章 1: Teacher
Ritsuka looked at the system and sighed. "So how am I going to learn this system?"
[ You will have a teacher, chosen by both King Hassan and Death itself. They possess comprehensive knowledge about all the systems. Since you are their master, they will listen to you and teach you properly.]
Ritsuka nodded, feeling a bit more reassured. "Neat. So, when will I meet them?"
[ Your teacher will arrive shortly. They are currently making preparations to guide you through the Death System and its intricacies. Be patient, and they will appear soon to begin your training. ]
Ritsuka waited, ready to meet his new instructor and start learning how to fully utilize the Death System
As the ground beneath Ritsuka gave way, he was abruptly pulled down into darkness. He tumbled through a vast, shadowy expanse until he landed softly in a grand, eerie throne room. The room was bathed in a dim, otherworldly light, and at its center sat Hades, the god of the Greek underworld. Hades' eyes opened, revealing a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
"Welcome, master," Hades said, his voice carrying a deep resonance. "I am Hades, your—wait a minute."
Hades' eyes narrowed as he looked more closely at Ritsuka. His expression shifted from welcoming to confused and concerned. "Wait, what? Who are you, mortal? Where is Ritsuka Fujimaru?"
Meanwhile, in the Babylonian underworld, Ritsuka found himself being shaken by a distraught figure. He looked up to see a girl with blonde hair and red eyes, dressed in a maroon mantle over a black outfit with a skull necklace and twin tails held by maroon ribbons. Her appearance bore a striking resemblance to Tohsaka Rin, though her demeanor was more passive and introverted.
The girl, Ereshkigal, was sobbing uncontrollably, shaking Ritsuka as if he were a ragdoll. "I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry, I am sorry," she repeated, her voice breaking with each apology. "Here, let me do this."
With a trembling hand, Ereshkigal placed her hand over Ritsuka's chest and performed a soul link, binding their souls together in an unbreakable bond. Tears continued to stream down her face as she sniffled, looking at him with a mix of relief and sadness.
"Now you don't have to take away my domain over Death," Ereshkigal said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ritsuka was taken aback by her words. "Wait, I can do that?"
[ **You can do that, host.** ]
The confirmation from the system left Ritsuka stunned. He turned his attention back to Ereshkigal, who was now calming down, her sobs subsiding as the soul link settled.
"Why did you think I would take your domain?" Ritsuka asked, trying to understand the situation.
Ereshkigal looked at him with red, puffy eyes. "I feared that the Death System you possess might challenge my authority and take over my realm. But now that our souls are linked, I know you won't do that."
Ritsuka looked at Ereshkigal with a mix of confusion and concern. "So, can you explain why you did what you did?"
Ereshkigal, still trembling from her earlier distress, glanced up at him with teary eyes. "You've been haunted by death for a long time, and I—I panicked. I feared that you might blame me for it and, worse, that you would take away my domain and leave me... well, jobless, homeless, and powerless."
Ritsuka blinked in surprise. "Um, I didn't blame any god, nor was I going to do anything to you, Ereshkigal."
Her eyes welled up even more, and she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you so much, ohhh," she cried, her sobs now a mix of relief and joy.
Ritsuka found himself awkwardly hugging Ereshkigal, unsure of how to comfort her but feeling a growing sense of responsibility. He glanced around at the strange and unsettling environment he found himself in, wondering what he had gotten himself into. The weight of his new role as master of the Death System was beginning to sink in.
As Ereshkigal continued to cry in Ritsuka's embrace, he gently patted her back, trying to offer some comfort. He glanced around the underworld realm, noting the stark contrast between the Greek and Babylonian domains. He had no idea how to navigate this new reality, but it was clear that both Ereshkigal and Nergal played significant roles in the realm of death.
Nergal approached them with a calm demeanor, his presence radiating a sense of order and authority. "Ereshkigal, please compose yourself. Ritsuka Fujimaru is not here to challenge your position or take away your domain. His arrival here is part of a larger design, one that we are all a part of."
Ereshkigal managed to steady her breathing and looked up at Nergal, wiping her tears. "I'm sorry, Nergal. I was just so afraid."
Nergal gave her a reassuring nod before turning to Ritsuka. "Ritsuka, I am Nergal, and I am here to guide you through your role as the master of the Death System. It is essential that you understand how to balance the powers and responsibilities that come with it."
Ritsuka nodded, still feeling somewhat overwhelmed. "Alright. Where do we start?"
Nergal gestured for Ritsuka to follow him. "First, we need to establish your control over the various aspects of the Death System. This includes understanding the abilities you have gained, how to interact with other death gods, and how to maintain the balance between realms."
Ereshkigal, now more composed, joined them as they began a tour of her domain. She pointed out various features of the Babylonian underworld, explaining its functions and her role in overseeing it. Ritsuka listened attentively, absorbing the information as best as he could.
As they walked, Nergal continued to explain the implications of Ritsuka's newfound powers. "The Death System grants you considerable influence over life and death. This includes summoning and commanding death gods, manipulating aspects of death, and even altering the flow of souls between realms."
Ritsuka paused, processing the weight of this responsibility. "That sounds like a lot to handle. How do I even begin to manage all of this?"
Nergal offered a reassuring smile. "You will not be alone. Ereshkigal and I will assist you in understanding and using these powers effectively. Additionally, the system will provide guidance and feedback as you navigate your duties."
As the tour continued, Ritsuka felt a sense of determination building within him. Despite the uncertainty and the challenges ahead, he was ready to embrace his role. He realized that his journey was just beginning, and he needed to rise to the occasion.
After the tour, Nergal led Ritsuka to a central chamber in the underworld. It was a place of great significance, with an aura of both solemnity and power. "This is where you will conduct your most critical tasks and decisions," Nergal explained. "Here, you will have access to the full extent of your abilities and interact with other death gods."
Ritsuka took a deep breath and stepped into the chamber, feeling a sense of gravity and purpose. Ereshkigal stood by his side, offering a supportive smile.
"Thank you, Ereshkigal, for everything," Ritsuka said, turning to her. "I know it must have been difficult, but I appreciate your help."
Ereshkigal nodded, her expression softening. "I'm glad I could help. And thank you for not taking away my domain."
As they prepared to delve into the complexities of the Death System, Ritsuka felt a new sense of resolve. With the guidance of Nergal and the support of Ereshkigal, he was ready to face the trials that lay ahead and fulfill his role as the master of death.
Ritsuka looked at Ereshkigal with a hint of amusement. "Since you brought me here, I'm going to guess that you're my teacher, right?"
Ereshkigal stared at him, taken aback. "...What?"
Before Ereshkigal could respond further, the Death System provided clarification.
[ No host, that would have been Hades. Since she made a soul link with you, she became your teacher, though she was not the initially chosen one. ]
Ereshkigal's eyes filled with tears once more, and she began crying like an anime character. "I'm so sorry."
Two hours later, in the Greek underworld, Hades observed the situation with a mixture of curiosity and concern. Ritsuka and Ereshkigal stood holding hands, and Hades's gaze never wavered from Ereshkigal.
"So you panicked," Hades said with a sigh.
Ereshkigal nodded, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Yes, I panicked and brought him to my domain. I'm sorry."
Hades then noticed something unusual. He saw the soul link between Ereshkigal and Ritsuka, reminiscent of his own bond with his wife. "Wait, you didn't—did you make a soul link?"
Ereshkigal looked away, clearly embarrassed. "I panicked, okay?"
Ritsuka, still somewhat confused, spoke up. "I'm sorry, I'm a bit confused."
Hades sighed deeply. "She created a soul link with you, which essentially binds her to you as your wife."
Ritsuka's eyes widened slightly as he turned to Ereshkigal, who was blushing fiercely and looking away. In an impulsive but gentle gesture, Ritsuka leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Ereshkigal's face turned a deep shade of red, and she looked utterly flustered.
Ritsuka then smiled at her and said, "Personally, I see this as an absolute win."
Ereshkigal, still blushing, managed a shy smile despite her embarrassment. Hades chuckled softly, shaking his head as he looked at the pair.
"Well, it seems you've made quite the impression," Hades remarked. "But let's not get too distracted. There are important lessons to be learned and duties to fulfill."
Ritsuka nodded, feeling a newfound sense of resolve. With Ereshkigal by his side as a teacher, despite the unconventional circumstances, he was ready to face the challenges ahead and explore the full potential of the Death System.
Hades glanced at Ereshkigal with a smirk. "I suppose I should finally congratulate you on getting a lover. Congratulations, you few billion-year-old virgin."
Ereshkigal's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she stammered, "Hades! That's not—"
Hades's smirk widened as he chuckled. "I'm just teasing. You two have a lot to learn about each other and your new roles. Ritsuka, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the Death System and its capabilities. Ereshkigal, you'll need to help him understand how to use it effectively."
Ereshkigal managed to regain her composure, though she still looked somewhat flustered. "Yes, of course. I'll do my best."
Ritsuka, now more curious than ever, nodded. "Alright, let's get started. What do I need to know first?"
Hades's expression turned serious. "First, you must understand the fundamental aspects of the Death System and how it integrates with the other systems it encompasses. Ereshkigal will guide you through the basics and help you with any questions you have."
Ereshkigal nodded in agreement. "Let's begin then. The Death System has a lot of functions, and it's important to understand how to utilize them properly."
With that, the lesson began, and Ritsuka started his journey into mastering the intricacies of the Death System under the guidance of his new teacher and unintended partner.
As the lesson continued, Ereshkigal led Ritsuka through the dimly lit halls of her domain, the Babylonian underworld. The atmosphere was heavy, but Ereshkigal's presence made it feel oddly comforting, even if she was still flustered.
Ritsuka walked beside her, trying to take in everything. "So, Ereshkigal, what's the first thing I need to learn?"
Ereshkigal glanced at him, her earlier embarrassment slowly fading. "The first thing you need to understand is the concept of death as a force. The Death System is connected to this force, and so are you now. It's not just about ending life; it's about balance, cycles, and sometimes even mercy."
Ritsuka nodded, intrigued. "So it's more than just… well, killing?"
Ereshkigal smiled faintly, her voice softening. "Yes, much more. Death is the natural order of things, and those who wield its power must respect that order. The Death System will grant you abilities, but it's up to you to decide how to use them."
As they walked, the system's interface appeared in Ritsuka's vision, displaying a series of new options and abilities.
[Host, you now have access to the following abilities:
- **Soul Reap:** The power to sever the soul from the body, ensuring a peaceful transition.
- **Death's Whisper:** Communicate with the souls of the departed to gather information or seek guidance.
- **Memento Mori:** A reminder of mortality that can weaken enemies or strengthen allies, depending on how it's used.]
Ritsuka skimmed through the list, his mind racing with possibilities. "These abilities… they're incredible."
Ereshkigal nodded. "They are, but they must be used wisely. Abuse of such power can lead to dire consequences. Remember, you are now a steward of death, not a tyrant over it."
Ritsuka looked at her, understanding the gravity of his new role. "I get it. I'll be careful."
Hades, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward. "There's something else you need to know. With Ereshkigal's soul link to you, your power will be influenced by her domain as well. You two are bound together, and that bond will make you stronger, but it also means you share each other's burdens."
Ereshkigal blushed again, but this time there was a warmth in her eyes as she looked at Ritsuka. "We'll figure it out together. I may not have been the intended teacher, but I won't let you down."
Ritsuka smiled at her. "I'm glad. We're in this together now."
With that, the lesson continued, and Ritsuka began to feel the weight of his new responsibilities. But with Ereshkigal by his side and the power of the Death System at his command, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As then the room burst open in power, Ritsuka and Ereshkigal got scared and holded each other, as they did Ritsuka blinkee as he saw a someone that look just like Ereshkigal but she didn't have the yellow hair and blue eyes, instead it was a black hair and red eyes, She wears a simple white top and a black thong. She also wears gold ornaments around her body.
Ereshkigal just looked at her twin. "Um Ishtar what bring you here sister, and please next time were more close
Ishtar just looked at Ereshkigal. "Oh just hurd that you finally got a love and wants to see who it was".
Ishtar eyes landed on Ritsuka and one thing was clear, the moment she did she felt like she had just died, as she saw a ungodly amount of power was leaking from his body
The tension in the room was palpable as Ishtar's gaze bore into Ritsuka. Her usual arrogance was momentarily replaced by a sense of unease, sensing the overwhelming power that emanated from him. However, true to her nature, she quickly masked her discomfort with a confident smirk.
"So, this is the guy who managed to tie down my stubborn sister, huh?" Ishtar's tone was teasing, but there was an underlying curiosity in her voice. She sauntered closer, her eyes narrowing as she assessed Ritsuka. "I have to admit, I'm impressed, Ereshkigal. I never thought you'd actually find someone… and one with so much power at that."
Ereshkigal, still holding onto Ritsuka, blushed furiously. "I-It's not like that! I mean, I didn't exactly plan this, you know…"
Ishtar raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, really? Because it looks to me like you're already playing house." She glanced at their intertwined hands and then back at Ereshkigal with a smirk. "How adorable."
Ritsuka, feeling a bit awkward under Ishtar's scrutiny, cleared his throat. "Uh, it's nice to meet you, Ishtar. I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru." He offered a polite smile, trying to diffuse the tension.
Ishtar's eyes flickered with interest as she heard his name. "Ritsuka Fujimaru, huh? The same one who saved Uruk? Well, well, you certainly are full of surprises, aren't you?" She leaned in closer, her face just inches from his, her eyes searching his for a moment before she pulled back, clearly intrigued. "No wonder you've got all this power. Still, you better take good care of my sister, got it?"
Ereshkigal's blush deepened as she tried to explain. "I-It's not what you think, Ishtar! It was an accident, and now we're… connected."
Ishtar rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Yeah, yeah, sure, 'accident.' If that's what helps you sleep at night." She crossed her arms, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at Ereshkigal. "Just… be happy, okay? You deserve that much."
Ereshkigal was taken aback by her sister's unexpectedly sincere words. "Ishtar…"
Before Ereshkigal could say more, Ishtar turned her attention back to Ritsuka, her usual confidence returning. "And you, Ritsuka—don't think you're off the hook. I'll be keeping an eye on you. If you hurt her, I'll make sure you regret it. Got that?"
Ritsuka nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "I wouldn't dream of hurting her."
Ishtar gave him one last, appraising look before she nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Good. Just remember that."
With that, she turned on her heel and began to leave, but not before throwing one last teasing remark over her shoulder. "Oh, and Ereshkigal, maybe next time you could introduce him to the rest of the family. I'm sure they'd love to meet him too." Her laughter echoed in the chamber as she disappeared, leaving Ereshkigal and Ritsuka alone once more.
Ereshkigal let out a long sigh of relief, finally relaxing. "I'm sorry about that, Ritsuka. My sister can be… a bit much."
Ritsuka smiled reassuringly at her. "It's fine. Honestly, it's nice to see you two looking out for each other."
Ereshkigal managed a small smile in return, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Ritsuka. I'm just glad she didn't cause too much trouble."
Ritsuka chuckled softly, still holding her hand. "I'm sure I'll get used to it. After all, I'm in this for the long haul, right?"
Ereshkigal's heart fluttered at his words, and she couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her. "Right… Together."
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and this is my Last Ch in Webnovel so enjoy this
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