The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #9 a LitRPG (ATS) Page 16

  Misaka groaned. On the shows, the heroes effortlessly received or discover their powers. Why couldn’t she be like them?

  **

  Airi intercepted Fuyoko and nodded toward the front door. The woman followed. When they were outside and off to the side, Airi spoke, her voice neither hostile nor friendly.

  “Fuyoko Hata, veteran adventurer, who eventually formed a famous cult among the higher-tier adventurer community. You called yourselves the Blood-seekers. And despite the warnings of many fellow adventurers, your cult searched for some of the most dangerous treasures of all time. You were even crazy enough to go after the rumored forbidden objects, some supposedly guarded by the most dangerous creatures of all time. Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful for what you’ve done for us, but what’s someone like you doing here?”

  “We’re not a cult,” Fuyoko said, her voice tinged with defensiveness. “We’re just different. We seek something beyond the typical chest drop. Maybe the secrets of our world and the untouchable treasures. You may call us extreme treasure hunters. And even if it’s against the supposed supernatural law, we still have to know. You of all people Airi, the number one adventurer, should know. You who have been accused of being a goddess numerous times. You who may be more than human, yet deny this. You know the craving.”

  “That’s fine, but it still doesn’t answer my question,” Airi said. “Why are you here?”

  “I had some business in this city,” Fuyoko said, “but I walked right into the apocalypse. Besides…if I leave, I’ll be killed.”

  “By who?”

  “I…don’t think I’m in a position to reveal that,” Fuyoko said. “Not with Watcher eyes on us.”

  Airi sighed.

  “I’m the number one adventurer for a reason. And yes, I’m a bit more than just human, but that’s all I’m going to say about that. I will know when you intend harm against my friends, minutes before you know it yourself. All it would take is a thought and you’re gone. Punishment Squad be damned. I make this promise here because I love them.” She turned. “I took away your ability to petrify as the price to knowing even one of my secrets is high.”

  Fuyoko laughed.

  “You haven’t changed, but your threats won’t deter me from following the Stone.”

  “Because he’s the only one that can keep you getting bit from the Viper?” Airi said, then shook her head. “Your condition for staying among us is to no longer pursue Julius.”

  “What?” Fuyoko snapped.

  “Julius will not tell you the codes to that vault, no matter what. He’s a heartless bastard who deserves to be hit by a truck and sent to another world, but the guy knew what he saw. He heard the threat of the thing that guarded it. If something like that could actually terrify Julius and he’s willing to take the codes to the grave, then it’s best to leave it alone. Forcing him to be your Right hand will not create some romantical bond between you two. He’s not going to speak of it.”

  Fuyoko said nothing, just glaring at the woman. “Remember what I said.” Airi started back into the house, leaving the woman there to think.

  “But…I have to know,” she whispered. “All of my life as an adventurer, I dreamed of seeing what’s behind that vault.” She clenched her fists. “I will find out. I didn’t form the Blood Seekers just to give up.”

  Episode 49 (Part 3)

  Clyde’s house…

  [Naoko has joined your party! Know this, a chaotic companion on your side could dramatically alter the battle in your favor. Remember your vows. Anything promised to them will serve as motivation while they eagerly await the award.]

  [List of chaotic companions: Chika, Ruri, Kanako, and Naoko.]

  “Clyde, say aanhh.”

  Clyde was powerless against Harumi’s assertion. Fortunately, the other women only spared a brief glare as the pink-haired girl’s chopsticks shoved rice and fish into his mouth.

  “No matter how many times we do that, he’s always embarrassed,” Chika said.

  “My turn, pervy-nii!” Natalia said. Before Clyde could object, the loli stuffed his mouth with a block of coffee jelly.

  The young man quickly devoured it then dodged away from the next set of chopsticks gunned in his direction.

  Harumi dabbed her finger at the whipped cream spot on Clyde’s cheek then briefly put it in her mouth. The other women were watching this time, shocked. Kissing was one thing. But now, this seemed to take boldness to a new level. Kitome snorted.

  Alice sighed, finishing her last spoonful of pudding.

  “Lady Alice, feed him too,” Natalia said, but the blonde girl waved away her request.

  “Harumi, you seem cheerful today,” Airi said. “Is it because of your sister? Or? Come on, spill it.”

  Clyde gulped, and he felt himself sweat.

  “Kun kun.”

  He turned to Ruri.

  “Why are you sniffing me?”

  “Because you smell of anxie—”

  “You want a meat date?” Clyde quickly interrupted. “I think there’s an all-you-can eat steakhouse not too far from here. It will give Yuki a break.”

  All eyes were on him now. Even Kanako’s stare was Toru-style blank.

  “You know, I feel kind of insulted,” Yuki said. “I am capable of making steak that outclasses some of the most famous restaurants in Satovia.” She stood and motioned for Sophia and Maki to collect finished plates. “Ugh, now I’m thinking about the hellish training I went through to make it perfect.”

  Matsume licked her lips.

  “I don’t care where we’re going, a meat date is almost like a proposal.”

  “I could start preparing the meat...hmm,” Yuki said, then jotted down a few things on a notepad. “Sophia.”

  “Yes!” Sophia reported, saluting the demoness.

  “Start the search for these seasonings. They’re labeled. Maki, find a few cast irons. Then prepare the onion! Harumi.”

  The pink-haired girl flinched. Yuki grinned. “My student, you shall be assisting me today. Up-up-up, let’s get going. I want the steak to marinate in some Messalayian spices for a few hours.”

  The fox girl groaned. She gave Clyde an apologetic smile before joining her cooking tutor in the kitchen.

  “Sheesh, you two don’t have to make it so obvious that you’ve done the deed,” Airi said.

  Clyde looked at a watch that wasn’t there.

  “Oh look at the time, I’ve got somewhere to go.”

  He downed his glass of ice water, thanked Yuki for the meal, and hurried outside.

  Little did he know; his actions peaked the curiosity of the women.

  “I’m following him,” Tear said, licking her lips. “Also…did you notice Harumi’s new ring?”

  “It’s so pretty,” Kitome said. “Oh and count me in for the following.”

  Asu tilted her head to the side.

  “I’m in!”

  “I’ll pass,” Fuyoko said. “I’d rather not pester him.” She eyed the Loli Saga book sitting at the edge of the table. “Such a good series.” She picked it up. Ming blushed but said nothing.

  “I’m in too,” Natalia said.

  “Just don’t ruin it for us,” Ruri told her.

  “Oh shut it, ass-sniffer,” Natalia said, which goaded the right response for a chase. “Harumi! Ruri’s bullying me!”

  **

  Temple of Aunder

  Aunder shook his head.

  “Wow, that didn’t take long. But if Fuyoko wants to miss out on great opportunities, then fine. Let her. I’ll expect True Poison to deal with her later, yes?”

  The group of thirteen women, dressed in silver cloaks, bowed. Their leader, Hibiki, did not wear one, instead sporting a fine black silky dress, hugging her curves, and revealing an ample amount of cleavage. Long red hair, matching eyes, and a devilish grin made even Aunder feel uneasy about her.

  A vibe that emitted a lack of trust from the first meeting. Excellent. These women were killers, down to the bone. They even
had vastly high levels to back up their show of competence, along with impressive passive skills. Unlike the Maidens of Love, the True Poison trained themselves to death for his arrival. None of them were arrogant enough to test Aunder, each acknowledging his intense aura as they sat. Respectful, disciplined, and subservient, these women…. were boring as fuck.

  Aunder was put-off by the Maidens of Love at first, but they were sweet, hilarious, and sometimes so incompetent that they were downright adorable. He could learn to trust the ML. He memorized their names and often befriended a target just to learn more about them. And eventually, the women no longer felt outright intimidated by the man. Now if only Su Yang would stop giving them the death glares and silent threats. He wouldn’t have to worry about waking up and finding them either in tears or worse…hanging, stabbed, or mutilated.

  On the other hand, True Poison consisted of a bunch of arrogant flowers that would serve, but expected power or some new world order seat. They would probably stab Aunder in the back at the first chance given. Even Su Yang was weary of them. The Maidens of Love hid their distaste and pretended to welcome them as fellow sisters, though True Poison didn’t acknowledge their existence—except to the Arch Priest, Yuriko. More than likely a requirement. A show.

  “True Poison, let me say again, welcome to my temple,” Aunder said. “Your sister maidens still have a way to go to finish up the renovation, so don’t mind the occasional out-of-place fluff of pink and love. And let’s discuss what you believe the Viper’s supposed to do.”

  Hibiki grinned.

  “Master Aunder, I’m glad that you ask and I humbly offer my opinion.”

  **

  Somewhere…

  Titania watched Ashard go, fighting the urge to stop him. Fighting the raw desire to drag him back to the Fairy Kingdom to be seduced by countless women. Seduced wasn’t the correct word, but she did not want to think about her actions under both a spell and the Supreme’s influence. The phone call from Team Stone was a whirlwind of relief. She…wasn’t sure what to do with herself, except return to her Kingdom. A lonely place that lacked men. Titania didn’t want to go back to that. She didn’t want to see her fairy subordinates stalk human men. She didn’t want to fall back to the lust of the influence.

  That demoness, Yuki warned her that the protective spell she placed on Titania would shatter upon reaching home. Fairy Kingdom…was smothered with the Supreme’s influence. Almost an alien kingdom to the woman, it once boasted as a place that even made the elves jealous. Adventurers called it a golden achievement upon reaching the sacred place, praised it and wrote amazing stories.

  Fairy Kingdom was once an important stronghold to defeat an ancient Viper. And now with it weakened to this point, things continued to spell doom for her magical home.

  Titania snarled. She needed a way to kill the Supreme. Should she team up with the Stone? Offer her service in exchange for the restoration of the Fairy Kingdom?

  She…

  She’d have to ask a deity for advice. Ugh. Who would give her the least amount of scrutiny? Morrigan?

  **

  Unknown City…

  Each day, Liru grew even more uncomfortable with the thought of an ancient enemy living only twenty miles from her home. In fact, there were two of them now, the other being fifty miles away, not that this mattered. Incredibly fast flight or instantaneous travel made the distance pointless.

  The pink-haired woman knew just a little magic, but didn’t practice nor participated in combat like her younger sister. She embraced the life of the mundane, somewhat, but not without doing her research about her clan.

  Liru…couldn’t deny that she was extremely powerful in Kitsune form and probably more than her sister. She didn’t have…the courage of her sister nor the will to fight. She didn’t like fighting.

  She hated the thought of her sister rushing into dangerous fights with monsters and possibly getting hurt or worse. But no matter how many times Liru asked, Harumi would not live with her. Harumi…didn’t want to give up her unsafe lifestyle.

  Liru respected her sister’s courage and wished every day that just a wick of it would spark from herself. Yet, the thoughts of creatures and vessels of the unknown attacking her sister, attacking the world, made the woman tremble. Fortunately, Harumi and her friends were planning to visit the area. She had so many questions. And very high hopes.

  After Liru left the orphanage, she started toward her home, which was not too far away. Helping out with the caretakers warmed her heart and she’d never take money from them. She hoped that one day, the children would find a dream and chase it.

  She greeted a few elderly men and women that waved at her in passing. She also fed a few stray cats.

  The peace-loving woman had no idea that someone followed her.

  Episode 49 (Part 4)

  Lot City Downtown…

  Clyde stared at the clothing store for just a few seconds before entering. Alice motioned for the other girls to follow.

  “Remember to keep your magic blended with the crowd,” she said. “His Mystic senses make following difficult.”

  “Are you sure this is a good idea?” Melody said, a little uncertain. “It looks like he’s just buying some new clothes.”

  “How naïve can you get?” Tear said. “Come, let’s go.”

  Alice figured if Clyde somehow suspected them, Melody would put her illusion magic to good use.

  Her love mate spoke with a pretty customer service representative for a minute. She blushed, which pissed the half-demoness off a little. Was he flirting with some random? The others seemed to be somewhat annoyed, except Tear. This amused the succubus. Alice wished she could be as cool as her big cousin. Not that she’d let that tidbit slip.

  Then something unthinkable happened. The clerk took her Clyde to the baby section... Now even the succubus was taken aback, eyeing at the girls suspiciously.

  “Which one of you is expecting?” she said darkly. They all denied it. “Alice, you?”

  “No,” Alice said softly. “And after the hell we went through yesterday, I’d be terrified of something happening to my baby. Besides, he didn’t act like…wait a minute. Come to think of it, he wasn’t in the room last night. Where did he sleep? Who…” The women froze then laughed. “There’s no way he’d do that to Harumi. She’s too responsible. And probably has no intention of being a mother. Besides, it will be at least two weeks before she could take a test.”

  “It’s actually different for us and the soul sisters,” Matsume said.

  “What if Clyde got someone else…” Ruri dropped the aloud thought as the others glared at her.

  “Nah,” the women agreed. Their frowns formed when a familiar blonde walked through a back entrance. She waved at Clyde from afar. Alice pouted when the big-boobed cow hugged him. Noona.

  “Relax, you cute bundle of jealousy,” Tear told Alice. “Noona’s dense enough to sink faster than a boulder to the bottom of the ocean. Even with her b—”

  “I know,” Alice interrupted. “That doesn’t mean I want her around my Clyde.”

  Chika tilted her head.

  “We could always spirit her away.”

  The other women blinked.

  “We don’t need to go that far,” Ming said.

  “Tsk. Tsk. One day you’ll understand the need for it,” Chika said, wagging a finger at the prophet girl. “But right now, you’re too soft. I’m not sure why you were dragged along anyway.”

  Ming glared.

  “I have you know, I came along on my own. And I’m not soft.”

  Chika grinned. Alice intercepted the bad idea she knew the top student was about to dare the gullible prophet into.

  “Shhh,” the half demoness hissed. “They’re both walking around the baby aisle. We have to make sure that cow doesn’t try anything.”

  Tear shook her head.

  “Alice, shouldn’t you be working on House Hades affairs?”

  Alice stuck her tongue out at Tear, soliciting a
good pinch on her cheeks.

  Noona left the clothing store with Clyde. And even the succubus’s eye twitched with annoyance.

  “It wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t so dense,” Tear said.

  “You just want entertainment,” Alice said.

  Alice and the others followed what seemed like a lunch date, possibly to make up for the private dinner? The half-demoness honestly didn’t care. The baby clothes still held her thoughts. And Clyde looked…rather happy.

  “Let’s go back,” she told the women. “I only wanted to know what made him leave in a hurry.”

  Before she could leave, Alice heard Noona say, “let’s have a sleepover tonight. Just you and me.”

  Chika’s aura manifested a half-second before Alice’s. Clyde’s next words doused out the anger like rain on a campfire.

  “I can’t tonight, sorry,” Clyde said. “After what happened, you know with the inquisitor attack and all, I just want to relax with Team Stone. Maybe watch a few bad movies. You’re always welcomed to come over, of course. You’re an important friend to us.”

  Noona smiled.

  “You guys…are my only friends.”

  Alice gave an appreciative chuckle.

  “Let’s go before Yuki drives poor Harumi nuts with her training.”

  “Or they have a duel to the death cook-off,” Ruri said.

  “Where’s Natalia and Kanako?” Ming asked.

  “Over there.” Matsume pointed at an ice cream stand.

  “Who’s up for dessert before dinner?” Alice said. Her plan to become a mother began to unfold within her head. She turned to Chika, eyeing two women tuning electronics and setting up a stage from afar. They were a little past the corner of twenty-third street. A mob of some sort seemed to be gathering. The two women, one with short pale-green hair, the other long, somewhat spiky dark blonde hair grinned at the top student, recognition in their eyes.