I felt myself being pulled away. A thought occurred to stop it, to see if I could force it to stop, but I pushed the thought down. While my academic mind was reeling from all this new information I now had to play with, I needed to get back to my body.
It was disorientating, having my consciousness pulled from my body and pushed through the barrier between realms, then suddenly pushed back into my body. Opening my eyes had been a huge sensory overload once I was 'physical' again. I don't know how long It took me to regain my higher functions, but I was basically incoherent while the 'process' of becoming a Campione happened.
I coughed up what seemed like a liter of water, my throat and nostrils burning from all the salt I had apparently swallowed. My hands pushed into the soft sand, gentle waves brushed up to me as I took in my surroundings.
"Washing up on the beach, how cliché." I sighed, turning myself over and fell back down. "Atleast there's no one around." Though it was likely anyone nearby evacuated, with the light show/Magic/freak storms we were throwing around.
[Could have been worse.]
"Yeah, could have died." I snorted.
[I meant being sealed away into a gauntlet and having to watch you have sex.]
"Fuck you." I couldn't help but chuckle and I heard Ddraig laugh inside my soul.
[You good?]
Damn, my clothes are a right mess.
"Yeah, yeah." I let out a deep breath. "Just give me a moment to reorientate myself." I muttered, holding me hands up above me. "Fully healed….I guess I should thank….mom?" I questioned it even as the word left my mouth.
It didn't feel bad to say. And for it to be 'only' a motherly feel to it.
As much as Raikou brings me joy, she has a much different relationship than that with me.
[You were adopted again.]
"Yup." I didn't even argue that point. With a thought, I let my Aura flare up. It hadn't been recharged like my body had been healed, but a noticeable amount had been returned. However there was something completely overshadowing that.
[Damn, that's much stronger now.]
"You're telling me." I waved my hand through the air, watching the multitude of colors flow around my skin. "Just at a glance I can tell it's so much denser...has more 'weight' to it."
[Well, it is a manifestation of your soul, and your soul just got an upgrade from munching on some God bits.]
"Divinity." I let my head fall back down into the sand. "I have Divinity now. I'm a Half-devil, Half-Human, with a Dragon in my Soul, and a Dragon heart, giving me a potent Dragon factor. And now I have Divinity added in." I just laughed at the absurdity of it. "What even is my life?"
[You regret it?]
"Not for a single second." I grinned. "Aura seems fine after everything, but more tests will be necessary." I began speaking out loud. "Magic Circuits are operable, no issue there. But my body seems to be producing Magical Energy beyond what my Magic Circuits were initially capable of."
[From your memories, you would call this a 'Divine Core', yes?]
"Maybe." I pursed my lips. "It's not a 100% transferable explanation for what happened, different worlds and all that. However, it's not entirely off the mark either."
Yeah, I could feel the Magical Energy so densely packed inside my body that I felt almost bloated at the constant pressure.
"My Magic Resistance is absurd now." I mused, remembering what I read about this phenomenon as I glanced at the back of my hand where I still retained the Command Seals.
[I'm surprised those are still there. Wouldn't the contract break after the Ritual?]
"Before, I'd give it a coin flip. So obviously they still persist. But, if I had to guess, I'd say that since my Soul also was strengthened, and the Contract is supported by my Magical Energy which is linked to my soul, the Command Seals weathered the storm, so to speak."
[Wonder if that lass got a bit of a surprise when the transformation happened.]
"Hope I didn't worry her too much." I muttered.
Hmm, the Seed that I would call my Power of Destruction had gotten noticeably larger and I feel like it's going to grow much faster now.
Interesting.
[So you discovered your Semblance?]
"Yeah, at the most opportune moment." I snorted. "I can apparently burn my Aura to turn my body into Lightning and – " I held my hand up and abruptly shot to my feet. Summoning my lightning, it was so similar except something was different. My mouth hung open as I shifted my hand back and let my Lightning dance across my hand.
[….I'm calling bullshit.]
I began to cackle as the Lightning enveloped me. "Divine Lightning!" I let it discharge randomly off into the sand.
[You got Divinity welded on. And it intertwined with the Lightning you added in Skyrim, turning it into Divine Lightning.]
"Unlimited Power!" I declared.
[And it's already gone to your head.] Ddraig sighed. [With everything that changed, you might be highly resistant to Holy Power now.]
I paused in my self-indulgence. "That's an interesting thought." I rubbed my chin. "Difficult to test unless a certain spear wants to be useful." I waited a moment to see if the True Longinus would react.
It didn't.
And no way was I going to test myself on that, especially now that I am part Divine.
That spear, funnily enough, just got more dangerous if used against me.
"My physical abilities are much higher as well." I flexed my fingers. "But it comes at a cost."
[What do you mean?]
"Spells like Ebony Skin won't work on my any longer." I was a little sad about that. "My Magical Resistance affects beneficial things, unlike Artoria's which is more conceptual in nature."
I attempted to cast Ebony Skin over myself and it puttered out before I could even get it solidified.
[Does Reinforcement still work?]
"It should." I nodded, feeling my body and slowly reinforcing it to the level I was accustomed. Yet, I felt like there was more I could do with it now. "Since I'm casting it 'within' myself, my new Magic Resistance doesn't block the effects."
Yeah, my Magic Resistance was literally skin deep.
I paused again, and couldn't help but feel melancholic. "My Ring doesn't work anymore either." I held up my hand that still had the Ring of the Khajiit on it. "It's not able to penetrate my Magic Resistance to give me the effects." Not that I'm at a net negative here. With my new boosts, I was still far above than if I had both my Ebony Skin and the Ring active.
[It's lesser than the Sword she gave you, so it's not that surprising.]
"I'll have to reevaluate some of my spells and discard what's no longer usable." Still, the benefits far outweighed the detriments of this little change.
[So, what was that with your final blow against Susanoo?]
The corners of my lips curled up. "Instead of letting a single swing become a thousand Phantoms, I kept them all contained on the same slash. I gave my swing an uncountable number of possibilities." I began to explain.
[It went right through his sword, and didn't even leave a mark on him.]
"Who knows how many he actually blocked, how many failed to leave a mark on his body, or how many I just failed to utilize. But there was an equally unknowable number that slipped past his guard, that cleaved right through him, that severed his heart. I was so focused on finishing it in that moment, that once my attack was completed, I made sure all the lethal possibilities became 'true'."
[Meaning, you basically sliced him all up inside.] Ddraig replied with an understanding in his tone.
"Mmm, it was a good application. I'll refine it more in the future. While it's not absolute, I do believe it's not something one can block normally. I think it's possible that Susanoo may have been able to do something in response if he had know about the ability before hand." I mused out loud. "Regardless, it's a powerful technique that I'll be looking to better."
[What are you going to call it?]
"It needs something elegant, and sufficiently provocative."
[How about –]
"Infinite Origins Boundless Possibility Kaleidoblade."
[....]
"I know, I even startle myself at my own genius sometimes."
[No. I refuse. Come up with something else.]
"Fine. How about – True Dragon Omni Emperor Slash?"
[Dear God…. deliver me from this cringe.]
"Didn't he seal you inside the Gauntlet in the first place?"
[Yes, that should tell you something!]
"Eternal Darkness Infinite Parallel Sword."
[AHHHHHH It physically hurts….]
"Limitless Heaven Vast Sundering Sword."
[Just kill me, stop this torment.]
"Oh, quit your whining, I'll be serious." I rolled my eyes. "Besides, where the hell did you learn a word like 'cringe'"
[Did you forget I watch your memories when I'm bored?]
"Honestly, I do forget that." I hummed. "For real though."
[Alright, hit me with something good.]
"I was thinking – Myriad Sword"
[Huh….I like it.] Ddraig seemed to give his approval. [Well, now that we've finished messing around. Ready to talk about your new Authority?]
"It's strange." I muttered. "I can feel it inside me, ready to be called upon. Almost like it's been a part of me since birth. I even know its general use and abilities after 'absorbing' it from Susanoo." I couldn't help but chuckle. "Funnily enough, had I been a Campione already, or a Divine being, Susanoo would have been much harder to defeat. The Sword apparently can temporarily take over Authorities used nearby."
[Sounds powerful, what else can it do?]
"Mostly what you'd think. It allows me to control the Storms and what-not. And I was right before, it can cut through most Magics. I was lucky that my Nine Realms was so wrapped up in the Norse Cosmology, so intertwined with the symbols and concepts that it could survive even a few exchanges with this thing."
It was there, inside of me. This Authority, this sword that I could call upon with the correct words of power.
"And it can also dispel curses." I added on lastly. "It's not 10 fucking Incarnations that are Authorities in of themselves that Godou got, but it's damn well impressive."
I was only a little bit jealous.
[You think if you complained to your new mom, she'd give you something else?]
"….it couldn't hurt." I pursed my lips. "But I'll wait to drop back in later. I have a couple girls probably waiting for me, and I've made them worry enough."
[Despite her own status, your Teacher is probably going to kick your ass for doing this.]
"…..shit you're right."
Honestly, I could deal with that. I was more worried about how upset either of them actually were. "I shouldn't waste any more time."
[Well, gotta face the music at some point.] Ddraig sounded amused by the thought of me getting beat up. [Look at the bright side.]
"There's a bright side?"
[I'll be able to shout out the shitty attack names you spouted every time you get your face kicked in by your teacher.]
"I hate you."
[Oh, I know, and it fuels my existence.]
With a sigh, I flicked open a new portal. And I could see on the other side, two very displeased women staring back at me.
***
Late chapter since I took a nap after work.
If you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com/astoryforone
As I walked through the portal I peered at my surroundings. Much had change in this little park area since I left it. There were many people running around doing various things, but they all seemed to be keeping their distance from Raikou and Scáthach.
I didn't dwell on the rushing people as my attention was focused solely on the two.
They sat at a table, calmly glancing up while sipping tea from very fine silverware. Honestly, it was surprisingly elegant for the setting they where in.
"Oh, look who returned." Scáthach set her cup down.
"Mmm, did someone come back after leaving?" Raikou perked up.
I let out a sigh, my shoulders slumped as I slid into an empty seat between them. "Yeah, just give it to me." I could have handled everything better.
Scáthach pursed her lips "It would be hypocritical to get upset for what you did."
"So you know what happened?"
"Neither Raikou or I are fools, Wilhelm. It was not hard to put together given the clues."
"Not to mention I could feel some very particular changes through the link we share." Raikou added. "You appear unharmed, so I understand that my worry is somewhat misplaced."
I reached over and took Raikou's hand into mine. Even when she was upset, she could still smile brightly at the affection. "I'm sorry I made you worry." I said honestly. Even if I don't regret my actions, I can apologize for the feeling of discomfort I gave her because of them. "I'll do a better job of relaying my intentions next time." I do need to communicate more with them. It's something I recognized that I didn't do enough of.
Communication is a pillar of any healthy relationship.
"When my eyes opened to this Era, my previous memory were the final moments of my time in the Land of Shadows." Scáthach spoke up. "I will admit that I am still used to feeling in control of every variable in my presence. My long years of ruling that desolate wasteland has instilled a certain complacency in me that I did not realize I needed to break myself from." I could see her frown slightly. "I do not fault you for fighting a God. I know you would not have engaged if you were uncertain, and that you are not a child to chastise for going into dangerous situations. However…."
I reached over and took her hand in my free one. She looked a little….startled and a small smile crept up on her face.
"However." She continued. "I am not used to caring about something like this. To know they willingly risk their lives to better themselves or to test their own prowess. It is inevitable that a budding Warrior such as yourself will fight even more in the future." She paused in her words, but I felt like I could understand what she's trying to say.
"Just as you said you would never leave me again." I gave her hand a little squeeze. "I'll also always come back to you."
There was a small reaction, a happiness that flashed across her face before she steeled herself into a scowl. "Hmph. Of course, otherwise I'd have to drag you back myself." She puffed up. "This Scáthach is not someone you can abandoned when you please. You have made a vow, and I will make sure you keep it." She crossed her arms. "Now, we have spoken our indignations. Recount the events of your departure."
My Scáthach is too cute.
"I followed the link that was tunneling through Time and Space using the Sword that young woman had as an anchor." I began my explanation. "It opened up in the Netherworld, and I popped in right infront of Susanoo."
"Hmm." Scáthach looked deep in thought. "He would be a strong God based on myths."
"Yes, he is one of Japan's most famous Gods. And his feats in battle are more popular than his siblings." Raikou nodded. "It must have been a tough battle. The people with the History Compilation Committee had been keeping us abreast of what happened off the coast."
"How long was I gone?" I questioned.
"Less than six hours." Scáthach replied. "The aftereffects of the battle had been mitigated by the countries mages once the Divine power had dissipated. Am I safe to assume that you slayed Susanoo?"
"I did." I didn't deny it.
"Well done." Scáthach gave some rare praise. "It seems we are both God Slayers now." She had a small smile on her face, and a hint of pride in her voice.
I looked at my hand still intertwined with Raikou's. I held it up, getting her attention. With a little effort, my Lightning began to crackle harmlessly around both our hands.
Raikou's eyes widened as she summoned her own lightning. Our lighting snapped around each other, neither able to disperse the other.
"We match now." I smiled towards. Though hers was still purple in color, we both wielded Divine Lightning.
"You really are my child." She whispered happily.
"Of course." If she wanted this kind of relationship, I would always humor her. Regardless, I couldn't help but think of her as mine at this point and I refused to give her up. I was a greedy person and I would never deny that.
"How did the fight go?" Scáthach asked.
"He was stronger than most Servants, speed was extremely high as well. His durability was off the charts. Blows that could have taken out the strongest Servants in the last War he took and kept going. I don't know if it was some kind of passive Authority like Battle Continuation, but he was hard to put down."
"And how was his Magical Resistance? I was unable to test much on the Goddess I fought."
"You won too?"
"….yes. I defeated that Goddess, but she escaped after suffering my Noble Phantasm. Whether she survives or not is up to fate."
"It isn't like you to let your prey escape." I was surprised at that.
"As I spoke before. I have become noticeably complacent, and I got so caught up in my own enjoyment that she was able to slip through my fingers." Well, Scáthach wasn't one for mincing words, even at her own detriment. She was probably kicking herself for that and I didn't want to rub any salt in the wound.
"Well, it's as you'd expect. My Runic Spells just splashed against his body like water." I shook my head. "And he was able to treat most of my other spells like they were made of paper. My Shield of Asgard got shattered by a kick." Still annoyed at that, but what could I do? "Though, the completed form of my Nine Realms was able to bring him harm."
"Oh, you managed to complete that?" She blinked. "Yes, they did mention the appearance of a Large Tree in the middle of the water." She smiled lightly.
"It's completed but not finished. If that makes sense. It's difficult to produce more than a few Realms simultaneously, and even more difficult to actualize them without a good Symbol to focus the Mystery properly."
"Hmm, I will need to see it in action before I give advice." She nodded to herself before she removed her hand from mine and poked me. "And you have become one of these Campiones." She poked me a few times, an action that Raikou started to mimic with a giggle.
"Bow before my Majesty." I proclaimed.
"The only bow of mine will be when I headbutt you." She gave a little flick to my forehead, though that gentle smile of hers remained. "My student, continue with your story."
"Well, we kind of just traded a few blows in the Netherworld." I rubbed my chin. "Punched him through his house. But then he punched me through a tear in Space and I came out in the middle of the Ocean off the coast. I had a few moments before he followed, so I began casting my Yggdrasil. Finished him off with a technique I had theorized previously and decided then was a good time to practice it."
"Hmm, many things I will need to see from you that I am in the dark about." Scáthach muttered to herself.
"Oh, that reminds me. I haven't updated you on everything I've gotten since my time in the Land of Shadows. My Aura, my bloodline, my new swords, my Lightning. Hell, I need to cover my Authority too. Well I –"
"Hush." She put a finger to my lips, with a sultry look on her face. "I wish to discover all of these myself."
I blinked, registering what she just said.
Was her face flushed?
She wrapped her fingers around my tie and pulled me close to her, whispering just for me to hear. "You will make time later so I have you all to myself."
"Are you…..aroused?"
She smirked.
And now I am too.
She let go like nothing happened as I straightened my tie. I let out a sigh, noticing my clothes again. I really did hate being such a mess.
"So….what happened around here?" I questioned, waving to the area that had people still up and about.
"That man's name – Touma, I believe." Raikou began. "He was willing to admit his faults and apologized, so I did not pursue any grudge. After Scáthach ran off to fight the Goddess and you fought the God, he called in some of his associates to help deal with the aftermath."
"But that doesn't explain….this?" I tapped the table.
"Oh, neither Scáthach or I wished to go somewhere else while you were gone, lest you have trouble finding us." Raikou smiled.
"Even though you have that Servant contract with the lass and could find her with minimal effort" Scáthach huffed. "She insisted on waiting for you here."
"You're sweet." I leaned over, kissing Raikou on the cheek.
Raikou's little giggle made my heart flutter. "And Touma brought out things to make our wait more pleasant."
"This is very good." Scáthach nodded, taking another sip of tea. "I said before that it is not my usual preference, but I could enjoy this more often."
Well, he certainly gained some brownie points from me for his effort. Anyone who treated my girls good would be in my good graces. And it's not like I was upset over their previous actions, they came from a noble mind set.
"It's one of the best parts of life. Enjoying new things." I replied.
"Yes, it's a wonderful experience." She closed her eyes, taking another sip and enjoying the taste.
I could imagine how she feels. The same thing day in and day out for centuries upon centuries. Perhaps even a simple thing like Japanese Tea would bring her an untold amount of joy from the sheer novelty.
"Oh my, speaking of Touma." Raikou interjected.
I turned my head to see Touma running over. It was…..comical to see him hustle in a suit like that. As soon as he got close he practically slid to his knees. "Your Majesty!" He spoke loudly. "I apologize for my earlier slight. I welcome you, the Eighth Supreme King!"
"News sure travels fast." I pursed my lips. But I remembered how Pandora practically broadcast my existence and it probably reached the ears of every Hime-Miko in the world. "And get up, I don't like that kind of prostrating."
"As you command." He shot to his feet, following my command without a second thought. "May I be so bold to ask, your Majesty…. Which God did you slay?"
"Susanoo." I said simply. While I didn't hold a grudge, I wasn't going to just regale him with my life's story this soon.
"I see…." He said quietly.
I raised an eyebrow at his reaction. "Something wrong?"
"There's nothing wrong, your majesty!" He quickly bowed his head. "It's just...Lord Susanoo was one of the backers of our organization as he watched over Japan. It's one of the reasons we have fewer Heretic Gods descend here."
Oh.
OOOOH.
Fuck.
I really couldn't just wipe my hands clean of this world, could I?
I mean, I could but...my pride wouldn't let me.
Fuck.
"Don't beat around the bush, you're wanting me to support you all, yes?"
"I wouldn't dare presume." He bowed once more. "But we would be forever grateful."
I ran a hand down my face. I looked to Scáthach for help but she gave me a look that practically screamed 'this is your mess'.
And I know Raikou would listen to any request of mine, so I didn't want to drag her into this nonsense.
"I won't be around, and it'll be impossible to reach out to me when I'm traveling." I stated, and I saw, for the briefest moments, a look of despair flash across his face.
Japan is known for having an ridiculous amount of Gods across the land. I wouldn't be surprised if a few of them wanted to descend to cause a ruckus just because they could now.
"However." I said pointedly. "You still have Godou."
He didn't outwardly react, but I could tell he was…..reluctant to rely on Godou. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kid's whole personality had already been dissected by every organization in the world. To them, I'm probably much more reliable to depend on. No doubt he's already caught on that both Raikou and Scáthach are deferring to me. "He's still a Kid. Despite killing a God by pure luck, he's not really sure of what he's doing right now. Approach him politely and explain yourself properly. Don't bow down to him, don't put him up on a pedestal and treat him like the king of the world. I've already spoken to him about some things, but he needs some people to trust and rely on. If you become that, he'd probably be willing to lend a hand. He's the honest and good natured sort."
They both need help right now; it might be the best to nudge them into each other's orbits.
"Thank you, your Majesty." He continued his bowing. "I will work on this immediately." He took steps back, head still down.
"Tell him I sent you. That should make him less wary." I gave him 'permission' to leave.
I could see why Godou was annoyed by how people treated him. I was used to people treating me as someone in a higher position due to certain statuses, but this just felt way over the top.
"Should I have done more?" I questioned.
"I think you have done enough. Godou will either soar or he will continue to bury his head in the sand and anything else you do is pointless." Scáthach replied.
"Master, you've done plenty." Raikou pat my shoulder. "This organization will gain an ally in Godou if they are intelligent enough to heed your words."
"Haaaah." I let out a breath. "I feel tired."
"Well, you just fought a God." Scáthach said with amusement. "Do you wish to retire for the night? Or perhaps you wish to go home now? I don't particularly have anything important remaining that draws my interesting here."
"I'm of the same mindset." Raikou agreed. "I wish to see Kunou now that I'm not….." She didn't finish but I could understand.
"Kunou's going to love spending time with you." I reassured her. Before she was…. standoffish? Distant and perhaps a little intimidating. A second meeting would probably help ease any tension, especially with Yasaka. "And I miss everyone else. It feels like an eternity since I've seen my other girls."
"Fufu, thinking of your other women, hmm?" Scáthach poked me in the shoulder.
"Is it strange I miss everyone I don't have around me?" I grabbed her hand, bringing it up for a kiss. "I missed you so much when you were gone."
She huffed, turning away. "You are more adept at seeking your opponent's weakness."
Gah, so cute!
"I do want to give Godou my goodbye before going to see gramps. But I also have one other thing I want to do…."
"What other matter do you wish to attend to, master?" Raikou asked.
"Did I mention that the Goddess Pandora adopted me?"
That got a strange look from both of them.
***
Should be a couple chapters left of this arc, then we're on to DxD. Just need to finish up a few things and they're off.
Anyways, if you want to read 7 chapters ahead or support me, visit my pat.reon.com / astoryforone
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