Author: Well, good to know that the last chapter was well received.
Thank you guys for reading.
Thanks for the feedback on the class system as well, I had the idea to show how the gods interfere with his development and how Amare tries to deal with it. So that window came up.
I wanted to get you guys to throw up ideas as well for a replacement system to make you guys involved. A few interesting things popped up, though remember I don't like to straight up copy people, merely draw inspiration from some concepts.
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Amare’s Dwelling
“See, everything turned out fine.” (Amare)
“...odd” (Val)
“Hmm?” (Amare)
“Aren’t mortals extremely awkward during their first time...he was oddly...skilled.” (Val)
What's odd is that you are concerned about such a thing...though I do agree that for a first timer, he shows promise, but that's natural due to many factors.
“Ah, well, he is familiar with their bodies, connected to them spiritually, had a ridiculous vigor stat for his strength level, and has the subconscious thought to make those close to him happy in any way due to past traumas. Then you add some skills to the mix, making him incapable of failure. In the end I don't see how it's odd for him to be able to please them.” (Amare)
“Fine, but...really? A whole 13 hours? Does the vigor stat really have such an affect on him. Normally, with it's current level, it should be at the most 2, 3 tops.” (Val)
...Should I tell her? No, maybe just the subsidiary things.
“Amare...are you hiding something else?” (Val)
Don't look at me like that! Oh, how does she always seem to get to me. *Sigh* I can't keep anything to myself with her around. Maybe just one or two things I’ll hide.
“It's not really a secret. But, as you know, a lot of things tend to be hidden or sealed away from Kuro. So it’s safe to assume that he may have a hidden skill in effect already...or it could be his visits here.” (Amare)
“The others must make things really difficult for you...I hope you are referring to the natural nourishing effects this realm has on the soul.” (Val)
What the, how does this woman currently see me.
“...Well his soul, like the other chosen that visit, is nourished here. It is connected to his close companions giving them supplementary effects, like healing mental damages and such. Add that to a hidden property and-” (Amare)
“No need to say anymore, I get it. You most likely knew about it no doubt.” (Val)
“Fufu.” (Amare)
Sheesh, I didn’t expect his increases in vigor but everything happened as I expected, the performance even more so. Kuro is going to be surprised when he sees all those notifications too. But seriously though, Val keeps looking at me so accusingly. Even though she was so into watching the scene before. *Ping* Hmm? He woke up and is heading here. Interesting, oh wait...
“Val quick, hide the popcorn, I got the monitor! Kuro is coming.” (Amare)
“What!?” (Val)
*Flash*
Kuro’s POV
I woke up in the middle of the night and decided to visit Amare while I still could for some answers. However...I’m looking at two goddesses...and they seem to have been watching something interesting. Should I feel flattered that there is an enlarged image of myself in some sort of playback of my awakening.
“Kuro, it's not what you think...Val was curious of-” (Amare)
“Amare!” (Val)
“Aw no need to yell, it was just a joke Val. Besides the Nymphs were watching him too through Cycy, so we aren't the only ones peeking at his sex life.” (Amare)
This…*sigh*...I can't let them get to me right now, *twitch* not even the fact they brought out popcorn...or about the Nymphs. Right, focus...all I need are some answers to a few of my questions now that my mind is clear. Why are certain parts of the class system so odd, how did my companions end up being affected by the awakening, and what the hell was the dream I just had.
“What dream (If it's what I think it is, then it may be time to inform him of a few things.)?” (Amare)
“...” (Val)
Well, you can read my mind so I’ll think about it and show you.
…
View of a sealed rooms interior, a single girl sitting still in the center with an expressionless face. People enter goading her, trying to make her feel. My father walks in and speaks incorrigible words. Everything begins to fade as the girls slowly looks into my direction.
...
“It...was too real. The people in it also, one of them I know all too well, while the girl looked like...a Dreadling. Is this dream, what I think it is.” (Kuro)
“You should know best Kuro.” (Amare)
“So, I was looking at a scene involving one of my people?” (Kuro)
“Unfortunately, it may be more than that.” (Val)
“What?” (Kuro)
“You should know the physiology of a Dreadling, don't try to hide from the truth. Your mother more than likely birthed someone else before you.” (Amare)
“So then, it's true...I have a blood relative from my mother in this world. Why didn’t you tell me!” (Kuro)
“You were far from ready at the time. Now though, it may be possible for you to do something. As for your other questions I will explain them along with this matter.” (Amare)
A sister...I only met my sister 2 times in my past life, and both was as brief as the passing wind. I always wanted to know what it was like, to be a brother.
“Now then Kuro, pay attention…” (Amare)
“Don't worry, I'll make sure she says everything necessary.” (Val)
…
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I awaken after the discussion with many things explained to me. The other gods are trying to find ways to mess up my growth. That token system is one of their latest ideas to make me waste points. Amare said she only threw that up at me to get their hopes up. My blood awakening would trigger an update where the system would rework itself so that they would be crushed emotionally afterwards. The real one should be in my notifications history along with a few other things that would answer my questions.
I also know my sister didn't awaken yet since she can't mess with her growth like me. I awakened early for my race pretty much. So for now I have time to help her. Lets see the update first though.
*Ding*
Class Unlock Initiated
Main class slot open.
Sub class slot open.
Class slots aren’t restricted in the number of classes available, but will have diminishing effects as the number of classes active dictate. Deterioration occurs after two main classes and one sub class is picked.
Deterioration rate decrease is determined by one’s strength.
For more details on strength requirements press this [Tab].
For more details on class ranks and rank ups press this [Tab].
Current Main Classes Available for Selection:
[Warrior 1] - [Swordsman 1] - [Martial Artist 1] - [Spellsword 2] - [Augmentator 1] - [Mage 5] - [Scout 1] - [Thief 1] - [Assassin 4] - [Saboteur 2] - [Torturer 1] - [Brewer 1] - [Chief 1] - [Inventor 4] - [Tailor 1] - [Builder 2] - [Masseur 1] - [Alchemist 10] - [*Hidden* 10]
Current Sub Classes Available for Selection:
[Metallurgist 4] - [Analyst 1] - [Gatherer 1] - [Compounder 2] - [Mana Adept 3] - [Trainer 1] - [Synthesist 4]
Wow, that is actually not bad. I can mix up a bunch of different classes that way, but it's better not to get carried away and focus on one aspect at a time to increase my understanding of each class and it's capabilities quickly before messing around with various options. The strength requirements are similar to before and shows that it will be a while before I reach being able to use three classes and such with no drawbacks.
When I looked at the effects of each class (now that I’m more patient) Most of them upped aspects most suited to their needs. The only long range class I have is the mage class and the only real odd one out is that hidden one, even it’s information is hidden. So I’ll just select it later and see what it is when I practice these things.
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Ranks are also similar to levels, Though more difficult jobs start off on a higher rank but rank up at a slower rate. It all depends on the user’s ability to understand the class to improve it. Rank ups increase various values or add additional effects, any drawbacks will eventually be cancelled when it reaches the max rank of 100. My Alchemist classes shows to have a larger drawback than what was shown by another .3 and .2 respectively. Making my strength and such drop by X1.55 and X1.7 respectively.
Those bastards tried to fool me with false values.
Since I’m going the crafting route for the moment to up my equipment I’ll equip the tailor class for now. If I remember right metallurgy has an interesting theory concerning the arrangement of particles I would like to try when the new clothes are done.
Looking at my other notifications makes my day a lot better.
*Ding*
Blood Awakening results:
Sense stat broke through the first blood lock. [Crisis Perception] awarded
Faith stat broke through the first blood lock. [Acolyte Disposition] awarded
Willpower stat broke through the first blood lock. [Beast Within] awarded
Other stats met unknown restrictions. CP required for breakthrough.
Crisis Perception
Passive Skill
Uncommon
Description:
The user has better intuition than most.
Heightened chance to feel impending crisis during combat.
5% increase in perceptive abilities
Acolyte Disposition
Passive Skill
Uncommon
Description:
The user’s code of morality gives him strength.
Strength can be restored to max once per week.
+1% healing effects.
Beast Within
Passive Skill
Uncommon
Description:
The user can draw strength from within during times of strife.
20% resistance to intimidation.
+50 to all stats
+3 Levels
certain skills/traits updated
Body reconfigured: height increase, blood purity increase, [Delicate Body] half awakened.
New trait added: [Bloodline]
Bloodline
Trait
Racial
Description:
Power courses through the user’s blood. At its call the user gains strength.
Effects:
Blood Surge: X1.1 to physical stats for 5min (30min cooldown)
Skill [Bloodwake Step] unlocked
Second Awakening [locked]
Third Awakening [locked]
Bloodwake Step
Active Skill
Novice Level 1
Description:
The blood calls to surge. It's secrets are still hidden within.
Effects
Movements become fluid and unpredictable.
Speed stat X 1.3
Agility stat X 1.1
Upkeep: 550 HP /s, 200 MP /s, 550 SP /s
Multiple Blood Locks have moved to a higher level.
Multiple seals detected CP needed for removal.
This is...amazing. So much to do, and a lot to uncover. I tried my CP on a few things but I kept getting restrictions. This proves that my body was unable to handle the advancement, and the usual problems the gods give me. Even so, there is a lot here.
For now, I need to take a bath.
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The girls are showing signs of waking up so I skillfully remove myself from their grasp. It didn’t take long for them to follow after me as the fairy hid within the towel and change of clothes I picked up. As I approached the door I realized the difference in height already, I can't wait to confirm the changes. Shiro and Puerial seem surprised about it though they quickly lost interest.
One thing that didn’t change is how much these two tend to cling. My scent doesn’t help either.
This time the door was unlocked and I was able to leave my room. I can smell cooking, but I already decided to bathe before sating my hunger.
I’ve never felt so refreshed after a bath in a long time.
But my mood went a bit sour when I entered the dining area for the permanent residence of the inn aka my group. Their faces said it all, they heard everything. Only Shirley and Illis showed to not really mind it. Beth had on a huge grin, Tammy couldn’t look me in the eye without blushing, Belle can't seem to get herself together at all. *Sigh* I should have made the walls thicker.
I ate in silence as Beth began asking Shiro and Puerial for details. The others did a poor job trying not to listen in. If I show that I mind, I loose.
Better to focus on other things to do since I have a lot of things to prepare after all.
My sister...she is waiting for me. Enjoy yourself while you can...Father.
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A/N: Now you know the plot premise for this arc. Enjoy thinking about the future.