Chapter 5: Family Matters

Day 7 of the 2nd Water Cycle, 1988 g.c.

Three years had passed since my reincarnation, and I had grown into a little toddler demon. Gazing into the mirror in Mom's room, you might not guess my true nature at first glance—unless you noticed the small, budding horns, the vibrant red glow in my eyes, or the baby fangs starting to emerge.

In my sleep, my first evolution had taken place, automatically advancing me from a Psuedo-Oni to an Oni. While I can't describe the exact sensation of the transformation, the surge in the amount of mana I began producing was impossible to ignore. It was like waking up with a new engine roaring inside me, ready to be unleashed.

As I mentioned before, I’m not human. My place in Gaia's taxonomy lies within the Sociovores—sentient, evolving mana creatures capable of forming societies. This phylum includes species that grow in intelligence and power through various evolutionary stages, becoming more formidable with each transformation. I’m classified as a Demi-Humanoid, sharing similarities with humans in form but not in nature. Of course, such distinctions are often lost on those who prefer simple labels. To many humans, I’m just a demon, devil, or monster. Celestials, another branch of Sociovores, often escape this prejudice due to their nearly human appearance, making them the exception among our kind.

For a Sociovore like me, evolution is tied directly to the growth of our Soul Core, which converts magitons at an increasing rate, enhancing our mana production. As our mana capacity grows, evolution becomes an option—a sort of fast-forward button through the usual grind of development. Evolution alters our appearance while boosting our attributes and expanding our Mana Pool, granting us greater potential. For those of us with mixed heritage, evolution also offers choices, allowing us to lean into the strengths of our various ancestries as crossbreeding was common on Gaia. I mean, who wouldn't want to give a big booty elf some backshots, or suck on a cowgirl's nipples? But I digress.

These last 36 months were a period of intense practice and mastery of mana manipulation, all while staying under Mom’s radar. At night, when she fell asleep, I would sneak into the shadows of my room, utilizing [Yin Mana Arts: Shadow Storage] to unleash and catch wild mana attacks and energy bursts. The shadows would flicker and dance around me, humming the air with the raw power of my energy. Mom must have sensed my fluctuating mana signature, but after spying on me for a few nights and finding no immediate threat, she decided to let me be.

My high affinity for Wind and Yin Mana naturally led to acquiring [Air Control] and [Yin Control], and I began experimenting with Mana Arts Crafting. The process was calming; that static jump of mana through my veins felt like a warm river, but forcing mana through my immature circuits caused them to tear repeatedly. Thankfully, [Self Regen] was continuously repairing the damage, with [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] activating my [Adaptive Predator] to assist in the process.

The constant cycle of damage and repair not only reinforced my mana circuits but also significantly boosted my capacity to channel mana through my body. The initial electric sensation when casting spells had evolved into a cool, rushing flow, a testament to the strength and maturity of my developed mana circuits. The difference was striking: the previously chaotic energy now felt like a controlled, soothing current, empowering me with a newfound confidence in my abilities.

While I focused on mastering my abilities, my mother found new love and soon became pregnant with twins. I was genuinely happy for her, but tragedy struck when the new father-to-be died in an infamous cave two months before the twins' birth. The news was devastating: a Celestial, matching her boyfriend’s description, was discovered dead near the cave entrance just outside of town. He had been struck from behind and killed by a Goblin King.

The grief that followed was tough. Vericka's sorrow was a heavy presence in our home, her eyes often red-rimmed and distant, her movements slow and burdened by grief that seemed too much for one person to bear. She clung to the memories of her new love, often staring at a small, worn picture he once painted for her with a tearful smile. The quiet sobs that filled the night were a haunting reminder of her loss. Thankfully, Grandma was there to provide a strong support system, and I did my best to offer comfort with as many baby hugs as she could handle. The warmth and love from family were the lifelines that kept her afloat during those dark days.

The fraternal twins, a little boy named Artamis and a little girl named Kimmi, became my newest siblings. Their arrival brought a bittersweet joy to our lives. Due to Vericka's Vessel Skill ability, both infants were born with Vessel Skills as well.

Artamis, the more human-looking of the two, had vertically split pupils and flame-colored irises that seemed to dance like fire at night. His small, delicate face bore two diamond-shaped vessel marks that blended subtly into his face over both eyes, each mark ending in a small dot at the bottom. His Vessel Skill, [Fire Sage: Kagutsuchi], seemed fitting for his fiery mana signature.

Kimmi, on the other hand, took after Mom more, with her pointed ears and delicate facial structure. Her irises held a bright yellow glow, constantly glazed with golden mana due to her uncontrollable mana flow. Her hair was a stunning mix of burning red and brown, echoing the red in our mother’s hair. The vessel mark on her left chest resembled a sun, a radiant symbol of her Vessel Skill, [Sun Sage: Amaterasu]. They both shared the same skin complexion as I did.

Their presence brought light into our home, a welcome distraction from the pain of loss. The twins' unique features and budding abilities were a constant source of fascination and joy. Despite the sorrow that still lingered, the future held a promise of new adventures and discoveries, and I was determined to protect and support my family through it all.

Every morning I was itching to train and practice my Mana Arts, but I still wasn't allowed to do so in the house. After the scare with Vericka’s recent close loss, she was definitely in "worry mommy" mode. Luckily, I was speaking more, so it didn't take much to convince her to let me go outside for some training.

"Yo, Ma Dukes, I'm headed out to play with mana," I announced.

Vericka sighed, placing her face into her palm in a familiar gesture of exasperation. She started wearing her hair back down, even changing her fashion look. Her new outfit was as striking as ever, a testament to both her style and her prowess. She wore a red sleeveless tunic with gold buttons that contrasted sharply against the black undershirt peeking out from beneath. The sleeveless tunic flared out slightly at the waist, cinched with a thick red belt tied in an elaborate knot. The matching red pants were reinforced with gray padding along the thighs, providing both protection and flexibility in combat. Her high-heeled boots were sturdy, laced up tightly, and adorned with silver accents that gleamed in the light. The cuffs of her bracers had intricate designs etched into them, likely a blend of Dark Elf style and function. Her black glasses, perched atop her forehead, gave her a scholarly air as if she was always prepared with a bit of wisdom.

"My goodness, Xi, you're three years old, why do you talk like that? It's already hard enough explaining why you speak so well."

Mom still didn't know I was a reincarnation, and I wasn't ready for that conversation. To her, I was just an extraordinarily abnormal toddler.

"Cause you wouldn’t understand a nigga if I did that whole goo-goo gaga stuff," I replied.

She looked at me, confused, her hand slowly lowering from her face. "Well, I guess I shouldn't say 'well,' as some of your words I don’t understand. Like that ‘neegus’ one you like to use."

"I can explain what a 'real nigga' is to you later if you want, but are you cool with me heading outside?"

Vericka sighed again, this time more resigned. "Just be safe, Moonlight. I need to bathe the twins, so don't wander too far from home. It's pretty hot out there."

"Yes, ma'am," I said, racing out the door.

I knew just the place behind the house. To keep my promise to Mom, I didn’t go too far—just about 200 yards into our backyard. Over the years, my personal skill [Danger Sense] had gotten stronger, allowing me to detect when others focused on my mana signature. This let me know Mom was watching me using her [Sense Presence] skill.

"Aye, Tsukuyomi," I called out.

"Yes, Master, how can I assist?" [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi]'s voice echoed in my mind.

"Use [Analyze] on Mom's [Sense Presence] skill."

"Understood," Tsukuyomi replied.

Gaining a new skill naturally required a bit of luck, but it ultimately came down to understanding the mechanics and desiring to replicate them perfectly. Because I understood how air, wind, and oxygen worked, gaining the skill [Air Control] was a breeze for me. When manipulating mana and infusing it with elements, knowing a little science helped a lot. By lacing oxygen atoms with Wind Mana, I could create a stronger force with less mana.

With [Absolute Memory] and [Sage Wisdom], mastering things was as easy as the wind I often danced with for fun. Remembering every tiny and invisible detail about anything I was familiar with was like living life on easy mode, making my progress in any endeavor swift and consistent.

I stretched my arms, feeling the rush of wind against my skin. The cool air was invigorating, like harnessing a part of the sky itself—dynamic, untamed, and full of potential. The sensation was electrifying, a cool rush that filled me with exhilaration.

"Let's see, should I do more push-ups first or..." I pondered aloud, ready to dive into my training session.

That's when [Danger Sense] triggered, alerting me to a creature eight meters away, hidden in the bushes. My heart raced as I spun around, only to see a squirrel dart out and freeze, its beady eyes locked onto mine.

"What the hell? Boyyy, you almost got fucked up like that," I muttered, waving it off. My gaze scanned the surroundings, ensuring it was the only thing my senses picked up.

But the squirrel, seemingly offended by my dismissive attitude, decided to charge at me. It leaped, aiming to sink its teeth into my leg. [Danger Sense] flared again, and I swiftly moved my right leg, evading the attack by mere milliseconds.

"Oh? Are you challenging me? Fine, today can be your last day living," I taunted, my voice low and dangerous.

The squirrel, unable to comprehend my words but sensing the murderous intent in my mana, stared back at me with wide, twitching eyes. Indigo-colored mana smoked from my gaze, an ominous sign of my growing power. Realizing the imminent danger, the squirrel turned and bolted toward the nearest tree.

Unlucky for it, I had been practicing my agility. Determined to give chase, I sprinted after the creature, both of us racing up the tree’s bark. The rough texture of the tree bit into my fingers, but adrenaline dulled the discomfort. As the squirrel reached for the top branches, I lunged, snatching it by its tail and swinging over to a sturdy branch.

Squatting on the branch, I held the squirrel up, its tiny body squirming in my grasp. "Caught yo' lil' ass. Now, what's up with that trying to bite me, bullshit?" I growled.

Thanks to all the climbing and jumping around my room, I managed to improve my stats. My constant workouts had increased my agility and offense, bringing them up to a solid 'D'. This boost in agility significantly enhanced my speed, reaction time, and dexterity.

"Maybe I should see if you're a flying squirrel by dropping you from a huge height with Wind," I said menacingly, letting my words hang in the air.

Before I could act, [Danger Sense] triggered again. A sharp snap echoed through the trees, the sound slicing through the tense moment. My grip tightened on the squirrel as I whipped my head around, searching for the source of the new threat.

The branch beneath me began to crack, the sound sharp and ominous in the stillness. My weight was too much for it to bear. As the final snap echoed, I felt a surge of adrenaline and activated [Accelerated Mind]. Time slowed, giving me precious moments to plan my next move.

"Damn tree branch would give out when I sat on it," I thought, irritation mingling with the thrill of danger.

"Would you like me to handle this situation?" [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] offered calmly.

"Oh no, I got this," I replied confidently.

"He's finna do that shadow pool thing again," [Midnight Star: Belial] remarked, almost amused.

"Damn, Belial, spoiler alert," I retorted.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

I extended my left arm, using it to bounce off several branches as I descended. Each impact sent a jolt through my body, but I used the momentum to control my fall. As I neared the ground, I cast [Yin Mana Arts: Shadow Storage] with a mere thought. The tree's shadow was perfectly positioned, and I aimed my rapid descent towards it.

The sensation of entering the shadow was surreal. It felt like plunging into a pool of inky void, silent yet soft, cushioning my fall. As I landed in the endless void of peace, a familiar comfort blanketed me as it always did. This time, I had company; the squirrel still squirmed in my right hand, its tiny body twitching with fear and confusion.

"Welcome to my world," I whispered, looking around the ethereal realm shaped by my mana.

The cool air and faint glow of magitons and some unknown particles provided a stark contrast to the chaotic descent I had just experienced. As I caught my breath, the thrill of the maneuver slowly gave way to a sense of accomplishment.

"Not bad, my nigga," I thought, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. "Not bad at all."

As I emerged from my Shadow Storage, my [Danger Sense] went haywire. A Goblin Scout had stumbled into the village's back area, close to the tree whose shadow I had just used. He was a grotesque creature, standing about four feet tall with a hunched posture. His green skin was mottled and covered in dirt, and his yellow eyes glowed with a predatory gleam. Sharp, uneven teeth jutted from his wide mouth, and he clutched a crude, self-made dagger in his gnarled hand.

A jolt of fear sparked through me, but it quickly morphed into a mix of anxiety and excitement. This was my chance to test out some skills in real combat. The goblin sneered at me, his breath hot and fetid in the warm air.

"You... meat. Demon meat, good too," he hissed, eyes gleaming with malicious intent.

"Go ahead and run to your tree house, lil' squirrel girl. Looks like the adults need to have a conversation," I said, releasing the squirrel from my grip. It darted away from the imminent danger.

"No let meat go. Grrrr, eat demon meat instead!" the Goblin Scout roared angrily.

"You thought this was a combo meal, nigga? Nah, nah, I'mma give you something hard to swallow... Pause," I growled back, my excitement bubbling over.

[Midnight Star: Belial] chimed in with a thought. "Is that even a male?"

"Good question," I replied internally.

I took a moment to use [Analyze] on the goblin to gauge its strength. The results flashed before me:

[Battle Class]: E

[Name]: Goblin Scout [M]

[Alias]: N/A

[Vessel]- N/A

[Race]: Goblinoid

[HP]: 250

[MP]: 50

[Offense]: E

[M. Offense]: E

[Defense]: E

[M. Defense] E

[Speed]: E

[Mana Affinity]: N/A

[Defense Skills]: N/A

[Ultra Skills]: N/A

[Personal Skills]: Super Smell, Stealth, Glare

[Mana Arts]- N/A

[Combat Arts]- Goblin Strike

He wasn't impressive compared to me, but I knew enough to realize that the average human male could easily lose his life to one of these creatures if not careful. But I wasn't human or average.

The Goblin Scout made his move. "Skill [Stealth]," he whispered loudly, blending into the scenery as if vanishing into thin air.

The adrenaline pumped through my veins, heightening my senses. I could feel the thrill of the hunt and the suspense of the unknown. My heart pounded, but I was confident and in control. I was about to fuck this Jerome-Roberts-looking-ass nigga up.

"You cheeky bastard," I said, an excited grin spreading across my face.

This was the most exhilarating I'd felt since arriving on this planet. I had always seen and heard the goblins lurking in the woods from my room, but no matter how gifted I was, Mom wasn't about to let a newborn wander the forest. But now, luck was smiling at me, bringing a new plaything into my backyard.

Considering this would be my first official battle, [Midnight Star: Belial] was the most active he'd been in a while. I planted my feet shoulder-width apart, my dominant left foot positioned slightly behind my lead right foot. I distributed my weight evenly on the balls of my feet, allowing for quick movement and keeping my knees slightly bent for better balance. My torso was turned slightly to the side, presenting a smaller target, and I maintained an upright posture.

In my past life, I spent my last years on Earth learning a few techniques from Mixed Martial Arts, but from birth, I was thoroughly trained in Jinenkan Ninjutsu by my grandpa. He was a Creek Native who spent 30 years in Japan before returning to America to father kids. You see, in my past life, my mom's side of the family were generational mercenaries and would teach all the children to be proficient in hand-to-hand combat and weapons. While those hours of pain developed my talents, the psychological trauma likely pushed my D.I.D. into splitting my mind for Omni's experiment. However, that training was proving its worth again, as dealing with unseen opponents was part of my daily homework.

Focusing [Super Hearing] on the sounds around me, I could hear the heat of the summer sun blazing off the Goblin Scout's bare skin, cooking it due to lack of melanin. The sound was so loud that [Danger Sense] didn't even trigger when he dashed to stab me from my blindside, breaking his stealth. I jumped out of the way, tumbling over him and kicking him in the back of the head, pushing him forward off balance. He tripped and slid face-first into the ground.

"You were really aiming for my kidney, huh? Dirty motherfucka," I spat.

"GAHH! You, meat. Meat for cave," the goblin growled.

"I would worry less about that cave and more about your raggedy ass life," I replied coolly.

"Your life. Die. DIE!" he screamed in rage.

"My thoughts exactly," I muttered.

The Goblin Scout cast the skill [Glare] at me, shooting a momentary chill down my spine, but [Dominus Superbiae] immediately activated, ridding me of the status ailment.

"Analyzation and adaptation complete," [Midnight Star: Belial] announced.

"The disrespect," I grumbled.

While I was a bit concerned about having to kill a human in this world, I felt no remorse for the goblin standing before me. To this new me, he was just the first of many victories.

I lifted my right arm, feeling the wind's energy swirling around me, and pointed my palm at him. Concentrating, I pictured the creation of sharp, invisible wind blades. The molecules within the air followed my desire, actually readying them for the attack. The goblin charged at me again, but I was prepared this time.

"Die, Fuck Nigga!" I shouted, releasing the cutting gusts towards the goblin.

The air shimmered with deadly precision as the wind blades sliced through the goblin's flesh. Blood sprayed in the air, and the goblin let out a pained scream. He staggered, trying to stay on his feet, but the damage from the wind blades was too much. With a final, desperate lunge, he collapsed, lifeless, onto the ground.

The thrill of battle surged through me, my heart pounding with exhilaration. I stood over the fallen goblin, feeling a rush of confidence and control. This was just the beginning.

«[Wind Mana Arts: Air Blade] has been learned. [Chant-less Cast] has been installed,» echoed within my mind-space from the Prime Realm System.

"Oh? I learned a new Mana Art. And a Skill? Beastly!" I mused aloud.

"You've acquired the personal skill [Chant-less Cast]; this skill allows the user to cast any mana skills or mana arts they know merely by thinking of them, bypassing the traditional requirement of incantations," [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] informed me.

"Nice."

"Good job, nephew. That was amazing," a familiar female voice chimed in.

I turned around to find my aunt Glynis standing beside a tree, clapping with a jovial smile. Glynis Mikazuki; the older sister to Vericka and the first child of Fann Mikazuki, was a curvaceous woman with almond-brown skin and golden-yellow eyes. Her moon-white hair was highlighted with the same crimson red that decorated Vericka's. Although extremely feminine in her charms, she was just as much a warrior as my mother. I often saw her sparring with Mom in the backyard, their attacks shaking the house with their impact. Unlike her sister, she didn't have pointy ears, signaling no Fey or Demonic in her DNA, appearing more Celestial.

Aunt Glynis stood there, dressed elegantly in a scarlet dress that hugged her figure, paired with stylish boots that added a touch of flair. She always carried herself with a blend of grace and strength that made her presence commanding. She was pretty gangsta.

"When you get older, you're going to be an amazing Artist," Glynis praised, her eyes gleaming with pride.

"Hey, Auntie Glynis. How long have you been standing there?" I asked, trying to keep my cool.

"Long enough to see you face off with that tree rodent," she replied with a grin.

"You caught the footwork?" I asked, feeling a surge of pride.

"I did, and I heard that strange chant of yours," Glynis said, raising an eyebrow. "That 'neegha' word you often say."

"Chant?"

"Well, you say it often enough. Is it some kind of empowering term, or just a verbal tic?"

"It's an old habit," I shrugged.

"Boy... you're three," she said with a chuckle, lifting me up and settling me on her hip. "Come on, let’s go see what your mom is up to."

Ever since I met Glynis, I always thought she was super cool and even had cool-looking hair. It was cut short, combed over her right eye, with the right side curving down to her chin. The white coloring of her hair is a genetic reaction of our clan known as the Full Moon Effect. This powerful phenomenon is exclusive to the Mikazuki Clan and is randomly triggered when a clan member with Mikazuki blood reaches a certain maturity of their soul. This transformation marks a significant milestone, resulting in a dramatic increase in the individual's power across all areas, including physical strength, magical abilities, and mana regeneration.

The activation of the Full Moon Effect is not instantaneous, and there are no records of any before. It requires the individual to reach a state of maximum soul maturity, influenced by various factors such as age, experience, training, and emotional development. As the individual's soul matures and grows; the power increases, and the physical transformation can occur progressively until fully realized. Glynis still had areas of red in her hair, indicating she had room for additional growth.

As we walked back inside the house, Glynis greeted her sister with a warm smile. "Hey, baby sister. Guess who I caught in action?" she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Vericka glanced up while she continued to change Kimmi's diaper and smirked. "I already know. I was tracking him with [Sense Presence]. I was more comfortable once I felt you there."

Glynis laughed. "Of course, you know I wouldn't let anything happen to him. But he handled it well, didn't he?"

Vericka nodded; her expression a mix of pride and amusement. "He's a natural. But he's still got a long way to go before he's the strongest."

I stood there, feeling prideful. "Just showing him he was up against a Real Nigga."

Vericka smiled warmly at me. "You can be this Real Neegah, but remember, always stay vigilant."

Glynis ruffled my hair affectionately. "You’ve got a bright future ahead, Xiro. Just keep honing your arts."

As I walked into the living room, the conversation between my aunt and my mother caught my attention. My [Super Hearing] was often left on, making me a bit of a nosy neighbor.

Vericka sighed, "At least the twins are more normal. Neither one of them is casting spells and arts at me or doing flips off the crib at night."

Glynis laughed, "Hahaha, I heard he used to be a little night monkey. At least now he does it outside."

"I don't think I could deal with all three of them doing it. I would never get any sleep," Vericka replied. "So, are you heading back to Aldo?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yes, baby sister. I gotta go see my boo thang," Glynis replied with a playful tone, trying to lift her sister's mood. "I know you don't want me to go, but I promise I won't be long."

"You must really like him. And to think you would fall for a Tengu," Vericka said, shaking her head.

"Well, the Zo clan isn't that bad once you get to know them. They just have a habit of being extremely cocky. But sometimes it's cute," Glynis said, shrugging.

Vericka chuckled. "I swear you have the weirdest taste in men."

"Speaking of men, did you hear about the new prince born to the Kingdom of Braye? I heard he was a Godwalker and had the [The Fated Hero] skill," Glynis said, changing the topic again.

"Yeah, I got word of that. I'm sure the Queen is going to call in her favor and have me train him a bit," Vericka said, her tone a mix of pride and reluctance.

"From what I hear, Prince Luda is looking to be quite the prodigy himself. Maybe Xiro will be a rival or a best friend in the future," Glynis suggested.

"I just hope he doesn't use the same strange wording that Xiro does. Plus, Xiro told me he can hear both of his Vessel Skills. He's been able to hear them since birth," Vericka said, frowning slightly.

"That boy is something special. But if he can hear both V-Skills, then why is his Ultra Skill still disabled?" Glynis asked, curious.

"It has a prerequisite skill that he doesn't have yet," Vericka explained.

"Ahhh. I see. Well, kind of forgot he was three for a moment," Glynis said, laughing.

"Yeah, he'll do that to you," Vericka agreed with a smile.

"Did you hear about Babylonia building their new arena for Artist Battles? Girl, I heard it's going to be the place for all the powerhouses of Arcadia," Glynis said, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"You know I don't like Babylon. His mana signature rubs me the wrong way. And so does his face," Vericka replied, her tone dripping with disdain.

"He's been in treaty talks with the Kingdom of Braye. He's banking everything on that arena being a hit," Glynis said.

"Are you going to enter it?" Vericka asked, raising an eyebrow.

"If you don't, I might. We need to remind them who the Mikazuki are. And since we're the only members of the clan left in Arcadia, one of us needs to represent," Glynis said, her voice determined.

"Then you might be the right one, 'cause girl, I just can't with him," Vericka said, shaking her head.

Glynis laughed. "Hahahaha. You could always just wait 'til Xiro gets older and send him."

"That would be funny," Vericka agreed, laughing along with her sister.

Their laughter was interrupted by a rapid set of knocks on the door, followed by the voice of a Celestial male calling for Lady Vericka, stating someone was at the entrance of the village requesting her.

"What is their name, messenger?" Vericka called out.

"He told us he was called Melech Una, and that he was the student of the Late One Pound," the Celestial Messenger replied.

"Late?!" Vericka's face turned serious. "Glynis, can you watch the kids for a moment?"

"Yeah, go ahead. I heard One Pound, so I'm curious too. Bring back the tea," Glynis replied, her curiosity piqued.

"Will do," Vericka replied. "Xiro, I'll return shortly," she said to me as she raced out the door behind the messenger, her expression filled with deep concern.

Glynis and I watched her leave, the atmosphere in the room suddenly tense and heavy with anticipation.

"[Sense Presence] analyzation complete," [Moon Sage: Tsukuyomi] whispered.

"Skill copied." [Midnight Star: Belial] followed up. The skill was now mine.

[End of Chapter]