The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #9 a LitRPG (ATS) Read online

  [Prompts delayed…]

  Inquisitor Commander Yahiko

  Level: 1500

  Type: Arch Demon

  Work under: *Supreme Demon Lord.

  Special: Void tier skill: Soul Dying Light. [Warning! This attack will destroy the entire city! Survivors will be petrified.]

  Weakness: Purity x 2. Holy x2. Light. Deity x2.

  Resistances: dark and all of its attributes (complete resistance). Fire, Earth, Purity, Holy, Light, Angel.

  [You have entered a Showdown .]

  [*The Inquisition has challenged you *]

  [FM: 492%] [Ki: 94%]

  Yahiko, coated in his inquisitor authority, took a stance, blade facing Clyde.

  Clyde didn’t move, seemingly unguarded. Judging by his focused expression, the inquisitor commander wasn’t fooled. He slowly approached, then swung. But…

  The inquisitor commander made a mistake. A mistake that he wouldn’t have ever predicted. As Clyde’s sword plunged and twisted in his heart, the Ancestral Spirit Lineage recorded. One should never challenge someone with the passive skill twice.

  Not even the god realized it. Yahiko teleported a few feet backward, coughing blood. He pulled a small bottle from his pocket and chugged what the god assumed was a potion.

  [Yahiko used Hyper potion!]

  [Yahiko is unable to heal due to Clyde’s unstoppable pressure.]

  [Yahiko’s HP has dropped to 200%]

  [Yahiko has been inflicted with Fatal bleeding.]

  Clyde blurred over and backhanded him into a tent. Lamp oil spilled. When the god’s bloody aura touched, the oil ignited.

  “This…this can’t be,” Yahiko said. “How…”

  Tear’s magic continued to jet through Clyde’s veins. He almost felt as if she was with him. And she would not tolerate living in fear of her abductors. These murderers.

  Yahiko aimed a hand at Clyde.

  “I’ll take everything with me!”

  [Yahiko activated Void tier skill: Soul Dying Light. Inquisitor’s authority has made this an unblockable attack.]

  Clyde’s eyes widened, realizing that this man had decided to be a sore loser. He…

  Suddenly, an incredibly intense sound made Yahiko cover his ears. It was like thousands of fire alarms, juiced on steroids by magic, and set to destroy the world’s hearing.

  [Alice used Natzo Sound Bomb.]

  His life mate just saved the city. Acting on the opening, Clyde looked as if he barely moved. All Yahiko could see were flying arms.

  <<<You have requested to delete Yahiko from existence. Proceed?>>>

  The horrible sound finally faded.

  Clyde stared at the screaming man with cold eyes. But he did not delete. He could make an example, however, giving this one an easy death after….

  The screams of two million ghosts erupted from the city. Men, women, and children. Even a few Sato academy students, professors. People of many professions, living their lives, innocent, yet condemned to death.

  He picked up Yahiko by the throat and faced the enormous horde of bitter spirits.

  “ You are rightfully angry ,” the god said. “ And you will not be damned for taking your revenge . ”

  He hurled the inquisitor commander at the masses. Purple flames and spiritual screaming painted the night.

  Seconds later, the mass simultaneously gave Clyde a bow. He returned it. They rose into the air, bursting into sparkles of white light.

  “ Rest in peace ,” Clyde said softly.

  Mortem watched, preparing the magic required to fix the physical structure of the city. There was nothing that could be done about the lives lost. The Genesis Omen Director maybe. Clyde himself, maybe one thousand years from now, would have the ability to restore entire planets of people with a thought.

  Mortem glanced at the ruined city.

  “Clyde, you will have to do much better than this if you want to get through the next day. But hey, at least Ridout Enterprises remained untouched.”

  Abruptly, Mortem’s eyes widened. He followed Clyde’s sudden upward gaze. It couldn’t be…

  He bellowed a laugh.

  **

  Clyde watched a woman, watch him. She was an interesting one. Her wings were of two different beings: fallen angel and demonic. Yet despite having two different types, she made it look elegant. One purple eye, one gray eye, complementing a beauty of tan skin, long silver hair, with a height similar to Harumi. Her clothing resembled that of a belly dancer’s—the dress itself being an expensive array of purple and silver.

  When the woman landed, her wings vanished. She licked her lips.

  “I must say, that is quite a way to introduce yourself to the nations,” the woman said. “So mystery warrior, who are you?” Clyde said nothing, just watched, expressionless. “Ah, a man of few words. No matter.” She stepped toward the god.

  “I have an offer, one that would certainly help our world.”

  Clyde tilted his head, eyes still cold. The woman seemed amused. “Join me.” She teleported in front of the god. He didn’t miss the flicker of surprise in her eyes, probably realizing that worthless seduction magic did not work on him.

  “A demon…no, you’re not a demon. I don’t know what you are.”

  The woman caressed his chin, lust shining in her eyes. She whispered, “to think I’d get turned on by the way you moved your sword.”

  Licking her lips, she spoke again. “Join me, warrior. I’m on a mission to make this world a better place for everyone, every sentient being who only wishes to live a peaceful life among society.”

  Clyde looked at the city. The woman continued, not quite desperate, but maybe hopeful. Or overconfident. “You do not have to answer me now. I will come again.”

  She pressed her body against the young man. “If we team up, tragedies like this will never happen again.”

  Clyde threw back his head and laughed.

  “Mystery woman, who by the way is suspicious as hell. If you’re a watcher, then tell me. How do you prevent supernatural beings from destroying civilization at will.”

  “And that’s why you must join me,” the woman said. “I’ll even pay you for your service. I need a sword that can—”

  “I decline,” Clyde said.

  “I’m afraid I cannot allow you to just go,” the woman said softly. “I want you. A husband with the punishing hand of a god as well as the courage to take on the entire inquisition by himself. A woman’s wet dream.” She licked her lips. “I want you more than…her.”

  That hint confirmed Clyde’s suspicious.

  “So…you’re her.”

  The woman smiled.

  “You know of me. Good. You’ve proven yourself by taking out a bunch of disobedient fools.”

  “Disobedient?” Clyde said. “You mean you don’t give inquisitors orders to wipe out civilizations that won’t bend to your will? Don’t lie to me. I can smell lies.”

  The woman sighed.

  “Such an annoying stereotype for anyone with my title. I do not give orders that hurt people or society. I just want to save it—both human and monster. Unfortunately, a spell of mine went wrong some time ago. Day in and out, neither I nor my trusted circle have found any ways to reverse it.”

  “Your influence, huh?” Clyde said.

  “It’s not my influence, just a spell that went wrong,” the woman said then let out an exasperated sigh. “Come at me with your sword. I feel the need to tone down your arrogance.”

  “You’re a bossy one,” Clyde said. “First demanding me to join you and now wanting a fight.”

  “That’s Empress to you,” the woman said. “Show me your strength. I’ll even go easy.”

  The god analyzed the woman.

  -Supreme Demon Lord Lilith -

  Level: *???* (This power made even deities weary of her…)

  Type: Royal Succubus

  Work under: N/A.

  Special: ???

  Weakness: none.

  Resistances:
???

  Secret: blocked.

  Abruptly, Lilith looked up, then placed her lips next to his ear, as if to nibble. Damn did she smell good. He didn’t need to analyze to immediately figure out the woman was no ordinary noble succubus.

  “Unfortunately a direct representative of Them is here. Remember my offer, for I shall return. And I’ll make a fine husband out of you, mystery warrior.”

  “I told you I—”

  The Supreme demon lord was already gone.

  Clyde sighed.

  “Show yourself.”

  Mortem clapped three times.

  “You really are the ultimate ladies’ man.” He laughed.

  “You’re just jealous.” Clyde shook his head. “Shouldn’t you be reporting this to the Watchers?”

  “I’m here to fix this damn city,” Mortem said.

  “You know it’s impossible to bring back the lost lives,” Clyde said. “There are just—”

  “Oh it’s possible, just not by me,” Mortem interrupted.

  “ Why didn’t the Watchers stop this ?” Clyde snapped, his god chant returning.

  “You’re yelling at a simple messenger,” Mortem said. “I don’t ask them questions, just complain about the work behind their backs. You should realize that the Watchers do not directly interfere with the world. They have entities for that. Lot City was marked by Lady Fate. Word spread that Selkie simply delayed the inevitable.”

  Clyde felt like hitting Mortem, but restrained himself. He was actually glad the pointy-eared ass sugarcoated nothing.

  “Inevitable? INEVITABLE?” Clyde’s bloody aura raged.

  “As much as I’m terrified of Lady Venus,” Mortem said, “she did try to stop it. Unfortunately, Morrigan and Odin cut her influence off from Satovia. She was pissed.” The entity pointed at Clyde. “Heed my warning again, godling. There is a conflict among the gods that you should do your best to stay out of. I can see that you took my advice and avoided seeking Venus. But now she knows where to find you.”

  “All of you are dangerous,” Clyde snapped, “but if it wasn’t for her, I’d be dead. Why should I continue avoiding her?”

  “Because she’s too horny,” Mortem said. Clyde blinked. “Not only could she drag you into the conflict, but into her personal affairs. She’s a highly sought-after goddess. If any of those men find out about you, her obsession, you’ll be squashed like a bug. Then I’ll be next just for serving her. Jealousy—”

  “I thought so,” Clyde said, releasing the transformation.

  “What? You—”

  “My guess was a husband, actually,” Clyde said. “I don’t want him going after mine and doing horrible things from the stories, out of spite.”

  Mortem blinked.

  “So you have grown a bit wise.” He nodded. “Get back to your friends, godling. Oh and the next time you see Selkie, tell her to stop calling me Pippy. Lady Venus is calling me that now and it’s getting really annoying.”

  Clyde chuckled.

  “I’ll suggest some more colorful names to her.”

  Mortem sighed.

  “You mortals. Annoying, the lot of you.”

  The entity teleported above the ruined city. With just a wave, magic poured across the destruction, reversing time for it. An efficient repair. “Tell that girl to undo the petrification.”

  Clyde made the Jump to his friends, a lot on his mind. And he was considering Lilith’s offer, just to spite the Watchers. She may prove to be a useful asset.

  The delayed prompts awaited him.

  Episode 49 (Part 1): Looking Forward.

  Strongly Guarded Throne Room…

  Tear’s photo was facedown, as images and fantasies of that warrior clouded the Supreme’s thoughts. Lilith pulled the fingers from herself as she came for the fourth time. Something about him, a menace, created a thrill that drove the succubus into lust. She had so many questions, but the presence of the Watchers on that city was just too strong at that moment. To think they’d actually allow her disobedient inquisitors to destroy a city. Very, very strange behavior for the watchers. They were guardians of humanity, frustrating the hell out of demon lords with their entities, but ever since that awful segregating barrier vanished, the Watchers began to take their eyes off Satovia. Just…what was going on in Celestial?

  If Lilith was an evil demoness, she would’ve jumped at the opportunity to conquer the world instead of saving it. Her dream—for all monsters…monster girls and humanity to live together in the same society, felt so far away. However, not all hope was lost. She’d rebuild the inquisition later, under new principals.

  That mysterious warrior…was he a part of the stone-viper games? If so, which crest could he be… Stone or Viper? Or maybe the Leaf, Wind, or Falcon. What if he was the rumored sixth one? Pfft, as if that existed.

  Lilith blinked. That city was where Tear lived…and that mysterious warrior. The empress just knew he and Tear were acquainted. He swung his incredible blade to protect her from the face of the inquisition, by himself!

  “Damn that’s romantic,” Lilith said. A pity though. Her inquisition had one job. Bring the successor back without harming her…The empress quickly check the city for Tear’s power signature. Perfect health. “Good. When Tear’s ready, she’d unleash a power that would make mine seem weak.”

  She just hoped Tear wasn’t lovers of the sort with that warrior. Lilith wanted him! And his power could be useful. He declined her offer, but she’d let him think on it.

  She walked over to her pile of treasure. Men liked swords, right? What if she gave the warrior something irresistible in exchange for a…partnership? Be her public symbol.

  She faced her fair share of deities back then, but never the Stone or Viper. Lilith was powerful, but not a fool. Protagonists and Antagonists are in their own realm of ridiculous power that outsiders like her couldn’t compare to.

  She thought about her armies and then the failure of the inquisition. Shameful. Her original inquisitor commander was an angry bastard of an old man, but did things right. Tear’s father. Why did he feel so dispassionate about his daughter? He even borderline hated her. Demons and power.

  Lilith sighed. So many thoughts barreled through her head, but she at last knew of Tear’s location. Well, she knew of the city, not of her dwelling. She could send a spy to figure that out. She looked at Tear’s facedown photo. She had betrayed her by falling into lust for a…But…why?

  “Is he the Stone or the Viper? And do I really want to involve myself with the stone-viper games?”

  Lilith blushed heavily as thoughts of the warrior came into her head. “Dammit! This is frustrating.”

  **

  Walking home...

  [Battle completed! Incredible Victory! Reward: 500M EXP. 400M dollars.]

  [Your outstanding achievement, defeating the inquisition by yourself has been noted in the * HALL OF FAME .]

  [You have earned the title *Grim Reaper. People will think twice before angering you…]

  [You are no longer considered a godling, but a god. And an unpredictable one at that…]

  [Congratulations, you have reached levels 101-123. You have learned the special ability, *Fly! You may use this outside of combat.]

  [Your reputation has increased to level 7… Your reputation has increased again, to level 8…I believe in you.]

  [System alert! Some Watchers are truly fearing you. These particular people believe you are no different from the Viper.]

  [Due to witnessing your fight, through a spell from Asu, the people of Lot City believe you to be more than what meets the eye. Some believe you to be a god sent to save humanity, others call you a superhero. You have unlocked the *Faith system.]

  [Someone has attempted to block the adaptation of the Faith system. Your natural barrier has blocked the mental attack from above. Warning, someone in Celestial has broken the law. The system has auto-reported this. An investigation will be launched on your behalf.]

  [Faith system: an unpredictable
system that could level you up based on acquired faith, give you access to faith-based skills, or trigger random events, similar to that of your talent. Hidden stat increases and bonus. The more followers you draw in, the stronger you become, as well as your influence. Think about how heroes tend to have so many followers and legends about them… ]

  [Faith level has jumped to level 20 due to the new believers. Unbelievable! You have been awarded 50 free points and 50 faith points.]

  [Faith level 20. Faith points: 50.]

  [The faith store will appear on your menu every last Sunday of the month. Like the ID store, you can only make one purchase.]

  [You have learned faith passive skill: heavenly aura.]

  [Defeating the inquisition by yourself has caught the interest of someone incredibly powerful. The watchers are in disarray, calling a sudden meeting.]

  [The tales of your achievement will be spread far and wide! You are on your way to becoming a true legend.]

  [It is recommended to take some time off from combat and handle your studies, before setting off on your adventure quest. ]

  [Tear has fallen head over heels in love with you.]

  [Alice’s pride for you has increased!]

  [Severe strain has locked off your Stone mode for a while. You will be notified when it is available again.]

  Clyde felt overwhelmed by the prompts, but took them in one stride at a time. First, he had to deal with the hard fact that the Supreme demon lord herself appeared, but then left. Why? Even if the inquisition followed their own orders, she was ultimately responsible for sending them. Clyde did not forget that. Why the sudden change?