Kapitel 277: Chapter 275: Another Kiss
I do appreciate the concern about the lack of progress as more stats are presented to you readers. For one, it's not like there is zero progress at all.
Here's an outline of what's currently happening in-between these chapters, outside of Naoto's current POV:
-Naoto is currently in Heimdallr, planning on how to tie up his loose ends and consolidate his training before the Vermillion Trials begin. This is where the current POV is.
-Most of future Class VII are still in their respective areas going about their lives. Rean is still training in the Eight Leaves One Blade School. Shizuna has already left for Calvard.
-The Azure Trials are currently underway underneath Ordis. Vita, Crow, Scarlet, Vulcan, and Gideon are presently here.
-Giliath has departed the capital to research about AI KeA, heading to the Black Workshop, and finalizing the creation of Millium and Altina.
-Ouroboros is currently in a state of observation, doing a trifecta. They will be watching the Vermillion Trials unfold, seeing the result of the Azure Trials, and watching Renne's Group proceed in the Gospel Plan. The seals of the Four Tetracyclic Towers have been removed to unlock the Sealed Ground.
-Zephyr is now guarding Heimdallr.
-North Ambria is currently in a recovery state after a rebellion attempted by some factions of the Northern Jaegers, prompting Jayna to leave and join Naoto's side.
-Remiferia is currently dealing with an insurrection, and the Bartholomeus House is trying to secure their footing, becoming the main royal family.
-Unrest is currently rising among the police officers in Crossbell City, and the influence of mafia and gangsters are starting to cause more corruption within. Killing Bear has recently joined Revache, the leading mafia group, and left Zephyr.
-The Red Constellation currently has their eyes set on Crossbell.
-Elaine and Van have finished their first two terms of their first year at Aramis High School.
-Estelle and Joshua are consolidating their foundation training to become Bracers. They have returned to the Bright House for the moment.
-Agate is currently roaming western Liberl.
-Cassius is currently training Princess Klaudia and Julia together at Leiston Fortress.
-The other main POV, Renne, now has Emma, Fie, Ennea, and Musse as a party, and are currently heading toward Liberl.
-Tamamo is currently dragging Celine to every nook and cranny of Heimdallr.
-Tio is doing Tio things.
-Lloyd is still in Calvard. Guy returned to Crossbell City after spending new years with Lloyd.
-And last but not least, Lechter is currently drowning, trying to find Eryn Village.
Present state of Naoto's girlfriends/partners:
-Angelica is still in Grancel City with Scherazard.
-Ennea & Emma are with Renne's party.
-Princess Alfin is currently with Naoto.
-Elie has finished her studies in Arteria, and returned to Crossbell City.
-Princess Klaudia is with Cassius Bright.
-Roselia (?) is currently with Naoto.
Hopefully this paints a bigger picture of what's currently happening. Trust me, it's a lot to take in.
As always Giliath demands your power stones!
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[Ding! Gamer Naoto has equipped Noble Job. True Dhampir has been deactivated.]
[Ding! Vermillion Eyes have been deactivated.]
While marveling at the stat window that currently displayed my very first S-Rank Accessory, I took a moment to switch Jobs and deactivate Vermillion Eyes. Generally, the longer I use Vermillion Eyes, the more strained my mind becomes. It places a constant EP drain with each passing second. By the time this spar concluded my EP was mostly drained. I did sustain some injuries, but True Dhampir's Regeneration kicked in, and my HP was already starting to recover. It was as if I had a really good workout, but my mind was approaching a state of exhaustion. All of that happened in a short span of ten minutes. It was intense, to say the least.
Vermillion Eyes was currently maxed out in terms of levels, but it wouldn't hurt to see if I could further progress it during this next month or two. I did not know if skills could evolve, but considering I had the Gamer System, the probability of that functionality was high. If I could evolve Vermillion Eyes to make it not drain my EP, that would be amazing.
"Phew...", I uttered softly, standing upright on the fighting platform. Letting out a deep sigh, I I dismissed the status window of that spectacular S-Rank Accessory. I know I have one at A-Rank that I want to see as well, but to think S-Rank Accessories could get to that caliber...
As much as I wanted to put it on right now, it wasn't the time to do so. Instead, I did a couple shakes of World Eater, which caused the blood dripping on it to fling off to the side of the fighting platform. There were quite a few holes created by our spar. I felt a bit guilty in causing so much damage, but I didn't think Sherryl had such a skill to keep up with my pace. With a large swing of World Eater, I placed it back on my back. Next, I heard a sound of clapping, which caused my gaze to shift off to the side.
"That was a splendid match, Naoto. I didn't know you were so proficient in Pole Arts.", A graceful voice spoke, reaching my ears. It belonged to a very beautiful silver-haired woman. One that was set to become one of my wives in the coming future, should I be triumphant in the terms we set aside for each other. I feel this spar against Sherryl was the beginning of what would blossom. I became triumphant against my spar against Sherryl. The Thunder God was next on the list, and if I could bring him down to his knees, then I feel I could fight well against Aurelia.
It was hard to say whether Aurelia had the strength to fight the Thunder God, but since she had magic to back her prowess now, I am sure she could easily call herself the second strongest swordswoman. The number one spot was definitely claimed by the Thunder God here.
"Nor did I. I was expecting you to showcase the sword skills you have, Your Highness, but I was not aware you were proficient in other weapons. You did come here to the Vander Dojo to further develop your sword skills, correct?", The Thunder God asked me with a serious look in his eyes.
"Yes. I am sorry for having used another weapon, but I wanted to test it out against Sherryl. I'm currently proficient in both the Rapier and One-Handed Swords. On top of continuing to train these, I was hoping to learn the dual-bladed style of the Vander Dojo. I have not learned how to use two swords to fight in combat yet.", I said with an affirmative gaze.
"...You want to learn the same style I'm currently practicing in, Your Highness?", Kurt's voice spoke out, showing a hint of surprise in it.
"True, there are some students who practice the two-handed style we have. Most like to deliver powerful blows with large swords, but it isn't like we lack swift strikes while using multiple swords at once. Seeing that you have practiced with Rapiers already, no doubt your precision is high, so you can likely find an opponent's weak spot with ease. The dual-bladed style we offer is suited for such actions. I can see why you want to learn it.", The Thunder God said, proceeding to stand up from his seated position. Before we could do anything else, I heard the Thunder God continue to speak.
"But the spar I witnessed is satisfactory. Come here in a week's time. I will personally test where your skills lay, then we will create a training program from there. You should spend some time with Her Highness while her winter vacation is still ongoing. Come back here on January 8th. I will not go easy on you.", The Thunder God declared. As he padded his knees, he started to walk away, leaving us behind. He only had a quick glance at Kurt before his figure vanished all the way inside the interior of the dojo, likely where his study was.
"Father...", Kurt uttered, seeing his father retreat into his study.
I wasn't expecting to get accepted so easily. And it looks like the Thunder God is going to personally create a training program for me. I really should do what he suggested then. It was January 1st right now, and Princess Alfin would return to St. Astraia on January 8th. THat meant we had a week to relax and have a bit of fun.
I could see disappointment in Kurt's eyes as the Thunder God didn't speak to him. Mueller was his firstborn, while Kurt was his second, both sharing different mothers. I am sure he was very stern in raising Mueller as a child, wanting him to be able to stand on his own two feet. Now he supports and protects Prince Olivert. Right now, Kurt was in the same position Mueller used to be in, there was a very large age gap between the two. Kurt was still growing, so the Thunder God was currently hard on him, likely in hopes for him to succeed.
All the while having the name of the Vander. It wasn't noble per se, but they could be seen in the same light.
"I must say, that battle was far more flashy than I was originally expecting it to be. Still, it was enjoyable to watch. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so. it would seem I have much to progress.", Prince Cedric said, and he stood up. The rest of those that came with me also stood up. Princess Alfin wore a happy look, but also one of worry, and promptly rushed toward my side. She could see blood splatters on my body, and several fresh bruises that were still healing from Regeneration.
"It really was a splendid spar. Do these wounds hurt, Big Brother?", Princess Alfin responded with a worried tone. To reassure her, I patted her head.
"Haha, the adrenaline I felt through these ten minutes dampened the pain I received, so they don't hurt too much. Sherryl packs quite a punch though.", I said with a smile.
"It looked like each punch Sherryl did hurt. But you still managed to fling her out of the fighting platform. Is she alright?", Princess Alfin said, looking beyond me toward the entrance of the room. The entrance was wide open, and I could see Sherryl now slouched over in Zin's embrace. Her muscles were almost behaving like jello at this point, which caused me to laugh.
I took this moment to approach Zin and the others. It was Zin, Kilika and Walter. Walter's gaze contained disinterest. He didn't even flinch seeing Sherryl get sent out the dojo. It was Zin who caught her. If Zin didn't act either, she probably would have been sent all the way down the street, given her current flight path.
Most of Sherryl's steam was now gone, and bits of smoke escaped from her mouth as her body was a giant blob. She couldn't move an inch as Zin held her. I took this time to approach Zin.
"Thank you for blocking Sherryl's path, Zin. You're a lifesaver. I can take it over from here.", I said, reaching toward Sherryl. Even her tongue slipped out a bit. Seeing Sherryl like this, she is going to be out of commission for a while.
"Big Brother...", Sherryl tried to say to me as I started the process of putting Sherryl over my shoulders. She couldn't even place her arms over my shoulders, so I made sure to properly support her. Her stamina was completely drained and she was probably feeling the aftereffects of Doping.
As Sherryl was placed on my shoulders, I looked back toward Zin, and his hands were visibly red, almost as if they were burnt.
"It's no problem, Your Highness, but what in Aidios' name was happening to Sherryl just now? Her entire body felt as though it was on fire. I do recall you were practicing a technique in secret. Was it this?", Zin mused, feeling the burning sensation his hands were currently feeling. I could still feel heat spreading into my back, but it was far less than the initial contact Sherryl had against Zin. It was manageable enough to let me carry her.
"Yes...It was the first time I tried using it. I wanted to surprise Big Brother...", Sherryl tried to say.
"A special technique huh? Can't say I'm not familiar with 'em, as I possess one or two myself. Good on you, brat.", Walter said, giving a rare praise to the lilac-haired girl over my shoulder. Hearing that caused her to smile, but before anything else happened, Sherryl closed her eyes. After her eyes closed, we all soon heard a peaceful snoring escape from her lips. Sherryl really did tire herself out from that spar, huh?
It didn't take long for me to spot the two figures next to these three. I didn't think I'd get to see Sara so soon again. I haven't seen Sara since our time together in the war back in North Ambria. She was still a charming woman then, and now she was a full-fledged adult. She was even more beautiful compared to a couple years ago.
"It's nice to see you again, Sara. It sounds like you found your path you want to be on. When I left that night, it sounded like your heart was still in turmoil deciding what to do.", I said, welcoming Sara. And to my surprise, I saw Lavi with her. She wasn't left alone back in North Ambria. I could see the Bracer Guild emblem neatly strapped on her clothes. Seeing Sara become a Bracer and with Lavi in tow, I would guess that Sara is trying to rope Lavi into becoming a Bracer instead of becoming a Jaeger. Not that I don't mind that one bit. Being a Bracer was a much more favorable disposition to the general public. Jaegers just liked to do things for money.
"Yeah. It really is you, Phoenix? Then the talk about you being a prince wasn't a lie after all. I heard these people address you as Your Highness.", Sara said in a polite tone, welcoming me. With stuff wrapped up in the Vander Dojo for now, those inside began to clean up the aftermath Sherryl and I caused. It did make me feel guilty for those students, but I'm sure they're used to cleaning up like this. After all, it was home to the Thunder God. There's no way he wouldn't get destructive at times trying to teach his students, haha!
Jokes aside though, Princess Alfin, Prince Cedric, Kurt, Aurelia and Roselia made their way toward me, and now we all became a small crowd of people in front of the Vander Dojo. I have been in contact with Zin as he traveled throughout western Zemuria, so I knew that Sara and Lavi were residing in Calvard since they became resolute and left North Ambria.
The one thing that came as a surprise to me, during that, however, was that Sara wasn't the only one to depart from North Ambria. I'm sure the Northern Jaegers are in the state of collapse now, even though I did end up saving Sara's foster dad. One of their leading figureheads, a Vice-Captain of the Northern Jaegers, Jayna Storm, promptly stepped down from her position, and left the country right out. I didn't think I would encounter Jayna during my stay at Leiston, much less wanting to serve me. Unlike Sherryl's desire of becoming my maid, however, she was more inclined to stick to secretarial duties. I didn't deny her, and she now should be staying at Grancel Castle as my secretary.
"Haha, sorry for not revealing it all to you back then, Sara. My identity then was sensitive. It is formally nice to meet you, miss rising star Purple Lightning. Liberl's Crown Prince, Naoto von Auslese, at your service.", I said. I still had Sherryl on my back, but I still made a respectful gesture of placing my arm over my chest, and did a slight bow. Not too much that wouldn't disturb Sherryl's peaceful slumber.
"You really are a member of Liberl's royal family. I knew I recognized that violet hair from somewhere...", Sara said, still keeping her polite tone with me. I knew her since she was a Jaeger herself. After all, we fought in the same war, and in the same squad no less. It was just for a brief period of time, but we were quick to become friends after that.
"You really are a prince? I know Erebonia's Greatest Treasure beside you. Is it really true the two of you got engaged?", Lavi asked with growing interest, despite remaining mostly deadpan.
"Hehe, we sure did. I'm guessing the two of you are Naoto's friends, as the rest of you are. We just finished up our business at the Vander Dojo for the day, so we were on our way back to Valflame Palace. You are all welcome to join us.", Princess Alfin said, bowing her head at the few Bracers.
"Even me---?", Walter tried to say as a sneer, but Kilika reacted quickly and sidejabbed him with her elbow.
"Just ignore this guy alright?", Kilika immediately retorted with a stern look in her eyes. Her expression remained aloof, but I could see her eyes become angrier.
As that happened, Sara's expression softened seeing Erebonia's royal family standing before her. I'm sure she wasn't expecting to encounter such a group by tagging along with Zin. Seeing Zin come here, I'm sure he wanted to watch Sherryl's spar against me. Unfortunately for them, they came right at the end of it. Lavi glanced toward as she let out a sigh. It wasn't a sigh of relief, but more of a defeated sigh, which confused me seeing Sara do that. Lavi was quick on the uptake it seemed, and spoke out.
"You sure definitely have competition now, Sara. I didn't think a member of your joint squad back then would turn out to be a prince. The whole country is still in an uproar because of that declaration of your engagement. Even the guild branch here isn't stopping their talks about it. It's all the rage you know.", Lavi said, drawing my gaze toward her.
"Haha, I bet. Princess Alfin here wasn't against it, but at the same time, it could serve as a foothold against the present affairs against Calvard. I will say this though, I am only staying in Erebonia for another month or two at max before I return home. So I gotta make the most of my time here.", I replied with a laugh.
"And that means after that, I probably won't see you again for a while?", Sara suddenly said, distracting my words just now.
"Most likely, unless you personally come to Liberl for a visit. If you do, I'll open the castle doors for you.", I said, giving an invitation to Sara. It may not happen for a while, but I can at least make her feel welcome.
"I appreciate that, Your Highness. There's just one thing I have to do. It sounds like you'll be busy from now on, so I am not sure when that will take place.", Sara spoke back to me.
"Oh, what would that be?", I said with growing interest. The others were also interested in what Sara wanted to do, but I didn't expect her to approach me. I could see her beautiful figure now within a hair's breadth. A gentle and scented aroma struck my nostrils as her large breasts jiggled a bit while Sara leaned downward.
Sara suddenly cusped my cheeks, she leaned in, tilted her head, and planted her lips onto mine. My eyes turned wide feeling a soft and wet sensation strike against my lips. Sara even went the extra step, letting her tongue dance around the inside of my mouth.
"Oh my.", Kilika said, being the first to speak up seeing this kiss happen before us. "So this is the one you were referring to.", Kilika mused to herself.
"Mmm...", I tried to say. Prince Cedric had a mused look in his eyes, almost smug even seeing this happen before him. Time seemed to have stopped for just a brief moment. Princess Alfin's cheeks turned a bright red not expecting this cerise-haired woman to suddenly initiate a kiss, and out in public no less. Unfortunately, as good as this felt, it only lasted for a moment. Sara parted her lips from mine. My lips were free again, as were hers. I could see a blush on Sara's cheeks as well.
"You...", I tried to say. Sara only grinned back at me with a playful smile.
"Call that an advanced payment, if you will, Phoenix. I know you'll be busy, but if you decide to make some time, I'll be doing requests and sticking at the Bracer Guild's building. I do appreciate the invitation though.", Sara said, before she turned around, and started to depart.
"H-Hey! At least wait for me!", Lavi said. She too was distracted during this kiss, but she hurriedly ran off, trying to join back up with Sara's retreating figure.
Only Zin, Kilika and Walter were left behind, apart from our group. Princess Alfin blinked her eyes as she saw Sara leave.
"D-Did that really just happen?", Princess Alfin said, still doubting what she had just seen.
"Sure did. You really are a person of wonder, Naoto. You even made the Purple Lightning's heart aflutter.", Aurelia said, revealing a smug grin herself.
"Hahaha...", I said, trying to recall the sensation just now. I didn't expect Sara to kiss me. Surely she doesn't like me, right? Yet, as I inwardly thought that, I heard a couple notifications sound off inside my mind, causing me to turn on deaf ears.
[Ding! Realizing who Gamer Naoto truly is and the actions Gamer Naoto has performed back in North Ambria, Sara resolved herself, wanting to stay by Gamer Naoto's side. Despite being a part of two different worlds, she is determined to fight through, and hopefully claim a spot. Like everyone else, Sara knows the existence of the royal harem. Sara Valestein's favorability has reached 100%. A new parameter has been unlocked for Sara Valestein.]
[Ding! Sara's Blessing has been rewarded to Gamer Naoto.]
[Sara's Blessing]
-STR: 20%, SPD: 20%
-Special Effect 1: Grants Thunder Magic to Gamer Naoto.
Thunder Magic...!?
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
Aht
Aht Giliath demands your power stones!
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein