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

  She asked of his identity, as if the young man would be foolish enough to just fork over that information. While his anime trope senses didn’t tingle on that one—there were plenty of myths and legends about powerful beings using the hero’s name, even a hair or two with blood to track him. The name seemed to be among the most important things needed for them

  As Mortem restored the city, Clyde explained everything to his friends, including the Supreme demon lord’s appearance. That way, if some bullshit occurred, like the strain rendering him unconscious, they wouldn’t be lost and in the dark about things. The team would develop more plans to outsmart enemies of overwhelming power.

  He wondered… Winning a fight wasn’t about the level—he and his team took on many stronger foes. Skill, strategy, sometimes numbers, and will power determined the outcome of a battle. So what did a level truly mean? Personal progress. Reaching a certain level meant the possibility of having the stats to obtain a new skill…There could be more to it, but Clyde lived in Satovia for more than two months. He still had much to learn.

  Ultimately, Clyde needed a break from Lot City and he knew exactly how. He wouldn’t make any of his friends go, but the young man no longer felt as if he had a true place here. All of the death, was his fault. But going emo and filling himself with self-doubt wouldn’t solve a damn thing. He had to push forward, no matter how tough things got.

  He wasn’t some hero of justice or knight of the light. But the system…acknowledged him as a god. That was still a lot to take in. Just two months on Satovia, he went from being a human to a deity. Sure, he knew this was an anime trope—but…what did that make his family back on earth?

  Something about that thought gave him chills. He pushed the ridiculousness aside. Even Arisa…Tessa remembered him from childhood. Maybe being “born” with this power was metaphorical. Like, the moment Mortem pulled him into Satovia.

  Otherwise, where was this power when he needed it on earth? Did he actually though…for such a mundane life. Of course not. Even Spiderman could teach him a lesson or two…He blinked.

  Great power, comes great responsibility. Still, he wasn’t a hero of justice.

  Clyde turned to Harumi.

  “Let’s go to your sister’s house after the exams. While we take a break…from this city, we can come up with a way to do something about the dragon threat. Hopefully without bloodshed.”

  Those last words came out of Clyde’s mouth, but he knew damned well that in addition to being the God of Life and Eternity, he was also the God of Blood and Vengeance.

  [With more than one crest, which is very abnormal, there is a chance of you being a Supreme god, one step beyond a High god. It is recommended not to tell anyone, other than Selkie, Alena, and your friends. An observer may have some answers.]

  “I’ll let Liru know,” Harumi said, already texting away. “There aren’t enough rooms for everyone though.”

  “I plan to buy a house in her area,” Clyde said then addressed his team. “After the exams, I’ll be leaving Lot City for a while. I won’t force anyone to go with me. As I said, Team Stone is a place to come and go.”

  “Is Team Stone a place accepting new recruits,” Fuyoko said.

  “Why?” Airi said, giving her an unreadable look.

  “To atone,” Fuyoko said. “And…I can’t live without Naoko.” She pinched the kuudere loli’s cheek then scooped her up in an embrace, like an older sister caring from her younger.

  Clyde didn’t trust Fuyoko, but she did undo all of the petrification to save the rest of the city. He looked over to Sazuki and Kiko then pointed at them.

  “Those two graduated Toru’s training program,” Clyde said. “Do that and we’ll see. But of course.” He grinned evilly. “We need to get to know each other.”

  Fuyoko folded her arms around her breasts.

  “I’m not that kind of girl.”

  Clyde sighed.

  “I don’t mean it like that, ya pervert.”

  Fuyoko flushed. Everyone laughed. Matsume patted her on the back.

  “We can’t just let anyone in Team Stone,” Ruri told Fuyoko. “A select number of people, in which I cannot tell you, have the ability to detect lies. Even sniff them out.”

  Fuyoko shrugged.

  “I’ve got nothing to hide.”

  “Ah really,” Seth said. “Then you should be fine.”

  “Yuki, prepare the drinks,” Clyde said. “I need to get this nightmare out of my head. But…so do you guys, huh?”

  “I don’t even want to think about it,” Toru said. Alice shuddered.

  “Don’t think about it,” Clyde said. “Let’s move forward. Mortem is more than likely going to erase the memories of this event from the city.” He looked at Asu and Ming. “Asu, do you promise to help Team Stone to the best of your ability?”

  “You know I will, Master!” Asu said cheerfully. She grabbed Clyde’s left arm, allowing plenty of breast to smother it. Harumi was on his right.

  “Then you will be the leader of the Stone Maidens.”

  “What? But—but—I wanted that honor,” Sophia whined. Maki patted her friend on the back. “It’s nothing personal.”

  It wasn’t. Having a lich monster girl as his Stone maiden will began the first line of his message to the world.

  “She had given up everything to serve,” Clyde said. “Saved my prophet, took down five inquisitors somehow, and is some kind of alchemist. Sophia, you will continue to assist Maki, but divide your duties into getting to know your new leader.”

  “No offense intended, but why is she devoted to you like that?” Fuyoko asked.

  “Because I have seen the light!” Asu said. “The Stone is the man I will follow until he discards me like used trashed. Ahhn!”

  “Great, she’s also an M,” Clyde said sarcastically, shaking his head.

  “Y—you’re the Stone?” Fuyoko said. “It hadn’t crossed my mind to even think of the possibilities. I just wanted to survive… But you really had defeated the inquisition by yourself.”

  “We’ll talk about that later,” Clyde said as they approached his repaired house. It was strange to see people out and about.

  When Clyde opened the door, Mortem was sitting on the floor in a lotus position, aura surrounding him. He opened his eyes, allowing his shark-like grin to return.

  “The Watchers are doing things to the people’s memories,” Mortem said. “And so the deaths will be blamed on one thing or another. The civilians will believe they’ve already thrown funerals. Memorial pictures may be in a lot of houses.”

  “That’s just fucked up,” Clyde said.

  “For once, I agree with you, mortal,” Mortem said. “Anyway, as harsh and unforgiving as this is going to sound, let this be a lesson to you. The Watchers don’t give a shit about any of us. At least, not anymore, but that’s classified information. I don’t know what the hell’s going on up there to be honest, but you’d better watch yourself, hu…Team Stone. But you don’t need me to tell you that. I can see that you’ve came up with a decision. So don’t disappoint me. You’ll make me look bad.” The entity rose into the air without another word, vanishing in a rift of black sparkles.

  “What the fuck was that?” Fuyko said seconds later.

  “Mortem,” Clyde said. “He’s the bastard guide who brought me here. He may be an ass, but he’s right about one thing. The Watchers have no fucks to give.”

  “But that’s something we established already, Clyde,” Alice said. “The fact that they let the city go boom, only further confirms the truth.”

  Tear sighed.

  “I need a bath and a drink.”

  “Me too,” Melody said. Yuki nodded her agreement.

  “I’ll find a bath without the likes of the succubus or any boob-cow in it,” Kitome said, sparking the group to burst into laughter at her expense. Kanako pouted. Clyde pet the genie.

  “I’m glad we didn’t have to use that last wish,” he whispered to her as she dove into his arms,
then of course hugged his waist, legs shifted into a spiritual tail. Airi knew enough about her, but the stars in her eyes still had a million questions. He also saw the exhaustion there too.

  “Alright, Team Stone, bath and we’re taking a break. Tomorrow’s Tuesday anyway. So we don’t have classes.”

  “Lucky for us, all choosing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,” Seth said.

  “That’s because only the upper classmen can choose Tuesday and Thursday,” Sazuki said. “Most students get stuck with all five days.”

  Clyde sighed.

  “You teach, Miss President.”

  Sazuki giggled then whacked Clyde with a paper fan she picked up from the table.

  “Who’s making these?”

  Everyone looked at Natalia.

  “What?” the loli-witch said.

  Episode 49 (Part 2)

  Tuesday. Week 3. Month 2. Year 1. Season: Late Autumn.

  [School: Off day. Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.]

  [Current declared fiancée(s): Melody, Alice, Tear.]

  [Card bearers in Lot City: 5. Ming (and her friends.) ]

  [Cook-off opponents in the city: 80. Harumi, Advanced chef Yuki, Alice, Kitome. The rest are unknown.]

  [Stone mode: still recharging. You must rely on your learned strength for now…]

  Clyde awoke, smothered in softness. A feeling that resulted in being the ultimate cure for men and even women alike. This wasn’t his room. Oh, the drinks. The previous night…

  He was naked in Harumi’s room, the fox woman, also nude, wrapped around him in a comforting embrace. The tower of Druaga rose to the occasion. She groaned a little in her sleep and moved against it, without knowing. His boner twitched.

  He glided it against her. Her fingers dug into his back. A sleep reaction? It was actually cute, but not as fun as her being awake.

  Damn after all of the insanity of the previous day, how could he be so horny? Shouldn’t he just chillax a bit? Easier said than done. The kitsune’s tease simply wouldn’t end. He tried to wiggle out of her embrace, but she held strongly.

  “Harumi,” he said. She didn’t respond, her soft breathing only increasing his libido. Abruptly, the fox girl rolled on top of him. He felt himself grin stupidly. Damn what a great morning , he thought. Harumi’s tail suddenly curled around the shaft, stroking vigorously. Clyde’s breathing became husky as he clenched his fist. “Oh god, Harumi slow it down. Slow it down!”

  The fox girl was still asleep. Or at least putting on one hell of an act. “Harumi, ah shit, fuck.” The amount of stimulation overwhelmed the young man, but the moment he neared climaxed, the stroking ceased. The young woman stretched and yawned. Then realized she was on top of the young man.

  “Good morning,” she said. Clyde’s stare was blank.

  “Good morning indeed,” he said then smirked at the feeling of wetness. “Here, let me return the favor.”

  He stuck two fingers inside of the young woman. She quickly covered her mouth, a muffled moan just barely escaping. Clyde marveled at the amount of fluid on his fingers.

  Harumi guided him inside her. She clenched and rode.

  Sweaty and panting, the duo pleasurably wrestled, switching positions, until at last…

  Clyde was enjoying himself too much. So much that he forgot to pull out. His flow seemed never-ending. Harumi’s moan pierced the air as she held onto him tightly, face of bliss, her juices pouring like miniature rivers.

  They passionately kissed, embracing the moment, connecting.

  Then his eyes widened for half a second. Worries couldn’t manifest, because Harumi looked back at him with glistening eyes. Eyes of love.

  Still rock solid, he started the ride again. The fox girl responded with songs and challenges. Challenges to go harder. The young man happily obliged.

  And once again, caught up in the moment, he released inside. Although, he was more aware of it this time.

  “Will you marry me?” he said to her. The young woman’s juices gushed out even more…She got turned on by the question?

  “Did you really just ask me that?” Harumi said then giggled. “Yes I will marry you.” Clyde used the last of his materials and jewels to craft the ring in his head. Just for science, he decided to do the unthinkable. He combined it with the sex potion. He also added the crystal dagger for shits and giggles. It…worked. Why did it work?

  [You have crafted a complicated item: Cosmic Ring of Mother Nature . Item class: **Unbelievable** Item value: priceless. Unknown traits.]

  As he presented a glowing ring to Harumi, time, space, and even light seemed to bend around it. The glow finally ceased when it slipped onto the fox girl’s ring finger. It looked like a band coated in millions of stars. A jewel thief’s wet dream.

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

  Clyde wiped the tears from her eyes, with a single thumb.

  “This…is beautiful.”

  [Your fiancée, Harumi’s current mood: heart-fluttering happiness.]

  [Base HP and Ki bonus from Harumi: +100%]

  [Perk bonus on hold until you marry her: *God tier skill: God Giga Heal. Fully heal all allies within 10 miles of you. The healed person’s defenses will be increased by 700% for five minutes. This can be combined with astral projection for omnipotent healing. This skill could bring back any ally from the verge of death. To avoid getting in trouble, do not attempt to use this on the dead.]

  [Harumi only knows of the human way of marriage. Help her rediscover the lost Kitsune culture.]

  Clyde thought that maybe he was given some kind of break. But the following prompt snuffed away such nonsense.

  [You have planted a seed in Harumi.]

  Careless…Reckless. Did he mess up big time? Why did he not feel remorse over this?

  He let out a sigh. How could he feel remorse when he loved the woman?

  Clyde needed a drink. Could he break this news to Harumi? Did he have the right?

  [She took in two of your loads. She will take a pregnancy test.]

  [You are achieving greatness. Kitsune can only mate with deities to birth pureblood children. This is a step in the right direction to reviving the lost race.]

  [Congratulations, desu.]

  [All skills have gained a level.]

  [Harumi’s Ki attributes increased by 1.]

  Clyde gazed into Harumi’s eyes. She snuggled into him. She definitely appreciated the young man taking responsibility…

  Clyde had actually done it. He recalled a prompt.

  [Let it be known that your strength increases immensely for having a child. Nature reveals how parents will give it their all to protect their children. Being a good parent earns you the Superior Dad Achievement. Unknown special rewards for that.]

  [Starting your bloodline in this world may turn out very interesting…]

  So what did it mean for two lost bloodlines becoming one?

  [System advice. You are returning greatness to the world. However, your duties as the Stone must continue.]

  Clyde chuckled. He’d take care of Harumi. He thought back to their first meeting and her hospitality. Despite losing all but one of her family, she pushed through each day with a smile. His attraction to her heart manifested on day one.

  **

  Lot City mansion…

  Misaka could not understand this world. After the previous day…after that dream and somehow recognizing the man behind the strange form, she needed answers. The young woman stared at the picture of her deceased father… Everyone acted as if he passed some time ago. They didn’t remember that nightmare. And now…

  There were no more tears to cry out. Her mother, who also did not forget, embraced her from behind.

  “You have my blood, my daughter, so survival of a cruel inquisitor attack was inevitable. And the Watchers have committed a grave crime by attempting to erase the knowledge of this event from us. They who abandoned this city to die. Something is happening in Celestial, that is not meant to leak into this w
orld.” She sighed. “You are not surprised.” She chuckled. “Funny thing, your father suspected something was off but his love for us never wavered. Mine for him never.” She smiled. “Daughter, you have the blood of a strong man and…”

  Misaka’s mother sat next to her daughter. “I am not as great as I used to be, which is how I ended up meeting your father. A wounded phoenix.”

  Misaka finally looked her mother in the eyes, flinching at the glow. “I only retain a small portion of my power now. Once, I planned to just end it all. Strip away my immortality…until your father picked up this helpless woman and carried her back to his house. Misaka…you have my blood, dormant within. You probably sensed something of it…” She smiled, “but got the wrong idea about it from your anime addictions.”

  Misaka said nothing, as the previous day still processed in her head. The dream…And now everyone acting as if it didn’t happen. Her mother’s approach brought back her will to live. “You know of the man in that dream. The Stone. It will soon be time to go to him. His quest is your quest. Find the lost phoenix clan, retrieve the world star fragment for his sake.”

  Misaka gulped. But she knew it. And now lady Destiny was finally ready to send her on her way…Except.

  “How do I use my power?” Misaka said, staring at her right hand. Her mother grinned evilly.

  “We shall start your training on the use of phoenix fire immediately,” she said. “But you will approach the Stone and become his disciple. It’s your calling. Now come girl. And I apologize in advance, because the training will be…painful.”