CHAPTER 17

I wasted no time and quickly logged into the Devil Net to check the news from the past two years; I have a lot to catch up on. The first thing I looked up was the incident in my hometown, on the outskirts of Auros.

Multiple sites have reported on the issue, but none go into any detail, and most were just wild speculation. There were all sorts of theories, from a wild monster rampage to quacky theories about a secret attack by the Old Satan Faction. Maybe I should look into conspiracies?

Nothing here is helpful, so I move on to other news and happenings. Tensions persist with other Biblical factions… There was a diplomatic incident with the Yokai in Japan when Devils decided to massacre an entire race because of one stray Reincarnated Devil…..The Satan, Serafall Levithan, responsible for foreign affairs, still runs a magical girl children’s show… Wait, what? Not even going to question it.

It's the same old with the Devils and the Underworld. Hardly surprising, The Great War wrecked every faction, and when you tend to live up to 10,000 years, it is that much harder to change.

‘Hmmm, I have many paths open to me. Fighting is a no-go, despite my need to get stronger. That will land me in another lab, or worse, He shows up. A regular job? Blend in with common Devils and train on the side? Hey, system, I know you are listening. What do you suggest?’ A few seconds pass by silently, and I almost feel ridiculous for asking a question to my own thoughts, but a gruff, disgustingly cheerful voice barges into my thoughts.

‘Oh me, oh my, the dunderhead can actually ask his wise Ancestor for help, and in my infinite generosity, I will even reward you.’

[+1 Wisdom for demonstrating that you have a third brain cell!]

‘I already regret this.’ It beggars belief that I managed to resist facepalming at this moment.

‘Well, boy. If you are done with your little emo woe-is-me act, I do have several recommendations.’

‘How do you even know what an emo is? You know what, forget I asked. I can’t just keep calling you system. What are you anyway?’

‘I possess the discernment, insight, cognition and knowledge of every member of House Ipos who has ever lived.’

‘Wow, that sounds broken.’

‘…Or DICK for short.’

‘I take back what I said.’

‘Why do you think those treacherous cretins wiped us out?’

‘Wait, you said every member. Does that include…mom?’

‘Yes, Callen. It does. She loved you more than anything. Until the last breath.’

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‘I… I don’t know what to say.’ I swallowed back the oncoming tide of tears. The vivid image of her end played again and again in my thoughts and will do so for as long as I breathe.

‘You don’t say. You act. We go on, forged by tragedy, yet accompanied by the memories and Legacy of those we lost, to a brighter tomorrow.’

‘You almost had me there. I can’t believe this is the same guy who was making childish jokes just a moment ago.’

‘Who am I kidding? Each house member gets a member to harden them on their terrible journey.’

‘I feel sick. That was terrible. Can we please get back to you helping me?’

‘I will have you know I was crowned champion of Lucifer's Punderworld Championship. Twice. I-‘

‘Get to the point.’

‘Alright, sheesh. These days, the youth have no respect for their elders. Your Legacy is, as I said, everything your forebears have accomplished, from skills, artefacts, and even memories, including the freebie sword style from old Ipos. Each descendant manifests the ability differently, in a manner that suits them the most. Some get books, others get dreams, and one even got a shopping list – Crazy lad, that one – You got a gaming system, nerd.’

‘So, you’re saying I got a gaming system since I like games?’

‘In essence, yes.’

‘How do I unlock these powers?’

‘Quick on the uptake, I am starting to like you.’ That sent shivers down my spine; creepy old men should not be saying that cheerfully. ‘Oi, you know I can read your thoughts?’

‘I don’t care.’

‘Anyways, we don’t like weaklings in House Ipos – yes, including you – so to get more powers; you need Legacy points earned by completing certain feats of strength and accomplishment.’

‘Not even going to elaborate on that?’

‘Nope.’ He had the gall to pop the ‘p’.

‘Our house sounds hardcore, why are you such a sassy, creepy old man?’

‘That also is caused by your preference.’

‘I am not even going to touch that with a hundred-foot pole.’

‘I suggest seeing a mind healer.’

…

‘Moving swiftly on, what do you suggest I do?’

‘Head to the capital. A big crowd to blend into and plenty of work for good-for-nothing youngsters.’

‘I hate that you are right.’

‘I am always right.’

‘What about getting there? “Dunderhead”.’

‘You just unlocked a new power, idiot.’

‘How could I possibly use that to get into a train or teleport?’

‘See for yourself, knowing thy enemy is half the battle, or whatever that human said.’

I now became consciously aware of how much time I have spent staring at apparently nothing but empty air and arguing with a creepy old man in my head, ‘Can still hear you.’ Shut it. I picked up my tag, quickly dropped it off with the cute receptionist, and asked her for directions to the train station.

There is no time like the present. I quickly head out into the waning day. The violet rays of sunshine reflecting on the city's sheer white marble give it a completely different atmosphere. Children play freely in the plaza, and harried-looking parents tend to them.

I quickly head east to the transport district.