyde gave him a glare. “Never mind.”

“Instead of the bar,” Lilith said, taking over the conversation, “let’s talk to the mayor and the town guard.”

“Guards, help!” someone yelled. “Thief! He has my necklace. Ooh, if I catch you, I’ll turn you into a jar and smash it to bits!”

The team turned to see a lizardman running from a girl with brown racoon dog-ears and tail. That combo… a tanuki girl! Clyde knew a little of the legends but hadn’t expected to see one on the first day of visiting the Monster Kingdoms. Right in the open of a small town.

The adorable monster girls in uniform chased down the lizardman but couldn’t catch him. They appeared to be dog-like monster girls but with brown fur on their legs, and droopy ears. They… were incredibly slow compared to Ruri and Matsume.

Clyde analyzed one of them.

Kobold: Sheela

Level: 83

Type: Monster

Work under: Nuyi Town Guard

Special: fireball.

Weakness: lightning.

Resistances: none.

Secret: wants the easy life of being taken care of and leashed by a master. Is secretly jealous of non-monster dogs with loving owners.

Nearly every analyze brought the young man a strange secret. This discouraged him from using the skill on his friends. Well, that and he decided to run the team through trust. They fought both the heavens and hells together. Lilith would be excluded from this until the team spent more time around her. The same went for Chesire. And if Su Yang came around, she’d be under his secret surveillance until the bond of trust established itself.

“Oh for fucks sake,” Lilith said. She teleported in front of the lizard thief. One light chop to the face, and the show ended. “You don’t even have weapons… Oh no… you’re here for cuteness.” She sighed. “One of you kobolds will take me to the mayor. It has to be one of my lilim daughters.”

“You have kids?” Melody said.

“They’re not my actual children,” Lilith said. “Similar to how Venus chose Tessa, I did the same thing with a few incredibly gifted succubi. They were to govern a few lands and keep watch on things. It seems like one of them decided to take a lazy life.”

“Who are you?” Sheela, the kobold asked.

“I am your empress,” Lilith said, allowing her aura to show.

“We have an empress?”

Teary-eyed, Lilith anime fell backward. Matsume laughed.

“Honestly, this is what I get for leaving this town alone,” Lilith said. “My own lilim daughter didn’t establish my law. High crime rate, judging by a broad daylight robbery attempt, poorly trained guards, and no push for innovation. This will remain a stagnant small town forever if I don’t intervene.” She turned to the kobold. “Come on. Get me to the mayor or you’ll end up like that lizardman. Cuffs and all.”

“Yes!” Sheela said, terrified. “Follow me please… er… Empress.”

“Supreme Demon Lord,” Matsume said. “More like—”

“You’re the Supreme?” Sheela said, eyes widened.

“The one and only,” Lilith said. “Now let’s go. Your friend can take that one to jail.” She paused. “On second thought. Lord Clyde, do you mind if one of the team helps her toss that idiot into the slammer?”

Clyde shrugged. “Dark, Yusuke. I’ll leave it to you. Help the cute kobold girl.”

“I’m going too,” Undine said. The young man briefly wondered if that was a slip of jealousy. Yusuke’s future wife was ten thousand times more beautiful than the kobold girl. Then again, she was like his partner in crime. A waste on him…

“You can count on the great lord of the dark,” Dark blabbed. The silent kobold gave the tanuki girl her necklace, gaining a soft thanks. “Bird brain, don’t cause any trouble.”

Myriad gave Dark the finger. Natalia, knowing no better, imitated her.

“Don’t bully Myr Myr,” the loli-witch said. “Baka chuuni.”

“That kid just flipped me off,” Dark said, then laughed. “I was flipped off by a loli. Awesome. I mean, you will reap the day you insulted the great lord of the dark. When I take over this world, you’ll be my footstool. Well, maybe not.” Clyde could tell he attempted an FBI check, but Tetra was already giving him the look.

Dark sighed. “Never mind. Let’s get the lizard in the clink.”

Alice gave Natalia a nice dose of paper fan.

“Ow!” Natalia said. “Harumi—”

“Don’t make such a gesture again,” Alice said. “It’s crude and beneath you. Unless you want to grow up to be an ugly savage.”

“I’m not an ugly savage,” Natalia whined, eyes teary.

“Good,” Alice said. “No more middle fingers.”

When Alice turned around, Natalia flipped her off and stuck her tongue out. Clyde involuntarily burst into laughter, Airi with him. Harumi sighed.

Alice, taking the hint, caught the loli with telekinesis.

“Pardon me, while I take this one to see Grandmother,” Alice said with a nice Gin smile on her face.

Natalia looked terrified. “Onii-chan, help! Harumi! Alice is bullying me.”

But no matter how hard the loli tried, she couldn’t break from Alice’s telekinetic hold. Holy shit. Tear was now holding on to Natalia’s golden staff.

“I’m almost sad to miss that spanking,” Tear said, then covered her mouth, faking shame.

Clyde chuckled. “Let’s get to the mayor’s place.” He pulled Tear and Harumi close.

Episode 77 (Part 5)

Late afternoon…

Nuri Town, Monster Kingdoms…

The encounter with the lilim began with, “Who are you again?”

So while Lilith sat in a corner across the main room, depressed, Tear stepped up to ask the questions. And of course was recognized, since the lilim turned out to be one of her former competitors for the Supreme throne.

“My own chosen daughter doesn’t recognize me,” Lilith whined, eyes teary. Matsume could barely get off the floor, her laughter causing Tear to snap at her. She still snickered while watching the succubus queen wallow in her sadness. Clyde almost felt bad for her.

Airi pat the young man’s shoulder. She smiled at him when he looked at her.

“This is far from how I imagined things,” Airi said.

“No kidding,” Clyde said. “I thought Lilith ruled everything with an iron fist.”

“And any monster girl that hears her name, crumbles down to their knees in fear?” Airi finished. She sighed, turning to the mopey succubus in the corner. “When was the last time you actually visited your people? Not just the towns you let be.”

“I visit the major cities plenty,” Lilith said. “It’s only been one hundred and fifty years since I last made a tour.”

Clyde and Airi both facepalmed. Yuki shook her head.

“You’re… so out of touch with your own people,” Chika said. Even Noona facepalmed. More depression aura crashed onto Lilith.

“Maybe I should’ve stayed home with the Stone Maidens,” Asu said. “My image of a graceful, strong, amazing Supreme Demon Lord destined to be penetrated and destroyed by my great lord of the long dong gods is shattered now.”

Clare snorted, causing Clyde to feel his face warm.

“Where’s Chizuru?” Clare asked. “I’ve got a few things to ask her.”

“Over here,” Chizuru said.

“Where are your henchmen?” Clare asked.

“Friends,” Chizuru corrected. “Stone’s Hammers. And I left them back to help out the maidens. I… can’t help but be paranoid ever since the Punishment Squad actually attacked us. The added numbers should at least help them escape if something happens.”

“Worrywart,” Clare said. She grinned at the other woman. “Anyway, off to the side with me. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask.”

“If you’re wondering what happened to Researcher Tizen, Tear sent him to… futa prison,” Chizuru said. She shuddered.

“No, not that,” Clare said, nearly tripping, blush faint. “Geeze.”

Clyde expected the adventure quest update whenever Tear gave him the rundown of the interrogation. Then they could finally put a rest to the Order of the Crusaders. Something that was probably easier said than done.

Clyde returned to Tear’s side. The succubi were chatting with Gin smiles, disguising threats as seemingly friendly banter. The price of checking up on the team’s well-being seemed to present itself as a bill nearly instantly. The debt of not finding out anything about a chimaera only growing heavier. Fortunately, Harumi, Yuki, Melody, and Ming gathered around, forcing her to get back on topic. It didn’t stop Tear’s smug look, which only served to piss off the lilim mayor. Clyde took over the conversation, so they’d get correct answers. The lilim immediately seemed WAY too interested in what the young man had to say. Her eyes shined with lust, a slight blush appearing on her face.

“I know this is probably a bad time for us to barge in on you like this,” Clyde said, “but we’d really like your help….”

“Ella,” the lilim said. “There was one chimaera girl that lived in an apartment complex a mile or two from here.” She raised an eyebrow. “I’m not sure if she’s still there, but what do you want with her?”

“We have questions and an offer for her,” Clyde said. He thought of the chances of her being civilized ahead of time. It would severely hurt Team Stone’s image if they razed the house of an innocent woman and robbed her. Tear confirmed that monster girls could grow back their horns with no problem but convincing them to part with a piece of themselves presented a brand-new challenge.

Ella yawned, and clapped her hands once, which pulled in the attention of a kobold guard.

“Escort our guests to the last known location of the chimaera girl,” Ella said. “I’m already late for my nap.”

“Nya, she knows how to properly live,” Neko said.

“I think someone needs retraining, nya,” Ako said.

“You really are as lazy as ever,” Lilith said as she walked over to the lilim. Then her aura exploded into existence, shaking the city, maybe the earth as those eyes shifted from playfulness to serious. Ella gulped, then dropped to her knees, bowing deeply. Just like that, all of it went away until the group stood in silence. “Good, there is a shred of respect left in you.” The succubus empress gave her a cheerful smile. “If the information you gave us turns out to be wrong, I will destroy you and this town.”

“It—it’s not, Empress…” Ella said. She pointed at Clyde. “Who could lie to someone as delicious and fuckable as him?”

Clyde anime-fell to the side. Harumi gave Asu a look, daring her to say something. The lich simply shrugged, smiling.

“Excellent,” Lilith said cheerfully. “We’ll be off now. Oh, and one more thing.” She turned back to Ella. “I want innovation in this town within two years. Else I’ll cut more than just the budget, if you know what I mean.”

Lilith started toward the door, leaving everyone in shock at the demeanor change. No one could walk all over her.

“You know if I had just a shred more confidence, I’d go for her,” Seth told Toru, elbowing him. The brown-haired noble shot him a micro glare.

“You’d go for anything with a vagina,” Toru quipped.

Clyde nodded to Ella. “Thanks for helping us. And uh, don’t worry about Lilith. You’ll be fine…”

Ella’s eyes were starry as she blushed heavily. Long silver hair, glistening red eyes, and the anime succubus beauty defined her appearance. In addition to that, she was shorter than Harumi, with an average bust and a succubus tail that matched her hair color. Her elegant short dress, which looked as if it was constructed from the essence of money, would let anyone know they stared at the town’s noble.

“Can’t have this one,” Asu said. “He’s ours. That includes his plunger of—”

Clyde grabbed the lich’s hand, pulling her. “Thanks again and take care.”

When Clyde stepped outside, he saw Alice returning with a teary-eyed Natalia. She immediately anime-dove into Harumi’s breasts.

“They bullied me,” Natalia said.

“I take it you’ve got the location,” Alice said.

“It’s a start,” Harumi said, “but we’re not sure if she’s still in the apartment complex. Or if it’s still there.”

“Oh, it’s there alright,” Lilith said. “That lazy, no-good lilim would never innovate nor destroy buildings. She probably spends the yearly budget on food and clothing. Maybe male strippers.”

“Male strippers in the Monster Kingdoms?” Airi asked.

“Okay, maybe that’s too far,” Lilith said. “Unless she travels to the human nation.” She continued toward the direction Ella gave. “A block or two from here, right?”

“Yep,” Clyde said, following. Alice hurried to his side. Natalia hopped on his back.

The walk took roughly fifteen minutes, but it led to what Clyde half-expected based on the appearance of the town. A two-story rundown building that looked as if sneezing on it would cause it to crumble. Three police officers, all kobolds, walked toward them.

“Sorry, this place is off limits until tomorrow.”

“Don’t get in our way,” Lilith said. “And you will respect your Supreme Demon Lord.” Lilith’s aura surfaced again.

The officers froze, shock on their faces, as if someone diagnosed them with a deadly disease. Less than a moment later, the trio simultaneously bowed.

“S—sorry! This place is really dangerous right now,” one of the kobolds said. “The millions of tri-insects that are in there are set to migrate in the morning.”

“I thought there were people living in this complex,” Lilith said.

“Oh no, they were forced to move out a couple of months ago, Supreme,” the officer said.

Lilith let out a suffering sigh. “That incompetent mayor…”

“I sure hope your other daughters aren’t like this,” Alice said.

Lilith shrugged. “I thought Ella would grow up being given responsibilities, but I guess I was wrong. Let’s call it a day for now, if you don’t mind. My servants should have the data we’re looking for in the morning. They’ll be leagues more reliable than this lot.” She stomped toward the direction of where Alice’s grandmother awaited. “I’ll go get the hag. Then we can Jump out of here.”

“You guys go ahead of me,” Airi said. “Except Matsume and Harumi. I need your help for an… additional investigation.”

Clyde gave her a look.

“Harumi’s with us,” Airi said smugly, then raised a finger. “You don’t have to worry about any drinking.”

“Aw,” Matsume said, disappointed.

Airi winked. “Lilith’s loaded. She’s bound to have something amazing in her pantry.”

Matsume nodded, then grinned. “Good point.”

Ruri and Harumi facepalmed softly.

When Lilith returned with Nila, Tear began to initiate the Jump.

“Wait,” Lilith said, pulling Clyde, Seth, and Toru to the side. Yusuke, Undine, and Dark just happened to be rejoining the group at the time. “You two come as well. I have a job for the men.”

“What are you up to, succubus?” Ruri asked. “And don’t try to lie. I’m very good at smelling bullshit.”

Lilith’s smile widened. “It’s true. I think what Airi’s doing is a good idea. Running a separate investigation, that is. I figured, why not do the same?” She sighed. “I know this will sound like I’m flattering you, but any of you would draw attention, you know, being very attractive. The only reason why I’m going is to make sure a few of them don’t fail this task by being idiotic.” She looked at Dark. He flinched.

“Don’t look at me, it’s not like the great lord of the dark has a bird brain,” Dark said. “And I’m certainly not an idiot.”

Lilith said. “I wasn’t suggesting you’re an idiot. Your zipper’s down.” She chuckled.

Everyone anime-fell to the side, excluding Lilith.

Dark quickly corrected himself. Myriad of course took the opportunity to get herself a good laugh at his expense.

“Zip shit,” Myriad said.

“You…” Dark seemed to have run out of words.

Tear raised her hand, allowing a surge of magic to flow through it. “You’ll give me the juicy details in bed tonight.” She winked at Clyde. Dark’s mouth went agape.

Tessa sighed. “Jump us already. No need to announce everything to the world.”

“But she’s right. He’s the—”

The jump commenced, cutting Asu off.

Airi, Harumi, and Matsume had already taken off, leaving Clyde and the other men with Lilith and a mystery plan.

“What could you possibly want?” Seth asked. “Besides insulting us again.”

Lilith waved that comment away. “Was I wrong? That group of ladies will grab the attention of anyone they pass by. Anyway, when I went inside the café to pick up the hag, I overheard something quite interesting from a conversation of two hobgoblins. Let me say, they were quite handsome.” She licked her lips. Toru shot her a blank stare. “There’s a place on the edge of town that will present the perfect opportunity to ask the locals questions about the chimaera.”

“Why us specifically?” Clyde asked. “I can’t blame Ruri for imagining the most lewd thing possible.”

“Like a gangbang?” Lilith said, then laughed.

Dark blushed. “The great lord of the dark does not have sex with other men in the room,” he said.

“For once, you’re speaking my language,” Seth said to the chuuni. “This isn’t a porn flick.”

Lilith laughed. “Come on, follow me.”

Clyde and the others did so. The walk lasted for what felt like fifteen to twenty minutes. The young man kept his senses expanded to make sure none of the other girls followed, including Airi and her group.

The ended up at a medium-sized building, an unremarkable place really, titled The Wiggly Tongue. He could hear muffled music coming from it. A bar or club, open earlier than one would expect, but the succubus queen was definitely onto something.

Clyde figured he’d do fine in a conversation which could lead to eventual answers to cleverly placed questions. Same for Seth and Toru. The young man looked at Dark. Ugh… He gave Lilith a skeptical glare. There was just no way. Otherwise she wouldn’t have invited the chuuni.

He had rare times where he’d drop the act, but this sure as shit wouldn’t be one of those instances. Ah well. A club with monsters and monster girls. How bad could it be?

Lilith smiled at the bouncer, whose eyes widened in recognition.

“Holy shit, someone actually recognizes you,” Seth blabbed, causing Lilith to anime-fall to the side. “Sorry. Don’t get depressed now, I meant that in a victory sense or something.”

Lilith sighed, eyes teary. “The mean things you people say to me. I have feelings too, you know.

“Right this way, Great Empress,” the muscular… bouncer said. He was a tall, green, muscular man who looked as if he bench-pressed cities for a living. A strong jawline too. His nose piercing made the young man have a suspicion about his race. A quick analysis solved the mini riddle.

Orc: John.

Level: 320.

Type: Monster.

Work under: N/A.

Special: Fire Crush Fist.

Weakness: ice.

Resistances: earth, wind, dark.

Secret: really hates when people bring up the stereotypical big stupid ugly orc.

Lilith cheerfully led the small group inside. And all of their jaws dropped at what they saw. Multiple stages, monster girls dancing on them and around poles. Monster girls serving drinks. Monster girls taking male monsters into a private room for who knew what. Monster girls chatting up random men, keeping them company and absorbing some depression. The young man… had actually never been to a place like this. On Earth, one had to be twenty-one to enter. He was only turning twenty the next month. Satovia’s calendar was off, but his smartphone, which held Earthly information, still kept him on track a little.

Clyde turned to Lilith, whose smile widened. “Did you just bring us to a strip club?”

Lilith chuckled evilly. “The humans call it a strip club. This is just a normal club in the Monster Kingdoms. A club with perks enabled.”

“Rad,” Seth said.

“Yeah, what the hell,” Toru said. “I’m—”

“You’re not married yet,” Lilith interrupted. “Besides, there are plenty of married men in here. Anyway, if you want to wuss out, that’s fine, but try to think of the task at hand and get answers. Or is that pretty face for nothing?”

Toru muttered some choice words.

“Keep this between us,” Clyde said to the other men. Then he smirked. “Remember that time Seth was supposed to take us somewhere awesome. Well, let this be it.”

“Now that’s the spirit,” Lilith said, her lusty eyes inspecting a lamia.

“I… was kind of going to take us to a similar place,” Seth admitted. “But with human girls of course…” He chuckled. “Well, more of a club where the women count was higher—but this will work.” Clyde followed his eyes. They were on… what appeared to be a dark elf girl.

“Don’t forget to ask questions,” Clyde said. “And Dark, please don’t embarrass yourself.”

“Let me help him out,” Lilith said. “Lad—”

“I’ll be fine,” Dark said, storming off toward a random chair, eyes on the main stage.

Clyde couldn’t help but chuckle. What the hell had Lilith gotten them into? And why didn’t she do it sooner? No, wait, he shouldn’t think that way.

Then again, could he get away with having his cake and eating it? The only thing that bugged him was a group of three male monsters sitting in a corner, watching the party. Clyde could tell that Yusuke noticed. Good thing he could transform nearly instantly now. Sadly, Kitome wasn’t so lucky when it came to the transformation time aspect.

Episode 77 (Part 6)

Somewhere in a gray void of pure negative Ki…

“Hear my voice, you who serve, you who follow us. We are your Bright Ones. We house your soul, your life, your dignity, will, and future. Our tool. You who have learned your lesson and have obtained seven years of strength shall receive a gift. You may use it to enact vengeance. But first, prove yourself by escaping. Simply having the scepter isn’t enough. The golden dragon and its masters seemed to have drained it before leaving. You must find the source of magic west of here. You cannot miss it. It is a giant pillar of raw lime energy, a breath of this place, capable of tearing any soul that wonders into it to shreds. Harness the power. Our gift will return you to your place of death with her. Do not die again, else we will not respawn you. Harness the power and we will speak to you again…”

* * *

Late afternoon…

Nuri Town, Monster Kingdoms…

The Wiggly Tongue…

Clyde allowed himself to be entertained, although not without keeping an eye on a certain group of monsters that watched them. An orc, a hobgoblin, and… a vampire. That had to be the start of a bad bar joke.

[Would you like to tip the dancer? Yes or No.]

Clyde didn’t expect such a prompt, but he watched plenty of TV shows. But… the system was clearly fucking with him.

[Party pooper.]

He and Yusuke were currently sitting at the bar, just before the main stage. A nice and curvy beast kin woman, taking on some traits of a panda, mostly the ears and tail and a bit of fur, performed on a pole while looking at the duo with hungry eyes. Lusty eyes.

Just then, a sudden wave of heat dawned on the young man. The first thing Clyde thought was, who the fuck turned on the industrial heater?

“Hey there, delicious boys.”

Clyde and Yusuke turned to see an orange-haired woman with dark orange eyes, long dark red hair and light brown skin, and a dragon tail. But not just any dragon tail. It glowed with magical fire. At least the young man assumed so since it didn’t cause the club to go up in flames. The carpet seemed fine too.

In addition to the fire tail, the woman was surrounded in a dull orange aura. She… was naked, her breasts threatening to slap Clyde in the face. Or maybe burn it.

The analysis said everything.

Salamander: Sumi

Level: ???

Type: Monster.

Work under: N/A

Special: Incinerate. [Requires full Salamander form.]

Weakness: water.

Resistances: fire and all of its attributes.

Secret: she relentlessly pursues the person she wants to have wild sex with. Men without fire resistance are… probably in trouble.

Clyde moved to sit in the chair on the other side of Yusuke.

“That’s all you, bro,” he said, grinning.

“Bullshit,” Yusuke retorted, but he didn’t have to move. The salamander girl took the seat next to Clyde. “Now I feel insulted,” the ninja grumbled.

[Your Ki skill Reptilian Communication is at play. Your dragon blood continues to radiate an attractive aura for all dragonkin and their cousins. Sumi is… VERY interested in you.]

[Reptilian Communication, level 3. You may converse with and understand all reptilian animals and dragon races regardless of form. You may also influence their will. The higher you level this skill up, the more will you can exert. [Blue Ki] [Passive.]]

[Congratulations, Reptilian Communication has reached level 4!]

“Don’t be like that,” she said, then licked her lips. “Let’s get to know each other.” She smiled. “I’m Sumi.” She took a deep whiff of the young man before unveiling shining, lusty eyes. She offered a hand to shake.

“My name’s not important,” Clyde lied. Seeing how the prompt hinted at something quite obvious, he took a deep breath and accepted the handshake. Her hand was very warm, but not painfully hot. He didn’t prolong the handshake to find out if the heat increased.

“Let me take you to the back—on me,” she said, reaching for the young man. “We’ll have a better… more intimate chat.”

Yusuke snickered. “Is that wood I smell burning?”

Clyde nearly fell backward. He waved at a nearby hornet girl. “Hey, my friend here could use some stinging, if you know what I mean. And he’s paying.”

The hornet licked her lips and grinned, hurrying toward the ninja before he could pull a vanishing act.

As he was pulled away by Sumi, Yusuke was dragged by the hornet, his excuses and demands not working.

Clyde… noticed juices leaking from the Salamander’s leg. And upon touching the floor, it sizzled, and a little smoke popped into existence. Possible fireproof material? That didn’t matter—he sure as shit had no intention of rolling the dice for what appeared to be a fucking painful gamble.

The salamander nearly slammed him on the large couch in the private room as she frantically attempted to rip Clyde’s clothes off.

“I need this,” she said.

Clyde held her back with level ten telekinesis. And he watched his MP drop. Wow, maxed out useful skills were a bitch sometimes. He’d have to make this quick or risk getting his manhood the volcano treatment. It wasn’t like he’d run, make a scene, and get banned from the club. Or embarrass Team Stone. But burned meat wasn’t an option either.

“Release me,” she said. “Fuck me!”

<Clyde accessed Blue Ki.>

<Passive, Reptilian Communication, level 4 of 5. Influence!>

“I could send you on the greatest cumming trip of your life,” Clyde said in a teasing manner, “but you’d have to answer a question first. Don’t worry, it’s nothing invasive. Just a type of monster girl I’m curious about.”

The salamander tilted her head. “That’s it? Fine, what do you want to know?” She wiped away… drool? The flow of the juices slightly increased.

“Do you know where I can find a chimaera?” Clyde said. “Apparently one lived in this town, but was forced to move out of her apartment complex due to insect issues.”

A hint of recognition lit in Sumi’s eyes.

“Ah, Mitski,” she said, placing a finger on her chin. “Didn’t she move to the big city a month ago? Lilus, I think. She often talked about business and investments, but hated our mayor. Not that I can blame her.” She shrugged. “Rumor says the mayor wastes our town’s budget in here and sex toys—both plastic and real.”

Clyde let the information process. Lilith’s call was right. But…

“Do you have her new address?”

“I wish,” Sumi said. “Mitski just up and left.”

“Dammit,” Clyde said. He wasn’t sure if “Empress” Lilith would be able to get the chimaera’s address. And what if she refused to give up a horn, regardless of the payment offered? It would certainly mean he dragged his team on the adventure quest for nothing.

He sighed. This quest was quite difficult or frustrating at the very least.

Clyde noticed his MP getting dangerously low, giving him no choice but to stop his telekinesis. However, that didn’t stop him from exerting his Ki.

[Your MP has dropped to 75% of 780%.]

[Your Ki has dropped to 335% of 400%.]

Sumi, who was in the air, fell to the ground with a nice thud. She grunted. Any normal person would’ve taken that opportunity to leave, but Clyde had a better idea. Time to break out a skill he rarely had to use.

[Clyde activated Ki Exchange.]

[Ki Exchange: Type: neutral. Class: epic. Convert unused Ki to HP or MP.]

[Your Ki has dropped to 135% of 400%.]

[Your MP has increased to 275% of 780%.]

With MP back in his tanks, he activated his Energy Materialize ability to form a large floating phallic-shaped object.

“You wanted to cum beyond your dreams,” Clyde said, chuckling. “I’m keeping that promise.”

He used telekinesis to turn the salamander to the proper side. Good thing she was already naked, saving him the MP of pulling down any panties.

“Aren’t you going to come get me, big boy?” she asked, grinning smugly at Clyde. Of course his manhood would be up. “You know you want me. Besides, I haven’t had sex in six years. I keep flirting with shy virgins, who run away.”

Clyde shook his head. “Are you even aware of your natural aura? They weren’t running away because of being shy.” He facepalmed. “You’re a salamander. Anyone without fire resistance will be cooked and burned alive if they tried to so much as cuddle with you.”

Sumi tilted her head. “Really? You know, it’s really easy to forget that trait. Sometimes the chase is too fun. The disappointment comes when they get away. Some even believe water can stop us.” She sighed. “We bathe daily you know. A little heated water is nothing.”

Clyde shot the woman a blank stare. “You… And I’m pretty sure boiling water is fun for no one. Now open those legs.” He grinned. She shrugged.

“Are you coming—oooumghf.”

Clyde shoved the energy dildo into her and started a fierce motion that left the salamander nearly breathless as she moaned. Good thing the music blasted loudly enough to cover her voice.

The young man walked over to her.

“I kind of wish this thing could be automatic,” he said. “Oh well.” He sped up the pumping.

“You can’t make me play alone,” the salamander said as a flood of juices expelled from her.

Abruptly, Sumi’s tail grabbed the young man’s leg, pulling, and he went down on his ass, right beside her. She seemed powerless to move because of the energy dildo, but that didn’t stop her hand from reaching into his pants and grabbing the tower of stiffness.

Her first stroke felt as if energy jolted throughout his body, stunning him. She continued, grinning, matching the pace of the phallic energy.

The heat in Sumi’s hand began to increase, triggering the young man’s warning senses. He tried to pull away. She suddenly pounced him, causing his energy to fizzle out.

Knowing damn well not to let this go any further, unless he felt like losing a very important part of himself, Clyde had no choice but to lock her back into telekinesis.

Except nothing happened when he activated the skill.

“I gained immunity to that, sweet,” Sumi said. “Now, nothing’s going to stop us from having some fun.”

[Sumi used Void Tier skill: Synthesis. She gained a temporary immunity to magic.]

Clyde didn’t want to get physical, but fuck it. He kneed her in the gut. She grunted, keeling over into unconsciousness.

“Even if I was desperate to get laid, I sure as shit wouldn’t burn my dick off to do so,” Clyde said as he stood.

Being literally too hot to move, the young man had no choice but to leave her there and take off, only to run into the three monsters that watched them in the beginning.

“Where do you think you’re going, friend?” the vampire asked.

“First you come up in our club, as if you own it,” the hobgoblin said. “And now you’re too stuck up your own ass to show that poor salamander girl a good time.”

“And didn’t so much as pay her for her time,” the orc said, shaking his head, pounding his fist against the palm of his hand. “Interrogating her. You shouldn’t have come to the Monster Kingdoms—”

His eyes turned glossy as he fell. Yusuke sighed, delivering quick chops to the other two. He then laid the hornet girl from before on top of the orc, placing her stinger very close to his ass. That was going to be one hell of an awakening.

“Thank fuck I made it on time before you could kill these idiots,” Yusuke said. “Did you get any useful information?”

“I got something,” Clyde said.

“Good, because I didn’t get shit,” the ninja said. “Also Clyde.”

“What?”

“You’re an asshole,” Yusuke said.

Clyde shrugged. “At least you weren’t in danger of getting your dick melted off by lava.”

The two laughed as they continued back into the main room, returning to the bar. Clyde noticed Dark in the distance… getting a private dance by the panda girl from before.

He took a nice photo. Yusuke chuckled.

“Proof that he did something right for once?” Yusuke asked.

“Yep. I wonder if Myriad likes him,” Clyde said.

“Doubt it,” Yusuke said.

Seth joined them, his mood reaching the sky. “I love this place.”

Clyde sighed. “You didn’t have a hot lava dragon try to kill you.”

Seth blinked. “Ah, I heard of that. You don’t have resistance to fire, huh?”

Clyde sighed. “I’m going to go check on Lilith. We’ve got the info. Tomorrow, we’re going to the capital city.”

Episode 77 (Part 7)

Early evening…

Supreme Palace, Monster Kingdoms…

Kaguya awoke, panting, covered in sweat and feeling very much alive, even if in a sense she wasn’t. She had that dream again, in which she watched herself murder her own people in cold blood. The feeling of the triggers pressed, the smell of iron, the surrender of the androids, and the feeling of the rawness in her throat as she screamed and begged herself to stop. But the Ki continued to pilot her body like a marionette. Kill and kill, splattering and dripping of blood like the perspiration of a tree after a rainy day. The cry of people and children, their voices suddenly silenced.

Kaguya welcomed the sweet release of death when someone ended her. But it wasn’t that easy. She met someone with terrible power in a place of comfort which she didn’t deserve. She offered the princess her life. Kaguya refused. She didn’t want to return, but the goddess didn’t allow this choice. “Your time hasn’t come yet,” were the words of that woman of terrible power. “You must join Team Stone. You must protect the world with them. You must discover…”

Kaguya fled before the revival could be truly completed. She hadn’t a clue of what she was doing nor how to properly control a Jump. The goddess anticipated this somehow, tricking her into exiting the realm between life and the land of the dead. She was in a spiritual state that also took on the traits of being alive.

“Mother, are you well?”

Kaguya turned to Dera and smiled. “I’m fine. What time is it?”

She could tell Dera detected her lie, but the android woman didn’t call her on it. She simply smiled.

“It is almost time for dinner, Mother,” Dera said. “My sensors detect that Yuki’s scrutiny over what the palace’s chefs prepare will be high.”

Kaguya chuckled, appreciative of the lighter topic. It helped her forget… for just a moment.

* * *

Nuri Town…

Outside of the Wiggly Tongue…

When Clyde and the others exited the club, Lilith gave the orc bodyguard a farewell and a generic, “Keep up the good work.”

“The great lord of the dark is impressed with this club,” Dark blabbed. “Who would’ve thought a place like this, crammed with beautiful girls, existed in the boonies?”

“Boonies?” Lilith said.

“A word from our world,” Clyde deadpanned. The succubus queen gave him the same curious look that Tear gave him, causing the young man to miss his fiancée a little. Unlike the chuuni, his club experience kind of sucked, including the incomplete hand job.

“Let’s get this Jumping on the road,” Lilith said, charging magic in her hand. It looked almost like a blue fire, pulsing and vibrating.

“Hey assholes,” someone called.

Clyde turned to the club to see the monster trio from before, only with a new friend this time.

“We’re going to pay you back for what you did,” the orc of the group said. The young man did not miss the subtle ass rub, indicating the hornet girl’s handiwork. The new addition seemed to be a buffed up weretiger. Weretiger because he instantly morphed from what appeared to be a buff tan man to a bipedal tiger. The muscles at least doubled his size.

Weretiger: Nopp

Level: 297.

Type: Monster.

Work under: N/A

Special: Hyper Bite.

Weaknesses: metal, fire.

Resistances: none.

Secret: his large muscles are to compensate for… something else.

Was that a burn by the system? Clyde thought. A little snicker did escape from his lips, angering the monster.

“You fucking shrimpy human,” Nopp said with a voice reminiscence of… a poor imitation of Batman. “Stand aside, boys. You should’ve told me to do something about this fucker earlier.”

“Let’s tag team him,” the vampire said. “I don’t want to miss out.”

“These idiots never learn,” Yusuke said.

Onlookers emerged from the club, curious and excited for either a beatdown or fight. The monster girls didn’t seem impressed, possibly annoyed that the attention left them. Others obviously didn’t like the thought of Clyde and the men possibly getting devoured by a tigerman.

The weretiger roared.

[Your party has entered combat.]

Clyde sighed. “Stand back. I want to leave an impression.”

“So you volunteer to die first? C’mere you trash,” Nopp said, extending his claws.

[Clyde is awakening…]

[Clyde’s immense pressure!]

The weretiger’s eyes widened, his breathing visibly heavier as he struggled to maintain his balance against Clyde’s pressure.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a cold-blooded murderer like you,” Clyde said. “Except when I have to be.”

Clyde’s eyes flashed. The aura bashed the weretiger into the building behind him, taking his orc buddy with the ass-pain along for the ride at the speed of sound.

[Hidden skill revealed. Aura Sword. Class: *Legendary. While in Stone Mode, you may exert your aura outward as an invisible attack. You can only do this once. Does immense death and sound damage. Chance to stun at 35%. Chance to knockout foes at 1.5%.]

Ah, so that’s what it’s called, Clyde thought. He outstretched his wings, creating extremely strong gusts. The roof of the building flew off and exploded. The wind carried off the dust.

“Whoops,” Clyde said. The monsters and monster girls stared at him with wide eyes. Even Lilith seemed taken aback. “Can you fix that, Lilith? That was an… ugh… a bit of an accident.”

The vampire ran. The hobgoblin followed, cursing under his breath.

Dark stared at Clyde with uncertain eyes. “How are you so strong?”

Clyde waved away his question. “To paraphrase you, I’m not giving away any of my secrets.”

Dark nearly anime-fell backward. Lilith laughed. With one wave of her finger, the roof repaired itself.

“Everything that broke inside should be fixed,” Lilith told the crowd. “Now run along, get the party started again or you’ll probably end up like tiger boy over there.”

The weretiger’s transformation wore off as he lost consciousness.

“Durable guy,” Dark said. “Too bad for his orc friend.”

[Battle completed. Victory! Reward: EXP, Small Bottle of Suspicious White Liquid. Item class: bizarre.]

“Call the guards,” Lilith said to the bouncer. “I want these two tossed in jail for disturbing the peace.”

“Yes, Empress,” the orc said.

“Em… press?” the remaining crowd asked.

“You idiots don’t recognize that hot—the Supreme Demon Lord?” the bouncer asked.

The crowd immediately fell to their knees, bowing. “No wonder that guy’s so strong. He must be one of her elite bodyguards.”

“You mean that idiot chuuni dumbass who calls himself the great lord of the dark is actually that strong?” an imp asked. “Holy shit.”

Toru snickered. Seth laughed. Yusuke shook his head, unamused.

“Come on, let’s get moving,” Clyde said, trying not to laugh. “It’s fucking cold out here.”

“Don’t be too hard on him, boys,” Lilith said to the monsters, then released her magic, Jumping the party back to the Supreme Palace. “My cooks should have dinner prepared by now. Everyone’s probably waiting for us in the dining hall.”

Clyde opened the door, only for Noona to fall forward into him.

“Ow,” Noona said, then pouted. “Just when I worked up the strength to go all out pushing this door.”

“I really should consider installing a normal door on the side,” Lilith said. “The guard blocking it will only let my friends and allies in.”

She entered the castle, followed by Seth, Toru, and a still-brooding Dark. Moments passed before he heard Seth explain recent humorous events to Myriad without giving their location away. She laughed of course, happy to get one at Dark’s expense. The chuuni grunted in annoyance.

“I smell an unfamiliar woman’s perfume on you,” Noona said, causing the young man to flip.

“It could be anyone’s,” Clyde said, attempting to dismiss the notion and move past the demoness. She didn’t allow it, pressing her body against him. The soft, large breasts threatened to awaken the young man’s beast, right in front of the guard pretending not to watch them.

“No, this doesn’t smell as ludicrously expensive as Tear’s or even Ruri’s,” Noona pressed. “I should’ve put on my detective costume.”

“I have no idea what you’re going on about,” Clyde said. “Anyway, it’s dinner time and we’re late.” He quickly moved past her before she could push the matter.

Everyone was indeed waiting in the dining hall, seated at a long table. Clyde sat in between Harumi and Alice.

Lilith’s maids began bringing out various dishes and entrees to serve. A huge feast—more fodder for Yuki’s critical eye to catch. Somehow, he knew the kuudere demoness searched for violations of food safety regulations. Her strictness in their own kitchen had no limits.

“We’re headed to the capital city tomorrow,” Clyde announced. “We did some investigating and came up with a name, but no address.”

“Perfect,” Airi said, winking. “For a second there, I thought we did all of the searching for nothing. We have a lead for the address, but no name or why she moved.”

“Excellent,” Tear said. “If we can finish up tomorrow, we’ll get home in time for Harmony Day.”

“Yay!” Natalia said. “Harmony Day, Harmony Day.”

Clyde flinched, realizing he forgot to research the Satovian holiday.

“It will be kind of lonely here when you guys leave,” Lilith said, “but I will hold you to your word, in which we work together to cleanse this world. Well… more like fix my mess.” She smiled sheepishly.

“And they called the great lord of the dark incompetent,” Dark said. “You take it to a new level.”

Lilith gave him a Gin smile. “Is that a loli-loving chuuni I hear talking? Surely he’d hate the idea of sleeping outside in the cold.”

Dark quickly turned his head. “Don’t mind me. Just talking about a villain in a manga.”

A servant served another plate to Clyde. His face briefly contorted into skepticism. What he saw were odd… breast-shaped, greenish, crispy mounds.

“Ah, you lucky bastard, those are fried lizario breasts,” Lilith said. “It’s amazing.”

“I don’t know,” Clyde said.

“I like it,” Airi said, causing Alice to facepalm softly.

“That’s my best friend, everyone,” Harumi said.

“Eat it, eat it, eat it,” Natalia cheered.

“Onii-chan, no time for weakness,” Naoko said. Fuyoko wiped cream from the side of her mouth.

“I thought you were on my side, Naoko,” Clyde said. The loli simply stared at him, of course. He sighed. He’d seriously have to teach her to answer every question, no matter how stupid. Or at least give some kind of response.

Clyde ignored the lizard breasts and ate… some kind of meat stew or curry over rice, among other things. The food was actually good, helping him to not think about the possible ingredients.

The young man glanced at Su Yang, guarded by Ako and even Neko. The white-haired catgirl ate her salmon-like dish with a carefree attitude, but those eyes were sharp. And if one squinted, they’d notice just a thin line of white aura surrounding her.

Su Yang ate her food in a quiet and dignified manner. Clyde figured she’d make a great dinner partner for Amina or even Yuki. Someone that beautiful, following the Viper. Could there be a reason beyond just being crazy? If Airi couldn’t get her to talk… then again, maybe… he should just speak with her alone. If she acted like this, were the multiverses or even Satovia really at stake? It wouldn’t surprise the young man if Celestial set him up once again.

“Would you like some holstaur breast milk ice cream for dessert?” a maid asked Clyde, pulling him out of his thoughts. Lust shined in her eyes. “I could feed it to you, my lord.”

Harumi snatched the ice cream bowl. “Piss off.”

The entire room went silent.

“Language, Har—”

Alice whacked Natalia on the head with a rolled-up newspaper.

“Don’t piss off Harumi,” Clyde said to the maid. “It’s like kicking a hornet’s nest.”

Both the maid and Harumi blushed.

“I apologize,” the maid said.

“It—it’s fine,” Harumi said. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”

“Harumi,” Natalia whined. “Alice is bullying—”

Alice stuffed a spoonful of the holstaur ice cream into her mouth. The loli ate it in silence.

“That’s not bad,” Natalia said.

“Right?” Airi said, eating her own bowl. Clyde sighed. Now there was someone he probably needed to learn from. It was a surprise they didn’t catch her at the monsters’ club, throwing money onto the stage, cheering.

“The baths should be ready,” Lilith said. “The maids will show you the way when you’re ready.”

Episode 77 (Part 8)

Night…

Supreme Palace, Monster Kingdoms…

After showering, following the sanitary tradition, Clyde joined his fiancées in the giant relaxing bath. Within minutes, Airi burst in, taking to the showers and hopping into the tub upon finishing. No one bothered putting up the energy to reject her. With the long day passing, the team sat in silence. Even Natalia said nothing.

During the walk back to their chambers, of course waving the super druid off in the process, they saw a maid sneak into Myriad’s room. Seconds later, and predictably, the thunder bird kicked her out.

“Fuck out of here,” Myriad said. “I’d like to sleep and I don’t want your damn massages. Sheesh, forget to lock the door and the wards won’t turn on for some reason.” She slammed the door. The click of the lock struck the shocked maid even further. She looked as if the life was drained out of her.

Harumi shook her head. “Unbelievable.”

“Pervy maid lady,” Natalia said.

Clyde was kind of glad Maki was staying in the next hall over. Her moaning would only serve to annoy his women even further.

“Chika, are you well?” Tear asked as they stepped into the room, settling down. The succubus suddenly tickled the silver-haired girl, which actually made her laugh.

“Cut it out, I’m ticklish,” Chika said. “Tear.”

Tear got behind her and spread her legs. “Clyde, be a good fiancé and refuel her energy.” She pulled off Chika’s panties using her tail and actually gave her a rub. She grinned at the young man’s rising tower. “You’re already that hard.”

“Geeze, Tear, Natalia’s in the… where’s Natalia?” Harumi asked.

“Off to go hang out with Nina and Naoko,” Tear said. “Do you really think she’d go to bed early?”

“Hey, enough joking,” Chika said. “Let me—ugh!” She threw her head back in ecstasy, reacting to the succubus’s massaging of her clit. And Chika’s juices flowed.

Tear licked her lips. “Give her the big stick. I want to see that cute face.”

Clyde chuckled as he walked over.

Alice sighed. “Don’t take all night,” the half-demoness said. “I’d like to sleep.” Under her breath she muttered, “And probably have my turn with him.”

“I’m going to join Kitome in the TV hall,” Harumi said. “She’s probably watching the Princess Drama with Ming.”

She kissed Clyde and even pulled out his wood, giving it a good rub. The young man felt like it would explode just from her touch. He was about to pursue further, but Tear cleared her throat.

“We were here first,” Tear said.

Harumi winked. “Coming, Melody, Tessa?” the fox girl asked.

“I’ll pass for tonight,” Tessa said. “I… sort of watched the latest episode ahead of you guys.” She smiled sheepishly. “I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything.”

“I watched it with her,” Melody said. “But I do have to ask Kanako a few questions.” She set her book onto a nearby nightstand and joined Harumi. “Ruri, coming?”

Ruri shook her head. “I’ll probably join the sex parade over there. Where’s Yuki?”

“I think she went to have a word with the cooks,” Tessa said.

Clyde entered Chika, causing her to take in a pleasurable breath. He kissed her and then Tear. The succubus took it a step further, massaging her tongue against his as he plowed the silver-haired girl. She locked her legs around him, moaning and groaning, her eyes shining with love.

He released inside, climaxing simultaneously, his high endurance stat revealing its usefulness again.

Tear was next and he greedily took her. Sucking her breasts and while delivering the smash power. Clyde almost released inside, pulling out just in time, and accidentally squirting on Tessa’s arm as she passed by.

“I see someone needs to be punished,” Tessa said, jumping the young man. On top, she guided his erect wood into her, beginning round three of the fuckfest. Tessa’s lewd face always turned Clyde on, even further than normal. He didn’t let her dance on her own, instead delivering upward thrusts that prompted both the loud moaning and lewd expression.

Ruri jumped him after Tessa let out an intense orgasm that even made Tear smile. The succubus shoved her tail into Chika, deciding her rest time was up.

“Tear—ugh!” Chika couldn’t finish her sentence as Tear thrust her tail in and out of the silver-haired girl. “I… will… get you for this.”

That act benefited Ruri, turning Clyde on even further and he rocked the hellhound princess. He was sure her moans could be heard through the entire palace.

Tear ended up making Chika climax by tail seconds before Clyde and Ruri did so. And there, all of them panted. Clyde rested facedown in Tear’s breasts.

“There’s nothing better than spending quality time the succubus way,” Tear said, reaching for the young man’s wood. He laughed and gave the woman her second round. He once again came close to releasing inside. There would be a time and place for that, but now wasn’t it.

[Ki increased: Tear, Tessa, Chika, and Ruri +3 points each thanks to Natalia’s bracelets.]

[Congratulations, you have learned the Ki skill: Aura Blast due to Chika’s aura crest reaching 23. The damage output has increased for Aura Sword.]

* * *

Monday. Week 3. Month 3. Year 1. Season: Winter.

[Satovian Universal Calendar: Domino, 46389.]

[School: Winter Break. Day 24 of 30.]

[Current declared fiancée(s): Melody, Alice, Tear, Harumi, Chika, Natalia, Kitome, Yuki, Tessa, Ruri, Ming.]

[Expecting: Harumi, Alice, Kitome, Chika.]

[Countdown until babies are born:

Harumi, kitsune: 5 months until due. Currently: week 4, day 5.

Alice, half-demoness, half-angel: 5 months until due. Currently: Alice: week 4, day 2.

Kitome, human: 9.3 months until due. Currently: week 3, day 2.

Chika, human: 9.3 months until due. Currently: week 1, day 3.]

The morning began with Alice’s grandmother, Nila, complaining. In fact, during breakfast, she switched from that, to lecturing the half-demoness, and then back to complaining.

“Alright, I’m going to need you to lay off Alice,” Clyde said, his calm voice filled with hidden ice. Nila flinched. “She’s doing a damned good job running all of her father’s businesses and House Hades as a head. As a result, even the servants there are happier and still on the payroll. Even with Tear’s advice, Alice’s capabilities are probably greater than all of us in this room combined, so fuck off. I’m not trying to hear you yap on her today, got it? Relax. She’s your granddaughter. You haven’t seen her in years.”

“I still can’t believe she’s a loli,” Dark mumbled. Fortunately, the loli-granny didn’t seem to hear that comment or else Clyde would’ve asked Lilith to toss him out, giving Myriad a free laugh and more ammo to use against the chuuni.

“Nya, watch the tail,” Neko said, pulling it from the maid that ‘accidentally’ grabbed it. “I scratch, you know.”

Kitome shot the catgirl a blank stare. Neko seemed oblivious as she downed her glass of milk. Chesire and Ako devoured their tuna steaks in two different manners. Ako was more dignified, using a fork. The purple-haired catgirl on the other hand nibbled at it almost cat-style.

“I sure hope you intend to wash your hands afterward, nya,” Ako said to Chesire.

Chesire rolled her eyes. “Nya, I’m not a child.”

“Clyde, can I have the catgirls?” Lilith asked, then winked. “Just kidding.” Her eyes were filled with lust. Speaking of lust, the young man looked at Maki. Predictably, she seemed a little tired. So did Misaka.

“Misaka, are you well?” Yuki asked.

“Could be better,” Misaka said with a surprising hint of aggressiveness in her voice. “Someone’s loud moaning made it harder to sleep.” She glared at the purple-haired masochist.

“Sorry,” Maki said, smiling sheepishly. “The maid’s massaging service and all.”

“Surrreee,” Melody said, earning a blush from Maki.

“She wouldn’t let me do her,” a maid said suddenly. “But I was able to… make do while giving her a professional massage, full body.”

Harumi nearly fell.

“Not in front of the kids,” Fuyoko said.

The maid shrugged. “Welcome to the Monster Kingdoms,” she said. “While we’re not as frantic as the Lewdlands, sexual-like activities aren’t so taboo here.”

“I’d like our next trip—”

Harumi interrupted Airi by giving her a tired look. The purple-haired druid gave her best friend a reassuring grin. Somewhat reassuring. Clyde couldn’t help but enjoy the interactions between those two. Harumi was the level-headed one, while Airi continued to show why she maintained the number one adventurer status for so long.

That reminded him that the previous night, he was supposed to talk with Lilith. Ah well. The fivesome had priority anyway. With the succubus queen as an ally, he could always pop in on her. The Supreme Demon Lord worked for him now…

After breakfast, Clyde and the others followed Lilith outside, where she Jumped them to the capital city. The final search for the damned horn had finally begun.

[Area unlocked. Lilus, Capital of the Monster Kingdoms.]

* * *

Unknown city, Outer Monster Kingdoms…

Aunder’s hotel…

“What’s the status of Su Yang’s safe return?” Aunder asked the astral projections in front of him.

“Nothing new yet,” Terrance replied. “But trust me, we’re fucking trying. Nobody wants to continue doing her workload.”

“Agreed,” Kaymen said.

“I see,” Aunder said. “Fair enough. Keep up the good work. The business is getting close to the launching phase. We’ve already acquired buildings around the globe.”

“What’s the status of the Falcon situation?” Momo asked.

“Something’s interfering,” Aunder replied. “Something I’ve never encountered. I can’t brute force my spell through its cloudy… well, I’m not sure if I could call it magic. It’s Negative Ki and something else.”

“Let me check it out for you,” Terrance said. “It will be a sec.” He said nothing for minutes. “Interesting. He’s being shielded by… beings that call themselves the Bright Ones. It’s a pain in the ass to look directly at them in the magical perspective, which is nuts since I’m peeking into the future.”

“The Bright Ones?” Kaymen exclaimed. “Are you sure?”

“Of course,” Terrance said. “Do you know something about them? Fuck, they’re annoying. I’m not looking for the Falcon anymore while that bright power is being emitted. I’ll go fucking blind.”

“We should not get involved with them,” Kaymen said. “It is imperative to avoid them at all costs. If you thought Celestial was bad enough, the Bright Ones do not follow any laws or supernatural rules. However, unlike pirates, Celestial hadn’t made them public—and that’s because they’re unable to track them down.”

“How do you—”

“We should not involve ourselves with them,” Kaymen interrupted Tiffia. “I’m being serious.”

Aunder stood. “Remember who you’re talking to.” He allowed his aura to slip through the astral connections, reminding Team Viper why they served him.

Episode 77 (Part 9)

Midmorning…

Lilus, Monster Kingdoms…

Clyde took in the vastness and bizarreness of Lilith’s prime city. It was a mix of modern, magic, and even a little futuristic. Modern buildings, monster girl statues, some vehicles. Of course the lack of vehicles was due to people and monsters choosing to fly. The young man even noticed a witch actually riding a broom.

“Do you think we’ll make it back in time to start cooking for Harmony Day tomorrow, Yuki?” Chika asked.

“I can only hope so,” Yuki said. “I’m starting to miss my kitchen.”

“I left my mom’s gift in Ming’s room,” Misaka said. Ming smiled at her.

“Let’s try talking to the mayor,” Lilith said. “Maybe that will help speed things up.” She sighed. “The only thing Harmony Day gets me is an ocean of gifts from all the thirsty friends trying to…” She paused her sentence, detecting the annoyance in the air. “Anyway, mayor? Everyone on board?”

“After yesterday, I have my doubts about any of your mayors,” Airi said.

“Let’s try splitting up,” Fuyoko said. “We’re getting stares standing here as a large group.”

Tear gave Clyde a smug smirk, which gained her a blank glare.

“Fine, whatever,” Clyde said. “Everyone split.”

Clyde ended up in a group with all of his fiancées, plus Lilith, as well as Ako and Neko to monitor Su Yang. Hinako stopped the arguing as the voice of reason, taking Airi and some of the others, their job to check on the druid’s lead. Everyone else would simply ask around for any sign of a chimaera girl.

“Make sure to call if you find anything,” he told Airi.

“Of course,” Airi said.

Upon noticing the men and male monsters hitting on Asu, Alice pulled the lich into their group. Clyde observed the life on the streets as they passed. The city showed a true unification between monster and human. Well, monster girl and human. Even a few fairies and fairy-like beings. The lack of male monsters only confirmed the potency of Lilith’s curse. Or what they once called the Supreme Demon Lord’s influence. Capital city Lilus served as the epicenter of the accident Lilith unleashed on the world. There were some who more than likely loved the idea, of course. Clyde wouldn’t count out the raging perverts.

“Onii-chan, look at that!” Natalia said for the fifth time, smacking down hard on Clyde’s shoulders. She pointed at a giant glowing statue of a dragon monster girl.

“I swear you’re going to end up bruising my damned shoulders,” Clyde deadpanned. He did admire the statue though. But he could not wait to finally get to the mayor’s office, which would hopefully bring the loli’s torturing to an end. She was trying to anger him, he knew it.

To Clyde’s relief, Lilith said, “It’s just ahead.”

“What’s up with the excess police cars?” Harumi asked.

She was indeed right. Surrounding the Town Hall were at least twenty law enforcement vehicles. Clyde did not like the bad feeling that danced in the pit of his gut.

“What the hell is this?” Lilith asked, pushing past the cops. The… lilum mayor was passed out with a large bottle of liquor in her arms.

“Getting close to her is dangerous, Empress,” an annoyingly handsome ogre said. “The field around her is comprised of void magic.”

Clyde considered helping out, but Natalia spoke, as if reading his thoughts.

“Not even you should test fate like that, husbando-onii,” Natalia said. “Besides, I’m not comfortable with the amount of dummy media outlets around.”

“She’s right, oh great dong lord,” Asu said. “You don’t want that much expelled void magic touching your skin. Of course, I’d be fine, being accustomed to it. So will the kid.”

“I’m not a kid,” Natalia said, sticking her tongue out at the lich. “Pervy lich.”

“Should we try neutralizing the void magic?” Harumi suggested. “Or maybe containing it.”

“Good mind, which is why I like you, fox, but that’s unnecessary,” Lilith said as she walked right up to the unconscious mayor. The aggressive magic hissed at her like explosive electricity, but the succubus queen ignored it, seemingly unaffected. She pulled back her leg and suddenly kicked the lilim. “WAKE UP, YOU IDIOT!”

The mayor lazily opened her eyes.

Dark anger aura surrounded Lilith. “What the hell are you doing?” Her voice was barely contained. “You were fine yesterday, my golden mayor.”

“Go easy on her, Empress, there’s a reason why she’s like this,” the police said.

“Half-naked and drunk on the ground?” Clyde asked.

“Not helping,” the handsome ogre cop said then turned back to Lilith. “My Empress, the mayor’s husband was attacked and killed earlier while trying to protect her.”

Lilith’s eyes widened. “What…? Give me the suspect’s description. I’ll gut him myself.”

“That’s the problem,” the cop continued. “She said someone that called himself a Bright One, or whatever, stole the city’s World Star Fragment. Lady Mayor… has given up…”

Clyde tilted his head, wondering just what the hell a Bright One was. It obviously sounded like an organization, rather than something literal.

He looked at the others, but they seemed to scratch their heads in wonder too.

“Bright One?” Lilith asked. “I’m not sure if I follow. I… can’t quite ring a bell on the term. Attacking my damn city is not a fucking bright idea.”

“I’ll ask Airi,” Harumi said as she pulled out her phone. One conversation later, she shook her head. “She doesn’t know either. The good news is that her lead is the chimaera’s coworker and knows where she lives.”

“Fuck yeah,” Clyde said. “Look out, Natalia, Airi’s going to be riding my back soon.”

“Don’t even joke like that,” Natalia whined.

Clyde happened to glance at Su Yang and noticed her paleness and fading shocked expression.

“Do you know anything about this organization?” Clyde asked. She said nothing, made no eye contact.

The feeling of extreme annoyance and frustration jolted into Clyde’s veins. She was going to pull one of the most aggravating tropes—he just knew it. He decided to push anyway. The sky began to darken… in response to the young man’s elevating aura, not that he fully noticed. His eyes wouldn’t leave Su Yang.

“This woman’s husband was killed,” he said, gesturing at the now-weeping lilim. “Have a heart. Or was that noble talk about the Viper just bullshit? Because if it wasn’t, you’d be helping this woman find the killer.” Su Yang said nothing. Clyde’s god chant manifested. “I will never forget that fucking vision in which the Viper horrifyingly destroyed the innocent habitants of an entire planet. Yet, you claimed to support someone like that.”

Su Yang still said nothing. The young man realized that she simply didn’t fear him, didn’t respect him, didn’t even see him as a person. Maybe an ant in comparison to the giant poisonous snake. She simply waited to be rescued and was confident they’d get to her. Nothing so far worked to obtain information from her. Hell, they couldn’t get her to tell the team about herself. She spoke to no one, only bided her time. Only waited for the… inevitable. She knew where they lived, their basic day to day operations, and how many members resided on Team Stone.

Clyde didn’t expect her to magically start liking strangers, but he hoped they’d come to a mutual understanding when it came to the fate of the world. However, Su Yang… was simply gone. A threat to the universe, as far as he knew. A pure servant of the Viper… A severe threat to the lives of his own.

Clyde became one with time and space and the aura surrounding him. And with a godly voice, he spoke to the sky above.

“The Venus Sisters are traitors and no longer uphold the pact with the Stone, but instead, move as units for the Viper.”

Su Yang’s eyes widened as the area rumbled with golden aura and power. She knew exactly what the young man had done.

“You… can’t do this,” she said, sweating, voice low, eyes wide, seemingly paler than before.

“Oh, now you’re talking,” Clyde said, his voice still in the god chant. “I will no longer be burdened with you who only wants to see the world burn.”

Abruptly, the sky hummed with the energy that the entirety of Team Stone, including Lilith, recognized. Some of them gave the young man a skeptical look. A few others gauged Natalia to see if there was something to be worried about.

A Punisher appeared in the sky, dressed in a golden uniform, his power rippling space around him. Before Clyde could speak, he raised a hand. The young man felt his soul bond to Su Yang burst into pieces, surprising the hell out of him. They could do that?

Despite gasping for breath, Su Yang suddenly made a run for it, only to find herself pinned down by Ako and Neko.

“Lord Stone, I wholeheartedly agree with your decision, nya,” Ako said. “The maturity of it makes me proud to serve you.”

The Punisher teleported to Clyde’s side, gave him a nod, and then spawned glowing handcuffs.

“Su Yang Venus, one who swore an oath to protect the people of the world, oathbreaker. You are under Celestial’s arrest. Your goddess will be determining what to do with you.” He sighed. “You better hope that one lets you off by taking away the power she gave you, exiling you back as a normal human. Otherwise…” He knelt, preparing to cuff the struggling woman. “Your charges are oathbreaking and terrorism. I—”

Suddenly, the Punisher gagged and then coughed up blood. He fell forward, panting. The only giveaway to his condition was the arrow-shaped pillar of white energy sticking out of his back. Clyde and the team looked around, immediately locking onto a newcomer. Clyde wasn’t sure what to call the man that floated in midair. Pale skin, glowing silver eyes, and short white hair. The being’s expression was neutral, calculating, and even a little smug. Dressed in all-white clothing and armed with a sheathed sword… floating at his side with him, the newcomer either had a death wish or…

“It’s him!” the mayor cried, confirming the last of Clyde’s thoughts. “He’s one of them! The man who killed my husband.”

Just then, the Bright One vanished and reappeared at Su Yang’s side. Knowing the upcoming bullshit trope, Clyde wasted no time summoning the Executioner’s Staff. He needed the large boost in magic effectiveness, especially for an enemy that downed a Punisher in one fucking shot.

He didn’t think, he just blasted. And it worked, hurling the newcomer several feet away.

[No damage.]

Clyde figured, but that wasn’t the point of the attack. The Bright One smirked.

“A murderer returning to the scene of the crime,” Lilith said as she started toward the newcomer, her aura amplifying with her anger.

The Punisher finally pulled himself together and stood. By the look of fury in his eyes, Clyde wondered if the city would survive this.

“Police, get the civilians away from this area!” Lilith ordered. “Now!”

They scrambled to obey.

Abruptly, as if shit wasn’t complicated enough, Su Yang unleashed a tidal wave of magic, knocking away both Ako and Neko. It left behind enough smoke to cover her as she ran.

“She can’t Jump,” Tear said. “We blocked that ability days ago, just in case her allies somehow reappeared. But the block won’t last forever.”

“Alright, go after her,” Clyde said.

The Bright One chuckled, then vanished.

“Fuck!” the Punisher snapped. He unfolded his wings and took flight. “You will not escape me! How fucking dare you attack a guard of the law.”

Clyde took a deep breath and let it out to keep calm. His anger continued to darken the skies, overriding even the Punisher’s massive aura. He had to keep calm. This wasn’t the first time shit fell out of their favor.

“Let’s just go after Su Yang,” Clyde said. “There’s a chance that the Bright One actually has no fucks to give.”

“You mean that he only distracted us so that Su Yang could escape… just for the hell of it? Nya, talk about intrusive,” Neko said. “I’m sorry we couldn’t hold her.”

“It’s not your fault,” Clyde said, starting the charge to locate the escapee. “That wasn’t Su Yang’s power. Through the soul bond, I neutralized it to nothing, keeping her magically weakened.”

“That man… used Ki Exchange,” Natalia said. “It’s a really, really rare ability. It allows one to convert Ki to magic or some other forms of power, if leveled high enough. That man must have the strength of a god to be able to smoothly convert and transfer undetected.”

Clyde spat. “Fuck. Well, Su Yang couldn’t have gotten too far.”

“Great dong lord, shall I take Natalia off your back so you could run faster?” Asu asked.

“I will blast you, pervy lich,” Natalia said. “Don’t touch the Right Hand.”

“It’s fine, Asu,” Clyde said. “I’m way used to having her on my back. I still haven’t found a fool-proof way of getting her off, except through Alice and Tear.”

Harumi’s phone rang. She answered.

“You’ve met Mitski? Great!” Harumi said to Airi. After a brief conversation, she hung up. “Not only did Airi meet with Mitski, but Mitski sold her one of her older horns. Turned out she really needed the money for rent, poor girl.”

Clyde chuckled. “At least we’ve got some good news from this clusterfuck.”

If only this was at a better time. With the horn collected, the final item required for Naoko to weaken Natalia’s curse was an Essence Crystal. Fucking Bright One asshole, Clyde thought.

Episode 77 (Part 10)

Late morning…

Lilus, Monster Kingdoms…

“How were you able to summon a Punisher?” Harumi asked Clyde as they rounded another corner, carefully maneuvering around monster civilians.

“He was actually nearby,” Clyde said. “In Stone Mode, I can compel some Punishers. I decided since Su Yang would only serve to fuck us over, I invited him.”

“Any particular reason why you didn’t compel that Punisher captain asshole?” Harumi asked.

“Plot,” Clyde said, his eyes seeming to be looking at something unseen.

“What?” Harumi asked.

“His mental state made it impossible to compel,” Clyde quickly said. He thought of how Vegeta was unable to be controlled by Majin Buu due to sheer willpower. “He wore no band like the others, simply because he couldn’t be controlled. A hothead.”

“Oh,” Harumi said. “Seeing how he just wouldn’t stay down, I can see why.”

Lilith phoned all of her cops, instructing them to keep searching. Vehicles could no longer leave the city. Flying monster girls took to the air, while others either utilized their magic or physical advantage to carry out the hunt. The rest of Team Stone were sent warnings and the young man’s new orders: hunt that bitch.

Just then, Clyde raised a hand, halting the group. “Lilith, is that normal?”

A group of monsters gagged. Half a second later, their eyes took on a silver glow.

“That Bright fucker,” Lilith snapped. “My people.”

The monster girls started toward Clyde and the others in a zombie-like fashion, blocking the way, and furthering Su Yang’s lead.

“We should ignore them,” Lilith said. “And for anyone we can’t, please don’t kill them.”

* * *

Inner-city, Lilus, Monster Kingdoms…

Seth shook his head, wondering how he ended up in his predicament. “Why do I have to carry you?” he deadpanned to Nila, Alice’s grandmother.

“Don’t start complaining now, boy,” Nila said. “You wanted to make up for being a disrespectful brat. This is the most painless way, now giddy up. I’m going to ride you like—”

“Please don’t give us images,” Fuyoko said.

“I think it’s cute,” Kanako said. “She’s like your little sister.”

Nila chuckled.

“Someone save me,” Seth groaned.

The sound of a cat-heavy ringtone turned everyone’s attention to Chesire.

“Nya—ello?” Chesire answered. She nodded at the voice on the other line. “Nya, you got it.” She turned to them and explained the situation of Clyde and the others.

And at that moment, they spotted a familiar ex-detainee sprinting across a street, nearly causing an accident. No one was on her tail, indicating that she had lost her pursuers.

Nila hopped off Seth’s back. “I’ll handle this. Come on, cat, you’ll be my backup. The rest of you follow suit.”

“Nya, I have a name, you know,” Chesire said.

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll use it when your master pays me back the money she owes me,” Nila said.

Seth watched the two speed ahead and wondered why he even bothered. Su Yang’s power exceeded his own by leagues, anyway. Or did it? What of his massive power level gain for just fighting against the Punishment Squad, somehow surviving… though if not for Harumi, he would’ve died twenty times over.

Seth took a deep breath, grinned, and then increased his pace to keep up with the hag-kid and Chesire.

“I see you have more guts than you let on,” Nila said as Seth, along with the others, caught up. “Too bad we’ve got a little company.” She pointed at a group of monsters.

The man noticed what was off immediately. Glowing silver eyes, strange jittery movements, and the biggest factor of all: they were walking toward Seth and the party.

“What’s wrong with them?” Kanako asked.

“Some kind of compulsion, girl,” Nila said. “Ignore them. This is obviously a distraction. By whom, I don’t know.”

Naoko aimed a hand at the crowd of oncoming monsters, gaining the open mouth of Seth. She couldn’t be. This would be taking the heartless thing too far. They were only monsters, living their lives, uninvolved in anything malicious.

“Naoko—”

The green-haired Entity’s aura flared. Seth clenched his teeth. But nothing happened. Suddenly, the people floated in the air as if gravity had vanished for them. They briskly moved as a group to the side of a nearby building. A second later, the group fell to the ground.

“Telekinesis,” Seth said. He sighed. At least the monsters were out of the way.

“Shit,” Nila said.

“And of course she got away,” Seth said. “I’ll call Clyde and give him an update.” He looked up. “Damn, is it me, or is the sky darkening?”

* * *

Downtown, Lilus…

Clyde hung up and turned to the others. The sky darkened further in response to the hold the young man’s aura had on it.

“Seth and the others saw Su Yang, but lost her after a group of hypnotized monsters got in their way.”

Abruptly, a flash of the Punisher’s golden aura briefly coated the area. The following vibration of the ground only sprung Clyde into action.

“The Punisher’s going to destroy the city if we don’t hurry,” Alice said.

“I know,” Clyde said. “Alice, Tear, Melody, let’s fly. Everybody else, do your best to catch up.”

“That’s so not fair,” Kitome said.

“Neither is being a real magical girl,” Ming teased.

Natalia hopped off the young man’s back, although a bit reluctantly. “We’ll catch up in no time.”

Clyde gave the loli a head pat. “I know you will.”

Clyde jumped into the air, unfolding his wings, and hovering. His aura flashed like a star to the people observing, as it continued to intensify.

Alice and Melody eyed each other briefly before joining Clyde in the air in their respective forms, followed by Tear a second later.

Clyde checked his mini-map and to his surprise, it finally updated. Su Yang was a yellow dot and presumably the Bright One showed up as an orange dot.

The sky darkened even further.

“Let’s go,” Clyde said, his god chant tinging the edges of his voice.

They found the Punisher minutes later, right as he burst into golden flames. Now that Su Yang finally appeared on his map, catching her wouldn’t be a problem. He was also able to confirm that she wasn’t behind the Punisher murder.

Not that it took brains to confirm the culprit. Clyde could see his dot rapidly closing in on Su Yang.

“So we know the Bright douche nugget is at least stronger than a standard Punisher,” Clyde said.

He rejoined the others in the air to lead the chase.

Minutes into the flight, the young man heard Su Yang’s voice.

“Release me this instant, you creep!”

The scene unveiled itself to be the Venus sister trapped in a glowing barrier of magic and the Bright One chanting something in a ritualistic manner.

“Return, channel, Ki… Return, through me! Return, channel, Ki!”

“Yeah, I’m not going to just watch him finish that,” Clyde said, mentally glaring at the trope. Warping the Executioner’s Staff from his inventory, he took aim.

[Clyde activated Tier 0 skill: Eternal Soul Wind.]

[*Tier 0 skill: Eternal Soul Wind: summon an extremely destructive storm upon your enemies. Does severe damage. Does wind, dark, and almighty damage. Chance to paralyze enemies at 3%. Chance to cause soul blight at 3%. Soul blight damage has a chance to instantly send an enemy’s HP to 1%. Souls become vulnerable for the taking while inflicted with this blight. *Due to your high relationship status with Chika, this is an unblockable attack.]

The Bright One nimbly leapt out of the path of Clyde’s powerful magic, allowing it to blast an enormous crater into the ground. The sky darkened into night as the young man landed.

“I think enough is enough,” Clyde said. His god chant took over. “I DIDN’T COME ALL THIS WAY TO REGRESS! I’m done with reacting.”

[Clyde became one with—]

Red electricity sparked from Clyde at the same time as a massive headache struck. He winced, holding his head. The Bright One smirked and allowed his foggy white aura to blanket the area. Red lightning flashed in the sky, followed by an aggressive rumble of thunder.

“Clyde, are you well?” Tear asked at his side. Alice coated him with healing magic. Melody kept her eye on the enemy, careful not to let him get in a preemptive strike.

“Fuck, I don’t know,” Clyde said, the headache suddenly fading. “My powers are being as unpredictable as always.”

The Bright One took that time to go back to chanting, seemingly uninterested in attacking Team Stone.

“Return, channel, Ki… Return, through me! Return, channel, Ki!”

“Stop his ritual,” Clyde said. “Don’t worry about me. Alice, can you detain Su Yang?”

Alice nodded. “Breaking the barrier will be a challenge without accidentally killing Su Yang.”

Clyde shrugged. “Do whatever you can. Tear, Mels, we focus on that asshole.” He motioned with his head at the Bright One.

Clyde analyzed him.

Arcus, Hand of the Bright Ones.

Level: ??? (This feels like a G level.)

Type: Bright One, deity-like being.

Work under: Meyer’s Blood Alliance.

Special: ???

Weakness: ???

Resistances: ???

Secret: blocked.

[Your party has entered an *Eternal Death Sentence!]

[Warning! This may not be a fight your party can win.]

Tear took aim, her aura shifting between purple and gray as she unleashed charged magic. And she didn’t hold back.

[Tear activated GODDESS TIER SKILL: Right Hand of Mary!]

Arcus didn’t have a choice but to acknowledge the attack. He dodged, stopping his chant once again. Melody’s magic crashed into him from behind—her dark goddess form awakened and angry.

[Melody used Goddess Tier skill: Goddess’s Ring. Ignite. This is an unblockable skill.]

[Arcus took no damage.]

Clyde glanced at Alice, watching the blonde smartly contain Su Yang’s prison in a prison of her own and then she reinforced the shit out of it nine times. Damn! She even shifted into her partial goddess state to make sure nothing could stop her. With the damage reduction, the young woman was on the right track.

Clyde swapped the staff for the Sword of Thunder and Rage. Now was as good a time as any to prove that a higher-level legendary weapon mattered. Too bad it had no upgrades. He’d have to beg Clare for some. She’d probably require the materials, adding a new side quest to his log. Ah well.

[Sword of Thunder and Rage. Item class: *Legendary*. +675 to attack. Lightning element. Can fire small bolts of deadly lightning from the weapon. Lv. 18. Upgrades obtained: 0/2.]

Clyde aimed the sword at the unmoving enemy and test-fired a bolt of lightning. Well, he couldn’t call it a test since the intent to kill was there. Arcus suddenly vanished, reappearing in front of the young man seconds later, smirking.

Unfortunately for him, he didn’t count on Clyde’s wings smacking him away at least ten feet.

“Oops,” Clyde said. “I forget the trigger-feeling on those.”

The red lightning in the sky intensified. As if in response, Clyde’s aura shifted to blood red as he walked toward the still-smug Arcus.

The Bright One finally seemed to take things a little seriously when Melody appeared with a fiery kick aimed at the side of his head. He blocked it with an arm. Tear took that time to hit him in the front with what Clyde felt was a literal ton of magic.

[Arcus took no damage.]

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Clyde snapped as he charged the Bright One. He figured Arcus would immediately go for Melody in retaliation. The redhead would deflect his attack, keeping the fight active. But for a long battle with an opponent that took no damage, Clyde knew his party wouldn’t last forever.

He swung the sword, slashing deep across Arcus’s chest. The Bright One actually snarled, clenching his teeth. But no blood emerged from the wound. Clyde pulled back for another attack, but Arcus suddenly spin-kicked him in the chest.

He felt strong wind and vibration as the force of the blow launched him backward. Or so he thought.

Clyde didn’t budge, but the turned over cars, shattered windows of the surrounding buildings, and dented ground beneath him seemed to speak with his enemy. The pain still manifested just to dick with the young man, he was sure.

[Your HP dropped to 800% of 1100%.]

That wasn’t the ideal damage the young man wanted to take from a kick that couldn’t send him flying. Just what the hell was a Bright One? What did his Alliance want? Even if the time for talking was long past, the young man doubted the enemy would willingly tell them anything. Why would he? That left questioning Su Yang after they took her into custody. Then again, he couldn’t soul bond her twice, which meant leaving her to Tear’s devices.

Just then, the Bright One vanished. A second later, Clyde heard him chant with finality.

“Return, channel, Ki… Return, through me! Return, channel, Ki!”

“I don’t understand what he’s trying to accomplish,” Tear said.

“Maybe… wait, could it be a summoning ritual?” Melody said.

“But why? Unless he wants to sacrifice Su Yang to some giant demon,” Clyde said. He looked at Alice’s ridiculous prison for her. “I doubt anyone’s getting through that.”

“I agree,” Tear said. “My little cousin has grown up.” She eyed the Bright One. “As much as I like wasting magic, he’s going to eventually wear us out. Now is the time to stop holding back that super form of yours.”

“In case you forgot, my sweet Tear, the moment I tried to explore the power deep within me and push it out for my body to use, it rejected me,” Clyde said. “That headache wasn’t an act.”

“So that’s how you describe accessing what you called the power,” Tear said.

“It’s a little more complicated than that, but that’s the gist,” Clyde said. “Where’s Natalia when you need her?”

Tear sighed. “She’d probably figure something out.”

Clyde flinched, realizing something. “We’ve attacked him with magic the entire time. Maybe he’s just resistant to it.”

“Giving Ki a shot?” Melody asked.

“Yep,” Clyde said.

He was about to move when suddenly the Bright One raised a hand into the air.

“The gate has been opened,” he shouted. “Come. We have much work for you to do.”

A giant pillar of purple and black magic smashed down from the sky, just a meter in front of the Bright One. Clyde watched intently, bracing himself for whatever nightmare would come out of it. He didn’t expect to see Sol. And he wasn’t alone. A blue-skinned kid walked at his side. She eyed the area frantically, before calming down with a visible sigh.

Clyde’s eyes glowed red as his hand moved on its own.

[Clyde activated Grand Void Tier Skill: Reoccurring Nightmare of Punishment. Reaping What You’ve Sowed. This is an instant death attack, evolution of your existing skill: Void Tier Skill: Galactic Grim Storm. This is an unblockable attack.]

“No!” Arcus shouted. He teleported in front of the magic meant for the Falcon. And it tore him into fiery pieces. The Bright One’s sacrifice did its job however, making Sol aware of the danger.

[Sol activated Jump.]

Nothing happened.

[Clyde’s Immense Pressure negated the Jump. There is no escape.]

“Who let you out of hell?” Clyde asked as he walked toward the wide-eyed Falcon.

“Wh… why are you here?” Sol asked as he took a fighting stance.

“Tear, send a mass note to everyone,” Clyde said. “Tell them the Bright Ones are weak to Void magic. Sure, Natalia’s the only one other than us that can use it, but you get the picture.”

The blue loli feebly tried to attack Clyde, but he dodged her without slowing down and beyond the standard mystic senses.

“Leave him alone,” she whined.

Abruptly, a large flash of light made Clyde stop, only a few feet from Sol, hand aimed and charging magic.

An entire group of Bright Ones surrounded Sol. Clyde thought they’d make an escape, but a new voice grabbed everyone’s attentions, even theirs.

“Su Yaaannnng!” Dire said cheerfully. “Oh wow, Terrance was right. All of the strange activity here—”

Clyde’s blast of magic sent her flying into the group of Bright Ones. “I think we’ve had enough of you, kid.”

[Dire’s HP halved. Dire is stunned.]

He aimed a hand at her. “Nothing personal.” Clyde didn’t get the chance to unleash his fatal attack, as someone else got the jump on him, undetected. He dodged the magic in time.

“Tear, Alice, Jump with Su Yang now. Melody, back me up.”

Tear didn’t waste a second, initiating the Jump, targeting Alice and Su Yang. And no matter how much Su Yang yelled and tried to get Dire’s attention, it was no use. She vanished along with Tear and Alice, trapped.

The newcomer, Dire’s ally, wore a dark green cloak over casual clothing. He fired an extraordinarily powerful burst of magic that made the group of Bright Ones scatter to dodge.

But no one expected what happened next.

“Dire, we’ll have to forget about Su Yang for now,” the green-cloaked man said.

“But Terrance,” Dire whined.

“We’ve got who we’ve come for.”

He held up a hand, which slowed the movements of every single Bright One gunning for him. He then delivered a blow into Sol’s gut, knocking him unconscious.

Clyde and Melody tried to intervene but Dire, being ready this time, blocked their magic with a strange silvery energy shield. She stuck her tongue out at Clyde.

“Meanie!”

She, the green-cloaked man, Sol, and the blue loli vanished… And the Bright Ones were in a frenzy.

“Find them!” They vanished.

“Well, at least we’ve got what we came here for,” Clyde said, mimicking the green cloak’s words. He shook his head. “Just what the hell’s even going on?”

“No kidding,” Melody said. “And your magic’s been acting strange.”

“It’s this city,” Clyde said. “I think. I don’t know.”

Just as he expected, Natalia and the others chose this time to finally show up.

“Pervy-nii,” Natalia said.

Melody joined him in the blank stare. The presence of his other fiancées did calm Clyde’s magic. He felt like diving into Harumi or Yuki’s breasts and smothering out his frustration. Or at least complain to the women.

“We’ve got a fuck ton to reveal,” Clyde said. “And in case you’re wondering, yes, you missed all the good bits. Tear and Alice did successfully capture Su Yang though, but holy shit, listen to this.” He eyed Tessa. “Apparently a certain dead bird had a connection to the Bright Ones. Yes, plural. There were a lot of them. Men and women dressed in white with the same weird glowing gray eyes.”

End of Act 2.

Episode 78 (Part 1): Behind the Scenes.

Act 3.

Early evening…

Harmony Day Eve…

Outside Supreme Palace, Monster Kingdoms…

Airi’s room…

“So Harmony Day is Satovia’s birthday,” Clyde said, nodding. “I see.”

“Yep,” Airi said. “She gave us life, joy, food, water and all of that jazz, so gift-giving is common with this holiday. Dinner parties with good drinks, and cuddle days work too.”

Clyde somehow felt no guilt by going to Airi for the knowledge of this holiday, knowing she’d be more than happy to blab away. A natural professor, really. Going to her wasn’t cheating self-research. Although… He’d have to keep her in mind for Sato Academy homework. No wait, Chika already claimed him there.

“Let’s go, I think everyone’s already packed,” Clyde told the druid.

“What’s with the sudden decision to go home?” Airi asked.

“There’s no better place than home to celebrate a holiday,” Clyde replied. “We can just come back here afterward if needed.”

“What was that last thing you needed again?” Airi said.

“Something called an Essence Crystal,” Clyde said.

The super druid froze, tilting her head. “I think Fuyoko knows the location of a dungeon that may have one. I’ll talk with her about it.”

“Thanks,” Clyde said.

“Of course,” Airi said.

Clyde noticed a familiar object on the woman’s desk. Its glow seemed to distort the air around it like a desert haze. He shouldn’t be surprised that she kept her word the entire time, but seeing it for himself after all this time was just incredible.

“Ah shit, that was supposed to be a part of your gift,” Airi said. “It’s become a habit to leave it out on my desk and let it absorb the sunlight from the window or the ambient magic in the air.”

Clyde blinked. “One hell of a gift, but shouldn’t I leave it in your care? I don’t know a damn thing about Root Tree Seeds.”

“And that’s why you learn, ya goof,” Airi said. “Root Tree Seeds were thought to have extinct millions of years ago, yet some random monster girl in the forest simply gave you this for helping her.” The druid girl’s eyes went starry. “Now that presents more questions. Does she or her friends have more? Was she aware of what she gave you? The mystery of this is maddening.”

“Okay,” Clyde deadpanned. “So what’s so special about a Root Tree? Besides the glowing seeds.”

“Oh ye of little training in the wonderful arts of ancient knowledge,” Airi said. “The Root Tree, also known as a World Tree in some cultures, is one of the first things we learn about in Druidry. Maybe I’ll teach you a few things about it sometime.” She lazily reached for a flask. “Naked and drunk.” She grabbed Clyde’s hand and pressed the seed into his palm. “One fully matured, healthy, and charged seed at your service. Happy Harmony Day. Oh and happy birthday, Satovia.”

[Airi has returned the Root Tree Seed to you. Item class: *Relic*. The mysteries of the tree can only be unveiled by planting the seed.]

“Thanks for trusting me with it,” Airi said. “Crazy rare magic-based plants and seeds are a druid’s wet dream to get ahold of. But convincing others to let us study them is nearly impossible most of the time. You know, value and all that jazz.”

[Your relationship with Airi has increased to Treasured, level 2.]

Airi stuffed the last of her things in a roller bag. “I know you’ve been in our world for just a few months. I can imagine time probably passing differently here too.” She stood. “But if you feel like talking about things from home or really, anything, I’m here for you.”

Clyde nodded. He grabbed the flask on Airi’s desk just as she reached for it.

“Let’s not turn your comforting into a comedic joke,” Clyde said.

“But it’s empty. I think,” Airi said. “Besides, I was only going to stuff it in the bag.” She smiled. Clyde laughed.

When he left the super druid’s room, Clyde met up with the others in the main room. Lilith ordered her servants to run errands before approaching the young man.

“My servants will continue to gather information on the Bright Ones while you’re away. Please feel free to drop by anytime. I’d like to start repairing what I’ve done.”

“Sure, sounds good,” Clyde said.

Lilith looked at Tear. “Are you sure you don’t want to visit your mother?”

Tear sighed. “Positive.”

“So why are you coming?” Seth asked Nila. The loli-granny shot him a brief glare.

“Unless they’ve moved the Hades Estate somewhere else, I’m going to check on Alice’s work. I’m especially looking to see if there’s still order in that damned place. I haven’t seen it in fifteen years, mind you.”

As one of Lilith’s maids passed by, something clattered to the floor. And it continued to vibrate as the group stood there in awkward silence. The maid quickly returned.

“Don’t mind this,” she said. “Just a device for the off time.”

“It’s dripping fluids,” Alice deadpanned. The maid simply hurried off, presumably to her room.

“So, uhm, what do you plan to do with that Su Yang woman?” Lilith asked. “I could keep her if you want.” Her eyes shined with lust. “It’d be less of a headache too.”

“That doesn’t sound like a bad proposal,” Airi said as she joined the group. “Without your bond, she’s dangerous, Clyde.”

“Tear already has her temporarily disarmed with an anti-magic barrier,” Clyde said. “She’s going to let the futas finish the job and render her powerless. Then the questioning will begin. We’ll see if leaving her with the Punishment Squad or Venus is still possible.”

“Interesting,” Lilith said. “I’d love to pay the–”

“Don’t even ask about access to their portal,” Tear said. “They’re running a business, you know. The last thing they’d want is unwanted visitors.”

“Harsh,” Lilith said, though she clearly wasn’t offended. “Who’s paying them to hold high-profile prisoners anyway?”

“Demon realm taxes,” Tear said.

“House Hades never ceases to amaze me when it comes to flexing their political connections,” Lilith said.

Tear shrugged. “It’s more of the friendship I built with them over the years. Otherwise, asking them to take in a high-risker will more than likely get you the middle finger, and told to fuck off.”

When Clyde and Team Stone stepped outside, Tear initiated the Jump.

* * *

Somewhere in the outskirts of the Monster Kingdoms…

Inn…

“I’m so mad!” Dire yelled. Her aura coated the city twenty times over, creating a pressure that even Sol could barely withstand. He noticed that the green-cloaked man called Terrance seemed to struggle as well.

“Goddamn, Dire, calm the fuck down,” Terrance said.

The kid cried once again, revoking her aura in the process. “We worked so hard to track her down. And then the other meanies had to ruin everything. Su Yang’s definitely going to get tortured and it’s all my fault.” Dire gestured at Sol and Iris. “Instead, we save them.”

Sol rolled his eyes. “Save? You’re being over-the-top. No one asked you to interfere with the plans of the Bright Ones. And when they inevitably locate us, you’re dead.”

Terrance turned his tired and dark gaze to Sol. “You still do not understand your predicament, at least not fully. You’re smart enough not to attack, but you just don’t get it.”

“I’ve analyzed you,” Sol said. “You’re a Viper Reaper, so what?” He looked at Dire. “And how could he choose a kid to be his successor? Especially one—”

“You have much to learn,” Terrance said as he sat down. He grabbed a bottle of water from a case nearby. “This analysis you speak of… Your knowledge has vast limitations if you do not know of Dire. Princess Dire. A curse that not only turned her into a child, but restricts her mind too, preventing her most rational side from emerging.”

“What are you talking about? I’m rational,” Dire said, then folded her arms. “I’m more rational than you.”

“See?” Terrance said.

Sol blinked. He knew of the curse, but not much about it. And he certainly didn’t expect someone like her to be a pawn of the Viper. Hellfire. The green cloak hinted at the ‘difficulty’ of his ‘escape’ attempt. Heh.

Sol glanced at Iris. The devil kid timidly held onto the scepter, keeping her suspicious eyes on both Dire and Terrance. They couldn’t win her over with a warm bath, free food, fresh clothes, and a non-destroyed place to sleep. She wouldn’t have to wait long to get away from the captors. Terrance and Dire underestimated him. Holding a poker face and biding time, Sol had already outputted his aura. The Bright Ones instantly acknowledged it, taking residence inside. He almost grinned.

“Hey Iris,” Sol said. “I’m still keeping my promise. Don’t worry too much about these two.”

The devil kid nodded, faintly blushing. She probably held back her questions, clearly identifying the Viper Reapers as threats. Well, they did bash him unconscious, making it easy to keep Iris on Sol’s side. He wasn’t sure what the Viper was up to, but the young man wanted no part of it. He wouldn’t underestimate him though.

Underestimating a foe cost him seven years…

What bugged Sol even more was how time passed between the two realms, Venus’s Hell and Satovia. The date he saw on the inn’s front TV revealed how hardly any time passed.

Clyde and his party recognizing him felt like a miscalculation and missed opportunity for the Bright Ones.

For some reason, they reverted the young man to his original body. Luckily, he didn’t lose all of the power gained in those seven years. However, they were grayed out on the menu, requiring the Bright Ones to enable them. They’d do so when the time was right.

The young man still had questions. Why were Clyde and his group there when he returned to the plane of the living? Why the chaos?

And the Bright Ones… killing a Punishment Squad member in just one shot. Clyde was wrong about their weakness. He didn’t kill that Bright One.

It was an act… a magician’s disappearing trick to lower everyone’s guard and leave while acquiring as much data as possible on his abilities. The fake panic, the call for Sol’s search. All according to plan.

* * *

Tuesday. Week 3. Month 3. Year 1. Season: Winter.

[Satovian Universal Calendar: Domino, 46389.]

[School: Winter Break. Day 25 of 30.]

[Current declared fiancée(s): Melody, Alice, Tear, Harumi, Chika, Natalia, Kitome, Yuki, Tessa, Ruri, Ming.]

[Expecting: Harumi, Alice, Kitome, Chika.]

[Countdown until babies are born:

Harumi, kitsune: 5 months until due. Currently: week 4, day 6.

Alice, half-demoness, half-angel: 5 months until due. Currently: Alice: week 4, day 3.

Kitome, human: 9.3 months until due. Currently: week 3, day 3.

Chika, human: 9.3 months until due. Currently: week 1, day 4.]

The young man still failed to understand how the Bright One survived… No EXP gained, no prompt declaring the battle completed. What did it mean? He lost a little sleep thinking about the situation. Sol’s return, Dire and the cloaked man, and the sheer power of the Bright Ones.

Concluding that fuckery was himself. Why did his powers act so… strangely in Lilith’s city? Why couldn’t he push for evolution to the God of Destruction? Another skill… evolving out of nowhere.

Clyde’s morning began… with Ruri and Harumi shaking him awake, excited for the holiday. Following that was the sound of Alice vomiting in the bathroom, instantly causing the two women to grimace.

“Waahh, husbando-onii, Lady Alice is dying,” Natalia cried, diving onto his stomach. The young man grunted, feeling as if a WWE wrestler performed his or her finishing move with an intention of him never standing again.

Tear picked up the loli-witch and started toward the bathroom to check on her cousin. “She’s not dying, silly girl,” the succubus deadpanned. She chuckled. “Just a little morning sickness.”

Harumi sighed. “I feel for her.”

Ruri’s ears wilted.

“She’ll be fine,” Clyde said. “Don’t splash out your holiday spirit.”

Ruri’s tail started wagging again.

Episode 78 (Part 2)

Lot City, Yaponiya…

Hotel…

Dark quickly pulled his hand back and pants up as he heard the first knock on his door. To accelerate deflation, he glanced at the front cover of an NTR manga he planned to burn that morning.

“Wake up, chuuni,” Selkie said from the other side of the door. She banged again. “We’re going over to hang out with the others.”

“Alright, already,” Dark said. “Don’t come annoying the great lord of the dark in the morning.”

“It’s Harmony Day, you grump,” Myriad said.

The annoyance that flooded within the young man made it safe for him to stand and open the door. Both of the women had… a giftwrapped box for Dark.

“It’s your first special holiday in this world, Charles,” Selkie said. “It’d be kind of fucked up not to get you accustomed to it.”

“Happy Harmony Day, Dark,” Myriad said.

Dark suspiciously wiped at one eye and then accepted the gifts.

“But… I didn’t get you anything,” he said softly.

“Harmony Day is for the women to give gifts to the men they care about in their lives,” Myriad said. “The men will do the same next month on Unity Day.” She winked. “Make sure you give me lots of food.”

Seeing Dark’s expression made this moment so worth it for Selkie. The chuuni had had his problems, which he refused to talk with anyone about. But ever since she brought the young man to Satovia, that gloominess made a one hundred eighty-degree turn. If he didn’t want to discuss his old life, Selkie wouldn’t push him. After all, he was doing her a favor. And she didn’t explain anything related to her issue at the beginning… although that was mostly due to the Watchers and their trigger-finger monitoring.

Dark gasped, the excitement shining in his eyes at the items in the box.

* * *

Clyde’s house…

Clyde could feel the collective impatience of the women as he took his sweet ass time in the shower. He felt Ruri’s presence by the door, tail wagging, but filled with the shared annoyance. Being able to feel their moods through the magical bond established by the engagement still felt weird to the young man. At first, it was he and Alice, creating the root via the soulmate connection. Maybe Melody changed things, getting the ring ahead of her.

“Nya, hurry up in there.”

He chuckled. Neko joining in only improved the amusement. He shut off the shower, snatched the towel and dried himself off before wrapping it around his waist. The second he opened the door, Clyde bumped into Ako. Wrapping logic be damned, the towel fell off, allowing his wood to press against the kuudere catgirl.

Her blush shifted from bright pink to dark in three seconds.

“L—L—Lord Stone, how indecent! Nyyaa—”

Neko whacked her sister on the head with a paper fan, which seemed to aid Ako’s excited faint. The white-haired catgirl dragged her sister out wordlessly.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that one was still a virgin,” Airi said, her eyes glued on Clyde’s shaft. He thought about using her words against her, but decided to just leave it with a sigh. Ruri practically smashed the fresh clothes in Clyde’s face.

“Damn,” Clyde said as he put on his boxers. Then he froze to look at Tetra.

Tetra simply shrugged. “The door’s open and the show’s free.”

He heard Natalia chant from the hallway. “Pervy nii! Hurry up.”

That motivated him to get a move on. With the dark elf right there, the last thing he needed was to provoke her secret desire to slap the young man in handcuffs. Although for prison or something else would remain a mystery for a while.

Thank goodness for Airi’s tendency to blab, revealing to him one important detail about Harmony Day. He wasn’t supposed to give any gifts to the women except on its sister holiday known as Unity Day. That took place the next month and served as the finisher for holiday season and the celebration for Satovia’s formation period.

Clyde noticed a delayed prompt that flashed in the corner of his mind’s eye.

[Quest completed: take Dark to the Monster Kingdoms and return him to Lot City Safely. Reward: EXP, 300 million dollars, and 1 favor from Selkie.]

[Congratulations, you’ve reached levels 344-350. Stats increased!]

[You have started learning Ki-based ultimate: God Ki skill: Arrow of Celestial. White Ki. To obtain, the following Ki crests must all reach 50: Purity, Radiance, Memory, Sharpness, Range, Mischief, and Innocence.]

The moment Clyde got dressed, the house shook. Su Yang’s pressure and aura flooded the air.

“What the fuck is going on?” Clyde asked.

“Su Yang is probably trying to escape again,” Alice said. “Holding her here is getting more and more difficult. She’s going to eventually break our binding spells.”

“Fuck, just what we needed,” Clyde said.

A familiar voice made him freeze. How many weeks passed since he last heard it?

“I have to say, the timing of this visit couldn’t have been better.”

Mortem floated in the center of the room, strange aura surrounding him like a beacon of death. “You’ve captured the sole traitor of the Venus sisters.” He chuckled. “When did you grow a pair, surpassing my expectations for the first time in your life? Not counting the kick.” He teleported to the door. “I finally stopped feeling that one.” His shark-like grin was still the same, seemingly ever-present.

“What do you mean sole traitor?” Clyde said. “I don’t know how many sisters she’s got, but I do believe all of them should be at least investigated by Celestial.”

“Don’t regress back into stupidity, Stoneman,” Mortem said. “The Venus sisters and I, as well as her.” He nodded at Tessa. “Share the same master.” He tilted his head. “You know, I’m not actually sure about Tessa. If the engagement hadn’t fulfilled her contract with Venus, the marriage surely would.” He chuckled. “Congratulations, and thanks for getting one pain off my ass.”

“Hey!” Tessa said.

Mortem waved off her protest. “That was a joke.”

“Why are you here, Mortem?” Clyde asked, his god chant dancing along the edges of his voice. His pressure immediately overtook Su Yang’s.

Mortem smirked. “Not only have you awakened, but your body adjusted in a way that keeps you just a little bit out of the leveling system while in your normal form.”

“His body naturally yearns for the levels beyond the levels.”

Everyone flinched, including Mortem. He froze at the sight of Naoko standing beside him.

“Sheesh, could you at least generate an artificial presence, kid?” Mortem said, removing his hand from his chest.

Clyde held down his laughter at Mortem being startled, but mostly because he agreed with him. He was sure the blue-skinned Entity would acknowledge her as beyond a kid, but Mortem continued on as if nothing happened.

“I’ll be taking Su Yang to Venus. And from there, she’ll receive judgment.” Mortem shook his head. “Knowing her soft spot for the sisters… Su Yang will probably lose her powers and memories and get the ol’ changed-back-to-human treatment.”

“Good,” Clyde said. “That’s one less headache.”

“You think that,” Mortem said, “but don’t be surprised… Never mind, there’s no way Venus will do that. After all, she wants…” He sighed. “I need a drink.”

The Entity glanced at Naoko again, eyes seeming to express…pity? That pity went away as he observed the entire room and realized everyone loved the green-haired kid.

Mortem suddenly vanished then reappeared a second later with Su Yang unconscious and over his shoulder.

“Imagine giving the Viper the netorare treatment by screwing her.” He chuckled. “I honestly don’t know what she sees in him.”

Mortem vanished before Clyde could ask what he meant. He did a quick Airi check. Sure enough, her eyes were starry. Golden aura flowed around the super druid, who looked as if she was ready to launch herself at the young man.

Clyde patted Ruri. “I say that’s one hell of a gift from the asshole himself. Let’s get back to our holiday. And celebrate harder being free from dealing with Su Yang.”

“I sure hope you don’t eat those words,” Kitome said as she grabbed Clyde’s arm. Ruri was on the other side. The scent of amazing cooking kissed the young man’s nose as they walked down the hall.

“So that’s THE Mortem,” Airi said. “I have so many questions. I only hold them for now. Another gift.”

When they reached the living room, Clyde’s eyes widened at the huge pile of gifts, beneath a floating HAPPY HARMONY DAY sign.

“Mine first!” Natalia anime-dove into Clyde hard enough to almost knock him over despite his stats.

“Happy Harmony Day,” the women said.

Clyde grinned. “You didn’t have to…”

The feeling of truly being loved felt nearly overwhelming to the young man. It reminded him why he declared Team Stone his Satovian family. It was how he made peace with himself, declaring this world his home.

“Well, don’t just stand there, open them,” Alice said.

Ruri nodded in agreement, tail wagging. “Mine is right there,” Ruri pointed at a box.

“Mine is outside,” Yuki said, surprising everyone. The kuudere demoness gave a mischievous half-smile.

Clyde opened Natalia’s box. The first things he pulled out were what appeared to be incredibly pricey bracelets.

“I upgraded them,” Natalia said cheerfully.

He also received chocolates that suspiciously looked like they were stolen from a certain half-demoness’s stash, a Loli Saga book, and a crayon drawing of everyone together. Labeled at the bottom were the words, My Family. He felt something catch in his throat for just a second.

Clyde pulled the loli into a hug.

“I love all of it.”

“Really?” Natalia asked. “Do you mean it, onii-sama?”

“Damn right,” Clyde said, giving the loli a head pat. “Let me put on the new bracelets.”

[You received Upgraded Bracelets of the New Path. Item class: *Holy Legendary, *One of a Kind. While wearing these bracelets, all Ki-based abilities will do six times the damage. All Ki cultivation will be increased by five. When married, all wives will receive a 350% damage boost to Ki-based attack skills while within at least a nation of you. The bracelets no longer drain your Ki.]

[You received Natalia’s family drawing, two chocolates from Alice stash four and Loli Saga Exclusive Magi Magi Edition. Item value: extremely valuable.]

“They’re made of platinum and magic stone,” Natalia said. “Kitome said it helps magic and Ki flow better or something like that.”

The second Clyde put on the new bracelets, the old pair burst into golden magic. The new pair absorbed it, leaving the entire room in awe.

“Me next,” Ruri said, shoving her box in front of Clyde. She was a little bouncy, tail wagging at what looked to be hundreds of miles an hour.

Coming out of the hellhound’s box were two tickets for lifetime visits at a huge steakhouse, a coupon for giant chunks of meat, and a high-end Satovian tablet. He could tell not just by its sleek silver design, but the price tag Ruri forgot to remove from it.

Alice sighed. “Meat coupons. She’ll never change.”

Harumi giggled. Matsume grinned, obviously approving of the gifts.

[You may access additional menu options from the Woof-Woof tablet. Item value: luxurious.]

Clyde hugged, kissed, and gave his hellhound fiancée a head pat.

“I love them. And I guess we’ll be going out on a lot of meat dates.”

“Yay. I look forward to them,” Ruri said.

“That a girl, Ruri,” Matsume said.

“I’m next,” Chika said, anime-diving into Clyde. The young man took in the familiar scent of Chika’s perfume, a contrast from Ruri’s citrusy one. He shuddered at the millions of dollars that probably went into producing them.

Chika grabbed Clyde’s hand. He flinched when he felt the set of keys.

“Chika—”

She grabbed his arm. “Come on, let’s go see it.”

Clyde felt his gut bubble at the sight of the black sports car sitting on the driveway.

“Holy shit,” he said.

“Way to make us look bad,” Tessa deadpanned, though it appeared to be a playful jab.

Chika smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I didn’t know what guys like, other than sex which I can do anytime, so I asked Dad. He said cars, swords, and… big booty something. Clyde has enough swords.” She shot the young man a micro-glare. “So I went with Mom and Tear to buy him this.”

“Sadly… he can’t drive it,” Tear said, facepalming. “Not without a license.”

Chika blushed. “Sorry.”

“It doesn’t matter—I fucking love it,” Clyde said then opened the doors to check out the luxurious interior. “I really don’t deser—”

“Don’t you dare try to modest your way out of this one,” Yuki said, pulling him out of the car and into a soft breast hug. “You saved our lives many times. By yourself. Now look to your left.”

Clyde did. His eyes dropped to the sight of a life-sized solid gold muscular statue of himself holding up an unknown sword. The statue glowed with real magic.

“I wasn’t prepared for today,” Clyde said as his mouth dropped. Yuki’s genuine smile only added to the mix.

“And you said I made everyone look bad,” Chika quipped sarcastically at Tessa. The green-haired girl sighed.

Airi looked as if she wanted to spaz but held it back as not to ruin the moment.

“Nya, wow,” Neko said as she stepped outside, her sister and Chesire following.

Ming joined Tessa on the sighing sidelines, along with Harumi, Tear, Melody, and even Kitome.

“That’s real gold,” Kitome said to Melody.

“That’s real magic and detail,” Melody said.

“Gee, if only I could afford to give him a car,” Harumi said sarcastically.

“I feel like my gift is going to rank the worst,” Ming said.

“I feel like war has been declared,” Alice said.

Episode 78 (Part 3)

Realm between Realms…

Su Yang awoke in a place that was the night sky from top to bottom, an endless paradise, like the breath of the cosmos. The ground felt solid, but cold to her bare feet. She looked up, expecting to see a smug Mortem. She froze at the sight of an injured Entity.

A dark-skinned woman dressed in all-white clothing smirked. Her glowing silver eyes gave Su Yang all the information she needed at the moment.

The Bright Ones had somehow found this place and ambushed Mortem before they could warp to Venus’s realm. She aimed a glowing hand at the Entity.

Mortem chuckled. “Killing me will get you involved with someone incredibly dangerous. A sweet release of death from serving her is all that awaits me. For you, this will be all for naught.”

Su Yang’s eyes widened. Her memories flashed back to a talk she had with the goddess.

“In life,” Venus said, “there are many roads one can walk. Each path leads somewhere. Could be your vision of success, dominance, failure, or even neutrality. However, even if you meet failure more than once, there is always that free path following you around, holding a hand out for you to take. That, my daughter, is redemption. Falling does not mean staying down. You’ll know redemption when you see it, not once, but multiple times. And then, after rejecting her so much, you will see it during a major moment, one which will determine if it is too late to turn back or if there is still a will to succeed within your body.”

Su Yang knew why she recalled this advice. Venus wasn’t present, but her aura exerted a minute amount of influence over the area, maybe through Mortem. Maybe through herself and the Entity.

The Bright One suddenly looked at Su Yang as if reading her conflicting thoughts. She spoke in a soft, almost motherly voice.

“I’ve come to rescue you, so worry not,” the Bright One said. “We are on the same side. The side of the man you love.”

Mortem’s eyes widened. “The Bright Ones actually bargaining with someone, and the Viper of all people.”

The woman turned an icy gaze on the Entity. “Filth should learn to keep quiet. Abducting the ex-Venus sister, forcing her back to a life she left of her own volition. And then to top it off, a judgment from the goddess herself. Whether she favors the sisters or not, the punishment will not be lessened.” She looked at Su Yang. “Lost memories, Venus’s Hell after execution. Did you ask for any of this? Worry not, for the Bright One-Viper truce will enable you to live the life that you want. Of course, after we fulfill the bargain. Believing we’ll find peace with the problems still around is nothing more than a glorified delusion.”

“How do I know you’re not full of shit?” Su Yang asked.

“Fair enough question,” the woman said, “but it doesn’t matter. I will be taking you back to Aunder whether you like it or not.” She winked. “I can see why you have the hots for him. I’d have his babies in a heartbeat if not for his annoying drunkenness.” She chuckled.

“Foolish Bright One,” Mortem said darkly. “Letting your guard down with me… how naive. They’ve finally granted them to me.”

Su Yang gulped, knowing exactly what the Entity was referencing. Her deciding moment could be gone now, forced back to confronting an angry goddess. A goddess… that abandoned her.

An unreasonable flood of anger shot through Su Yang. How fucking dare they look down on her?

Where was Venus when she died, suffered in Hell, and even when Aunder soul bound Su Yang and her sisters? Where was Venus then? Su Yang didn’t volunteer to become an oathbreaker. The figure she looked up to betrayed her and her sisters right at the very first critical moment they needed her. Then continued to ignore them. How fucking dare she act righteous? Life with the Viper started off rocky and uncertain, but after getting to know him, Su Yang understood his motives. Sure, Aunder wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes, which he regretted, even if he didn’t show it. He even hired questionable people like Tiffia, former Crusader researcher, and Kaymen the Devourer. When she asked him about the bizarre hiring process, Aunder’s answer was rather simple. Sometimes the outsiders and those who don’t fit in with society will produce the best results. Making them loyal would bring the most satisfying rewards.

[Mortem invoked Unrestricted Entity Mode.]

The force of Mortem’s aura bashed the Bright One backward a few feet.

Su Yang stood, charging her magic, preparing to do something that would change her life forever. Mortem had his back turned to her.

The Bright One stood up, glowing with anger. Within seconds she engaged the Entity. The magic and aura emitted were so strong that Su Yang could barely stand. The exerted pressure from the combatants squeezed against her physical body and energy that ran through her veins.

Su Yang gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and focused. She too possessed immense power. She simply needed to use it, not get intimidated by supernatural beings.

That was right… She was only human. A sorceress who trained incredibly hard to control her powers. Then one day, she collapsed, poisoned from overtraining and extended exposure to forces she didn’t understand. Forces not meant for an ordinary human body.

On the edge of life and death, a woman’s voice soothed her soul, knitted stability back to Su Yang’s mind. And offered her the chance to represent her as a Venus sister.

Su Yang didn’t have to accept, but the woman would still heal her. How old was Su Yang back then? Eight?

Su Yang opened her eyes. Aunder was just an excuse to forsake her duties, like abandoning all of humanity to satisfy a sweet tooth. However, what he represented within his imperfection was taint, destruction, and incredible power. He didn’t deserve the unfair chains of the game, but that didn’t excuse him from his crimes. After all, Clyde, the other half of the coin, didn’t use his power to demonstrate that he was capable of wiping out an entire planet with little effort.

Aunder had no plans to budge until Dire convinced him to restore the people. However, the stable mind behind the princess couldn’t hold for very long due to the curse. Even if Dire did get her body and mind back, it didn’t excuse the fact that her entire family betrayed her.

She was an innocent girl, set up as a sacrifice by her family. Yet the multiple attempts on her life failed. Aunder saved the child from the one that almost succeeded. A proposed sacrifice for no cause.

Good and evil were not black and white; however… No one would be binding Su Yang anymore. Not the Viper, not the Stone. She’d do things her own way, completely neutral from all sides. And if the two titans wanted to kill each other, then that was on them. But she’d try to propose a better way.

A way to get the Stone and the Viper on the same side. The stone-viper games needed to end. If Clyde held true Stone blood, it meant the same for Aunder. He came from the rogue war goddess’s bloodline anyway.

That was why Celestial forced the title of Viper on him when she vanished.

Su Yang aimed one hand at Mortem, the other at the Bright one. As the magic surrounding her skin glowed like the sun, the woman’s hair rose slightly and moved with winds that spawned from nothing.

“Hear me, my goddess,” Su Yang said. “I will not abandon my duties; however, I am a Venus sister. I serve you, not the Stone, neither the Viper. I am also my own woman, not a petulant child for you or others to drag around.”

As Mortem and the Bright One turned to look at her, Su Yang clasped both hands together. Her eyes flashed as she released the magic.

A bright multicolored geyser erupted from her hands. The Bright One’s shocked face froze in time as it rocked against her. Su Yang could see the many questions the mysterious being wanted to ask, especially about the betrayal. Or what she believed was a betrayal.

When the Bright One was completely petrified, Su Yang eyed Mortem. The Entity nodded.

“Worry not, she heard you loud and clear,” Mortem said. He teleported over to the statue. “Getting Venus, a director of Celestial, the very first hostage, I mean prisoner for questioning. You have surpassed expectations. That’s what I will add to the report.” He chuckled then turned to her. “Just be warned, foolish mortal, you’re entering a dangerous game. Declaring neutrality forfeits your protection from Venus. I suppose that doesn’t matter, considering what you’ve been through. And before you ask, I do not need to know, I can tell just by the fire in your eyes.”

Mortem vanished with the statue, his last words echoing through the empty realm. “Wherever you Jump, you’re truly on your own. And if what you attempt backfires, you’ll die for good this time, without Venus’s apology rewards.”

“Before I return to my home, I will confront my demons,” Su Yang said. “I will no longer run from this. And I will fight extra hard for any innocent, not just human. No one will go through what I did.”

Su Yang Jumped.

When the bright light and magic cleared, she found herself in front of Clyde and Team Stone. Not all of them, but enough for the message she had to spread.

“Hear me out,” Su Yang said to Clyde. “The reason why I accepted my duties in the first place finally returned to me, but I will not be a pawn to you or the Viper.” She briefly made eye contact with each member of the group, including the children who were definitely not children. “I wholeheartedly believe that you and the Viper share the same fate, both puppets dancing on the strings of Celestial. However you break that fate will be up to you. I will not interfere, having declared myself a neutral party.”

“Are you insane, nya?” Ako asked. “Do you not want the protection of your goddess? Without it, you will not even have so much as a shielding from the Punishment Squad.”

“If you knew what I’ve been through,” Su Yang said, “you would know that there are beings whose powers can force a loophole through my goddess’s protection, rendering it useless. I’m not only just a neutral party—I will go on the offensive for all of the innocents. If you need me, talk to Ako. But I will not be subjected to your interrogations.”

Su Yang Jumped, this time appearing right in front of a surprised Aunder, Dire, and Terrance. Even Athens, the Entity of Fear, was present, though her innocence made Su Yang a little sad for her, being dragged into a war just to be used. The other Reapers weren’t present—that included the woman’s sisters. She really wanted to take them away.

“Su Yang!” Dire dove into the woman’s chest. “I knew you’d come back.”

“But she isn’t here to stay,” Terrance said.

Aunder gave her a look that carried no emotion. Just neutral glowing eyes, studying the woman. Then he shrugged.

“At least she came to say goodbye.”

“What? You can’t leave us,” Dire whined. “You’re finally back. We’re Team Viper as a whole again.”

“Terrance is right,” Su Yang said boldly. “I will be neutral, absent from the stone-viper games and only protecting the innocent from becoming caught in the crossfire of what’s to come.”

Aunder nodded. “Very well. The door’s always open here, Su Yang. You’re always welcome.”

“Aunder, you can’t let her go,” Dire protested, eyes teary.

“After what she’s been through, I will not get in her way,” Aunder said. “But I’m afraid Momo and Olivia will be my hostages.”

Su Yang’s eyes widened.

“I will continue to treat them right, of course,” Aunder continued. “They are my Reapers. However, if my new network finds out that this is a traitorous plot, well, you know I’ll just send them to a place that not even Venus will detect.” He shook his head. “I never thought I’d have to threaten you of all people. It makes me sick. But my war isn’t with you, you know that, Su Yang.”

“Of course,” said Su Yang. “Which is why I’m offering this suggestion. If you can, please work with the Stone.”

“No,” Aunder said. “I will continue to not make an active campaign against him for now. If he stays out of my way, the same courtesy may be offered to him. But unlike you, I am not naïve to believe Celestial won’t force a duel to the death the moment I meet with him.” Aunder stood from his chair and placed his mug onto the table. “The entire time I’ve been here, I’ve been in an active struggle against Celestial. Every being I fought was of Celestial.”

Before Su Yang could respond, someone new emerged from the hall, wearing a golden cloak. But…

Of course. They came to a deal somehow. The Falcon had joined forces with the Viper.

“Ah, you hadn’t met him yet,” Aunder said. “The newest recruit to the Reapers. Su Yang, meet Sol.” Neither said anything. Aunder, of course, had not the slightest of fucks to give, but this development worried Su Yang.

“Did you not send the Bright Ones to retrieve me?” Su Yang asked.

Aunder gave her a skeptical look. “So that was the bonus gift they boasted about. No, I didn’t send them. I did send Terrance and Dire multiple times. We were on the verge of declaring you either captured by the Punishment Squad or an unknown party. To think after all of this, you’re leaving.”

“I’m sorry,” Su Yang said. “I’ve got a part to play. Hopefully it will lead to the end of the stone-viper games. Without any deaths.”

“Naïve thinking.”

Su Yang turned icy eyes to the source of the voice. Sol, the Falcon. Despite his youthful body, somehow the spirit within seemed older. Could he have been in Venus’s Hell? The woman didn’t know or care.

“Call it what you want,” Su Yang said, “but it is more than what you’ve provided to this situation. Becoming an enemy of the Stone right off the bat. Attempting to hijack the stone-viper games.”

Sol waved away her sentence. “Seven years ago, I was a bit of a hothead. I’m only here to carry out the will of the Bright Ones and show a certain napping kid what things are like in the outside world.”

Su Yang wanted to know his connection with the mysterious blue child but needed to get a move on. The Falcon just revealed that he served the Bright Ones. He carried out their will, not Aunder’s. That meant the deal was more fragile than she thought, surprising for Aunder. What did this mean? And where were they?

She needed to go. Sol and his masters would surely find out about their companion. Aunder and Terrance withholding that information from him only confirmed the fragility of the alliance.

Su Yang sat Dire down, gave the teary girl a head pat, and then turned.

As she Jumped, she decided that it would be best to improve her relationship with Team Stone. The Viper side of things was just too dangerous with the Bright Ones lurking around. Sol represented them without a mind of doubts. That confirmed one thing: they had breached Venus’s Hell undetected, somehow didn’t provoke the demon queen, and rescued the Falcon.

Su Yang would send that information to Venus through a prayer.

Abruptly, she felt something interrupt her Jump. She struggled, but couldn’t stop the immense force from pulling her to the realm between realms.

She hit the starry sky-like ground a little hard, but forcibly composed herself to stare down the newcomer. It took her less than a second to recognize the woman that stood before her. A supreme dark goddess.

“I think it’s time for your journey to end right here,” Fatalus said. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for that protection of hers to go away.”

Su Yang felt every molecule of her body tremble. She felt more afraid of Fatalus than Hell. The only one who could match Venus in complete unpredictability was the creator of the Princess Dire curse.

Fatalus grinned. “How many times were you warned of this naivety?”

Episode 79 (Part 1): Trust

[Emergency quest: save Su Yang. Difficulty: unknown. See Ako to start. Accept? Yes or No. If you do not accept this quest, your relationship with Venus may drop significantly. Rewards: unknown.]

Clyde was just putting on the incredible ring Alice had given him when he looked at the wide-eyed catgirl. So much for enjoying one fucking holiday with his fiancées. The reason why he decided to leave the Monster Kingdoms to celebrate it was to lower the chances of Team Stone getting into fights.

And someone just interrupted.

He looked at the concerned faces of his women. They had been having so much fun. But if he ignored this quest, the thought of letting someone die would ravage his conscience.

The system attempted to motivate Clyde.

[Talent: Main character stuff. Hidden Skill. God Tier skill: Divine Foresight.]

He saw her, beaten to the brink of her life. And no one was there to help her. Disconnecting herself from Venus meant the goddess couldn’t even keep track of her. Su Yang’s assailant had waited patiently for this moment.

If she was friendly with the Viper, why didn’t he receive the prompt?

[Chances are, the Viper was warned by his prophet that answering the quest meant death. Su Yang abandoned his group, forfeiting his protection and sympathy. He did not show anger at Su Yang’s decision to leave, but inside, the Viper wanted nothing more than to explode. He holds her sisters as hostages in the belief that Su Yang betrayed him.]

[This quest is incredibly dangerous. Should you consider taking the Viper’s actions and not getting involved?]

Clyde saw Su Yang gasping for breath, hopeless, feeling alone. No one would help her. She’d die alone, again. Sure, it wasn’t his problem. But if he took that kind of thinking to heart, most, if not all, of his fiancées wouldn’t be standing with him at that moment.

The image of Su Yang staring at the tainted sword of death made him imagine the possibility of any of his lovers in the same situation.

Clyde became one with…

The headache began to build, but he pushed and spoke directly to the red lightning that reigned back his power.

You will not stand in my way, especially during an emergency, Clyde thought.

And just like that, the red lightning and the headache subsided.

[You have learned Supreme God Tier passive skill: Emergency Power Control. During a perceived emergency, you will not lose control of your powers. This is one of the rarest skills of all time.]

[You’ve earned the title *Unsung Hero.]

Clyde took a deep breath and with his new passive skill emitting its magic, he became one with destruction, murder, hate, rage, vengeance, time and space.

[You are awakening violently…]

[You are awakening more violently…]

[Your utter wrath has been invoked.]

Ako seemed to shiver as Clyde looked at her with eyes of ghostly flames, the pressure of his aura so strong, every multiverse felt it and quivered.

He nodded at her. The catgirl took a deep breath, let it out, and then thrust her palms forward. The others quickly moved out of the way, expecting the magic.

Void-colored magic rippled from her hands as she opened what the young man could only describe as a portal. On the other side, he saw the scene from earlier still going. The mystery woman dragging out Su Yang’s death.

“That’s the realm between realms,” Ako said. “And… the… oh no. It couldn’t be.”

“Who is she?” Tear asked.

“Supreme Goddess Fatalus,” Ako said softly.

Natalia’s eyes widened, giving Clyde pause, despite the raging power that blasted throughout his veins.

“You… mustn’t,” the loli whispered.

<Clyde channeled Cloaking.>

[Cloaking, level 6. For a percentage of your Ki, you may turn invisible for a very short period. This ability cannot be canceled by magic.]

Clyde entered the portal, while Alice held Natalia back.

Fatalus raised her sword high into the air. “I think I’ve sucked up all the joy there is to be had here. I’ll make sure the demons in my Hell ripen you up nice—”

Clyde’s kick to the gut sent her flying several feet away and off the edge of a cliff. Rather than waiting for her to return like a dumbass, the young man grabbed Su Yang and Flash Stepped out of the portal. Ako, someone with Clyde’s approved brainpower, immediately closed the gateway. Good.

Not only did it not give Fatalus a second chance to kill the Venus sister, but she also didn’t see the young man either.

“You…” Natalia paused.

The quest didn’t say fight Fatalus. There had to be a reason why the Viper, a man capable of leveling a planet with very little effort, bailed on the idea.

Su Yang was in tears as she looked up at Clyde.

“Holy damn, that was one hell of a team effort,” Clyde said to Ako. Harumi’s healing continued to coat the Venus sister. “Su Yang, I’d like to offer you a place on Team Stone. You don’t have to accept. I saw the vision and wanted to get you to safety because it was the right thing to do. You’ve finally come up with a resolution, but…”

Seeing Harumi’s healing concluding, he allowed Su Yang to get to her feet before continuing. By no means would she’d be treated like a child or some damsel in distress. Of course, with her ridiculously strong power, the young man would find it hard to do so anyway. “Everything you said aligns with what we do as Team Stone. What I stand for. I hate when the supernatural abuse their powers to terrorize anyone who just want to live their fucking lives.”

Clyde shrugged. “I’m not Superman or some hero of justice. I’m not going to fly around trying to save everyone. That’s a bit hopeless.”

“Not that it matters,” Airi blabbed. “Clyde attracts the biggest threats. He’s a doomsday magnet sometimes.”

“I’m not a doomsday magnet,” Clyde defended.

“Nya, you’re an ally of the Supreme Demon Lord,” Neko said.

“She doesn’t count,” Clyde said.

“The daughter of Platus, nya,” Ako said.

Clyde pulled Melody close, causing her to blush. “I love my redhead. You’re just jealous—”

Ako whacked him on the head with a paper fan, causing everyone to laugh. Su Yang, who stared in awe, tears streaking down her cheeks, actually joined in.

“You’re damned beautiful with a genuine smile on your face,” Clyde said, causing Su Yang to blush. He held out a hand. “You don’t have to join, but at least allow us to escort you home. We could always use a new genuine friend. None of that watching you die shit because of whatever dumbass reason.” He mentally glared at the trope. “If you’re in trouble, we’ll have your back.”

[You’ve established a relationship link with Su Yang.]

[Your relationship with Su Yang has increased to Friend, level 3.]

Su Yang grabbed his hand. “I… don’t have anywhere else to go, assuming Fatalus knows where I live.” Tears fell from her eyes again. “I… don’t have any right to ask, especially after all that I’ve done.”

Clyde knew her unspoken words. She didn’t know a betrayal could hurt so much. The one who allowed Fatalus to make an attempt on her life was someone she trusted the most.

“Nya, move,” Neko said to Clyde. “Your protection can only do so much. I’ll need to hide her presence from any evil eyes. Not even the strongest of the darkness will find her, including the Viper.”

“You can do that?” Clyde and Su Yang asked.

“Only for a select few,” Neko said. “Observers. And you know what Venus sisters are.”

Clyde noticed the glimmer of sadness in Su Yang’s eyes at the mention of her sisters.

“Your sisters will be fine,” Clyde said as he stepped out of Neko’s way. “Let’s just say they’re both very loyal to Venus.”

When Neko finished her spell, Dera said aloud, “I detect no dishonesty from her.”

“She’s more blunt than me,” Yuki said. No one could lie to the kuudere demoness, of course, although Clyde never considered pitting his abilities against that particular demonic ability. Not that he was a good liar.

“Are you sure…?” Su Yang asked softly. “Are you sure that I’m allowed to stay after—”

Clyde waved away her doubts. “Yep. I think it’s time for you to breathe easy for once. Live and fight with people who only want the same peace.” He gestured at his fiancées. “No more of this distrustful shit, staying on guard all the time, or getting betrayed, especially at your most critical need. Su Yang, I’m going to be frank with you, no bullshit, no holding back. The Viper… Aunder and I received the same prompt, saw the same vision. In his eyes, you were already dead, a backstabber to the team. I’m guessing he held back that rage in front of you or your team, whatever, that’s not the point. We had a rough start, but welcome to Team Stone.”

[Su Yang has joined your party.]

[Su Yang is a chaotic party member.]

[Know this, a chaotic companion on your side could dramatically alter the battle in your favor. Remember your vows. Anything promised to them will serve as motivation while they eagerly await the award.]

[List of chaotic companions: Chika, Ruri, Kanako, Naoko, Sazuki, Lilith, Su Yang.]

[Chaotic energy has reached 3 points. All damage output increased for the entire party.]

Su Yang started to move, but tripped over something, falling into the young man. Clyde felt the blank stares of his women, including Natalia.

“Pervy cheater-nii,” Natalia said. “You see boobies, you lose all brains.”

Tear laughed. “Remember when you said your true form has bigger boobies than Harumi.”

Harumi sighed. Clyde grinned, pulling the fox girl over to him. He gave her a quick kiss. The ring Alice gave him throbbed with potent power.

[You received Alice’s gift: The Ring of Higher Fate. Item class: *Relic*. Your chances of finding rare items increased! All damage output and defenses increase dramatically while the ring is equipped. You are immune to AOE damage, immune to poison, and cannot be paralyzed. There are unknown effects, some tied to fate.]

“Let’s go walk in on Clare,” Clyde said.

Airi made a wincing sound. “I’m pretty sure she’s pissed.”

“Yesterday was just day one,” Clyde said. “We have one more thing to find and boom, Natalia’s stupid curse will be weakened. Then we can see if Alice can break it. Hell, I’ll make sure Clare’s working directly with me.” He pulled the half-demoness into him. She was visibly pleased and blushing. Tear’s phone went nuts, her camera being pushed to its limits.

“Tear,” Alice said.

Melody chuckled, relating. Airi’s distance from the succubus suspiciously grew just a little wider, but Matsume pulled her back in, grinning.

“Hug me too and pet,” Ruri said.

“One sec, I forgot something,” Tessa said. She grabbed Matsume. “Could you help me find my Platia strap? Sahara’s going to be so jealous when she sees it.”

Matsume sighed. “I want three drinks for this. I’m not a service you know.”

Tessa’s eyes glistened, like puppy dog eyes, causing the hellhound to sigh again. “Let’s get this over with. Platia’s so overpowered. And the goddess is cuter.”

“The goddess is too rare and the one I found online is expensive,” Tessa said.

The two headed back inside the house and toward Tessa’s room. Halfway, she stopped at a hallway bathroom, gesturing for Matsume to go ahead of her.

Washing her face, the young woman looked into the mirror. The anime girl that stared back at her was supposed to be a heroine.

But the feelings she held for Clyde, despite the many years passing, prevented the young woman from stumbling into her own harem. Or ‘reverse harem’ as they called it. Not that she cared for such things. Sure, she did have an interest in handsome werewolf and vampires back in her high school days, but that was just a phase. Hell, she even had a soft spot for catboys. Ming’s BL books did give her a few laughs and moments of entertainment.

Tessa was sure she’d hate being a part of a harem. She’d never been the type to share a lover and didn’t enjoy harem anime. Yet in Satovia things were different. Things that would’ve bothered her on Earth hardly made the young woman blink.

She found herself smiling at her engagement ring. A sudden throat clearing made the young woman flinch, nearly tripping over air.

Matsume held up the Loli Saga strap. “At least try to help.”

“Sorry,” Tessa said.

Matsume sighed. “Keep being true to yourself. Your happiness will continue. Just look at Ruri.”

The two women smiled.

“You’re right,” Tessa said.

She felt Venus’s approval of Su Yang’s rescue flow through her veins like liquid comfort. Su Yang didn’t need Venus’s protection. She had Clyde’s.

Tessa loved her goddess, but she’d take Clyde’s protection any time, any day.

“By the way,” Matsume said. “When are you going to join the preggo club? The baby-bump look will do well for you.” She laughed.

Tessa anime-fell to the side.

As they neared the front door, Dark’s voice coated the air, almost shattering her mood.

Episode 79 (Part 2)

Aunder’s Castle…

“Are you sure that was a good idea?” Terrance asked Aunder.

“It would be foolish to have her here, uninfluenced by my soul bond,” Aunder replied. “Besides, a Venus sister without Venus’s protection isn’t worth the risk. I just shielded my movements from Celestial. I don’t need my position to be unveiled again.”

“But—”

“What Su Yang doesn’t know is that this is a moving castle,” Aunder said. “And the maidens had already powered on the warping mechanism.”

“You planned this far ahead?” Terrance asked.

“I pay salaries and bind you through an oath,” Aunder said, “but that doesn’t mean you won’t run into someone who can break it. At any time, someone could become a traitor, abandon the team despite the rewards I promised, go back to being gum stuck under the shoe of this world. Those who aren’t strong enough to be on board with Team Viper and betray us for cowardly neutrality or switching sides afterwards, well. It is only fitting that they be left to whatever fate is awaiting them.”

Terrance shook his head. “You should’ve just killed her yourself, instead of letting Fatalus torture her to death.”

“No,” Aunder said. His mind flashed back to that disgusting prompt.

[Su Yang has abandoned your party and your cause. Without the soul bond, she is now an unknown and most likely a danger to your party.]

He supposed he deserved that one for soul bonding in the first place, but the prompt didn’t cool his rage.

“If there were true undying loyalty in her, she would’ve killed her captors and returned to me even stronger than before, possibly bathed in the blood of her enemies,” Aunder said. “The only influence that could change her mind that drastically is the Stone. The Stone or Venus.” He frowned. “This may be a declaration of war. Call in the Reapers. We’ll have a meeting in our new host nation.”

* * *

Midmorning…

Outside of Clyde’s house…

“Happy Harmony Day,” Selkie greeted. Team Stone returned it. At that time, Seth and Yusuke were walking up.

“We’re headed to Clare’s,” Clyde said. “Wanna tag along?”

Selkie shrugged. “It’s not like we have anything better to do. We came over to hang out.”

“The great lord of the dark can feel Clare’s wrath all the way from here,” Dark said.

Selkie eyed the unbonded Su Yang and the rest of the team for just a moment. Clyde noticed her small smile. The anime approval smile.

“The only thing you’re feeling, chuuni, is your incompetence at lasting more than two minutes,” Myriad said. “At Loli Saga Fighters.”

Clyde and Team Stone nearly fell.

“That’s because I go easy on you,” Dark said. “The great lord of the dark has yet to find a worthy opponent that doesn’t exclusively use Platia, spams B, and brags about it. Your use of Platia means no skill.”

“You’re just mad,” Myriad said, chuckling. Matsume shook her head. Amina and Harumi sighed. Natalia only stared at them in silence as she rode Clyde’s back.

Upon reaching Clare’s restaurant, the young man took notice of Sahara sweeping the outside area.

“No day off for the holiday?” Clyde asked.

Sahara sighed. “She has no boyfriend, so she’s a brute.” She puffed her cheeks in a pout. “I mean I don’t either, but even I’d be just a little nicer on Harmony Day. I’m dreading Unity Day.”

Clyde’s mouth gaped, as Clare just happened to step outside in time to hear everything. Naoko hid behind the young man’s leg, sensing the oncoming doom. The sky darkened. Well, a passing cloud covered the sun at that moment—but the young man categorized it as the same effect.

Clare’s bright purple anger aura made her look as if she was about to transform into a super Saiyan.

“I’m sorry, what was that?” Clare said as she placed a hand on Sahara’s shoulder, Gin smile on her face. The blood drained from the magical girl’s face.

Clyde could’ve let that play out but decided to give Sahara an out before the shrine maiden’s murderous instincts peaked.

“Clare, good morning,” he said, pulling her glare onto him. “Before you say it, I know. We left early because of the holiday.” He scratched his head. “I’m not familiar with the holidays of this world or the dates. I’m behind on research… yesterday was probably the worst timing. Please let me make it up to you.”

The shrine maiden glared at him further until at last, she sighed.

“Fine. You owe me a gift for Unity Day,” she said.

“Done,” Clyde said. Once again, he was glad to be a billionaire. Luck for defeating enemies way above his paygrade.

Sahara wisely took the opening the young man gave her and escaped.

When Clyde and the others entered the café, they noticed Tyrone, Kazumi, and three others sitting around a table chatting and sipping coffee.

“Well, well, look who’s out and about. Ming, our neglectful team leader,” one of the young men said. A quick analyze identified him as Peng. Clyde remembered they were Ming’s teammates, the other two being Zack and Han.

“Dummy blond, when will you ever learn?” Natalia said, shaking her head after Seth received The Look from the magical girl he teased.

“Harruummiiii.” Kazumi anime-dove into the fox girl’s breasts, smothering her face. “How are you? How’s the little one? Are you going to have another?”

Airi plucked Kazumi off Harumi with a single hand.

“Ow, Airiiii,” Kazumi pouted.

“Ruri, would you like to try our new bacon-buster breakfast?” one of the magical girls asked.

“Sure!” Ruri said.

“Me too!” Matsume said, following the hellhound princess. Clyde noticed that Harumi looked, but stayed back with her friends.

Some of the magical girls surrounded Kitome, cutting off the young man’s route. Alice, Melody, Yuki, Tessa, Chika, Neko, Fuyoko, Nila, Hinako, Ako, Amina, Kaguya, Dera, even Selkie and Myriad were chatting it up. Things grew even more lively when Asu and the Stone Maidens stepped in.

“Oh God dammit,” Clare snapped from the backroom. Seeing there was no hurry to hop in a group, most likely a seat next to Yuki, he went to check on the shrine maiden. She angrily picked up her dropped photos and returned them to her album.

“You okay back here?” Clyde asked.

“Yep,” Clare said angrily. “Just fucking dandy. Don’t worry about me, just have the holiday spirit.” She rolled her eyes.

“Who pissed in your cereal?” Clyde asked. “Chill. Come hang with us for the day.”

Clare marched up to him, poking his chest. Her voice came out more sympathetic than the young man expected.

“You really don’t know anything about this holiday, do you?” she asked. “You’re supposed to be spending time with your loved ones, your family. Not worrying about what I’m doing.”

“Family and friends,” Clyde added. “And Clare, you look as if you could use an ear to rant into.”

“I—”

Clyde pulled the woman into a hug. “Those photos were of your family… weren’t they?”

Clare let out a sigh but continued to melt into the young man’s embrace.

“There used to be seven shrine maidens in the city, myself included,” Clare said. “Well, twenty, but most had moved off to other cities for work, school, and ambition, leaving us seven behind. All died fighting demons. We… never coordinated or actively hunted them, we fought solo and in defense of any normal person under attack… That’s why I hated Alice at first, before finding out that she did everything she could to fight her father. With you, she did what I was too weak to do. She liberated the city. And for the last two months or so, excluding the shitheads, Inquisition and fuckface Punishment Squad attacks, we’ve experienced some sort of peace in Lot City for the first time. No curfew, no monster attacks, not even the Abyss roams around anymore.” She went silent for a moment before pulling away from the young man. “This album is all I have to remember them by.”

She walked over to her desk and placed the booklet inside a drawer. Clyde took a seat on one of the couches.

“I’m glad you trust me enough to tell me a little of your past,” Clyde said. “I know there’s nothing I can say that can ease that pain, but for what it’s worth, there will never be another demon lord settling in this city again. I swear it.”

“I know,” Clare said, then gave the young man a half-smile. “We all know by now your ability to… shake up the city. Hell, you’ve even befriended the Supreme Demon Lord. I couldn’t sleep for days when she actively visited, searching for Tear. Or was it you?”

[Your relationship with Clare has increased to Endearment, level 6.]

“Hang with us,” Clyde said. “I think it will help shake away that gloom.”

“I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a business to run,” Clare said. “The girls still need paychecks, you know.” Clyde frowned. “But seeing as everyone’s here, I can accept you as all-day customers.”

Clyde nearly anime-fell to the side. “You’re a piece of work, you know.”

Clare laughed. “Thanks for… listening. Tell Sahara I’m somewhat not mad at her anymore.”

“Don’t strangle the poor girl,” Clyde said with a laugh.

* * *

Dark stared blankly at Ming and her friends and then looked at the beautiful blonde woman chatting with Kanako and Noona. He still gave the cosplaying demoness a quick glare before returning his awe to the beautiful woman. He couldn’t believe it. All this time, the normie lived with his deck leader and didn’t tell him. Did Selkie know?

There were so many people on Team Stone that Dark couldn’t keep track of them all. That couldn’t be jealousy, slithering into him like an unsuspected bug. Ming and her friends, fellow duelists, gave him the proof. Ming even bragged about Clyde’s deck.

Dark found that especially hard to believe. With his weaker deck, he was about to destroy Clyde. Tyrone aside, Ming was the regional champion. She surely didn’t lose to that pathetic deck the normie barely paid attention to—he watched some of her past duels online. The beautiful girl was one of the most ruthless players around—running his dream deck—er… a great deck. The only Loli Saga deck in existence. Many would pay their livelihoods for it…

Dark had only faced one regional champion himself, from the nation of Vin. He was a million times better than the normie.

“There is no way someone who treats his cards like burdens beat any of you,” Dark said. “Are you trying to make a fool out of the great lord of the dark? What happened to being civil among fellow duelists?”

“If you don’t believe us, then challenge him yourself,” Tyrone said.

“Fine, I will,” Dark said. “And unlike you, I won’t go easy on him.” He pointed at Ming. “After I crush the normie, you’re next, being the real challenge.”

Ming shook her head.

“Don’t bother Ming, baka chuuni,” Natalia said as she walked over to sit in her lap. “You’re not worthy enough to challenge her.”

“A pathetic loli like yourself who has no deck will never understand the language between us duelists,” Dark said. “You’re the one who’s unworthy.” He held up a hand, interrupting Natalia’s following quip. “Fear not, I won’t hassle you on this fine holiday. Ignorance doesn’t make you at fault.” He looked at the others. “Normally I’d call for a wager, but even I’m not heartless enough to hustle. Also not desperate for anything.”

“Except getting laid,” Myriad said from another table, causing Dark and Ming’s friends to nearly anime-fall to the side. Matsume and Airi snickered.

Selkie sighed. “What happened to not giving the chuuni shit during the holidays?”

“I’m not,” Myriad said. “But his boasting begged for a reminder of the truth.”

“You’re a birdbrain of lies,” Dark said, blushing furiously. He turned to Ming. “Where’d the normie go?”

“I think he’s talking with Clare,” Ruri said, then chomped down on her last slice of bacon. She looked at Harumi. “Are you sure you don’t want a plate, soul sister? It’s really good.”

“I’m fine,” Harumi said. “Thanks.”

Yuki gave her a look then sighed. “Do not say anything when I include extra meat on your plate tonight.”

Dark started toward the breakroom. “Hey normie! Duel me!”

Ming shook her head, feeling a little guilty for accidentally sending the chuuni Clyde’s way.

Episode 79 (Part 3)

Noon…

Clare’s Café…

“Duel me!”

Ruri looked up to see Dark flying backward from the backroom. She winced as he crashed into a coat rack. Spare maid uniforms fell onto him. Then Clare emerged with a glowing-eyed gaze that made even the hellhound’s ears sag. Well, maybe eating her last bacon strip had something to do with it.

“Did your mother not teach you that it is rude to barge into a lady’s room, uninvited?” Clare said darkly.

Seth shook his head. “Ssss. I’m so glad I decided not to try that. It’s more fun teasing the magical girls up front anyway.”

Some of the fireside girls gave him death glares, others sighed, tired, a couple facepalming softly.

Clyde emerged from the breakroom, catching sight of that fantastic flying kick Clare had delivered to the idiot.

“Dark, I would’ve thought someone who puts up with Selkie would have learned by now.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Selkie asked as she marched over to the young man. He raised two hands in playful surrender.

“I’m kidding,” he said, then looked at Dark. “Nope, not dueling today.”

Normally he would’ve said, “Nope, I’m not playing that dumbass game, it sucks, it’s pointless, and I hope every card find its way into a collective dumpster fire.” But after learning more of it, meeting Amina and Ming, the young man had grown to respect the card game. That didn’t mean he liked it.

Clyde used his telekinesis to pick the chuuni up from the ground, while simultaneously returning the coat rack back to normal.

“Note of advice,” he said in a low voice. “Don’t piss Clare off. This is a rule that even I follow.” He chuckled.

Dark sighed. “The great lord of the dark sees your point. Jesus, if she’s going to go Liu Kang on me, the very least that dreaded woman can do is put up a sign that says authorized personnel only. What if I thought the bathroom was that way?”

“The bathroom’s that way.” Clyde pointed in a different direction. “With signs you can’t miss. But that’s beside the point.”

Kanako and Amina sipped their coffees simultaneously.

“Is it true that you’re living with your deck leader? That she’s actually in this world somehow, alive?” Dark said.

“You’re just now aware of this?” Clyde asked, fighting the urge to facepalm. “Geeze, man, she’s been around since our trip to Alon.”

Dark shot the young man a blank stare. “Is that humble bragging or a flex I hear? Do not forget, you’re the one who’s afraid to duel me. Great Artist Ming, is this your hero? A coward who mistreats his cards?”

Kanako floated over to Clyde, her legs in genie-tail mode. “Master, my gift is ready! The delivery woman arrived.”

“Master?” Dark shook his head. “You truly are the biggest pervert I know.”

Clyde sighed. “I tried to get her to call me by name, but she refuses.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I don’t know if it would be a good thing or embarrassing thing in public. Like a crazy kink fest.”

Dark facepalmed. “The great lord of the dark does not take kindly to your gloating. You walk around in public with a harem. You no longer have the right to care what the public thinks of you.”

“Good point,” Clyde said. “And I will continue not caring.”

“Given that this world isn’t like that abomination we once lived on, yeah. Please don’t start caring,” Dark said.

“What are you two talking about?” Kanako asked.

“Ah, nothing important,” Clyde said. “Let’s go back to the house and get the gift.”

He and the genie started outside, leaving the chuuni behind without his demanded duel.

* * *

Outside of Clare’s café…

Jin sent his report back to the lady mayor via a text. This was a surprisingly easy job for the excessive amount she paid him. Whatever business she had with the Yakuza was none of his concern, of course. Ironically, they protected the people of the city more than the shitty government. The man could respect that. Too bad what he planned to do next would shatter the definition of morality to pieces. Not that it mattered. Money flowed to him all the same, dirty, bloody, or grimy.

“Let’s see.”

He thrust a palm forward. In the center of it glowed a circle filled with symbols.

[Jin activated Special Tier skill: Reckless Summoning.]

[Jin summoned an ancient giant mountain ogre.]

“How will they react in combat?”

Jin tilted his head. “If the mayor’s wife is wrong, everyone in there will be mountain ogre food.”

He leapt from rooftop to rooftop until he was a nice distance away. Undetectable, but at a decent vantage point to check out all the action.

* * *

The moment Clyde Jumped, taking Kanako with him, Ruri’s nose detected something off in the air. A scent that seemed to be quite old and compacted with enough bloodlust to tear apart anyone that encountered it.

“Ruri, are you well?” Kitome asked, snapping the hellhound out of her revelry.

“I think something’s out there,” Ruri said. She looked at Ming. Why wasn’t she getting a vision or something? She noticed that Matsume stood, eyes on the door, nose picking up the scent.

“Everyone, get your asses in gear,” Airi said.

“What are you talking about?” Clare asked.

“We’ve got a nasty guest,” Airi said. “And he’s probably going to wreck your café.”

Yuki waved that sentence away. “Reversing the time of that will be no problem. However.”

She walked toward the door.

“Are you sure about pulling a Yusuke there, Yuki?” Airi said.

“Hey,” Yusuke said. “You weren’t even there for that.”

Airi shrugged.

“This is personal,” Yuki said. “Clyde will be back shortly, and I don’t want anything ruining our holiday.” A giant gray fist suddenly plunged through the door. The demoness blocked it with one hand. “Ruri, would you like to do the honors?”

“I’d love to,” the hellhound said.

* * *

Clyde’s house…

“This cake is huge,” Clyde said, “but I love it. Thank you.”

The young man was almost certain that it’d be enough to feed everyone currently at Clare’s and maybe even more afterward. Holy shit.

“Before we go… um, Master, could you… fill me up with some spirit energy?” Kanako asked.

Being the only two in the house, the young man didn’t see a reason why he shouldn’t. He kissed Kanako while laying her down on the couch. She gasped as he moved his kisses from her neck to her breasts. He glided his tongue from one nipple to another, gauging the genie’s reaction and enjoying her cuteness.

He slid a finger or two into her, the wetness becoming a sea. His erected wood squeezed into her tight center and Kanako’s moans soon filled the house.

He almost blasted into her, the sex intense and amazing. Her climax voice seemed to increase his load spray somehow.

Fortunately, the genie made it all vanish with a little magic. And then came round two.

[Ki increased, Kanako. Bracelets of the New Path bonus activates. +5 to Sweet, Magical, and *Range*.]

“Let’s hurry and get the cake to everyone,” Clyde said.

Kanako nodded twice. “A shower first,” she said.

Twenty minutes later, a knock on the door grabbed their attention. They were already changed into fresh clothes and ready to go.

“Clyde-sama!” Chiyo called. “Happy Harmony Day!”

Clyde opened the door to the pleasant sight of Chiyo and her younger sisters, Kimiko and Aimi, as well as Harumi’s older sister, Liru.

The beautiful dragon woman shoved a large golden rose into his hands.

“It’s from my personal gold collection,” she said, eyes shining… with lust? “A dragon’s gold is precious to her. You have to take care of it.” She quietly added, “And me.”

“Thanks Chiyo,” Clyde said. “But isn’t gift giving reserved for lover—”

“Hi Kanako,” Chiyo interrupted, waving at the genie girl.

“Hi Chiyo,” Kanako replied. The genie hovered over. “Liru, Kimiko, Aimi.” She waved.

“Hello. Pardon for the intrusion,” Liru said.

“You’re fine,” Clyde said.

“Hi,” Kimiko and Aimi said.

“We’re about to head over to Clare’s café,” Clyde said. “You may as well join us for some cake.” He nodded at the enormous dessert the genie bought for him.

“That’s huge,” Kimiko said.

“You can have as much as you want,” Clyde said at the starry-eyed dragon girl. He turned to Aimi. “You too. I know you hate men, but make that exception with me. Think of me as a—”

“A god,” Kanako said.

“A bit high on the ego train there, love,” Clyde said to the genie.

“But it’s true,” Chiyo said. “You’re also part dragon.” She licked her lips, which threatened to raise the young man’s tower. Chiyo was beautiful and had an air about her that heightened the beast within Clyde.

Well, all of his women did that. Which by definition, kind of put Chiyo on the same level. Dammit, he’d just had sex, why was he so horny?

[Your relationship with Chiyo increased to Endearment, level 10.]

[Your relationship with Kimiko increased to Endearment, level 7.]

[Your relationship with Aimi increased to Endearment, level 7. Warning: Aimi cannot fully control her sexual urges, poured down via the Supreme’s influence. She also hates most men.]

Clyde smiled at Liru. “It’s really nice of you to stop by. Your sister isn’t the only one happy to see you with each visit.”

Liru blushed.

Kanako puffed her cheeks into a pout. “Smooth talk me like that, Master.”

Clyde flinched. “I was j—”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t try to make excuses,” Kimiko said. “Kanako’s attracted to you for a reason.”

Now it was the genie’s turn to blush as she glared at the orange-haired dragon girl.

“You’re all just a bunch of horny twits,” Aimi said, folding her arms. “Just like most men.”

Chiyo sighed, tired.

“Let’s just go,” Clyde said, grinning. Airi would probably love to be a part of this conversation.

* * *

Outside Aunder’s castle…

Dire continued to fume.

“Fine! If they don’t want to convince Su Yang to come back, I’ll do it myself. I bet she’s…”

She flinched as she had a strong recollection of recent events. She remembered Su Yang being soul bound against her will, guarded by the girl she almost finished off until that man showed up.

The World Star Fragment… they probably stole it from Su Yang.

She was brainwashed, that was it. Stupid Aunder wouldn’t help, so she’d have to handle things herself.

She even remembered the location of that house.

Sol watched Dire take off via Jump. He knew exactly where she was headed. After all, the Bright Ones returned her memories.

Sol chuckled. “With that little bitch out of the way, I’ll breathe easier here.”

* * *

Early afternoon…

Clare’s café…

Clyde smiled as Harumi greeted and hugged her big sister, Liru.

“Sister sandwich.”

Clyde turned his blank glare on Tear and then laughed. He considered pulling his succubus goddess into the back, but decided a gamble like that just wasn’t worth becoming Clare’s next football.

“That laugh is proof that you love me so much,” Tear said, winking.

“I think I have a billion more ways to show you proof,” Clyde said. He only realized he had the succubus pinned to the wall after kissing her, which silenced the entire restaurant. Clyde and Tear shrugged at the blank stares. “No need to be alarmed, just kissing my bride.”

“Pervy husbando, kiss me too.” Natalia anime-dove into him.

Clyde looked at Tetra. “Help.”

The dark elf smirked. Sitting in front of her was a small box. A gift. She winked at him. Su Yang was sitting at Tetra’s table, enjoying her coffee. And because she dropped her coldness, the entire team got the chance to experience the real her. Quite cute, aside from her obvious beauty.

Clyde copped-out of course, giving the loli a kiss on the forehead, but she seemed to be okay with it.

“Airi, Fuyoko, what’s the status on that dungeon?” Clyde asked.

“You’re asking about work on a holiday,” Airi said.

“It’s in the Monster Kingdoms, a province from Lilith’s place,” Fuyoko said, snatching the flask from the druid. “It’s empty?”

“I forgot to fill it,” Airi said. “And Clare doesn’t sell booze. Matsume and I plan to get shit-faced later though. Feel free to join us.”

“You really should stop drinking so much,” Fuyoko said.

“I don’t drink that much,” Airi said. “Just at certain times and with friends. A little harmless fun.”

“Until we’re stuck babysitting you,” Chika said.

Clyde chuckled. The power of Alice’s ring hummed through him, giving his stats a subtle increase, which almost widened the young man’s eyes.

As the chatting started up again, Clyde motioned for Tear to come with him to sit with the half-demoness and, of course, Yuki. He sure as shit didn’t plan to just ditch the succubus—he couldn’t get enough of her.

“Onii-chan, Yuki and—”

Clyde and Tear had already flinched at Naoko’s sudden appearance, but Fuyoko swiped her away, seemingly urging the loli-Entity not to speak of something. Ah well. She was probably about to spill out something embarrassing for Fuyoko anyway.

Clyde kissed the kuudere demoness. And as she moved onto his lap, his erection immediately maxed out. Tear’s tail curled around it, her mischievous smile aimed at both Clyde and Yuki.

Alice shot the two a blank stare and then sipped her coffee.

“I think I may give Airi a ring,” Clyde said. “If she accepts it.”

Alice spit her coffee out. “We already have Tear to deal with in bed. Are you sure you want to add Airi to that?”

Clyde’s eyes went starry.

Tear laughed.

Alice sighed. “Never mind, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Nothing’s final,” Clyde said. “There’s one more… although you may scoff at this harder.”

Alice shrugged. “I’m not going to pout over every addition to our family.”

“What’s that? Mature Alice?” Tear asked.

“Well, she is a milf,” Yuki teased, causing the half-demoness to blush and glower at her.

“Don’t go tsundere on us, Alice,” Tear said. “That’s Kitome’s job.”

“I’m not a tsundere,” Kitome said as she walked over, taking a seat next to Alice.

Toru, Nina, and Fumi entered the café at that moment, which prompted the lolis to gather. Natalia, Nina, and Naoko, that was. Wait… there was one more…

Her eyes were locked on Su Yang, filled with hurt.

After all, this was a fun-filled gathering and Su Yang had ditched them only hours ago.

Episode 79 (Part 4)

Early afternoon…

Clare’s Café…

[Dire’s Rage.]

“Su Yang… so you did betray us,” Dire said. Purple aura radiated around her, slowly increasing in thickness.

“Dire? What are you doing here?” Su Yang asked, her voice filled with surprise.

“I’ve regained my memories,” Dire said. “You… you’ve got to be brainwashed, that’s it. You’d never leave us for the people who abducted you. I’ll clean out this place!”

“Dire, no!” Su Yang yelled, but it was too late.

[Dire activated Almighty Tier skill: Infinite Hellstorm Obliteration. Warning! This skill will kill.]

The silver-haired loli thrust out both of her hands, unleashing magic in all directions, reminiscent of Vegeta’s Final Explosion.

Clyde only had a second to react. Someone else did in his stead—somehow she disabled Dire’s attack entirely.

[Natalia activated Giga Void Tier skill: Darkness Eater. This is an unstoppable skill.]

A shadowy creature made of void magic ate Dire’s attack then vanished in a blast of smoke and dust.

Dire turned to Natalia, her red eyes seeming to glow.

“Natalia… I liked you, but to see you a part of Su Yang’s abductors. You disgust me.”

“You’re delusional,” Natalia said, shaking her head. “You know Su Yang wasn’t abducted, but you refused to believe it. She changed sides because your master betrayed her. He left her to die to the hands of Fatalus—the one responsible for our curse!”

“Lies!” Dire yelled. “Lies! Lies! YOU WILL NOT FOOL ME!”

[Dire’s Rage increases.]

[Your party is being confronted by a high-ranking member of Team Viper.]

[stone-viper games.]

[Life and Death.]

[Your party has entered a *FIERCE SUPER BOSS FIGHT*.]

[Your party has entered a Death Sentence!]

Princess Dire, Successor of the Viper.

Level: ???

Type: witch, ???

Work under: Viper.

Special: Judgment of the Underworld.

Weakness: absolutely none.

Resistances: all magic.

Secret: she is the catalyst of the Princess Dire curse.

[Dire’s defense dropped by 4%. Dire’s attack slowly increases!]

The silver-haired loli aimed a hand at Natalia.

“This time, I won’t let you live. As much as I hate to do this after Alon, I WILL NOT STAND FOR YOUR LIES.”

[Dire activated Unknown Tier skill: Trailing Viper Cannon. This is an unblockable skill.]

Natalia dodged the magic.

“Don’t interfere, pervy-nii,” she said right as Clyde took a step. “I need this rematch.”

Clyde gave her a hard look, then nodded. “Alright. But we’re taking this out of Clare’s restaurant.”

“Don’t order me around!” Dire snapped.

“Dire, stand down, this isn’t a game,” Su Yang snapped. The silver-haired loli actually fired magic at her. Su Yang caught it and while she struggled, the woman managed to contain and dispel it.

Clare teleported to Dire’s side, eyes glowing. Her kicked missed as Dire teleported in front of Natalia, daggers unsheathed. The loli hand-to-hand showdown began.

“Great,” Tear said. “We try to enjoy one fucking holiday and it gets ruined.”

“No…” Alice said, fists clenched, eyes glowing.

“Are you going to interfere?” Tear asked.

“Why… didn’t Clyde step in?” Alice asked. “Why not put a stop to this now so we can get back to our day?”

Clyde didn’t answer her, eyes on the lolis. He figured Dire could eventually gain her memories back, but that was just a bridge he waited to cross, hoping to deal with her once and for all. But…

“Remember the last time Natalia fought Dire,” Tear said to her cousin. “This is about trust in her. Trust for her to settle an old score. Would you get in the way of that?”

“I know, I know,” Alice said. “But still… we were supposed to have a peaceful day.”

“Trust me, we all want to pummel the brat into the ground,” Airi said, eyes glowing gold, rare anger flaring. “If Natalia somehow fails, I’ll explode Dire down to her molecules.”

Even Harumi’s eyes were gold, all nine tails present. Her aura exerted a slight pressure, like increased gravity—this let Clyde know she was containing her anger the best she could.

Yuki waved at Clare to stay clear of the fighting lolis. A simple destruction-reversal spell would make the place as good as new. Fortunately, the loli-witch’s intelligence was way ahead of them.

“Dummy head!” Natalia dashed outside.

“You’re the dummy head,” Dire yelled, following her, magic charging. Clyde and the others hurried out to observe.

[Dire activated Unknown Tier skill: Underworld Death Shot.]

Natalia hopped over the gray and black ball of magic, took aim with her staff, and released the magic she’d charged.

[Natalia activated DARK GODDESS TIER SKILL: The Final Saying. Hell’s Core.]

Dire’s eyes widened as the dark magic blasted her backward.

[Dire’s HP dropped to 4.2M%.]

Dire stood up, dusting herself off. “I see you’ve gotten stronger. But you’re just wasting my time. I’m not here for you.”

Dire’s hands shot up at Su Yang. “I will take you back. Capture—”

[Su Yang activated Special Tier skill: Holy Bolt of Venus. This is an unblockable spell.]

Dire dodged it, eyes wide.

“Dire, I’m not brainwashed,” Su Yang said. “Aunder saw me as dead to him the moment I declared neutrality. And he let Fatalus attack me. Maybe even encouraged her. Fuck him. I am Team Stone’s newest member for life. We want the same thing: protection of the innocent.”

Dire’s eyes glowed as she snarled. Natalia cast magic, but the silver-haired loli slapped it away without a single hand and without turning around.

“Lies!”

<Dire accessed Black Ki.>

Dire aimed both palms at Clyde, Su Yang, and the entire group. The black aura surrounded her like starlight devoid of life.

“Lies!”

<Dire channeled…>

Natalia, surrounded in fiery-white aura tackled Dire to the ground.

“What’s wrong with you? Have you forgotten how to be a person, Dire?”

Dire laid motionless, eyes teary.

“Answer me! You weren’t the only one betrayed—but it doesn’t mean you have to live in the past.”

Just then, Dire’s eyes glossed over. “I don’t need her. I don’t need anyone. Master Aunder is all that I need.”

Natalia leapt backward, dodging the geyser of multi-colored magic that shot from Dire to the sky, exploding seconds later and shaking the entire area.

Dire’s eyes returned to normal as she stood. Natalia raised a hand, causing her staff to hover to her like a magnet. She took aim.

[Natalia activated Modified Special Tier skill: Princess Dire Spiral. This is an unblockable attack.]

Dire didn’t move to dodge, instead taking the hit, eyes on the sky. The magic crashed into her, dealing damage, but the silver-haired loli didn’t budge. Blood emerged from her mouth.

[Critical! Dire’s HP dropped to 4M%.]

“You know,” Dire said, sounding as if nothing happened. In fact, her voice was a little chipper. “I’ve never killed someone before.” Her eyes glowed red. “Maybe that’s what Master is trying to teach me. Spill blood, gain the red something, or something, honor this, blah blah.”

[Chiyo activated Dragon Tier skill: Draconic Blast.]

Dire smacked it away with just one hand.

“You killed my friend—don’t try to ditch responsibility for it,” Chiyo snapped. “It’s easy for us to think of you as a kid because of your appearance, but you’re a monster in a child’s body.”

Dire smiled sadly. “Maybe I am. And on this day, I will act like one.” She turned to Natalia. “You challenged me. So it’s only fair that I start with you.”

[Your party has entered a *FIERCE SUPER BOSS FIGHT* phase 2.]

[Your party has entered a MAXED Death Sentence!]

Silver aura and Black Ki radiated from Dire as her eyes glowed red. Clyde noticed that the white aura that surrounded Natalia still hadn’t dissipated but instead, intensified.

The young man wondered if he should allow a loli vs. loli fight to go on like this. This part of town was fortunately empty, but for how long, the young man wasn’t sure.

“Dire!” Natalia shouted as she unleashed magic from her staff.

“Natalia!” Dire shouted back, unleashing equally powerful magic, engaging the collision of forces never meant for mortals.

“Seth!” Seth shouted, gaining an elbow in the gut from Kitome.

Natalia and Dire rushed each other with martial arts, courtesy of their respective training, although the silver-haired loli seemed to attack with more force. The loli-witch, on the other hand, fought with precision and a little higher speed.

Natalia took a deep breath and let it out as she focused on her powerful foe. Her rival. Dire was a shell of her old self due to a tragedy, but rather than move on and get stronger, she chose to dwell in it. Let it consume her. Left behind stood someone who threatened the entire planet, completely subservient to the Viper. Unlike Su Yang, she could not be brought to reason. She’d happily take the false salvation of a destroyer. She willingly became his apprentice.

Natalia manifested a dagger and chucked it at Dire. The silver-haired girl dodged to the right.

[Natalia activated MODIFIED GODDESS TIER SKILL: Anthem Anti-Vitality Rain of Collapsing. This is an unblockable and undodgeable skill.]

Black and white spears of magic rained on Dire like they did the wizards back in Alon. But something strange happened. Her eyes flashed, disabling Natalia’s attack. The witch looked up just in time to see all blue.

The lightning crashed onto Natalia and continued through, creating a crater in the road, five feet deep.

[Dire used Modified Unknown Tier skill: Hallow Blue Underworld. This is an undodgeable, unblockable, and unstoppable attack. Warning, this attack does immense piercing damage.]

[Hyper Critical! Crucial! Technical! Devastating! Natalia’s HP dropped to 234%. Natalia was inflicted with paralyze and pulsing blight.]

[Natalia was hurt by pulsing blight! Natalia’s HP dropped to 195%.]

“You’re strong, Natalia,” Dire said. “Really strong. But I’m a demon. You won’t get anywhere against me while holding back.”

Natalia would not break those seals. She made a promise and she would keep it. Unless, of course, her friends were in danger and only she could stop it.

“How’s the paralysis?” Dire asked, then laughed. “Your life is in my hands.”

“You’re really underestimating me,” Natalia said. “You who don’t know a thing about being a real caster.”

“Hmm?” Dire said, tilting her head.

[Natalia activated Refresh. Status ailments cleared. Pulsing blight requires stronger curing magic to be removed.]

Natalia struggled to one knee, one hand on the ground.

[Natalia took damage from pulsing blight! Natalia’s HP dropped to 94%. Warning! Natalia’s HP is critically low.]

[Natalia’s HP has reached the requirement for Rising Soul. All stats sharply increased. She received a damage shield.]

Pulsing red aura surrounded Natalia as she released her magic.

[Natalia activated Void Tier skill: Surprise Ground Oblivion Bite. This is an unblockable attack.]

Dire realized it too late as the magic blasted from beneath her. She yelped as it sent her flying upward several meters. Not that that meant anything for a flying magic user, but it bought Natalia the seconds she needed to recover.

“Sometimes life likes to sweep the rug from beneath you,” Natalia said after Dire floated back to the ground.

[Critical! Dire’s HP dropped to 3.9M%.]

Natalia couldn’t believe how durable the silver-haired loli was. How would she defeat someone like this without risking the destruction of the city?

“I bet you wish you had my master’s training,” Dire said. “Every day, gruesome stuff you know.” Her cheerfulness melted away. “I am the successor or whatever. Don’t think I’ll lose to a whelp like you.”

Forget it. What was the worst that could happen? Natalia closed her eyes and then opened them. They let out a faint glow.

“You want me to stop holding back,” Natalia said. “Very well.”

Natalia teleported a meter away from Dire. And then in front of her with a glowing fist that sent the other girl flying into the ground. She met Dire on the other side with her staff aimed.

[Natalia activated MODIFIED DARK GODDESS TIER SKILL: Grim Cutter. This is an unstoppable and unblockable attack.]

Natalia’s lightning-like blast hit the silver-haired girl harder than a train, spiraling her back to her original spot, landing hard. But the attack wasn’t done yet. The rest of it fell from the sky, wailing, and releasing thunderclaps, shattering windows within the vicinity.

[*Wicked damage! Immense critical! Devastating! Piercing! Multiplied by Rising Soul’s increase. Dire’s HP dropped to 22,000%.]

[Natalia was hurt by pulsing blight! Natalia’s HP dropped to 45%.]

Natalia panted, feeling a bit numb from using so much void magic. Incredibly strong, but it came at a price.

[Dire’s Rage begins.]

An intense purple aura surrounded Dire as she rose five feet into the air, red eyes glowing like flames.

Natalia smirked. “I see someone has dropped her cockiness. What’s that about being a whelp?”

“I see,” Dire said. “Well it doesn’t matter, you’re already at death’s door.” She aimed a hand at the witch.

“So I failed again,” Natalia said. Her voice become cheery. “Well, in that case, I’ve got nothing to lose. There’s nothing like a good old magician’s trick.”

Natalia waved her staff, causing the dirt from the road to smack into Dire’s face. And some of it definitely got into her eyes. Caught off guard, Dire yelled. Natalia casted.

“After this, you’ll be a threat to this city and unable to enter without getting blasted to pieces by onii-sama,” Natalia said. She lacked the power to kill her without using the seals… her full strength.

But the child’s body just couldn’t withstand that kind of power. If it wasn’t for the special perks of the staff Clyde gave her, Natalia wouldn’t be able to cast her strongest spells with drastically reduced or no charging. And sometimes charging just wasn’t an option, especially when the enemy outmatched the party. She almost had a panic attack when Clyde wanted to take it away. Good intentions, she knew, but giving it up just wasn’t an option. This amazing gift allowed her to get as close as possible to her true power.

[Natalia activated Modified Time Tier skill: Return to Start. This is an unblockable skill.]

The cool down was extremely long, but she had no choice.

Winged bird-like creatures made of magic snatched Dire into the air and vanished.

“What… the fuck was that? Also Harumi, heal her before she collapses,” Clyde said.

“I sent her back home,” Natalia said. “If you can’t beat ‘em, whisk them away. She won’t be able to return to this city for at least a few days. And as an enemy, your territory powers should go off.”

“Why didn’t they go off this time?” Clyde asked. “We fought her before, right?”

“She didn’t come here as a threat,” Natalia said. “In her mind, she truly thought she’d rescue Su Yang and have a happily ever after.” She sighed. “Pervy-nii, I’m unsure if breaking the curse would make her less subservient to the Viper.”

“It won’t,” Su Yang said. “The scarring she has requires her to let go, but she doesn’t want to.”

Ako frowned. “The apprentice of the Viper.” She shook her head. “She’s going to be a real problem down the line if we don’t do something about her.”

Clyde nodded. “I agree.” He picked up Natalia. “Despite not being able to use your full power, you still ended up with the last laugh. Dire just had too much HP.”

Natalia gave Clyde a skeptical look, then just laid her head on his chest.

“Alright, let’s get home,” Clyde said. “Yuki, I’ll leave the damage to you.”

The kuudere demoness nodded.

End of Act 3.

Volume 16 Epilogue

Late afternoon into early evening…

Clyde’s house…

Living room…

“Liru, Alice is bullying me!”

Clyde shot the loli a blank stare as she narrowly dodged Alice’s grab and anime-dove into the fox girl.

She’d be fine.

Clyde wanted to weaken her curse, but realistically, finding all of the required items would take some time. And running his team ragged wasn’t an option. They appreciated the decision to return home for the holiday.

The young man had a fuck ton of gifts to unwrap, one even from Clare. But first…

He looked down at Tear, having massaged her for twenty minutes.

“It’s a miracle you haven’t complained about my amateur massaging.”

“Is that false modesty?” Tear replied. “Or someone who doesn’t know his gift?”

Clyde sighed.

“Nya, me next,” Neko said.

“How’d this holiday turn into a massage fest?” Clyde asked.

“Somehow Airi’s not drinking,” Melody said.

“Hey, I’m not an alcoholic, you know,” Airi said, gaining everyone’s blank glare. “I’m not. I’m just in love with Yuki’s fine collection, that’s all.”

“Can’t fault you there,” Matsume said as she walked in with Ruri and Harumi.

“You sure running is a good idea for you, soul sister?” Ruri asked Harumi.

“We weren’t exactly running,” Matsume said.

“You guys didn’t have to jog for my sake,” Harumi said. “It’s not like I’ve got a baby belly. Exercise is just fine. Besides, four weeks—”

“Four weeks for our kind isn’t the same as four weeks for humans,” Matsume said.

Harumi flinched. Airi’s eyes went starry.

“Look at the time, I need to bathe now,” Harumi said. “Where’s Alice?”

“In the room,” Tear said. “I told her not to work on the holiday, but whatever Grandmother said to her before leaving got her worked up.”

“Hey, don’t ignore my growing questions,” Airi said. “I only want to know about non-human anatomy.”

Harumi quickly started toward the hall, a drop of sweat falling off the back of her head.

“I don’t know if soul sister has the proper teachers,” Ruri said to the druid. “She lived among humans her whole life. Pregnancies for us only last for five months.”

Kitome grimaced. “It must be nice not to have a raging mother.”

Ruri’s ears sagged. “Unfortunately, that’s not the case for me.”

Matsume sighed. “The queen would lose her shit after finding out Ruri got herself engaged. And even more so if she got knocked up.” She chuckled. “Naturally I’d take responsibility for allowing—”

“No, you’re not,” Ruri interrupted. “And if Mother touches you, I’ll deal with her myself.”

Ten minutes of light conversation later, the banter returned as a voice sounded from the hall.

“Chiyo, wait!” Clyde heard Ming say. He turned just in time for soft breasts to smother his face.

“Clyde-sama,” Chiyo said, taking a deep whiff of him. The young man’s boner went up her skirt and pressed against the woman’s panties. “I’d like to request a formal date between dragons. And don’t worry, all fiancées are invited. It’s a special dinner at my place.”

“Wait a minute, that’s not fair,” Airi said. “What kind of drinks—”

As Chika paper-fanned Airi, Clyde reluctantly untangled himself from the beautiful dragon woman.

“Sure, but when?” he asked.

Chiyo nearly fell. Ming did anime-fall to the side.

“Sorry, Asu gave her the idea,” Ming said. “And so it’s completely unplanned.”

“Sounds like something Airi would normally do,” Melody said, then winked.

“Hey,” Airi said. “I wouldn’t give a brilliant party idea out if it excluded myself. Formal dragon dates are the first step toward potential marria—”

“Speaking of dates,” Clyde said. “I owe Airi three.”

“What?” everyone asked, nearly anime-falling, excluding the druid.

“Until then, I can’t accept the dinner party,” Clyde continued.

“Ha, no takebacks,” Airi said, grabbing Clyde’s arm. “I’ll take the first date tonight.” She pulled him toward her.

Matsume laughed. “Go, Airi, go!”

“Onii-chan, do you not feel that?”

Everyone flinched. Naoko simply stared at Clyde, unreactive as usual.

“We need to put a bell on you—anyway, what’s up, squirt? What are you talking about?” Clyde said.

“Open your senses, onii-sama,” Naoko said. Amina rushed from her room, only to stop as she saw Clyde close his eyes and do as the loli instructed.

That’s when he felt it. A concentrated mass of power, just a couple of nations away, moving toward them again. And much faster. Flight.

“It seems like our dragon friend is on the move again,” Clyde said.

“Dragon goddess,” Amina corrected. “And she’s someone that took fifty gods to seal. You cannot fight her, Clyde.”

Clyde sighed. “I still have my doubts that she’s any kind of threat.”

“That’s because she isn’t,” Tessa said. “At least Venus thinks she isn’t. I’m not so sure. You of all people know what I’m talking about.”

Clyde frowned. “That some kind of bullshit’s going to happen, like mind control, and she’ll suddenly attack this city and we’ll be forced—”

“Clyde, really,” Chika deadpanned.

Clyde shrugged. “Never mind. But you know I’m right. Don’t forget we’ve got new assholes to deal with.”

“The Bright Ones aren’t exactly new, onii-chan,” Naoko said. “They’re smart enough to keep a low profile, running their schemes beneath the noses of Celestial.”

“Not our problem,” Clyde said. “Right now, I want to first find the damn Essence Crystal and fix our loli-witch.” He started into the hall.

Alice looked up from her laptop, smiling at him as Clyde walked into the bedroom. Natalia was asleep in her lap. Wrapped in a towel, Harumi stepped out of the bathroom.

“Holiday party, anyone?” Clyde asked after kissing both of his fiancées.

* * *

Supreme Palace…

“Toss her out,” the Viper said to his new guards. Lilith’s once-loyal servants. “She doesn’t have anyone to run to. She’s alone and poses no threat to us. This empire is mine.”

Lilith awoke from the nightmare, covered in sweat. She knew the dreams were ridiculous, but they revealed one possible inevitability. Treating her army well wasn’t good enough. They were still demons. Among the numbers, some were already loyal to the Viper’s side of things, whether they knew it or not.

Having the Stone present in the palace once wasn’t enough. She needed to invite him regularly, get acquainted and improve the friendship.

Maybe Cora, Chiho, and Haruka, her right hand, could help.

If only Haruka was still around. Tear’s mother, Chiho, her other old friend, would probably give her the best worst advice…

“Are you well, empress?”

Lilith caressed the face of the naked maid in her bed.

“Go back to sleep. I’m fine.”

* * *

Unknown town…

Aunder walked at an unhurried pace toward the foolish goddess that challenged him.

“Your name’s Freya, right?”

He aimed his hand, chuckling. It glowed a brilliant crimson, almost like a sea of blood and fire. The stale midnight air seemed to hum and vibrate as the terrible magic brightened. “Nobody can save Thor from his fate.”

[Aunder activated Antigod Tier skill: Essence Eater.]

“I think it’s time I start making examples out of those who believe they can double-cross me,” Aunder said. “And I know the perfect two Venus sisters to start with.”

Outro

This has been volume sixteen of The Anime Trope System. The episodes will remain in order.

The next story arc is underway! Are we getting close to the ending stretch?

~Fate is a mysterious string.

Hello, you amazing anime, light novel, fantasy, and manga fans. I’m Alvin Atwater and I would like to take the time to thank everyone who read and support the series. Please consider leaving me a review on Amazon.com. I could use as much help as possible. Without them, the series cannot continue for very long.

My goal is to expand the Anime Trope System into other forms of media such as manga, artwork, and even games. If my following hits the millions, I may even attract the attention of the anime overlords.

At this time, the manga is doing quite well in production. I uploaded some pages of what’s done so far on https://Animetropesystem.net.

In the meantime, I will get back to work as this series is very fun to write!

I can be found at https://www.AlvinJAtwater.com , Twitter, Patreon, Facebook (Syr456).

Here are some other interesting Facebook groups if you enjoy the LitRPG or HaremLit genres:

Team Stone Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATSteamstone

Our discord server: https://discord.gg/t2qVaAR

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And until the next volume, have a good one!

Bonus

Clyde shot Alice a blank stare as she devoured a cupcake.

“It’s three in the morning,” he deadpanned.

She almost choked in response, startled. “Wha—what brings you in here so early? Go back to sleep,” Alice said.

Clyde dabbed his finger at the frosting on the side of the half-demoness’s mouth.

“How did you get through Natalia’s triple-charged super barrier?” Clyde asked. He sighed. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.”

The young woman’s determination never ceased to amaze him.

“Are you going to share any of those?” Clyde asked.

Alice passed him one. “One for the road back to the room.”

Clyde shrugged and took it. “Try not to be out here all night.”

When Clyde returned to the room, Harumi asked, “Is that a cupcake?” Seeing her glistening eyes, he let out a sigh and passed it to her. He wasn’t hungry anyway.

Clyde’s Stat Sheet

Clyde’s stat sheet. You have reached the end of the book.

Name: Clyde.

Level: 350.

Type: Main character/ Stone. Mystic.

HP: 900% (+110%)

MP: 700% (+80%)

Ki: 400%

Attack: 646 (+675)

Defense: 644 (+1020)

Speed: 700

Luck: 682

Will: 698

Intellect: 846

Form: 1/1.

Hidden stats revealed:

Special Defense: 616

Paranoia: <varies>

Charisma: 692(+50%)

Composure: 802

Evasion: 688

Reputation: level 9: You… are someone truly amazing.

Endurance: 762

Regeneration: 592

Haggling: 590

Dragon blood: 2% [Unknown + golden dragon.]

Special: God Tier skill: Godly Omen Crush. Does immense deity, almighty, holy, light, and purity damage. Chance to instantly kill some enemies. While this attack comes out as an enormous blast of energy, you may condense it into a single punch, adding colossal physical damage.

Special Abilities:

Flash Step: Briefly move at the speed of light. A high-speed stat will increase the critical chance of any attack combined with this ability.

Acrobatics: able to run and jump swiftly. Can leap from building to building.

*Mystic Senses: whether in or out of battle, you will be connected to nature and its spirits. Unknown benefits. Ability to sense abnormalities.

*Skill Fusion: Legendary Special Ability: combine skills and see what happens. You could unleash death on your foes! Can be very draining to your MP. Use seldomly.

Jump: You can warp to an area you’ve been to, or that you picture in your mind. You can also open and close portals, but not create them. You can also warp with a party.

*Astral Projection, level 5: project an image of yourself to an area you know. Raise the level to be able to move around in this state as well as increasing the range. Your body will be vulnerable. At the right level, you will learn to be simultaneously aware of both your astral projection and your true self. Warning: it is recommended to have a composure of 200 or more before projecting yourself.

*Radiant Aura: all defenses increased.

*Fly: You may fly for some time, if you have the MP. Practice to get better at it.

*Heavenly Aura: unknown benefits. Rank: 55. Reduced damage from the dark element and its attributes, including taint, for you and your fiancées/wives.

Ki Types Available:

-GOLDEN KI: GOLDEN DRAGON LINE.

-Blood Ki.

Ki Crests:

[Harumi: Life: 11. Lightning: 11. Heart: 27.]

[Kitome: Strength: 12. Passion: 32. Energy: 12.]

[Alice: Soul: 15. Command: 30. *Radiance*: 15.]

[Chika: Vitality: 23. Speed: 23. Aura: 23.]

[Yuki: Heart(above). Mystery: 19. Power: 16.]

[Maki: Ambition: 6. Command(above). Submission: 6.]

[Neko: Unpredictable: 8. Spark: 8. Rain: 8.]

[Tear: Spirit: 23. Passion(above). Love: 23.]

[Kanako: Sweet: 7. Magical: 7. *Range*: 7.]

[Airi: Leadership: 2. Defense: 2. Nature: 2.]

[Melody: Purity: 7. Romance: 7. Command(above).]

[Ruri: Control: 10. Agility: 10. Lust: 10.]

[Matsume: Fierce: 10. Fire: 10. Composure: 10.]

[Kiko: Acceleration: 1. Trust: 1. Vigor: 1.]

[Noona: Light: 1. *Disguise: 1. Compassion: 1.]

[Tetra: Intensity: 1. Dignity: 1. *Influence*: 1.]

[Ming: Desire: 4. *Prophecy: 4. Focus: 4.]

[Hinako: Wisdom: 3. Courage: 3. Wind: 9.]

[Tessa: Memory: 6. Wind(above). Critical Thinking: 6.]

Untouched/unconsummated after Ki system introduction.

[Natalia: ???. ???.???.]

[Misaka: Calm. *Immortality*. *Phoenix Fire*.]

[Sophia: Poise. Discipline. Power(above).]

[Ako: Sharpness. Wisdom. Romance (above.)]

[Kaguya: ???. ???. ???.]

[Dera: ???. ???. ???.]

[Amina: ???. ???. ???.]

Ki-based Skills:

Dragon Breath, level 6: unleash Ki-based dragon flames from your mouth or combine it with your fist for a Dragon-Fist. Dragon breath does Ki and fire damage which cannot be blocked by magic. [Requires any Dragon Ki.]

Cloaking, level 6: for a percentage of your Ki, you may turn invisible for a very short period. This ability cannot be canceled by magic. [No specific Ki.]

Area Sense, level 8: you will be able to detect all enemies within a vicinity. You gain a mini-map to accompany your mental navigation system. Your foes will show up as red dots. Level this system up and you’ll gain more details and range. Example: yellow dots indicating tougher enemies and much more. [No specific Ki.]

Wisp, level 2: turn into spiritual form to hide within the body of one of your fiancées/wives for two minutes. Increase the level to increase time before you’re violently thrown out. Warning, this takes a lot of Ki to perform. [Blood Ki.]

Reptilian Communication, level 4: you may converse with and understand all reptilian animals and dragon races regardless of form. You may also influence their will. The higher you level this skill up, the more will you can exert. [Blue Ki.] [Passive.]

*Blood Ki Skill: Possession, level 2: target one sentient being. You may possess that person for up to fifteen minutes, assuming you’re able to dominate his or her will. The will stat will play a huge roll here. It is highly recommended to raise it as much as possible. Ki crests such as Command, Submission, Domination, and Critical Thinking will carry you a long way. The possession time increases with a higher level. [Blood Ki.] [**Relic-class skill**.]

Aura Blast: gather raw Ki and unleashing it as a ball or blast at your opponents. It will explode, created an AOE (area of effect) zone. [No specific Ki.]

Ki-based Ultimate Attack:

None.

Ki Skills in Training:

-You have started learning the Ki passive, Telepath, level 1. Gold Ki. You can direct your thoughts and speak to anyone within the same city. Increase the level to increase range. This skill is highly dependent on having the Range crest. To obtain, you need Range at 3, Composure at 2, Vigor at 2, and Nature at 2.

-You have started learning the Pyro Master form. Ki required to obtain this transformation: Fire at 37. Intensity at 8. Agility at 11.

-You have started to learn the Ki passive, Zen Inner Control. To obtain, you need Light at 3, Strength at 4, and Wisdom at 2.

-You have starting learning the Ki-based Ultimate: God Ki skill: Arrow of Celestial. White Ki. To obtain, the following Ki crests must all reach 50: Purity, Radiance, Memory, Sharpness, Range, Mischief, and Innocence.

Misc:

-Free Points: 406.

-Wanted rep Harpy clan: 5/5.

-Omen’s Spheres (some call them orbs): 11 of 25. (2 of 5 super). Until bonus: 2.

-Sato Academy Crafting Permission.

-*World Star Fragments*: 3/7.

-Faith level 22. Faith points: 140.

-Chaotic energy: 3. Damage Output buff.

-Adventurer rank: A-2.

-1 favor from Selkie.

Skills:

-Athlete: 10% bonus to speed and will. [Passive.]

-Mystic Calm: 100% resistant to fear, despair, discomfort, and shock. [Mystic Passive.]

-Hostile Detection 5: detects hostiles within a certain range of you. Detects enemy information. Can now see weaknesses. Can now see resistances. Can now see secrets. [Passive.]

-Heart Protection 5+: you’re 93% less affected by unwanted mental magic or skills from enemies. You gain a 49% bonus to your ability to convince others to do anything that would protect their hearts. 70% chance to break from any magic or charismatic hold. [Passive.]

-Secret Sword and Martial Arts Combination: random unknown increases to speed, defense, and will during battle. Chance to critical increases by 2%. [Passive.]

-Crafting 5+: enables you to craft items using everyday objects. Can craft complicated items and a 1% extra chance to successfully craft one. [Passive.]

-Dagger Combat 9: does physical damage. Enables dagger combat. Chance to critical at 42%. Chance to do double damage at 2%. [Passive.]

-Knife Throwing 8: does physical damage. Enables knife combat. Chance to stun at 41%. [Passive.]

-Trap Detection 8: you will be warned by the system automatically on things your mind would consider a trap. Your will stat dictates this! Range: 72 meters. [Passive.]

-Party Loyalty: your party will know if you’re in danger and need help. A boost of stats will be given to anyone who’s able to provide you with assistance. [Passive.]

-Dual-Wielding: with this, you may successfully wield two weapons at the same time. Chances of triggering a duo attack increases.

-Dual and Tri-Casting: you can now cast up to three spells at the exact same time. NOTE: this can and will drain a lot of MP at once, depending on the spells. However, with it, you could accomplish some intense feats. Discovering new abilities and experimenting is truly within your grasp.

Unarmed Attacks:

-Roundhouse Kick, enhanced: does physical damage. Chance of knockdown at 35%.

-Mystic Punches/Kicks, enhanced: does physical and double spiritual damage. Chance of stun at 10%. 65% chance of stun or paralysis if catching enemy by surprise.

Sword Attacks:

-Precise Slash 10: does double physical damage. Chance of critical at 45%.

-Deep Slash 10: does double physical damage. Chance to cause bleeding at 45%. Chance to stun at 15%.

-Spirit Slash 10: does double physical and spiritual damage. Chance to cause dizziness at 40%. Chance to cause spiritual blight at 45%.

-Shatter Strike 10: does physical and double fire damage. Chance to break barriers at 66%.

-Tier 3 skill: Sound Slash: does physical and sound damage. Chance to cause deafness at 1%.

-Stagger Punch: Class: moderate rare. Does physical damage. Has a great chance to stun enemies and if you punch in the right place and at the right time, well… you could instantly KO an opponent.

Defensive Skill:

-Cosmic Shield [Evolution 1]: invoke a magical shield around you for a few seconds. Will shield you from magic and block physical attacks. Chance to invoke Spirit Counter at 5%. Now blocks Ki, chakra, negative Ki, psychic energy, deitic power, cosmic energy, and unknown sources of supernatural power.

Special Skills:

-Quick Meditation: once per cooldown, you can boost random stats. The buffs will last for up to two hours.

-Mystic Meditation: once per cooldown, you can boost speed, will, and composure. This buff will last up to 2.5 hours.

-Power Up: [Charge] - once per cooldown, you may recharge 30% of your MP and slightly increase attack and speed.

Combat Levels:

-Advanced Combat Style: level 10.

-Mystic Combat: level 10.

-Samurai Combat Style: moderate.

Magic-Based Skills:

-Unknown Tier skill: Omen Ball [Evolution 4]: Type: spiritual, death. Class: mysterious. Does holy, almighty, and death damage. You can will it to explode on impact with enemies to rack up the damage.

-Unknown Tier skill: Omen’s Spears [Evolution 3]: Type: spiritual, holy. Class: mysterious. Shoot a flurry of holy magic spears at multiple enemies. 13% chance to stun or paralyze an enemy. Does holy, death, almighty, and glass damage. 1.5% chance to instantly kill enemies ten levels or more below you. You can will the spears to explode upon contact.

-Unknown Tier skill: Wrath of Raijin and Fujin [Evolution 3]: Type: spiritual, holy, deity. Class: mysterious. You can only use this if you have 200% MP or more. Shoot a wave of godly energy. Does immense spiritual damage. Chance to inflict triple super-severe damage to dark creatures at 35%. Chance to cause spiritual blight at 59%. Does holy and purity damage. [If conditions are met, this attack will become Super Fallen Angel Spirit Wave instead. Will do demonic and taint damage. Chance to cause agony at 41%. Chance to do quadruple damage to non-dark creatures at 37%. Chance to summon dark creatures from the abyss at 1%.]

-Special Tier skill: Molten Burst of the Fiery Deities [Evolution 3]: Type: spiritual, fire, deity. Class: mysterious. Call upon holy fire to destroy your enemies. Will always target multiple enemies. This is an unblockable skill. Chance to inflict super-severe burns on enemies with even the slightest weakness to fire at 95%. Chance to inflict quadruple damage to all dark creatures among all attributes.

-Binder’s Hand 6: Type: spiritual. Class: mysterious. Bind your enemies with tendrils of spirit energy. 46% chance to bind 1 enemy. Does no damage unless you will it. If willed, will do 14% damage per second. Able to will it to hold allies. Cannot damage allies.

-Charm 6: Type: spiritual, mental. Class: uncommon. Once per cooldown, you have a chance to take control of 1 targeted enemy. At this level you can only charm up to 5 enemies at the same time, with lower levels. Be wary of enemies immune to charm.

-Mystic Omnipresent Aide: invoke the power of nature to assist you. Does nature damage. Chance for a 150% attack increase, anywhere. Wiseman’s Calm increases this by another 50%.

-Wiseman’s Calm: Enter Wiseman Mode. This form lasts for a short time and drains magic points, but all physical and magic attacks increase greatly. You will be able to cast Destructive Mystic Lightning. Chance to fully heal when entering this mode: 3%. Sometimes allies around you will randomly heal.

-Destructive Mystic Lightning: Type: mystic, spiritual, electric. Can only cast during Wiseman Mode. Does spiritual, electrical, holy, nature, fire. Very destructive to the environment around you. Chance to cause spiritual blight at 44%. Chance to blind. Chance to paralyze. Chance to stop an opponent’s time for 4 seconds at 1%. Due to the time-stopping capabilities, this skill’s usefulness is God Tier equivalent.

-Trust Bond Skill Mimic: Type: mystic. Class: very rare. Once per day, you will be able to randomly activate a skill from any of your trusted friends. If you do not wish to activate the revealed skill, you may store it for later use; however, if not activated that day, it will vanish from storage. This can be used outside of Mystic Wrath.

-Summon Mist: Type: water. Class: uncommon. Summon a thick mist that can cover an area the size of a small town. You and your allies will be able to see 40% better than any enemies. Warning, this is useless against enemies that do not rely on vision.

-BCFUS level 5, Rank 2: you can only present a temporary speed and jump boost. You may make only some changes to their appearances, heal moderate injuries, and sense their whereabouts at a better range, all using Free Points (also known as Soul Points). You can now increase present temporary attack and defense increases. All women married to you will now have the deity and divine element attributes embedded into some of their attack skills. Chances of inflicting status ailments and heavy or more damage increases. You may rank up your prophet by spending points.

Unknown Tier skill: Pluto’s Ice, Solar System’s Fury: Type: ice, dark matter. Class: *Legendary. Unleash the true power of ice magic upon your enemies.

-Summon: Tear: 1 remaining. Ai Tel Nekta: unlimited. Hornets too.

-Special Tier skill: Hydro Cannon of Poseidon: Type: water, holy, deity. Class: *Legendary. Annihilate your enemies with literal holy water. The blast is powerful enough to level cities, so be careful.

-Tier 1 skill: Star Storm 4: Type: light, earth. Class: epic. Summon a shower of light and earth energy upon your enemies. Chance to inflict repentance at 7%. Chance to paralyze at 6%. Chance to cause sleep at 9%.

-Special Tier Skill: Energy Materialize: Type: light, deity. Class: epic. Form weapons and objects made of energy in your hands for a short time. The more MP invested, the larger the object. Be careful of overdoing it. The magical backlash can daze you in the middle of a fight. Chance to inflict light blight at 4%. Chance to burn at 2%.

-Ki Exchange: Type: neutral. Class: epic. Convert unused Ki to HP or MP.

-Void Tier skill: Galactic Grim Storm: Type: wind, void. Class: epic. Unleash a storm of wind and void energy on your enemies! Chance to poison at 17%. Chance to inflict confusion at 11%.

-Telekinesis, level 10: Type: mental. Class: epic. You may move any object and people through telekinesis. Toss cars, buildings, the works, but remember the MP cost limitations.

-Unknown Tier skill: Asteroid: Type: cosmic, fire. Class: *Legendary. A powerful skill with highly destructive capabilities. Send down a giant asteroid to destroy your enemies. Just… don’t accidentally blow up a planet with it. Does immense cosmic, immense fire, immense explosive, and immense earth damage.

-Life’s Breath: while in Stone Mode, your presence will begin to heal those that need it in the area. [Passive.]

-*Tier 0 skill: Eternal Soul Wind: summon an extremely destructive storm upon your enemies. Does severe damage. Does wind, dark, and almighty damage. Chance to paralyze enemies at 3%. Chance to cause soul blight at 3%. Soul blight damage has a chance to instantly send an enemy’s HP to 1%. Souls become vulnerable for the taking while inflicted with this blight. *Due to your high relationship status with Chika, this is an unblockable attack.

-*Ancestral Spirit Lineage: Type: Omni-spiritual. Class: *Legendary. While in War Stone Mode (or God of Blood and Vengeance), the knowledge and experience of many generations of legendary warriors from all of the universe will be synced with you as your own. [Passive.]

-Chaos Power: Type: Anti-deity. Class: *Relic*. When five or more chaotic companions are in your current party, you may pay all but 10% of your HP and MP for a 1200% attack/special attack increase for your next attack/spell.

Second effect: any duo attack with Sazuki will be increased by 500% for one time.

Third effect. while Sazuki is your fiancée/wife, your resistance against deity + light and its attributes will be increased by 50%. [Passive.]

-Unknown Tier skill: Sky Lava. Class: epic. Does immense fire, glass, and magma damage. Chances to inflict super burns will depend on your foe’s resistance to fire. This skill explodes upon impact and can have uses outside of battle.

-Unknown Tier skill: Summon Evil Goddess, level 1: Type: evil, dark, deity. Class: *Dark epic. Unlock the chains of an ancient dark goddess, binding her to your soul, and forming the contract of familiar and master. To activate this skill, you must first channel stray Blood Ki, as you lack any dark affinity whatsoever.

-Soul Mate Passive: Duo Sync: Type: spiritual. Class: ???. You may send combat strategies to Alice directly from your head during or even before battle. This will be automatically extended to any wife. And only wives. Chances of duo-attacks increased by 10%. [Passive.]

-Legendary Tier skill: Taint Cleanser: Type: *Purity. Class: *Holy Legendary. You may expel taint from a mile radius. Linked with Alice, this increases further. Linked with all of your wives, this could expel an entire galaxy of taint. Does purity, holy, angel, and solar damage.

-*God Tier skill: Dimensional Fissure. Type: ???. Class: ???. There is no description for this skill…

-Aura Sword: Class: *Legendary. While in Stone Mode, you may exert your aura outward as an invisible attack. You can only do this once. Does immense death and sound damage. Chance to stun at 35%. Chance to knockout foes at 1.5%.]

-Supreme God Tier passive skill: Emergency Power Control. During a perceived emergency, you will not lose control of your powers. This is one the rarest skills of all time.

Talent:

Main character stuff.

Mystic languages. [Can read and speak old and unknown tongues.]

*Enchanting.

Bonus:

10% boost to relationship stats with Harumi and her friends.

+5% damage for a physical attack.

Marriage System.

Bravery noted to someone of great power.

Ruthlessness noted to someone of great power. (Demons killed.)

10% boost to all stats- mystic bonus.

Good favor with Cupid, God of Love.

*Gold Achievement.

*HALL OF FAME.

Titles:

The Man Who Shatters the Balance. Reckless Abandonment. Man of the Impossible. Millionaire and Again. Slave Driver. Entity Destroyer. Vampire Slayer. Massacre Man. Ladies’ Man. Tactician. Eavesdropper. Godling’s Path. *Legendary Beast Slayer*. Leader of Team Miracle. Welcome to the Darkside. Robbing the Snake. Luckiest Man Alive. Star Collector! *You OP Son-of-a-Bitch. *Grim Reaper. Cooking Guru. Strategist in the Making. Ungrateful Party Pooper. *Great Mind at the Top. Player Killer. **Will Breaker**. *Crazy Output DPS Man. *Strange Friends*. *Unsung Hero.

Cooking:

Cooking line: Soul Heart Cooking Line.

Cooking level: 28

Cooking Rank: Amateur.

CKP: 370

Cooking Talents:

-Balancer Seasoning: at the right time, you can get upwards of 15% to the flavor bonus. Talent rank: C.

-Spicy Flash: add in a spicy fore or aftertaste to your dish. Perfect for those craving spicy food. Time it right for upwards of 12% towards the flavor bonus. Chance of accidentally going all out with the spicy: ???%. It is up to you. Talent rank: B.

-MSG: [Cheat.] MSG makes many foods taste better. You can only use this if you actually have the food additive available. No worries, it is perfectly safe; however, using this will definitely show people that you’re a complete amateur. Judges may outright refuse to eat your food. Use this as a last resort and in secret. However, you will always know that you’re a chump, sore loser. This is not a part of the Soul Heart style package. Talent rank: Evil and F.

-DOODLE DOODLE CRISP!: Crisp up your food. Adds an additional flavor profile to your food. Time it right for upwards of 23% toward the flavor bonus. Talent rank: B.

Cooking skills:

-Soul Heart Style: Class: *Legendary*. You can make it so that everything you cook has a Soul Heart spin on it. 0.01% chance of +9M% to flavor bonus. [Passive.]

Recipes:

-Sweet-berry Alethian Soup Recipe. Rank: C.

-Comforting Soup Recipe. Rank: D.

-Alonian Chicken Soup Recipe. Rank: C.

-Soul Heart Cooking Recipe Package. Rank: S*.

Cooking Battle Abilities:

-Food Summoning Fighting Food-Ons: Type: spiritual. Class: *Legendary*. You may mix food ingredients, then channel your Ki into the concoction to summon a creature to fight for you. It will gain your combat level and skill, so keep training! It will also have a special attack that you may will it to use. Caution: it’s a one-use ability that will unsummon the creature afterwards, so think carefully. The cooldown for this randomly shifts and can be lengthy at times. Have fun experimenting! Who knows what kind of creature you could make…

Homes:

-Lot City: [Current Main.] Barrier Level: 38. PP: 225. BP: 215. You are greatly protected. Not even deities would easily detect you.]

-Ring City: [No barrier yet.]

Inventory:

$1,891,475,400

-Map of Lot City, Satovia.

-Map of Libado Grasslands, Satovia.

-Map of Ashen City, Satovia.

-Map of Niyoto, Satovia.

-Map of Ring City, Satovia.

-Smartphone.

-Key.

-Reminder for practice- note.

-Deed to the Ashfall estates, treasures, etc.

-Whirlwind Blade: Item class: very rare. +16 to attack. Wind element.

-Place of Power Core: Item class: Relic. Item value: priceless. Establish a place of power. [Lot City House…]

-Forger’s Hammer: Item class: very rare.

-Exploding Blowup Doll: Item class: *One of a kind*. Unsuspecting enemies will experience a nice surprise. Does dark deity damage.

-Fully Charged Root Tree Seed: Item class: *Relic*.

-Mysterious Harp: Item class: *One of a kind*. This special harp is loved dearly by a special type of harpy called the Gandharva. Handing this to her will get you a *World Star Fragment* and another reward.

-Breast Enhancement Potion x2: Item class: bizarre.

-World Map: Item class: *Legendary*.

-Universal Dungeon Key: Item value: well-above standard.

-Holstaur Breast Milk.

-Potion of Sharpness: Item class: very rare. Increases attack.

-Mythic Shard: Item class: epic. Crafting piece for mythic items and equipment.

-Potion of Gloominess: Item class: bizarre.

-Cup of Alien Goo: Item class: bizarre.

-Book of Blue Ki: Item value: mysterious.

-Hyper Sex Potion: Item class: very rare.

-Full Restoration Potion: Item class: epic. Full restoration of HP and MP.

-Potion of Ki Wishes: Item Class: epic. Increase any Ki stat by 2 points.

-Ki Book of Soul Concentration: Item value: mysterious but incredibly valuable.

-Special Portable Forger’s Anvil: Item class: epic.

-Elroot Wand: [Parts: 3 of 3.] Find someone to merge them.

-*Elroot core: Required to power the Elroot Wand.

-Potion of Horniness: Item class: epic. What’s the difference between this and the sex potion?

-Golden Wizard Robe Set: Item class: *epic and bizarre.

-Map to Special Arena Z along with a built-in teleportation scroll

-Monster Girl Bait Necklace: Item class: Epic.

-Potion of Angelic Resolve: Item class: * Holy Legendary*. Your EXP and as well as any ally with you will be increased by 100% for one battle. It will also increase attack and intellect by 50%.

-Chest filled with Sol’s items.

-Forger’s Anvil: Item class: epic.

-Book of the Diplomat Path: Item value: Exquisite. Think very carefully before using this.

-Book of Cucking: Item class: *Dark rare. Item value: unknown.

-Elixir Health Mana Potion: Item class: epic.

-Wand of the Angel Songs: Item class: *Legendary.

-Ring of Angel Songs: Item class: *Legendary.

-Gun of the Angel Songs: Item class: *Legendary.

-Roses of Darkness: Item class: dark epic, bizarre. Roses that give off an aura of pure darkness and maybe a little evil. Beings with an evil alignment would love to be gifted with these.

-Book of Blatant Darkest Sorrows: Item value: incredibly valuable, sought after by dark deities. Item class: *Dark Legendary, incredibly bizarre. You can feel the waves of the most foul fucking evil aura pouring off this book. Using it will unlock the evil magic line. Think carefully before using this. It may require a sexual ritual to activate.

-Bacon Potion: Item class: bizarre.

-Kamaron Dungeon Broken Objects: Item class: bizarre. Someone with the right expertise could probably solve the mystery behind whatever these are.

-Zeek Iron: Item value: negotiable. Good for crafting.

-Mythic Shard: Item value: sought after. Great for crafting mythic items.

-Pumko Soul Heart: Item class: *Legendary. This extremely rare gem could be used in potions, for crafting material, and as a power source for certain weapons, golems, and machines.

-Rosario of Celestial, part 1 of 3: Item class: *Holy Legendary.

-Ring of Clarity: Item class: *Holy epic and bizarre.

-**Relic Chest**.

-Potion of Shouta: Item class: *Legendary. Drink the contents to turn into a kid for 1 day. Due to Alice’s energy, your stats will not be reduced. Warning: don’t try anything shameful, you degenerate!

-Loli Saga Movie Ticket.

-Legendary Sword: Bloodlight.

-Small Bottle of Suspicious White Liquid: Item class: bizarre.

-Natalia’s Family Drawing.

-Two chocolates from Alice stash four.

-Loli Saga Exclusive Magi Magi Edition: Item value: extremely valuable.

-Woof-Woof Tablet: Item value: luxurious. You may access additional menu options.

-Chiyo’s Golden Rose: Item value: priceless.

Quest Items:

Natalia’s Curse: Depleted Omen’s Sphere! Item class: *Legendary. Horn of a Chimaera: Item class: *Dark epic, bizarre. Item value: luxurious.

Plants and Herbs:

-Uni-plant: this plant can be used in medicines and potions. An alchemist could make use of it.

Equipment:

-Sword of Thunder and Rage: Item class: *Legendary*. +675 to attack. Lightning element. Can fire small bolts of deadly lightning from the weapon. Lv. 18. Upgrades obtained: 0/2.

-Executioner’s Staff of Merlin: Item class: *Legendary, One of a Kind*. Does dragon and volcanic damage. You may trigger its special attack: Balinor’s Havoc, after filling the weapon’s soul bar to 100%.

-School uniform or casual clothes.

-School shoes or casual shoes.

-The Ring of Higher Fate: Item class: *Relic* Your chances of finding rare items increased! All damage output and defense increase dramatically while the ring is equipped. You are immune to AOE damage, immune to poison, and cannot be paralyzed. There are unknown effects, some tied to fate.

-Necklace of Her Devotion: Item class: *One of a kind*. This necklace was made with love. Unknown benefits. Has a 1% chance of triggering Enlightenment Mode 1 during battle. All stats will increase by 100% during the Mode.

-Silver Dagger: Item class: rare. +ice and earth damage.

-KD Throwing Knives: Item class: dark epic and bizarre. Does supreme physical and slashing damage. Does immense sound damage. Special ability: can damage absolutely anything, even spiritual creatures. [Six left.]

-Arch Dragon Armor Set: Item class: *legendary. +1020 to defense. Special protections against dragons and creatures with dragon blood.

-Bracelets of the New Path. Item class: *Holy Legendary, *One of a Kind. While wearing these bracelets, all Ki-based abilities will do six times the damage. All Ki cultivation will be increased by five. When married, all wives will receive a 350% damage boost to Ki-based attack skills while within at least a nation of you. The bracelets no longer drain your Ki.

Shops:

-ID store: every Thursday.

-Faith store: every last Sunday of the month. (Week 4).

Prophet Ming’s Rank: 3

Abilities:

Seer Combat: she will always see an attack half a second before it happens. [Passive.]

Basic Enemy Predict: she can now predict the movements of standard enemies during battle. This skill will gain experience as Ming gains experience.

[Ming can now link with Alice once per day. All attack and defenses double for both women when linked. This will apply to any transformation.]

Stone-Tokken Deck:

The Sorcerer’s Creed.

Classes: (Year 1, 2nd Semester.)

-Satovia History 2.

-Romance Literature 2.

-Sciences 2.

-Crafting 2.

Phone numbers:

-Chika

-Harumi

-Naomi

-Toru

-Clare

-Seth

-Kitome

-Melody

-Dark

-Hinako [Professor.]

-Ming

-Alice

-Tear

-Noona

-Yuki

-Fuyoko

-Kanako

-Misaka

-Natalia

-Ruri

-Matsume

-Airi

-Ashard

-Tetra

-Tessa

-Yusuke

-Maki

-Sophia

-Chizuru

-Chiyo

-Liru

-Chesire

Quest Log:

Main story.

-Defeat Dark in a Real game. (Stone-Tokken quest.)

-Get to know Sazuki over time.

-Adventure Quest: Pay the Order of the Crusaders a visit. Stop their cruelty once and for all. Make sure Chizuru is heavily involved in this quest as your assistant.

-Create a Workshop! Build your economy. It is recommended to do so in your territories. Neither “Players” nor Adventurers will be able to attack your territorial workshops. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused.

-Dragon Business, Step 5: Confront the Thousand Year Dragon. This is an incredibly dangerous quest and you should take the time to prepare.

-Adventure Quest: find a Depleted Omen’s Sphere, an Essence Crystal, and the Horn of a Chimaera for Naoko. Reward: Weakening of Natalia’s curse. Unknown. Items gathered: 2/3.

-Adventure Side Quest: Purify Matsuko. It seems like purifying a fallen angel was even beyond Harumi’s capabilities. She’s not at full power yet - but you’ve already made a “cool” declaration to Matsuko. Reward: Matsuko’s devotion, EXP, unknown high rewards. Note: side quests are completely optional. You may even assign them to be completed by other party members. They will receive a portion of the EXP and rewards.

-Adventure Side Quest: Respawn Camping. Prevent Sol’s resurrection by KILLING. Yes, KILLING, BOTH of his allies. While Sol’s revival isn’t a sure thing, who knows if either of them cares to or knows he’s dead, you can still keep things ended. Reward: Sol’s mostly guaranteed prevented respawn. +0.9% evil alignment. Unknown high reward. Note: side quests are completely optional. You may even assign them to be completed by other party members. They will receive a portion of the EXP and rewards.

-Find a combat master. Train to surpass advanced combat rank.

*World Objectives:

-Slay the Demon Lords: 3/15. Reward: *World Star Fragment*.

-World Side Objective: learn more about this world. Current knowledge of Satovia: 7%. System opinion: You still need knowledge! Quit slacking.

*Challenges remaining: 0 (max 3). Challenges completed: 3.

Waifu Quests:

-You have unlocked a path toward a new source of power. Cosmic energy. Wait for the system to prompt you the quest line. First step completed. Strengthen Alice and Ruri’s friendship to unlock the cosmic power quest line. Strengthened Friendship level: 3 out of 10.]

-Get to know Sazuki, Misaka, Kiko, Fuyoko, and Tetra. Pull them into your harem. Reward: unknown.

-Add Amina to your harem. Why not? She likes you.

-Marriage Bonus Insight-

Incredible powers Clyde will gain upon marrying his harem. This will be a wedding that even the gods will want to attend!

Alice:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: GOD Tier skill: God Omen’s Complete Obliteration. Does hyper-extreme damage to foes caught in its blast. Does deity, demon, angel, and all base elemental damage. This is an unblockable, unstoppable, and undodgeable skill. Has a 5.5% chance to instantly kill a foe and reincarnate that soul into a human incompatible with magic. Chance to inflict deity, angel, or devil blight at 41%. Chance to inflict super burn at 31%.

Warning: God Tier skills will drain a tremendous amount, maybe even all, of your MP upon use. This attack will drop all of your stats by 3% after using it for five minutes, unless you trigger Mystic Wrath, assuming you have the MP to pay for it. Use sparingly. You do not have to train this skill.

In Alice’s culture, the fiancé will continue to be known as life mate or sometimes love mate. Demonesses will crave more sex from here on out, even when married.

Melody:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: *Tier 0 skill: Soul Illusion*. You will be literally invincible for 3 minutes; however, your attack will be down by 20% unless you invoke Mystic Wrath. Warning: Tier 0 skills will drain an enormous amount of MP at once. Be wary of that when combining it with another MP drainer such as Mystic Wrath.

In Melody’s world, a fiancé is called the Soother.

Natalia:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: **Supreme God Tier skill: Dimensional Warp.** This ability enables you to Jump to different realms. You must know of them first. You will be able to manifest a three-dimensional holographic map, choose a location, and also reveal the landing point as a safety mechanism. This skill cannot be negated except by yourself nor can any outside force interfere.

Kitome:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: GOD Tier skill: *Planetary Snipe. You may tap into Kitome’s power to fire a condensed heart bomb to anywhere on the planet. Inflicts super extreme damage on a group of foes. If your Range Ki stat is high enough, the damage of this skill increases dramatically. Your ability to make out the target from planetary ranges will increase.

Chika:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: GOD Tier skill: Shadow Moses. Activating this stealth mode makes you undetectable, no matter what, for 15 minutes. Your speed increases by 50%. You may also instantly KO anyone you attack from behind. Alarms will not sound. All damage to you is reduced by 90%.

Harumi:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: *God Tier skill: God Giga Heal. Fully heal all allies within 10 miles of you. The healed person’s defenses will be increased by 700% for five minutes. This can be combined with astral projection for omnipotent healing. This skill could bring back any ally on the verge of death. To avoid getting in trouble, do not attempt to use this on the dead.

Harumi only knows of the human way of marriage. Help her rediscover the lost kitsune culture.

Harumi’s Ring: Cosmic Ring of Mother Nature. Item class: **Unbelievable**. Item value: priceless. Unknown traits.

Yuki:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: ***Mythic Tier skill: Sky God Mode. Tapping into Yuki’s essence, you may merge with the sky and look down on a world. You may alter weather and climate, including moving or ending storms as well as creating them. You can reveal yourself as a giant cloud in the shape of your face or simply speak to people from the sky. You may also simply drift in the sky and relax, while letting the winds carry you around the world.

While in this form, you can only attack with lightning, storms, the elements, and the environment but you cannot use most skills.

Warning, this skill requires a lot of MP to activate. Fortunately, due to your composure and intellect stat, how surprising on that, Yuki will not lose any MP. She will be invincible at the start of the transformation.

Warning: this skill will certainly piss off Mother Nature! She’s a Supreme Goddess. Try establishing a relationship with her. Maybe Airi can help with that? Something about that Root Tree Seed…

Alice’s marriage skill has received a drastic buff due to Yuki’s magic linking with Alice’s demoness side. *Alice can also now transform into full demoness mode. Warning: she may feel a huge craving for sex afterward. Doing so at that time will increase her stats.

Chika’s marriage skill has received a drastic buff due to Yuki’s magic.

Tear:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: GOD Tier skill: Absolute Zero. Once per cooldown, you may target up to two enemies. Freeze them in time for up to fifteen minutes. The time increases as you age in godhood, not that it should matter. This skill is unblockable. If you kill the enemy, the body will be released from the time-stop. You may also claim the soul.

Tear shares a very similar culture with Alice. The fiancé will continue to be known as life mate or sometimes love mate—although in the succubus’s case, just love mate.

Tessa:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: GOD Tier skill: Planetary Winds. You have absolute control of the wind without being in Stone Mode. This control means the entire planet. You may also generate a giant bubble of air from nothingness to be as big as you need it. This will automatically act as a form of defense. You will be coated in a thin layer of special air that protects you from time-based spells.

Ruri:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: GOD Tier passive skill: Omnipotent Senses. You will be able to detect anyone, no matter where they’re at, on the planet. Once per battle, at the start of the battle, if your opponent makes the first move, his first attack will always miss, no matter what, even if you’re just standing there. This effect cannot be negated. You are unaffected by skills that negate magic and this effect cannot be disabled.

Ming:

Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: Forbidden Magic: Time Tier skill: Quick Hand. Once per cooldown, you can pay half your MP and Ki to reverse time by five minutes. Warning: this skill may anger the timelords, beings unaffected by time, time magic or time particles. They could come for you if overused.