[IC] The Gamers (A Videogame Themed RP) (Reboot)

[Renose]

(Triple Post)

[Renose]

Opting out of taking the opportunity to counterattack, as a failed counterattack could leave her open to that deadly axe that was in the beast's hand, she opted for a different strategy, to go for the ankle of the beast with Nōkō Utsu. So saying the name of said Skill, since all of her Active Skills were voice activated, she would aim a powerful punch towards the ankle of the beast, a focused kick being the best option since, even if the beast was around ten feet tall, it didn't make its feet face level with Erica. So, since it was a kick and she didn't have her Cestus on her feet, that bonus probably wouldn't count.

---

Nōkō Utsu Kick: 13 - 25 Ban Family Martial Arts Technique - 25 Distance Bonus + 10 Target Area Penalty = -27

Full Hit!

Damage Dealt: 38

---

Somehow, thanks to the training she did with Sumi, she felt like the two Essential Technique Skills were helpful as she was able to use the bare basics of Capoeria in her Ban Family Technique's strike right there, but getting the movements of the more complicated Capoeria techniques in there was still just a bit above her. Still, the powerful, focused kick slammed into the creature's ankle, getting off a small bit of HP, not much, but she could see from the bar above its head that it now had only 470 left, which was both nice, and a problem.

Still, quickly she aimed to grab the thing's sash around its waist, which may have seemed protective, but was also probably the clothes it wore as well, but there was no time to try and perform an observation on this.

---

Erica Grab: 3 (Critical)

---

The swift movements of Capoeria helped her move quick as a bullet to easily grab the thing's sash around its wast, the likes of which was around face level for Erica. In fact, her movement was so swift and sudden that a window appeared stating the following, there being no time to read it though except for an instant, Genji in the meantime eliminating four Kobolds with four different punches, leaving only 10 left for him to defeat.

Critical!

Through pushing out a burst of speed with the usage of Capoeria your technique has gotten better. +1 Capoeria.

Luckily said action elicited a response, but not one that Erica probably wanted. Her luck just wasn't with her right now as instead of going to kick, it was going to do the smart thing and try to force Erica off with its mass amounts of strength instead.

---

Kobold Lord Strength: 6

Erica Grapple: 53 - 22 Fisticuffs = 31

---

Unfortunately none of Erica's martial arts taught anything about sustaining grapples so she had to rely on brawling instincts, which she had, but she had no skills in basic brawling and grappling techniques, so with a force of brute strength she was not only relieved of her grasp of the beast's sash, but thrown back a couple of feet, luckily landing on her feet. Unfortunately the creature didn't relent as he lunged now, snarling a feral snarl as he slashed with his mighty axe two more times at Erica, being quite limber despite its size and probably moving just a tiny bit quicker than she could somehow.

---

Boss Attack: 1 (Critical!)

Critical Strike...

Damage Dealt: 164...

---

That speed might have been it, hard to say, but before Erica could even react the axe, in a fit of savagery, slashed right down her middle. White hot pain would explode through her entire body as the best let out a snarl and a mighty, proud roar as Erica could literally feel the immense pain of her HP draining below 0 in that one attack. The world would slowly start to fade to black, all of the strength starting to leave Erica's body. Death, death felt like it was coming... its cold grasp wrapping around her form as the ground came closer and closer to greeting her falling back.

---

Human Will: 42 - 20 Focus = 22

---

Not strong enough.

Erica's body fell to the ground, barely clinging to life now. She was unconscious, unable to move. Everyone else on this day, those still in the Party at least, would see an HP bar appear in their vision. It was Erica's, and like that time with Ren, it was empty with a symbol of a blood drop in it that had a sort of ominous red hue to it. Erica was barely clinging to life, just barely, but if not seen to soon, she would most likely die.

Genji's eyes widened as he managed to see this past the fat Kobold Lord and past the Kobolds he was fighting. His body shook a bit as his fists clenched. Regret sung through his body. Why did he let her fight it alone? Why wasn't he right there helping her. Ten Kobolds were surrounding him though. Small fry. He needed to get to Erica, and fast.

"You bastards, forcing me to use this..." His expression was dark, his eyes narrowed, anger flowing through him. He was usually calm, but these Kobolds destroyed that calm as he raised his fist with one moment, green energy pulsing and glowing around it. With the next and a mighty exhale to expel the energy through the breath and mouth he slammed his fist into the ground, the energy flaring up around him the moment he did.

---

Genji ???: 13

---

It wasn't good enough. The technique barely worked. He felt like he had it, but all he did was strike the ground with a really tremendous force to leave a nice big hole in it beneath his fist and crack the ground some around that, causing the Kobolds to back off just a small bit, but they were still growling and surrounding Genji. Cursing audibly, he reared his fist back, and with a loud shout, tried one more time.

---

Genji ???: -4

---

It worked. He slammed his fist into the ground, the energy pulsing through it as with a battle cry large spikes of earth as the earth itself was uprooted shot from the ground, stabbing into the Kobolds, or at least so was the attempt. All ten of them were impaled upon the rock. Some managed to avoid the brunt of it, but the other brunt of it was too powerful to not shred them apart instantly. With all but haste he quickly charged forward now, hoping to get to Erica in time as he began to move towards her and the Kobold Lord, who turned to look back at Genji now, a smirk on its face.

---

Stabilize: 56 - 22 VIT = 34

---

Try as it may, Erica's body couldn't stabilize. The damage was just too much. Life would slowly begin to leave her now, and unless if by some miracle, the cold embrace of death would welcome her within moments as she 'bled out'.

[AeronFarron]

Erica groaned in pain and slammed her fist into the ground. Everything hurt, and she was immensely frustrated. She was unsure of how she was still alive, but she couldn't do much more than slowly get to her feet. She managed to stagger a little ways away before she fell to her knees.

She opened her menu quickly and equipped the Recovery potion she'd been given earlier in the week. She guzzled it all down, for she was going to need every last Hit Point from it. For now, she'd let Genji take point until she was able to come up with a plan of some sort.

The damn thing hit like a Mack Truck and was faster than it had any right to really be. It was protected, if not by the shield and armor, then by sheer fat. She winced and fought through the curtain of pain to come up with anything at all.

"Maybe...the neck...it is much smaller than the rest of it. It supports itself in an upright fashion, which means it has a curved spine...the spine. Gotta hit the spine. Base of the skull. The hips have too much protective fat there..." she stood slowly again and flexed her fingers. Lady Luck was on ger side once, she just hoped she didn't make her only withdrawal.

[Renose]

That healing potion was like ectasy. Well, not really, but it sure felt like heaven in a bottle, and it was strawberry flavored. Strawberry flavored heaven. Her pain would be a good bit healed now. She was still hurting and would definitely need some rest after this, but she wouldn't feel as bad from the pain now than she did before. The Kobold actually wasn't wearing Armor at all. From Erica's experience of kicking it once, she could feel that it was just really, really tough. That was probably why it was not only a Mob Boss, but also a Kobold Lord if that name meant anything to the other monsters or in the other world where this thing came from.

Genji saw Erica get up, somehow, and was glad that she was fine. However after that display, there would be no way he could let her fight this thing. So naturally he focused himself, glaring at the Kobold. "Im going to destroy you..." He said this in a calm, sturdy tone. It was actually quite horrifying really, at how calm Genji seemed. His fury though could be felt, from the aura of Ki he was giving off. This fat bastard hurt his family. That, he could not forgive. He also couldn't forgive himself for being a fool and letting Erica fight on her own like that, especially when she was still in training.

"Sorry Erica, but this bastard's mine..." He threw one punch first, right at the Kobold's stomach, Ki enshrouding his hands and flaring up immensely when his fist was very close to hitting the creature, Erica recognizing this technique as the Nōkō Utsu, so naturally if this punch hit, it was gonna hurt.

---

Attack 1: 0 (Critical!)

Damage Dealt: 650

---

In the stomach, a loud sound resounded out. The punch was so strong that it threw the Kobold backwards, the fat Kobold going flying before landing on the ground about ten yards away, its eyes rolled back in its head before Genji ran over to Erica quickly, looking over her with concern. "A-Are you alright?" He was wondering how she was even alive right now, wondering if that was cause of her Gamer power.

The monster vanished, granting Erica some XP, but not as much as she may have gained thanks to Genji killing the thing. The beast's corpse disappeared as the door reappeared, a small treasure chest now sitting where the beast used to be, but Genji was more concerned with Erica's well being right now.

[AeronFarron]

It sucked really, she was basically killed and only managed to barely come back. Only for her to not get a shot at the thing. Yeah it hurt like hell, but what did she have to show for it? A few measly points of Experience. Nonetheless, she allocated those skill points she'd managed to farm from the earlier Kobolds, which only stung more. Once done, she closed the window, unable to bring herself to allocate the last Status Point.

Getting your ass handed to you by something that outweighs you 10 to .5 meant nothing. If she couldn't contribute, she couldn't get shit. She hated how weak she was, how she had to be rescued. She hated that some mindf****r out there, whomever was the sick asshole was, felt that her actually dying meant nothing. She hated that Genji could kill the damn thing in a selfish rage...he'd left her there, and he didn't even think she might have wanted to fight again? To get her revenge in some manner?

How could she seek answers when she was so damn pathetic, not even worth a second shot. Hot tears filled her eyes as she just stared at the ground in frustration. Sure, she had been several levels below the damn thing, and surely Genji was much higher than that.

"No. No, I'm not alright. Do I look alright?!" she yelled at him, just venting now. She stood shakily on her own two feet; She'd been rescued once, she'd be damned if she didn't at least walk out on her own. "I just...need to be alone." she said to him. Her voice was strained and subdued since she was trying to hold in her typhoon of emotions. "Thanks..." she said before she began to limp away towards the practice area. She couldn't look at him, couldn't face him. How could she? She had to get stronger, faster, better, then maybe...maybe she could look at him again. For now. She would push past the pain. She would push and push and push until her body failed her and she passed out. She wouldn't be sleeping in a bed tonight. The ground would be her bed, and the morning dew her blanket. And once she'd came back around, she would resume where she left off. Rest was a luxury she could no longer afford.

[Renose]

(So I coped entire post, then refreshed, but accidentally copied something else. Too lazy to rewrite it, but I know what I did, so basic summary, deal with it, I am too lazy to rewrite all of that).

Morning was gone now from day 3, and Ren made pretty good progress, and some not so good. He failed to contract a Frost Elemental the first time, but the second time he managed it, contracting with Shimo the Frost Elemental, who looked like she was made of chilled mist with a aura of frost about her, a new mark appearing on his left hand where the Water Element mark was, appearing next to that.

After that he tried to create a Rune, but somehow he messed it up, putting too much power into it as the rune literally exploded, blinding him temporarily, so he had to wait until that wore off. The rest of the morning was spent on the auction. He managed to find a two book Demonic Compendium Set and a Novice Casting Amulet that was part of a poorly planned experiment. Both of them were at a pretty decent price, one 175,000 and the other 250,000. Add 15 Blank Runestones and the Intermediate Ritual water Magic book Ren had bought 570,000 Yen worth of stuff, the final total of all of the charges, quick delivery being the only extra one, was 575,000 Yen.

Ren used 75,000 Yen and sold that beginner water magic tip book as well as the Minor Recovery Potion and all of his Small Recovery Potions for a total of 675,000 Yen, allowing Ren to keep both the Items and 100,000 Yen. After getting his purchase he saw a note saying that he had been signed up for the Auction's point program that gave points based upon 5% of your purchase. Ren currently had 28,500 on his account and to get to Bronze, cause his was currently a Tin membership, Ren needed 100,000 points.

After that, the morning was gone. Ren first learned the Intermediate Water Rituals book, looking at his new window as it updated the Talent Skill. So he decided to go into his backyard, open the first copy of the Compendium Set, open a Training ID, and grind Mana Shield, Meditate, and both Summon Skills while he read. The problem was getting his Demons to agree with this plan. To have them spar while Undine kept them both healed.

---

Ren Negotiation (Garm): 39 - 40 Negotiation = -1

Ren Negotiation (Lilim): 4 (Critical!)

---

Ren knew that Garm loved battle and that he would fight with anything. Getting Undine to do this, on the other hand, was a much harder task. Well, surprisingly not that hard actually. She was just glad to be getting a constant stream of life force from Ren and was eager to honor that part of their contract. Ren was surprised that Lilim was so easily convinced, but just rolled along with it for now as the plan commenced, Ren noticing a new Skill called Demon Negotiator that appeared, finding it useful, and then closing the window before he got to reading.

---

Focus: 8 - 48 Focus - 5 Skill Bonus = - 45

---

Ren was able to keep reading while Meditating, planning to keep doing this through the afternoon as his focus on the book was uninterrupted as Undine kept healing the two battling demons, acting as a 'support' for both sides in the fight.

---

Reading Speed: 54 - 53 Knowledge = 1

Comprehension: 62 - 45 Demonology = 17

---

The material was somewhat easy for Ren to leaf through and he understood it pretty well as he did so. By the time the afternoon was over he had about halfway finished the first volume, getting a +1 Bonus to Demonology upon hitting that point. That was a good eight hours or so though, and he figured that going into the evening with this strategy. Although they weren't going to do it anymore than that. Ren gave them each a Tiny Soul Gem as a gift of thanks. Not as a treat like a pet, but just to thank them for all of their hard work. Garm called Ren an odd human while Lilim blew him a kiss before he dismissed the both of them and Undine as well. He was just tired, so he wanted to relax and read while watching anime in the background.

---

Multitasking: 73 - 48 Focus - 5 Skill Bonus = 20

---

It was a little difficult to switch between watching anime, this being Japan and Ren being Japanese so no subtitles were necessary or there, but Ren managed to get it done somehow as he read the rest of the evening away.

---

Reading Speed: 20 - 53 Knowledge = -33

Comprehension: 62 - 45 Demonology + 10 Multitasking Penalty - 25 (Epic) = 2

---

Ren tore threw the remainder of the book. Unfortunately due to having missed a couple things he didn't really get some things here and there as the evening finished. Somehow by pure chance though he managed to get what he missed and understand it later in the book. When done with it, he had gotten all he could out of it, a total of +2 to Demonology from a day's worth of reading. This progress compared to the last two days seemed small, but Ren wanted to take it easy for today as he knew that tomorrow was going to be a very long day, or more accurately two days with what he had planned.

[Renose]

Silas, unlike everyone else, decided to stay away from Abyss related activities for now despite having this large quest looming over them. He instead devoted his day to studying and practicing Squash, which was important seeing as he had a big tournament coming up tomorrow that would keep him busy for most of the day.

---

Studying: 46 - 12 Knowledge = 34

---

If Lucian spent the half of the day studying he would make some decent progress, at least for him anyway, since he wasn't exactly all that studied. By the time he was done he made a bit of a headway into his studies, prompting the following window.

Window

Studying diligently has made you smarter. +1 INT

And indeed, with that extra point of INT, Silas did feel a bit smarter now. After studying came Squash practice, something that Silas hadn't been to in a couple of days.

---

Squash Practice: 67 - 28 Melee Weaponry - 15 Skill Bonus = 24

Stamina: 4 (Critical!)

---

Silas got a pretty good workout from all of that. It wasn't much, since he was already so good, but a few Skills leveled up, granted Racket Mastery wasn't all that useful, the Foot Technique leveled up twice from all of that running around on the field. From the long day of practice another Window also appeared, as Silas seemed to keep going throughout the entire practice session, only needing an occasional short break.

Window

Intense physical exercise over several hours has given you more stamina. +1 VIT

After that, unless Silas had any other plans, he would have to get home and rest up for the big tournament tomorrow.

[Valeric]

It had only been six hours since Sasha went to bed, and she was already getting up. The clock read 9:23am. Her parents were overjoyed that their only daughter wasn't such a nocturnal creature anymore. The last day was well spent learning her new abilities from the books- arcane rituals was going well, and enchantments had the potential to be very useful. She had also reached the requirements to learn talisman creation, and she wasn't going to waste any time today. After a quick bath, she snagged a bar of chocolate from the kitchen and went to work in her room. Curled up on her bed, she took the book and opened it.

[Renose]

Genji had brought the chest that the boss dropped out of the Pseudospace room, deciding that he would give it to Erica later as he didn't really care about what was in it. He thought about going to talk to her, but knew that she best be left alone for now as he could tell that she was alright. Unfortunately for Erica, being brought back from the near brink of death through sheer willpower wasn't exactly something that left one refreshed. Even though the Healing Potion took care of the pain, a good bit of it was still there, as was the immense fatigue. So resting for the rest of the morning was probably the most ideal before she could start pushing herself more and more.

---

Ban Family Technique Practice: 14 - 32 Ban Techniques = -18

Capoeria Technique Practice: 48 - 35 Capoeria = 13

Stamina: 0 (Critical!)

---

Erica practiced, practiced, and practiced some more. Breaking a few training dummies, practicing until she couldn't stand up and kept practicing anyway after that, not at all looking tired despite her body growing towards it, even getting a bonus in VIT for persisting through the fatigue and weariness. Throughout the afternoon her practice of the Ban Family techniques went alot better than her Capoeria practice did, not that the Capoeria practice didn't go well.

---

Ban Family Technique Practice: 8 - 32 Ban Techniques +10 No Rest = -14

Capoeria Technique Practice: 56 - 35 Capoeria + 10 No Rest = 31

Stamina: 96 (Fumble...)

---

Again, Capoeria practice didn't go as well as the Ban Techniques practice did, but neither of them went as well as they should have since Erica was pushing herself past her limits, practicing more and more without even taking a break. Sumi, who knew that Sumi missed dinner, decided to do something about it. Although really she didn't have to. The adrenaline keeping her body up from early ran out as her form was all sloppy, Erica getting in no practice at all in the proper technique. During her whole evening of practice she got well... no practice as the adrenaline died down very swiftly.

Sumi walked out there just in time to see Erica pass out right there, Sumi quickly running over to her and catching her before she hit the ground, sighing heavily. "Just what are you trying to prove by wearing yourself ragged like this..." She muttered this before calling Genji to get her to bed while she went to get Erica a change of clothes so she wouldn't be sleeping in her sweat drenched training Gi that the dojo provided for her.

So with Erica unconscious, she literally would be turning in for the night, Genji having placed the contents of that strange chest on the table in the guest room for her to have, along with the drops of all of the other Kobolds that they had killed. Well, not all of them per se. Mainly just the eight healing potions and a small stack of 10,000 Yen that also came from the regular Kobolds, with a note saying that these were for her to help with her training and that they should talk when she woke up, the note being from Sumi, the note also mentioning that she was to have breakfast first before doing anything though since she didn't come to dinner last night.

[Renose]

Genji had brought the chest that the boss dropped out of the Pseudospace room, deciding that he would give it to Erica later as he didn't really care about what was in it. He thought about going to talk to her, but knew that she best be left alone for now as he could tell that she was alright. Unfortunately for Erica, being brought back from the near brink of death through sheer willpower wasn't exactly something that left one refreshed. Even though the Healing Potion took care of the pain, a good bit of it was still there, as was the immense fatigue. So resting for the rest of the morning was probably the most ideal before she could start pushing herself more and more.

---

Ban Family Technique Practice: 14 - 32 Ban Techniques = -18

Capoeria Technique Practice: 48 - 35 Capoeria = 13

Stamina: 0 (Critical!)

---

Erica practiced, practiced, and practiced some more. Breaking a few training dummies, practicing until she couldn't stand up and kept practicing anyway after that, not at all looking tired despite her body growing towards it, even getting a bonus in VIT for persisting through the fatigue and weariness. Throughout the afternoon her practice of the Ban Family techniques went alot better than her Capoeria practice did, not that the Capoeria practice didn't go well.

---

Ban Family Technique Practice: 8 - 32 Ban Techniques +10 No Rest = -14

Capoeria Technique Practice: 56 - 35 Capoeria + 10 No Rest = 31

Stamina: 96 (Fumble...)

---

Again, Capoeria practice didn't go as well as the Ban Techniques practice did, but neither of them went as well as they should have since Erica was pushing herself past her limits, practicing more and more without even taking a break. Sumi, who knew that Sumi missed dinner, decided to do something about it. Although really she didn't have to. The adrenaline keeping her body up from early ran out as her form was all sloppy, Erica getting in no practice at all in the proper technique. During her whole evening of practice she got well... no practice as the adrenaline died down very swiftly.

Sumi walked out there just in time to see Erica pass out right there, Sumi quickly running over to her and catching her before she hit the ground, sighing heavily. "Just what are you trying to prove by wearing yourself ragged like this..." She muttered this before calling Genji to get her to bed while she went to get Erica a change of clothes so she wouldn't be sleeping in her sweat drenched training Gi that the dojo provided for her.

So with Erica unconscious, she literally would be turning in for the night, Genji having placed the contents of that strange chest on the table in the guest room for her to have, along with the drops of all of the other Kobolds that they had killed. Well, not all of them per se. Mainly just the eight healing potions and a small stack of 10,000 Yen that also came from the regular Kobolds, with a note saying that these were for her to help with her training and that they should talk when she woke up, the note being from Sumi, the note also mentioning that she was to have breakfast first before doing anything though since she didn't come to dinner last night.

[Valeric]

There was no need for a long session of studying. As soon as Sasha placed her hands on the book, a window appeared asking her if she wanted to learn it. She jabbed the "accept" button, and the book disappeared. The knowledge of talisman creation now resided in her. Although convenient, it was a disconcerting way to learn things.

Now, to put it to the test. Sasha scoured her room for anything she could turn into a talisman. She knew she needed something symbolic, but there was only usual household items in her room. Her mother was in the kitchen so she couldn't try it on the cooking utensils. She gathered random objects and attempted to turn them into talismans. With a bit of effort, she succeeded, although most of them had useless abilities that would fade away in a few hours.

Sasha happened to grab a black marker pen from her desk. Since they were used to write, Sasha figured that pens were symbolic items of knowledge and creation. She focused her will on the small object, initiating the talisman creation process. This time, a window informed her that she had created a totem instead of a talisman, which was apparently a stronger and more permanent version.

"Sweet. I'm not sure how useful a pen is, though..."

She stashed it in her inventory for the time being. It was nearly noon now, so Sasha prepared herself for combat training again. She made sure to enchant her armor and weapons to give them a bit of a boost. The additional magical properties helped a lot against the wisps.

[Renose]

Ren Day 4

Ren had planned to get up early the next day to start preparations for his Day 4 of preparations, setting an alarm to make sure that he did indeed get up to make said preparations. Luckily he hadn't done much the previous day either except read, so he wasn't all that tired either when he went to bed.

---

Getting up Early: 80 - 20 VIT - 20 Alarm Clock = 40

---

6:30 AM. Not that difficult of a time to get up at considering that Ren went to bed somewhat early. Shower, eat breakfast, and then prepare some snacks and a couple of bentos. When a Time Compression, or any Pseudospace for that matter, is made inside of a room it turns into an empty room of the same size as the original, so the best place for fighting monsters in one was outside, since he didn't know how to make the ones that turn a room into a much bigger space. He wondered if he could get something like that at a higher level of ID Create. Well, for now Ren stowed everything he had prepared, including the futon from the guest room and tent that he found in the attic, in his inventory.

With everything prepared, Ren went outside. "Time Compression ID Create!" First he made the Time Compression space, and could instantly feel the sort of stress causing affect it had on the body. With this, one day would become two. It felt like cheating, but the stress it created sort of seemed to make it not feel like cheating so much. According to his Status Window, he now had something called Time Compression Stress, which debilitated all abilities by 5% for each day one stays in a Pseudospace, including the first one since the onset of it was probably immediate, or so Ren assumed anyway since their Power made all things immediate. Was this a weakness then of their power? While this also meant that it wouldn't get worse throughout the day, it would get worse each day that passed by.

Ren decided to get a bit of reading done first. It was around 8 AM right now. So he figured two hours of reading in the second Compendium book would be enough to give him some more knowledge of Demonology, or so Ren hoped. So he sat down and began to read, not really bothering to grind any toggles right now.

---

Reading Speed: 71 - 53 Knowledge + 5 Time Compression Stress = 23

Comprehension: 45 - 47 Demonology + 5 Time Compression Stress = 3

---

It was a bit of a stretch to read a good chunk in just a few hours time, but Ren managed to read a bit of the book. Not half like before, but at least a quarter of the way in or so. Luckily from just that bit Ren got a good bit of understanding on Demonology, and much to a smile upon his features, received a +1 to Demonology because of it. With that, Ren felt like he knew enough now to advance in the field of demonic studies. First was acquiring the power of demons now. Something called Demonic Whispers, how the demons use their language and demonic force in the same way that humans use magic and mana.

Ren decided to summon Lilim for this.

"What is it you wish of me master~" She gave a playful, sultry tone to her voice as she gazed at Ren, Ren still not being seduced by her incredible charms for certain reasons, making Ren glad that he didn't accidentally summon any sort of Incubus for other reasons.

"I wish to acquire the powers of demons. I wish... for you to bestow me with the demonic whisper..."

Lilim just gave a shake of her head though. "That is not part of our contract... but maybe if you offer me more, ill be willing to expand it." The Compendium always did mention that demons liked to haggle and bargain, so Ren went for a different approach. Demons liked souls.

"How about a trade. You give me the power of demons, and I shall give you these." Ren reached into his Inventory and pulled out a Medium Soul Gem and two Tiny Soul Gems, hoping that the demoness would accept his offer. In all honesty, the pressure from the space made it a bit harder to think as well, Ren hoping that this straight forward trade attempt would work.

---

Demonic Negotiations: 23 - 41 Negotiation - 3 Skill Bonus + 5 Time Compression Stress = -16

---

Lilim, being a demon, showed immediate interest in the gems with a glint in her eye, the Medium Soul Gem especially catching her interest. "Alright, I shall make the deal with you. Those two small gems should be enough to give me the energy I need after I do this. That bigger one will just be extra dessert~" She licked her lips before closing her eyes. Her HP started to drain a little as demonic force began to build within her, the blackish-greenish glow of the demonic energy flowing around her body. She moved over to Ren, bending over a tiny bit as Ren couldn't help but take one tiny step back.

She then... whispered... into his ear. Ren couldn't tell what she said, but the moment she did his eyes widened. With her whisper the demonic force began to flow into him from around her, Ren's entire body shaking as he struggled to stay standing. His own HP was starting to drop some as he could feel the force moving in his body and even mixing with his spirit.

Lilim took a step back, watching. "I hope you can endure it Master~ This is the power of demons you have so yearned for, and now that you have it... try not to let it kill you." She seemed earnest in the fact that she didn't want him to die as she watched and waited, knowing that there was nothing she could do to help. It was all up to Ren to survive this now.

A window appeared before his eyes, mentioning something about a 'Demonic Encroachment Status'. Ren closed it with a pained and angry swipe of his hand, his breathing starting to get heavier as he could feel the Demonic Force eating away and absorbing the very essence of his body, mind, and soul; his MP dropping as well, Ren not really able to gather his focus to endure the pain on his mind for some reason, so he just had to stick it out with pure willpower.

---

Physical Endurance: 15 - 20 VIT = -5

Spiritual/Mental Endurance: 1 (Critical!)

---

"T-This will be MY Power!" Ren shouted this in his mind as his teeth clenched more. "I-I won't lose to it, it'll be mine to control, so I won't let it enjoy my mind too much!" With grit teeth Ren clenched his fists tightly, gasping and groaning in pain as he was managing to endure the physical pain as well, but not as much as he endured the mental pain, even stopping the demonic force from eating away at too much of his very will, the spiritual and mental essence of his being and soul.

By the time it was over Ren was panting heavily, feeling a strange force now moving and residing within his very being, Lilim looking quite please that Ren was able to survive.

Ren had to take a few heavy moments of catching his breath before slowly propping up from his position on all fours to sitting on the ground. He felt tired and even felt physically weaker in multiple ways. He checked the windows now. The first one came as a shock. -2 to all Physical Stats due to your human body's essence being eaten away at by demonic energies. That was 6 Stat Points, gone. Sure he could grind them again or replace them with Leveling Up, but both would require extra time. The next was the new Talent Skill, there apparently being no special ritual for this other than convincing a demon to whisper to you, an offering of some kind being best for this.

The third was his first new whisper. Demonic Lightning, the same lightning power that Lilim had. That was the one he wanted, guessing that Lilim must have known this. A fourth was stating that Eldritch Fire had been updated. This was all pleasing news, but the drop in his Stats was not such pleasing news. Three Stat Points gone. He was surprised that it wasn't more or that more of his HP and MP were gone, but he guessed that his somehow strong endurance let him well... endure the more detrimental affects of the encroachment.

Still, with his HP and MP somewhat lower Ren first healed himself using Life Water. His HP loss wasn't too big, so that Spell didn't really level up at all, just gained a bit of XP as Ren wondered whether the loss of six Stat Points was worth it. It also resolved Ren to raise his VIT and Wisdom more so he could fruther endure these dark powers. First thing's first though. After using Meditation to regenerate his missing MP, which took a mere few minutes, Ren rested after that. The rest of his first morning of the day used up now as the afternoon approached.

Grinding. That is what Ren resolved to do for the rest of the day. A mixture of Elite Wisps and Elite Water Elementals. He wanted to at least level once more before he faced a Mob Boss, so figured fighting too many of each probably wasn't a good idea. According to the info on the Time Compression Space, once he made it he wouldn't be able to combine it with any different basic type of Pseudospace, so he would have to keep making an Elite Monster ID with different monsters each time, the first on Ren's list being more Elite Wisps.

Ren focused on grinding Demonic Lightning, Aqua Shield, Force Siphon, for giving him MP and draining their HP, and Aqua Arrows. He only had Undine and Lilim summoned for now, Demon Summoning changed as well to only siphon HP now, finding that pretty useful if he could get his HP Regeneration up more. The fight was pretty tough, these Wisps not messing around. Took a good chunk of both Ren's HP and MP and of Lilim's. Unfortunately, Undine was defeated near the end of the fight, a defeated Summon not able to summoned again for 24 hours since they would need time to recover, this having pissed Ren off who managed to secure the final blow on the last enemy that had defeated Undine.

Ren sighed heavily after the fight was over, about to go and recover the drops when the air began to get foggy. Ren quickly chomped down on a Bread Roll and drank a Milk Carton to just get a tiny bit of MP and HP back. Every bit counted when facing what Ren assumed would be a Boss Mob. "I've only slain 22 Wisps so far in this form of barrier... I guess the number stacks, plus this is an Elite Monster Barrier, meaning their odds of appearing is increased". Ren was a bit worried now. With only him and Lilim, he wasn't sure taking on a Wisp themed mob boss was a good idea. Sure he had Shimo, but she was just a Minor Frost Elemental so her powers weren't too strong yet, Ren having only been able to contact one of those as his step into using Elemental Frost thanks to having only learned water and not air. So he would only summon Shimo if Lilim was defeated.

"Lilim, ready yourself..." Ren hadn't empowered his Knife yet either since it last wore off, so he was stuck with his spells, Eldritch Fire, Force Siphon, and Lilim for this fight. Well, he also had Giga Spiral Bolt, but Wisps were fast, so he wasn't so sure about using it. Re-applying Mana Shield and MP Armor now, Ren waited for the boss to appear, and soon after he did that it appeared.

It looked just like a Wisp, only bigger, but there was also one distinct difference. It looked like, if one looked hard enough, like there was some sort of humanoid silhouette within the sphere. It was incredibly faint, but definitely there. Luckily Ren was able to react first when the Level 28 Giant Wisp appeared. This was gonna be a challenge. Ren decided to get out some instants first. "Hex of Draining!" Ren cringed as he felt the dark magic leave his hand, powered by his MP and HP, and the mark was branded upon the Spirit's very being. It let out a cry as the very Essence of it was absorbed by the Hex and it seemed to shake a little in mid air, its very strengths also drained by the Hex.

Ren didn't stop there though. "Eldritch Fire!" A blast of that dark greenish flame ejected itself from Ren's hand, making him cringe a little bit as he felt his life force, which was partially fused with demonic force, was drained to power the flame.

---

Eldritch Flame: 91 on the Dice (Missed)

---

The flame shot by the very swift creature that was still seeming to not be able to function as properly thanks to the hex stagnating on its very being. Lilim took the next moment, focusing before firing a blast of demonic lightning towards the creature.

---

Demonic Lightning: -20

Hit! (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 80

---

Only 80 Damage? And it had 1,500 Health? This thing wasn't going to be easy, Lilim throwing one more blast of demonic lightning. While it was powerful, and lightning moving quickly, it also took a good chunk of Lilim's Demonic Force to use, something that was also her own HP.

---

Demonic Lightning: 34

---

Unfortunately the creature managed to somewhat quickly dodge this bolt, Lilim narrowing her eyes, Ren also noticing that the beast let out its own attack. Ren's eyes widened as four blasts of three bolts of glowing, ethereal energy shot out from the very creature's body one three bolt surge at a time, two heading towards Lilim and another two waves heading towards Ren.

---

Wave 1 (Ren): 4 (Critical!)

Critical Hit...

Damage Dealt: 172

Shield Shatters!

Damage Dealt: 141

Wave 2 (Ren): 95 on Dice (Misses)

Wave 3 (Lilim): -25 (Max Damage!)

Damage Dealt: 150

Wave 4 (Lilim): 83 on Dice (Misses)

---

Both Ren and Lilim were blasted full on by a wave of bolts. One wave was particularly more powerful than the last, hitting Ren straight on as the first bolt slammed into his shield, the second bolt coming right after that and shattering it, slamming into Ren. This, unfortunately, left Ren to deal with the third one straight on, crying out loudly as he felt the bolt striking not only his body, but his very spirit as well, the HP and MP Damage being a ton, his entire being hurting, the stress from the Time Compression only making it worse.

Lilim also cried out as all three bolts slammed into her, Lilim barely able to guard against the three that hit her. Already this fight wasn't boding well, Ren thankful for Mana Shield and MP Armor as if it wasn't for those two Skills then he wouldn't have lived through that onslaught of spirit bolts. Unfortunately Ren didn't know if he was going to live through this battle either, panting some as he was in alot of pain from those bolts, Lilim also the same, but not as much as Ren was.

Immediately Ren was regretting selling those Health Potions. He had been dumb, arrogant, and stupid to get rid of precious items like that all because he hadn't been seriously in this situation, even though he had been pretty bad off before against that Mass Zombie. He would have been better off taking the risk in selling the Demon or Zombie parts. It would have been stupid, but at least not as stupid as selling precious Health Potions. Here he really was letting his Gaming experience get to him. In Games you usually never used Health Potions or always had an excess of them by the time you complete the game.

There was one thing about this though. This isn't a game.

[n]Its Real Life.[/b]

Ren's first concern was to use Mana Shield immediately, wanting to reapply that protection. Ren had three instant healing items. One health potion and the Life Water Glyph. Ren decided to use the Life Water Glyph first, figuring that using a Healing Item that could be used once per day, but then recharged and re-used once per day would be best right now. "Use Item!" Ren knew that focusing on it or something might be the best, but figured a command would work better, like in games when you click on the 'Use' Option. Needless to say, it worked, the glyph glowing as the Life Water Spell stored within activated and healed Ren for 86 HP. It was nice, making the pain fade away, the Glyph's glow fading for now as Ren stuck it into his pocket. He would have to wait before reactivating Aqua Shield since there wasn't enough time to cast a spell with casting time.

While Ren was doing that, Lilim was acting again, first flying into the air which only took a bit of movement and then firing off two bolts of her Lightning at the creature.

---

Demonic Lightning: -27 (Max Damage!)

Damage Dealt: 80

Demonic Lightning: 19 (Hit!)

Damage Dealt: 78

---

The first bolt smacked dead on, shocking the beast right in the center. The second one, however, would have missed, but the spirit itself was a bit slower thanks to the Hex still leeching off of its very being, making it harder to move or act for the creature. Despite the pain, despite the danger of death... a smirk couldn't help but form on Ren's face. A Gamer, an Otaku, a denizen of the 2D world. He was doing something he always dreamed of. Despite having nearly died multiple times, here he was, having a magic duel, if one could call this spiritual power magic, with this well... spirit.

It was thrilling. The power that flowed with each skill, things that he could only see through a monitor were things he was holding in his hand, letting flow through his body, and using as his strength. A Game with infinite replay value, a game where the stakes were real. The Ultimate Game. This Gamer Power, the Abyss, the monsters... they all made Life, the world's shittiest game, into the world's best game.

The beast launched only two waves this time, moving to try something else as strange spiritual tendrils launched out like projectiles from the thing's body towards Ren, one coming first than another. One wave of Spirit bolts was aimed at Ren and the other at Lilim.

---

Spirit Bolts (Ren): 34 (Miss), 14 (Hit!), -16 (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 36

Spirit bolts (Lilim): 11 (Miss), 59 (Miss), 17 (Miss)

---

The first one missed Ren as he deftly dodged it, but the next two slammed into his shield. His shield had become so strong, the bolts not doing too much damage, Ren smirking a bit. Perhaps this wasn't going to be a suicide mission. Lilim, thanks to her taking flight, managed to deftly dodge all of the bolts, she being quite agile in the air. Ren was good to dodge the first bolt and block the second two completely with Mana Shield, but there was the issue of those two tendrils coming straight at him after the bolts.

---

Spirit Tendrils(?): 30 (Miss), -18 (Hit!)

MP Drained: 100

---

Ren dodged the first one, but the second one slammed right into his shield. Unfortunately it wasn't a hit attack, but some sort of draining attack. Ren had experienced that sort of thing before from the Mass Zombie, and knew that it could be resisted. His Mana Shield though had no will of its own, so it was ripe for the draining, Ren's eyes widening as 100 HP was drained from his shield and used to replenish the Boss' health. Its INT was one, but Ren was also sure that it was going to operate on instinct now and use that on him more often.

"Dammit, this just got alot tougher..." Ren mentally cursed, looking up towards Lilim in the sky. Ren wanted to reapply Mana Shield, but also didn't want to give the creature more power to suck up, Ren having found the one major weakness of Mana Shield or other such types of Barrier Skills. They were defenseless against Drain Attacks. Ren decided to go for healing instead. "Lilim, distract it for me!" Ren shouted this up before raising his hand and chanting a Skill name. "Life Water!" As soon as he said this the spell starting to form as the few second countdown began.

Lilim moved the moment Ren started casting his spell, giving the creature something to be distracted by so that it couldn't attack Ren who was preparing his Spell, the demoness firing two bolts off at the Giant Wisp once again, her face starting to grow a slightly pained expression as Ren could tell that her Demonic Force was running low.

---

Demonic Lightning: 7 (Max Damage) 1 (Critical!)

Total Damage Dealt: 160

---

Both bolts hit square on, the creature's essence being blasted away more as it let out strange, pained ringing sounds that hurt the ears. Ren guessed that even for a spirit without feelings, getting the very energy of your being ripped off of you must have hurt or felt like something. Thankfully the creature was distracted, allowing Ren to finish casting his spell. He would heal Lilim the next chance he got, but right now he needed some healing in case another barrage like that came again. 115 HP was healed, and damn did it feel good. The glowing water element flowing from his palm and over his body, washing his wounds and pain away with its life giving, soothing qualities. It was like quenching the thirst of the soul and it felt great.

With Ren back up near full Health, he could go and heal Lilim when he next got the chance. While healing magic may not work normally on demons, the Gamer Power looked past all of the technical stuff. Demonic Force was HP for the Gamer Power. Life Water restores HP, ergo it restores Demonic Force, the "life force" for demons. The beast had a different pattern this time. Two tendrils at Ren and two shots of three spirit bolts at Lilim, all of these coming out of its body.

---

Spirit Bolts: 4 (Critical!)

Damage Dealt; 150

---

Lilim's eyes widened, and a loud scream erupted from her just a single barrage of bolts slamming into her ended her right there, her demonic force dissipating instantly in a dark greenish-blackish cloud, the other three bolts hitting nothing but air.

"Lilim!" Ren called out loudly as he also tried to dodge the shot out 'tendrils' that were trying to hit him in that moment that Lilim was killed.

---

Tendrils: 98 (Fumble)

---

The creature missed, the hex perhaps making it do so as it shook some, the second tendril hitting, but it didn't drain for some reason as if it was slower than normal. This thing was connected to his Mana Shield now and he was going to pay it back in full for what it did to Lilim.

"Force Siphon!" In that instant of slowness, Ren focused himself and had a plan, to recharge his Mana Shield from the beast's own draining attempt now to try and take back the Mana it had stolen, focusing his will as he did so.

---

Siphon Attempt: 57 - 49 Focus - 5 Skill Bonus +5 Time Compression Stress = 8

Siphon Resist: 17

---

Ren smirked as he could feel the energy flowing from the creature and into his Mana Shield. 37 HP was drained from the thing. Not really a whole lot, but it helped to replenish the weak Mana Shield's strength, Ren smirking as the creature drew back with a pained ringing sound now. Ren didn't stop there though, as with it distracted, he decided to move on the offensive and attack before it could recover and counterattack. "Aqua Arrows!" Ren began to prepare the spell, water forming around his hands and flowing around it. After the casting time was up he waved his hand at the creature, knowing that it wasn't the only one with a multi-shot projectile.

---

Aqua Arrows: -18 (Max Damage!) 9 (Max Damage) 19 (Hit!)

Total Damage Dealt: 133

---

All three arrows of water hit nearly dead on, the last one somewhat missing the mark exactly, but all three of them still hit and still did some good damage. Granted that was the total damage of all three, it was still good damage nonetheless. Unfortunately the creature recovered from whatever falter in its being happened earlier and lashed out two tendrils and two volleys of Spirit Bolts all towards Ren, Ren sure not if he could dodge them all. The tendrils, if they could be called that as Ren wasn't sure what else to call them other than 'trails', came first, followed by the spirit bolts.

---

Tendrils: 40 (Miss) 60 (Miss)

Bolts: 65 (Miss) 1 (Critical!)

Damage Dealt: 82

Shield Shattered

Damage Dealt: 118

MP Damage: 59

Bolts (2): 50 (Miss) 60 (Miss) -7 (Max Damage!)

Damage Dealt: 18

MP Damage: 9

---

Side step, avoid the first trail, a twirl to barely avoid the second. Another short sidestep allowed him to avoid the first by a bit, but the second somehow found straight home, as if the Wisp still had control, slamming into the Mana Shield with incredibly force. Luckily, even though the shield shattered, it and the MP Armor absorbed all of it. Unfortunately though it still had a good bit of force when it slammed into Ren, so it was all the distraction the third needed to score a Critical Hit on Ren, dealing a very large chunk of damage to both HP and MP.

The second volley of three bolts was a bit more off aim. Ren easily dodged the first two, but the third caught him off guard almost, his MP Armor absorbing a brunt of the blow. This wasn't boding well. Ren's MP and HP were both getting hammered while all Ren could do was just heal and hope to manage a counterattack at some point, and the Wisp still had just above 1000 HP left.

"This sure is an elite encounter..." Ren was breathing a little heavily, gritting his teeth. He wasn't going to die here, he just wasn't. First, he re-applied his Mana Shield, as it was a good defensive Skill. Sure there were probably alot of things out there that could pierce it or make it useless, like Drain techniques, but for Ren's purposes it worked. After that, came a Summon. "Elemental Summon: Shimo!" Ren needed someone to help take on some of this Boss' onslaught. Luckily, Shimo was able to attack right when she was summoned, using her Shards of Winter power to send a flurry of frost and icy shards at the creature. The shards probably would do nothing, but the energy was a nice touch.

---

Shards of Winter: -10 (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 17

---

It was barely anything, but it sprung some sort of reaction from the Wisp, which was what Ren wanted, wanting the Wisp to split the attacks between two of them since Ren wasn't sure if he could keep taking all of those attacks at once. Again, two Trails moved at Ren while six bolts were shot at Shimo, the same pattern as before repeating.

---

Trails: 67 (Miss) 31 (Miss)

Bolts: 96 (Fumble)

---

The trails both missed Ren, the Hex being what probably made the second one miss. All of the bolts though were widly off their mark, and seemed to be so poorly fired that they actually drained more of the creature's essence than they should have, the second volley not even able to come out as probably the creature fired them off the wrong way and way too quickly. Ren had to admit, one disadvantage of this powerful enemy. Its powers used its HP, which would hopefully be the ticket to Ren's victory, keep dodging and firing counterattacks whenever he could to drain more and more of the creature's energy away.

"Shimo, just focus on Dodging and keeping him distracted while I cast". Ren knew that Shimo was trying to help, and Ren felt bad for using her as a partial decoy to take some of the attacks, but Ren had no choice. It was life or death here. The elemental just nodded, moving in front of Ren as he began to use Life Water while she used her Ray of Frost power to fire a ray of well... frost element towards the Wisp

---

Ray of Frost: 23 (Miss)

---

The ray missed slightly, the Hex having vanished, Shimo having gotten ready to dodge. Ren, currently, was focused upon healing himself, which he managed to pull off right before the creature could attack. That 118 HP felt good. Unfortunately if Ren wasn't quick on his feet then he knew that good feeling would vanish after not long, the creature's pattern being predictable, but that didn't make it any easier to dodge.

---

Trails: 23 (Hit!) 98 (Fumble)

Bolts: -24 (Max Damage) -16 (Max Damage) 39 (Miss) -2 (Max Damage) 36 (Miss) 46 (Miss)

Damage Dealt: 174

---

The first trail hit Ren, but before it could drain any MP the second trail seemed to have been let out the wrong way, its energy somehow clogging up the first. With nowhere to go, the energy ripped through the trail, dissipating into nothingness. While this upset Ren, it was at least better than it regaining HP, Ren watching as Shimo got slammed by two bolts, dodged one, got slammed by another after her dodge, then managed to have two more miss her. This fight was taking too long, and Ren was starting to run out of options, especially with Shimo down more than half of her HP.

"Shimo, move closer and distract it!" Shimo nodded, moving closer and shooting yet another Ray of Frost as just a distraction.

---

Ray of Frost: 48

---

As Shimo distracted it, getting closer and readying for a dodge, Ren first shot the last use of Hex of Draining at the Boss. After that, a Force Siphon to try and get some MP back, Ren having to move a bit closer for it.

---

Force Siphon: 34 - 49 Focus - 5 Skill Bonus + 5 Time Compression Penalty = -15

Resistance: 27

Affect: 66 HP Drained

---

It was slowly dwindling and it was only a matter of time now. Now affected with the hex, the creature launched another assault on Shimo and Ren.

---

Trails: 99 (Fumble)

---

As the creature prepared to launch its attacks, its spiritual essence got all tangled up and trapped within. As it tried to force them out a loud, pained ringing could be heard as the Wisp shook, the energy being ejected out very painful like, making the Wisp float a little closer to the ground now as if it was temporarily weakened. Seeing this chance of incredible folly on the Wisps' part, Ren decided to let cry havoc and slip the dogs of war and prepare a Giga Spiral Bolt. First he used Force Siphon one more time to get a bit more MP, hoping that the temporarily stunned creature would put up less of a fight for its energy.

---

Siphon: 3 (Critical!) (-46 Result)

Resistance: 37

Affect: 103 MP Drain

---

Somehow in its Stunned state it wasn't able to put up much of a fight at all, Ren able to get alot more MP than he should have. After that, in the next instant after regaining that bit of MP to start charging up the Giga Spiral Bolt, pouring 350 MP into it as he figured he could just take a Mana Potion after he did this. He needed this thing at much lower Health as soon as possible, dead if possible as well, but Ren wasn't too confidant about Giga Spiral Bolt's ability to inflict over 800 damage in one shot.

Shimo, in the meantime, just waited while a large sphere of Mana began to grow in Ren's hands, spinning as it did so. The Wisp was still stunned for that, but in the next several seconds, Shimo still waiting, it got up, but only right before Ren launched his full power Giga Spiral Bolt at the creature, Ren completely drained of MP now, Ren hoping that the large Giga Spiral Bolt, which was somewhat hard to aim and hit with, would hit, especially now that Ren poured every ounce of MP he had into it.

---

Giga Spiral Bolt: 5 - 30 Projectile Weaponry + 25 Giga Spiral Bolt Penalty + 5 Time Compression Penalty = 5 (Max Damage)

Damage Dealt: 724

---

It had been a while since Ren had last used Giga Spiral Bolt. He forgot how much Mana Affinity would also strengthen it, even though that may not have even contributed to all of the damage. Still, when the bolt rocketed through the air it was a direct hit. The creature began to try and push back against the mighty bolt now as the bolt drilled and bore into it...

---

Push: 30

---

Try as it may, with all of its spiritual might, the force was just too strong. The creature's spirit was shredded away more and more until as the bolt began to dwindle away, so did the Wisp until soon enough there was nothing left, it vanishing in a flash of light as the bolt's energy dwindled to nothing in the moments after, Ren panting heavily. "That really is... a finishing attack... if I pour my everything into it..." Ren was panting heavily still, falling onto his rear as he saw the Boss Chest appear as it usually did when a Boss Mob was defeated.

Ren checked to see how much more XP he needed since he noticed that he didn't level. "W-What... one more? That's... really unfair..." He sighed heavily, completely drained of everything, both stamina and MP. HP was still good to go. Sighing heavily, he managed to get himself up begrudgingly, only to see Shimo move over to the chest, grab it, and bring it back, placing it before him, making Ren blink a bit.

"T-Thanks... Shimo"

The elemental gave a small smile and nodded, Ren plopping back down before opening the chest to gaze at his prize, a prize he nearly died trying to get. 530,000 Yen. Ren's eyes widened at this, but also at the realization that in the Abyss, that was probably chump change to some people. Some potions, as usual. Two of them looked a bit strange. It seemed to be purple for some reason. Upon a usage of Observe, it reveled that it recovered both HP and MP, which was nice despite its bottle being a small one. One was a Large Mana Potion, which was very nice, and the other was a Medium Health Potion, which was also very nice. Putting both the money and pots into his inventory, Ren looked to his other prizes.

A Large Spirit Crystal, which was just like the other Spirit Crystals he had only not as big or strong. Not that great since Ren didn't really have much use for it. Still, selling that was a possibility, so he put it away for now. The next item was a bit more interesting tough. A Medium Pristine Soul Gem according to the Observe Data. Incredibly useful. Ren wondered if it was his lucky day. Before him was a ring and some sort of cloak.

Ren's eyes widened as he read over the descriptions of the items. Both were really cool, but neither were things he could use yet. Although with one more Level Up he would be able to wear the ring since it had a VIT requirement. Still, he wasn't in the mood to fight right now. As easily as he could, which wasn't easy with how tired he was, Ren closed his eyes and just relaxed after securing the drops from the ten Wisps he fought before his near death boss battle. After resting and relaxing for a bit, high MP Regeneration helping here, Ren decided to eat his lunch and some snacks before picking up his training again. This time he would fight Water elementals just to level up.

Before he did anything though, he decided to take a quick head count of everything. While Ren felt strong, he knew that he wasn't. A beginner, a novice. "I have Water Magic, but its not all that powerful yet, and two of my Summons have already been defeated, so I should try to avoid a Boss Mob..." He continued to ponder as he read through his windows. "Giga Spiral Bolt is indeed powerful, but it has a few major flaws. First is that its big and hard to aim, so naturally it is a bit easy to dodge, I just got lucky that last time..." and speaking of lucky, while Ren didn't say anything about it, he knew that the only reason that Wisp was open for a Giga Spiral Bolt was because it stunned itself. A pure stroke of luck. "The second flaw is indeed that any enemy can come and tear me to shreds while I charge it. While Mana Shield and MP armor can help protect me, it wouldn't matter if the attack is powerful enough. The third, final flaw is that it takes way too much MP to be powerful. I used 350 MP for that attack, which was nearly all I had at the time. If it missed... then I might as well have done myself in there to have saved that boss some trouble..."

Ren sighed heavily. The Items were somewhat useful. Somewhat here for two certain reasons. The Cloak's MP Costs are too high and you can't attack while wearing it. The Ring only absorbs Spirit Energy, meaning against anything else its useless. So while they were useful, at the same time they were not. Ren needed to get stronger. Leveling up, acquiring new spells and powers... Ren really wondered if this was going to be enough time to gather enough strength to even have a shot at that Quest tomorrow for those not in a Time Compression Space.

So after recuperating, Ren de-summoned Shimo and decided to fight some water elementals alone, figuring he would use Lightning for Offense and Life Water and Aqua Shield for healing and defense, with Mana Armor and MP armor thrown into the mix as well.

Ren fought really well against the water elementals, even dodging around despite using spells during the fight. Needless to say, Ren didn't take too much HP or MP Damage since with Demonic Lightning he could zap apart the Elite Basic Water Elementals quickly. With Aqua Shield giving an additional 30% Water Resistance, plus the bonus from Elemental Constitution, Ren only needed to have MP Armor active, and the fight didn't even take that long especially since, while he may have been hit by their attacks while using Demonic Lightning, he was able to resist the damage. Ren sighed in relief though when no Boss appeared.

Still, Ren decided that he could use more Crystals and Spirits from the elementals, so he decided to grind some more of them seeing as how it was so easy before. Well this time there were only ten of them and it was pretty easy once again. Not as easy as it was before, but still pretty easy. No Boss again either. That was good. Ren wasn't ready to fight one of those yet. Not again. After picking up the drops, Ren decided to up the ante a bit. He summoned both Shimo and Garm, then used Life Water to heal Shimo's wounds. After a brief meditation to recover the rest of his MP, he decided to grind Elite Fire Mephits. With the elemental advantage being on Ren and Shimo's side, and Garm providing extra melee damage, this fight should also be good, except for one problem. The Elite Fire Mephits were Level 20 and they were pretty tough judging from a usage of Observe.

The fight was kind of tough, but Ren and his team managed to pull through. The elemental advantages and the three of them were enough to prevent the Mephits from being completely overpowering. In the end, Ren's skills prevailed. They all took a small bit of damage, but thanks to Aqua Shield it wasn't too much for Ren and Shimo was resistant to Fire, but weak against Lightning for some reason. Ren guessed that the principles of the Elemental Forces really didn't follow the laws of physics or nature. There was only one fire mephit claw among all of the drops, but fortunately the bad luck didn't extend to a Mob Boss showing its mug.

It was near the end of the afternoon. Ren decided to do something different. Ren first decided to test out a bit of water magic with a new Intermediate Ritual. Harvesting Essence. Ren wanted to power up Shimo, but figured he needed some more Frost Essence first. He had both Air and Water, but figured some Frost would help. It would probably be a bit difficult, especially with how Ren's Frost Affinity was, but he was going to give it a shot.

---

Harvest Essence: 0 (Critical!)

---

The ritual was set, Shimo standing in the center of the circle. While Ren couldn't set up the Magic Ritual space, he figured doing it in this currently void of monsters monster one. And somehow it worked. Shimo and Ren were able to connect to the elemental force of frost, focusing and calling forth the essence into this space. Ren's eyes widened as it began to form and Crystallize within Shimo's hands. When it finally appeared, the essence suddenly formed three crystals from just how deeply they were connected, one looking larger than the others.

Ren's eyes widened in surprise at this, before examining the windows that appeared. Smiling a little, this would be more convenient than fighting elementals. Well... not as efficient, but definitely much safer. Ren after that decided to empower Shimo. With one Air Elemental Spirit, one Water Elemental Spirit, the Pure Frost Crystal, a Water Crystal, and an Air Crystal, Ren figured using this would work. If it didn't well... Ren would figure that out when they got there. He wanted Shimo's power to increase, possibly acquire a weapon, and to have more support/cc based abilities.

---

Elemental Empowerment: 1 (Critical!)

---

Despite being a beginner, Ren felt like this was all strangely natural, using this magic. As he performed the ritual incantations he watched as the air grew much, much colder, the elemental essence starting to move and swirl as first the two spirit pieces he used seemed to combine and merge to form the spiritual piece of a frost elemental. This first merged with Shimo's being, the elemental beginning to glow. The frost crystal seemed to merge and empower Shimo's essence, the Water and Air Crystal also creating frost and merging with Shimo. The light began to glow more brightly and the air grew colder as the ritual continued.

When the ritual finally concluded and the light began to fade, Ren could finally see, and Shimo seemed to have changed. That wispy being from before seemed alot more solid now, the appearance looking well... quite incredible. Magic was incredible. With that taken care of, Ren decided to perform the other Intermediate Ritual. The manipulation of elemental essence. Ren figured with this, and possibly Shimo's help, he could get some of that elemental equipment by essentially creating items made out of solidified essence. Although he needed more Essence first. He decided with Shimo having powered up he would try harvesting more powerful essence.

---

Essence Harvesting: 2 (Critical!)

---

The Essence Harvesting went as well as last time, two crystals appearing, both like the ones that appeared before. It was quite the spectacle. After acquiring the new Essence into his inventory, Ren decided to spend the remainder of the afternoon grinding Elite Fire Mephits. Despite there being eight of them, with Shimo a bit stronger now they were able to beat the fire mephits despite it being eight versus three. After they were defeated Ren secured the drops, one of them seeming strange. It was some kind of scroll. Upon a usage of Observe it was some kind of demon contract scroll, which could be used to instantly contract with a regular Fire Mephit. That seemed highly useful and like a really lucky find, so Ren went ahead and used the scroll.

The moment he said 'Use Item' the scroll began to glow before a voice could be heard from it. "You were so strong in battle that I have been inspired to join you. I am Ichkil, Fire Mephit. Lets have alot of fun shall we." After that, the scroll ignited and burned up, the mark around Ren's wrist glowing for a moment before both that, and the flames burning the scroll, faded, the glow gone.

That was a really excellent find, Ren wondering if these special scrolls were super rare drops. It was a free contract that Ren didn't have to spend time on nor offer anything. After that, Ren decided to grind more Elite Fire Mephit's once again. With only six of them, this battle wasn't going to be too challenging, and it wasn't. The elemental advantage was on their side, so with it they were able to defeat the six Fire Mephits somewhat quickly. No Boss Mob appeared this time either, and Ren leveled up as well. That was good. Ren wondered if he could get to Level 20 before Sunday. It was possible, although it would take a while.

Ren decided to stop grinding and take a break, as he just wanted to rest and figure out how to apply his most recent Level Up. After figuring it out Ren sighed heavily and rested, eating dinner and resting until the evening. He decided to start reading the second of the Demonic Compendiums now, figuring he would do that for the rest of the evening before going to sleep then breaking the ID in the morning. Ren decided that one day in it was enough, also not wanting to risk fighting a Boss Mob when he was under two days of Time Compression.

---

Reading Speed: 19 - 55 Knowledge +5 Time Compression = -31

Comprehension: 70 - 52 Demonology + 5 Time Compression = 23

---

Ren was able to read enough of the book during the entirety of the evening to learn a bit more about demons from it, learning enough to get another +1 to Demonology, but Ren was becoming certain that there would soon be nothing more he could learn from the book. After reading, Ren turned in for the night, setting up his tent and going to sleep.

---

In the 'morning' Ren awoke, sighing heavily. The stress felt even worse now. He thought about staying, and decided to do so, but didn't want to fight though. He was going to make preparations for the battle ahead. Runes, experiments, magical spells... all of these were going to be important. He needed power other than Stats. Undine wasn't going to return until around noon, so Ren decided to attempt something different. The creation of more Runes. First 3 Life Water Runes, then 3 Aqua Arrow Runes. While no ritual was required, it still took time to make them, probably about thirty minutes to an hour pending.

---

Life Water Rune 1: 51 - 46 Rune Magic - 6 Skill Bonus + 10 Time Compression = 9

Life Water Rune 2: 65 - 46 Rune Magic - 6 Skill Bonus + 10 Time Compression = 23

Life Water Rune 3: 54 - 46 Rune Magic - 6 Skill Bonus + 10 Time Compression = 12

---

That took up a third of the morning. Ren decided to spend the rest of the morning reading, seeing if he could learn anything else before the books sort of became useless to him. He wondered if he could sell them back, or just give them to Saito. Either way, Ren wasn't going to do much fighting today unless he had time.

---

Reading Speed: 23 - 55 Knowledge + 10 Time Compression = -22

Comprehension: 42 - 55 Knowledge + 10 Time Compression = -3

---

Ren read through a good bit more of the book. There wasn't much else though to learn from it, so Ren didn't bother to finish it, or more like wasn't going to bother. Under the Time Compression Stress Ren was barely able to get the last bit of info he needed, but he focused and pulled through somehow and got it. The next piece of Ren's demonic studies. Demonic Fusion. The art of taking the Demonic Force of two contracted demons and merging them together, creating a more powerful demon. Of course, this destroyed the two fused demons in the process since they became one new demon, which is why Ren was a bit skeptical to do it. It also required souls and demonic essence harvested from demons.

Luckily all of this wouldn't be a problem. It was just the thought of destroying two demons in the process that made Ren a bit nervous to do this. He wondered if he could even convince Garm and the Fire Mephit, as that was who he thought about, to perform this fusion. It would take a bit of talking, but he figured he could try it. He summoned the both of them now, summoning Shimo as well.

"Hey Garm... Ichkil... how would you two feel about a Fusion? To become something even more powerful than you are now. The enemies I am fighting will probably be really strong, and if you were even more powerful than you were now, then you could help me destroy them..." Ren thought that they both liked power. Garm definitely liked strength and fighting, and Ichkil said that he admired Ren's strength, which is why the scroll of contract worked, so Ren decided to play on that.

---

Ren Negotiation: 38 - 43 Negotiation - 5 Skill Bonus + 10 Time Compression = -10

---

"Heh, I know how fusion works... but if it makes me even stronger then i'm up for it, even if i'm not me, ill still be even stronger." Garm smirked, or it was more like a mental smirk anyway since Garm spoke more through telepathy.

Ichkil seemed a bit more skeptical about it, but warmed up to the idea quickly. "Heh, i'm totally up for it master~ You're strong, so you must have strong enemies, so to help destroy them seems like a fun time."

They both agreed. That was good. Ren began to prepare the ritual now, having to set up two demonic magic circle, with one circle in the middle for the fusion agents. Ren decided on using ten Fire Mephit Claws, two Fire Mephit Cores, and the two Pure Tiny Soul Gems as well as two Medium Soul Gems. This was probably going to be difficult, very difficult. But Ren was going to try anyway.

---

Demonic Fusion: 28 - 55 Demonology - 6 Magic Affinity Bonus + 10 Time Compression = -23

---

A long time of concentrating, incanting, and focusing. The two circles began to glow as the demonic force of the various Mephit parts began to pour into the soul gems while the soul gems started to come together as two slightly more powerful souls. The demonic force from both sets of five parts flowed into the two 'souls' as the two demons began to slowly become enshrouded in dark, greenish-blackish demonic energies. As the ritual soon neared its completion and the two demons were nearly covered in the energy they both spoke.

"It was fun mortal. Make sure that the new me gets to shred some flesh!" Garm called this out before he was completely enveloped in the energy.

"We didn't get a whole lot of time together, but ill still get to serve a strong mage like yourself, so it'll still be fun. See you later master~" The Mephit laughed, being enveloped in the energy as well.

Ren, who was sitting in a smaller magic circle on his knees, raised up his hands, his own demonic force, or HP, being channeled into the ritual as the ritual needed it, the force of the two demonic forces of the demons flowing into the two 'souls'. Ren was gritting his teeth, his HP starting to drop like a rock as he focused to try and endure it.

---

Endure the Power: 72 - 20 VIT + 10 Time Compression = 62

---

It was hard to endure, Ren's HP dropping faster as his stamina also dropped like a rock. As he grit his teeth with the final word he commenced the fusion for real. His HP was now down 50% and still dropping. He needed to finish.

"合体!

With that single word, Gattai, he moved his hands inward towards each other and then, after tensing up for a few moments at the peak of the ritual's power, he clapped them together, the clap resounding out as in an wave of demonic force the two souls were consumed by the two glowing masses of demonic force before they were merged together completely. 40%. Ren needed to finish, he was almost there, just a few more seconds as the demonic force began to change, mold, and shape into a different form. 30%. A visible shape was there. 20%. The shape now had features and and an appearance, but no solid form yet. 10%. The form was finally solid, and with one last push the power of the ritual all ended, with just 5% of Ren's HP left.

Ren was panting heavily, falling onto his hands and knees, Shimo standing near Ren now as they both looked towards the demon that had been created through the ritual. It was another slightly larger dog demon, with bright red fur. It growled at Ren for a few moments, walking over to him. Level 23, named Galkyr, a Devil Hound. Different from Garm, and stronger to.

"So, you are my new Master. I am Galkyr, a hound of devils. I have been born through your fusion of demons and shall serve you through the contract made by my predecessors." His voice was calm as it spoke into his mind, but also quite strong sounding.

Ren nodded, giving a small bow of introduction. "Its nice to meet you Galkyr." The demon then vanished, the mark around Ren's wrist glowed for a moment before the glow faded. 5% HP. Ren was incredibly close on that, nearly died from it. He wasn't going to do this ritual again for a while. It was far too dangerous. A little more and Ren would have died from it. The power of demons really was dangerous. "Damn... that was close..." Ren was panting heavily. He didn't have much strength to do anything else right now, so he had Shimo use Flurry of Healing, one of her new powers, before he used Life Water on himself a bunch until he was at full HP, which was only about three times. Life Water healed alot, but mainly due to all of the magic buffs he had on his water magic.

"That was rough..." Ren rested for a while, to regain his stamina instead of trying out the two other things he wanted to do. A third of the afternoon was gone now by the time Ren had all of his stamina back. That ritual took alot of it. "Well that was... something... I guess I can see why demonic powers really are dangerous. That nearly killed me." Ren sighed heavily, slowly standing up now as he cleaned up the left over ritual items. He looked at the mark on his hand for Water Magic, Undine having revived. "Alright, time for the next part of my plan." Ren summoned Undine and motioned Shimo over to him.

"Alright you two, time to practice the Essence Manipulation Magic." This form of Intermediate Ritual Water Magic, which wasn't really a ritual, involved actively manipulating essence to materialize items of solidified essence and magic. Usually these were stored in some form of magical medium though, whether a sigil on an object, a talisman, or a rune. They could only be materialized for a short bit. An elemental's help made this alot easier, but it could be done without such. Ren's first idea was to make a Frost Weapon like Undine's Trident. A reach weapon would be good. Keep enemies at a distance to both attack and cast spells since casting spells while right up close wasn't exactly a good plan.

Well, Ren wanted to experiment with manipulating the essence first. He took out a Water Crystal. He decided to try and just practice manipulating and shaping it to get the Skill first before he tried anything serious, having Undine help him. This would probably destroy the Crystal, but it was just practice for shaping a weapon before he tried the real thing. He decided to try a knife first, a knife of water.

---

Essence Manipulation: 96 (Fumble)

---

Ren's eyes widened as the crystal, after a bit of getting very close, seemed to crack slowly. Ren tried to stop manipulating it, but it was too late. The magic channeling through it made it explode, Ren getting thrown back by it. It took away around 80 HP with that. After a few moments Ren groaned and slowly sat up. "That... was time well spent..." Ren felt like he had it, but didn't get it at all. Ren's eyes narrowed as he took out another Water Crystal and tried again, but not before using Life Water and Mana Shield first, to heal and then Mana Shield in case the crystal exploded again.

---

Essence Manipulation: 79 - 55 Ritual Water Magic - 6 Magic Affinity Bonus + 10 Time Compression = 29

---

"Dammit, almost had it!" Ren audibly cursed as the Crystal seemed to almost get a shape, but the magic failed at the last moment thanks to the Time Compression Stress as he was unable to hold it. The Crystal, unfortunately, faded as it was unable to stay solid. Taking out one more, Ren tried one more time, this special process taking a good bit of time since the shaping was very slow.

---

Essence Manipulation: 37 - 55 Ritual Water Magic - 6 Magic Affinity Bonus + 10 Time Compression = -14

---

It worked! Ren watched as the Crystal slowly took on a more ethereal form, the essence within it as well as the crystalline mass starting to move and bend. Soon enough, the mass of essence changed and formed a rather sort of weak looking blade. It may have looked weak, but it suited Ren's purpose of a success, examining the new Windows that appeared, the knife having been stored inside of a rune. He figured he could sell it on the auction for a small bit of money.

It was two thirds into the afternoon after Ren recovered his MP fully and successfully performed Essence Manipulation. Ren decided to practice it for a bit by using his new weapon to fight some Fire Mephits. With Undine and Shimo helping him, this fight would go by quickly, Ren resolving to use nothing but the water knife until its uses dried up.

The battle went by fairly quickly, Ren using up his knife uses rather well, quickly. Ren stopped grinding for now to take a break to create another weapon, where he would then grind it one more time to finish for the evening, using yet another Water Crystal, there having been only a single drop to secure.

---

Elemental Manipulation: 34 - 56 Ritual Water Magic - 6 Magic Affinity Bonus = 10 Time Compression = -18

---

This knife was a mite bit stronger than the last one, Ren certain it would last longer in a battle against the Elite Fire Mephits. Last longer it did. With Undine and Shimo helping Ren could focus on practicing getting used to the feeling of water manipulated objects, able to move and use the knife more efficiently as the fight progressed. Needless to say it was Ren's team's victory soon enough.

(The following was a fully written out Boss Mob battle, but the info was lost when I failed to copy it onto another document. I remember who won though).

The battle against the Level 29 Greater Frost-Fire Mephit was something else. It had no elemental weaknesses, which made Ren's elemental advantage no longer have any advantage. Lilim, unfortunately, perished during the battle, as Ren had summoned her first since he wasn't sure how to handle something that could use frost and fire. Still, Ren managed to pull through, it not by much, and a Critical Strike having luckily gotten him a good chance to deal some nasty damage to get ready for a final blow. Winning these battles through luck, like when that Wisp managed to get him to stun himself, or a very rare Critical Strike wasn't exactly a way to bolster Ren's confidence on his own strength.

Still, it allowed him to live. That was good enough. Securing the money, which was only 350k Yen, which wasn't nearly as much as the Giant Wisp gave, or alot in all that matter for where the Abyss was concerned, eight potions, a couple of those Restore ones that heal both HP and Mana, but most of the others were Mana with a couple of Health potions. Ren didn't mind Mana Potions, but personally preferred Health. Given how quickly it could be depleted. Sure his Life Water Runes healed a good chunk of HP as well, but those took time to make, and with the Quest Deadline coming up there wasn't all that much time to spend making them, and there were probably people with plenty of ways to make them useless as well, like things that cancelled magic. Potions were really the best healing items. The other items were a hide from the creature, a core, and a book teaching the Cold Fire Whisper, something that Ren couldn't learn yet.

With it being around evening by the time Ren recuperated, he decided to spend the first half of it on spell modifications and attempts and the other practicing Essence Manipulation and Harvesting. While Ren couldn't get any Frost Spells yet, he could still get Water Spells. More accurately, Undine's Healing Wave, which Ren figured was just an upgraded AOE version of Life Water. So after summoning Undine, Ren went for that first.

---

Elemental Spell Creation: 42 - 56 Ritual Water Magic - 6 Magic Affinity + 10 Time Compression = -10

---

It was a little difficult, but Ren still managed it, feeling the power of the new spell flow into him. Instead of it being a new spell though, it seemed to be an upgrade of his current Life Water, or more accurately an evolved Life Water, as according to the window the Skill was upgraded instead of updated and became a new Skill. "So things like this can happen as well..." It cost more MP now, but the AOE affect was nice. It was still the same Level Life Water was, meaning that the skill just changed in name, costed more MP, had an increased casting time, and added a nice affect.

With that out of the way came the next experiment. A new Demonic Whisper from Galkyr. Sure Eldritch Fire was nice, but it didn't deal too much damage. That Fireball Galkyr had though was incredibly nice looking, and Ren wondered if Eldritch Fire would affect it somehow since technically both things created fireballs and utilized demonic flame. So summoning Galkyr, Ren asked if the demon could teach him the whisper that allowed him to utilize his flame.

---

Ren Negotiation: 20 - 43 Negotiation - 6 Skill Bonus + 10 Time Compression = -19

---

"If it'll allow you to become stronger so that the one I am serving will be stronger, than so be it." Galkyr seemed rather... impartial to Ren. Ren wondered if it was because of their level difference since in some games where creatures were controlled things did work out that way. With Galkyr's permission gained though, the ritual began.

---

Demonic Whispers: 3 (Critical!)

---

Galkyr began to whisper into Ren's mind, the power and the language of his Demon's Fireball flowing through him. This whisper of demonic fire though seemed to... connect... with the eldritch fire, a dark flame that mortals could harness without the help of demons, that was already within Ren's demonic force, and as it did it seemed to change the whisper, becoming something stronger instead, something different. Ren's body felt hot, the mark on his wrist burning as did his entire body. Soon enough, when he could no longer bear the temperature as his HP was dropping, the affect seemed to end, Ren falling backwards and panting heavily, the temperature cooling down as Ren took a few moments to catch his breath before staring at the newest windows that appeared.

A small smile formed on his face as he read the window. Useful, but took a bit of time to cast, as did his other Spells. Ren began to wonder if raising DEX would decrease casting time. A DEX of 25 was probably a good goal, seeing as how an INT of 25 gave something good before. With those two new spells learned, Ren went for a slightly different approach now. Essence Harvesting. He wanted to get another bit of Frost Essence before he tried to create any special frost items.

---

Essence Harvesting: 0 (Critical!)

---

Shimo being powered up now may have helped, as the ritual went really well as more pure frost crystals were extracted from the elemental plane of frost, Ren collecting the harvested Essence and depositing it into his Inventory. As much as Ren didn't want to fight though, lest risk fighting a mob boss, he decided to spend the rest of the evening grinding until he got to Level 20, planning to just fight Elite Fire Mephits since he didn't have anything else to fight.

Ren fought Fire Mephits for a bit, fighting two groups of them, since that was what it took to get to Level 20. Since he fought them just one after another though in the Time Compression space he was really tired, and just wanted to go to bed a tiny bit early tonight. He was glad that he got +1 to all stats for hitting level 20, and that now at level 20 he got 4 talent points instead of 3. That was also a nice touch, so after applying his levels Ren broke the Pseudospace, sighing heavily as he was still quite tired after all of that. It was still late in the evening even after the space was broken, so Ren went to bed after that.

[Renose]

About 6 AM. Lucian would be able to get up then, but he would be pretty groggy. Perhaps just a desire to wake up early let him do so, but he certainly wouldn't be able to be super active in the morning. Anyway, after getting into some comfy jogging clothes, Lucian would be able to go out for his morning jog.

---

VIT: 12 - 20 VIT + 10 Not a Morning Person = 8

---

Fortunately, Lucian's jog went pretty well despite that he got up really early for it. With how well all of his other workouts had gone, this made a window appear before him after he got home from his jog.

Stat Up!

Diligent work-outs have increased your overall stamina and bodily health. +1 VIT.

After that, Lucian opted to teach Sylph how to play games while just relaxing himself.

---

Lucian the Teacher: 2 (Critical!)

---

---

"Alright now Slyph, time for you to learn how to enjoy life to its fullest. Or at least how to beat levels one through five in Ultra bros." Lucian had summoned Slyph, and had a plan to kick back, possibly teach the wind element how to play games, and forever solve the dilemma of the gamer, having someone on call who could play coop. "So first of all, one of the most important things about gaming, is being comfortable. You will be doing this for hours, so you might as well be relaxed. Next thing is to make sure that your controller is fully charged so you don't die against the boss...errr...the last bad guy of the area." How much of this would an elemental understand? Lucian had no idea, but it was entertaining.

---

Sylph the Student: 24 - 19 INT - 25 CRIT Bonus = -20

---

Lucian was a really good teacher, and Sylph appeared to be a bit intelligent, but it was thanks to Lucian's incredible teaching that Sylph was able to understand it all easily. "Wow, so this is what mortals do to enjoy life, how incredible~" Her free-spirited, yet also fun loving voice resounded gently in his mind as she talked through telepathy, never actually opening her mouth once. Probably due to having no vocal cords as a being made of wind essence, or so one could assume. She grabbed the controller in her small hands, taking a few moments to get used to it before she got herself relaxed, leaning against Lucian as she looked at the screen.

"So how do I play this... Ultra Bros, now that I am comfortable?" She looked up to him now, awaiting more instruction, and she was seemingly eager to learn, her emerald eyes on her green face full of gentle, yet eager excitement as she awaited patiently for him to start teaching her again.

"Alright, now that you are all set, we take the controller in hand," Lucian got up and handed her a sturdy black controller with bright coloured buttons, and a blinking blue light coming from it's top. "So you hold it like this," He showed her how he was holding it in his hands, then moved his thumbs to show how they would reach the buttons, and how his index fingers would pull triggers. "So, each button you press on here, will affect your character on the screen," pointing to his character, he pressed the 'A' button and the figuire jumped. "So, the A button makes you jump, and holding this trigger makes you run. Those are the basics, press 'A' twice to stomp, you use that to hurt the enemies, and you move using this joystick. Do you think you are ready to give this a shot?"

Sylph watched as Lucian continued to explain the game to her and how to work the strange mortal contraption. It was all so surreal, having a girl made out of solid essence of the elemental force of wind sitting on one's couch, playing videogames. Despite that, it was happening. She watched him explain each thing of the game, it being a pretty simple one. After he was done she nodded. "Ill try my best Bonhert-sama" With that she stared at the screen, taking a few moments to get used to pressing the buttons, watching and seeming a bit surprised, but also awe inspired, as the character moved on screen. "What sort of magic is this? I can control the tiny person in the screen~" She watched the character move as she played the game, doing ok on it for a first timer of any videogame ever, probably due to Lucian's great teaching, Sylph looking like she was having a good time, because she was.

Lucian was suprised at well she was doing for a beginner, and she seemed to be enjoying it a great deal as well. IT was just like teaching a child to play a game, and it was adding a whole new aspect of fun to the game. Normally he would have beaten the first level in no time, but it was more like he was playing for his friend now, helping her along, pointing out what to avoid in the battle as an enemy with spikes on its back approached them, and informing her about bottemless pits. "Well, we should be getting close to the first boss now. So just play like you have and you will be fine, it will try a few moves that the smaller guys couldn't do, but you can just jump over him if you time it right." Lucian bit his lower lip and got seriously into it for a moment, as he skipped over the boss many times, not hitting it, nor taking any damage, "Just like this," He then chose to go on the offense and hit it a few times, counting in his head how many hits it had taken, and having recorded in his mind how much health the first boss would have, "Alright, we are almost there, so you just need to stomp on him one more time, you can do it!" He gave a cheer, he would let her take the joy of the final hit on the boss.

Sylph continued to play the game with Lucian, enjoying both playing and watching him play. As he got to the final boss he would feel a tiny breeze for a moment as she got on the edge of her seat, looking up at Lucian when he handed her the controller. Taking it she glowered at the screen, sort of imitating how his own intense gaming look became when he got into it. With that one more stomp she cheered, accidentally throwing the controller up, but caught it in her hands by creating a small wind cushion beneath it before she caught it from the air gently, handing it back to Lucian.

"That was most enjoyable Bonhert-sama~ I am quite glad that I contracted with you. I will always play these games whenever you want me to~" She was quite happy, and Lucian could feel his bond strenghtening with her now, especially with his affinity to the elemental force of wind. It was almost literally like the power granted from a Social Link GO sort of experience. It was all quite incredible.

---

After a bit of bonding time with Sylph and grinding that Summon Elemental Skill at the same time, Lucian decided to spend the afternoon at Saito's, the mage agreeing to let Lucian use the room. Of course, he also did want to try and get some XP as well, so with Mike still not in the party, since Ren had yet to reeinvite him, Lucian would be able to bring Saito into it, Saito rejoining the party. Of course, that was what normally would happen. Saito had never actually left the party in the first place, so to everyone else he was still displayed as a Party Member so Lucian wouldn't have to worry about trying to invite him in, Sait's Level was also higher today than it was the last time Lucian had met him. He was Level 19 now.

A group of 12 Elementals would be what the party first stumbled upon. Saito let Lucian fight on his own at first, needing to take care of something first. Plus he figured that he woudn't get a whole lot of XP from these Elementals, so he figured something like XP share was in affect when other party members were near and let Lucian fight on his own while he read a book near the door to the room.

Lucian did pretty well, considering that he had Sylph to tank the wind shots for him. While not much seemed to change in terms of Skill Level or even Level Ups, although a few skills did gain a couple of levels, one special thing did change. As Sylph absorbed Wind Damage for Lucian, a window would appear as her body shone a tiny bit when she absorbed some wind damage.

Window

Through a strong and kind formation of a bond, your Elemental has gained a new power.

New Power

Elemental Absorption Transfer: Whenever Sylph would absorb Elemental Damage that she doesn't heal, a % of that Wind Damage equal to 50% of your Wind Affinity turns into Mana which is transferred to the caster.

Sylph seemed to be more than an elemental. She had intelligence, feelings, and everything else. It was sort of strange to be killing other elementals like her, although they all looked nothing alike, but Sylph seemed to enjoy being with her caster.

Unfortunately, while Drops appeared, none could be attained as there was a bigger problem. Saito had come up a few moments after the last Air Elemental was slain, gesturing back to the door, or at least where it used to be, it being a good thing Lucian got that new power for Sylph because he had 200 out of 218 MP left to use for this next... situation. "Hey... the door disappeared... and I the space can now be broken... and I think I know why..."

The air began to spin rapidly while electricity began to crackle around and in it, the air slowly turning into a slightly darker color, like storm clouds. Power began to visibly crackle with both might and fury as the swirling began to grow faster and faster, Saito quickly pushing Lucian to the ground and holding a hand on his back while he sat on one knee, focusing on his ring as a bracelet appeared on his wrist of the hand with the ring and, with a utterance of some arcane word, created a sort of mystical shield of arcane energy between them and the raging storm.

As the storm got worse and worse where it was converging, it slowly settled, Saito still keeping low, but taking the hand off of Lucian's back as he watched in a bit of awe, muttering "I think that may be this... Mob Boss you mentioned... that thing is rediculous..."

And rediculous it was. Not in the sense that it was funny, but in the sense that it was all kinds of tough. Level 24 Angered Storm Elemental. It did seem angry, the fury literally being able to be felt by Lucian who had a connection to the wind. Even Sylph seemed a bit nervous, but tried to remain standing strong as she to stood behind Lucian and Saito. The elemental was at least 8 or so feet tall, and looked indeed like some kind of dungeon boss from a video game. Needless to say, at Level 24, dealing with it wouldn't be easy.

"Damn, that thing is tough looking. That, and it seems to be carrying a large amount of power with it to. I guess I may have to get serious now..." A smirk appeared on Saito's face. "You're gonna need to back me up here, but also make sure to watch carefully..." He touched his ring, focusing as it shone brightly before beginning to change shape, turning into some sort of heavy looking, but not so since Saito was still able to move his hand freely, metal gauntlet, the bracelt that was on his wrist before now being apart of the gauntlet as well. A symbol on the back with five gems in each of the points of the magic circle on it was one notible feature, as were the glowing blune lines of arcane energy that ran from each of the gems, to the wrists, and then directly to each of the fingertips. A sixth gem was in the circle as well, but it appeared dull for now on this silver gauntlet.

One other notable feature were the runic symbols on each of the knuckles, Saito stretching a bit as he dismissed the arcane shield. "Because its time I show you just how much experience matters in the Abyss. Since you came back, I was able to check my Status Window. I'm Level 19, that thing is Level 24..." He chuckled, getting a bit excited now. He wasn't much one for fights, but being able to use his magic like this, against something like this? It was pretty incredible. "Im going to show you why Level doesn't always mean defeat and that Experience is a true measure of strength in the abyss... so make sure to keep up..."

Observe, if Lucian had quickly used said Skill when it appeared, showed the following.

Observe Data

Angered Storm Elemental

Species: Storm Elemental

Level: 25

STR: 25
VIT: 22
DEX: 40
INT: 25
WIS: 35
LUK: 10

HP: 1000
MP: 500

Resilience: 40
Concentration: 50

This mighty elemental is angered by the actions of mortals to the elementals and thus appears to incite the wrath of the elemental forces. This Storm Elemental, a second level Elemental Force that combines Lightning and Air, has mostly pure destruction based attacks that can quickly wipe out anyone who doesn't know any better. With its pristine control over the Storm Elemental Force and 50% Resistance to both Physical and Earth Damage, a powerful and quick force that balanced speed and destruction, this creature is something to be feared. It is immune to Lightning and Air as well, but also has a weakness to Fire.

Saito moved forward, incanting as he did so before he aimed the gauntlet towards the creature. His incantation speed was faster as within just a couple of seconds, instead of four like before, he aimed his gauntlet towards the creature and let off four barrages of 5 of those Arcane Missiles, all of which seemed more powerful than before.

---

Arcane Missile Storm: Hit!

Damage Dealt: 102

---

All four barrages slammed right into it, dealing a massive chunk of damage that took out about a 10th of its HP. Lucian, fortunately, would also have a moment to act if he wanted to, although it was unclear that if sitting here doing nothing would give XP.

"This is going to be one heck of a fight." He quickly pulled himself off from the ground, I doubt that my wind would be of any use to this thing, even with it being a hybrid elemental. I really need to invest in something offensive that isn't just wind! As his thoughts condemned him, he got ready to launch his first attack on the boss. He took a deep breath, "Ocean's Flow."

The water would draw forth from the air and ground, flowing around him for a moment. It was a decent amount. Nothing too shabby for this purpose. With that, he would then launch it all like a concentrated blast right at the elemental, trying to destroy more of its Essence.

---

Attack: 17 - 15 Projectile = 2

Full Hit!

Damage Dealt: 22

---

The attack hit, dealing a bit of damage. It honestly wasn't that much though as Lucian didn't have as strong of a connection to Water as he did to Wind, which was unfortunately what they were fighting, this one being incredibly resilient.

The creature acted now, turning its attention to Saito.

---

Lightning Bolt: 31

Miss...

---

Saito barely dodged that powerful bolt of lightning, a little wide eyed as he did so. "Damn that was close...its not necessarily the most powerful, but it never misses, which is why it works" He clenched his guantlet covered hand into a fist and began to chant once again, focusing and chanting rather quickly before he let off another barrage of arcane missiles at the elemental, all 20 missiles seeming to hit on target, some probably more than others, the sight of all of them quite amazing.

---

Damage Dealt: 134

---

It hit once again, all of them dealing a large amount of collective damage. It was dealing damage, but also bruning through Saito's MP quite quickly. Lucian now though had a chance to act amongst all of this.

Magic Missile? Lucian couldn't help but feel some nerdy excitement as he watched Saito's attack fly, he also knew that in DnD at least, there was a way to abuse the system and make it stronger, but he would have to put that thoguht behind for now, as this sort of was life or death if they screwed up. "Alright, So I don't do much damage, and as you know I can heal you, but lets hope you don't get hit." He chuckled lightly as he got into stance, "Chained Mana Surge!" He held his hand out.

---

Projectile Attack: 4 (Critical!)

Full Hit!

Damage Dealt: 33 Damage

---

It was more than last time, there being no visible weak points to strike on the thing except all over the body. Still, Lucian was able to deal a nice tiny chunk of damage. The elemental was starting to get a bir more furious, aiming another bolt towards Saito.

---

Lightning Bolt: 43

---

The bolt was deadly accurate and lightning fast. The elemental was probably just a horrible shot, something that Saito was grateful for. Sticking with routine, he gave one more Arcane Missile Barrage for the road as he was still sticking to what was wokring.

---

Damage Dealt: 140

---

Again, a very nice chunk of damage, and also another chance for Lucian to act, the creature looking not to well right now, its HP starting to get to the halfway point, which was both a good and a bad thing.

"Alright." Lucian nodded as he watched another barrage connect with the elemental, and was quite thriled that neither of them had gotten hit yet...hopefully it would remain that way. Lucian jumped back a bit, and started focusing himself, "Slyph, please cover me if needed." He recalled how his skill, mana flow stated in it's info that it was not useful in combat, but that it strengthened mana based skills by a percentage when it was active, "Mana flow." As soon as he felt the his mana clearly, he let out another set of Chained Mana Surge.

---

Lucian Projectile: 12 - 16 = -4

Full Hit!

Damage Dealt: 61

---

This mana surge seemed to be a whole lot more effective, the elemental judging both Saito and Lucian as a threat now. Suddenly its eyes gleamed as it began to gather all of the essence in the nearby area, the winds starting to stir as the sky of the area grew a bit darker. The creature was gathering energy for something, but Saito wasn't going to sit by and let that happen. One of the knuckles on his fingers started to glow before mana began to flow all through and around the gauntlet. Another much more powerful barrage of mini comet like missiles launched from Saito's hand and towards the elemental now.

---

Damage Dealt: 271

---

These missiles made the beast nearly stop its charging, but it kept going now, still gathering thag that energy, but its HP was starting to get a little more towards dead now, with Lucian's own chance to act coming up after Saito's one more action, just a single barrage of five arcane missiles getting launched this time around.

---

Damage:54

---

"You know, I am pretty certain that if not for the Gamer skill, I would be panicing right about now," Lucian racked his mind, searching for answers to the question of what he should do next and what would be the most effective. He decided that it would be best to just keep shooting at it in the end though, as by the damage it had taken, if they could survive to one more attack each landing on it, they should be able to take it down. "Chained Mana Surge."

---

Lucian Projectile: 56 - 16 Projectile = 40

Hit!

Damage Dealt: 45 Damage

---

The mana surge hit, but only because the elemental was standing still now, the creature still seeming to be charging the Essence as the sky grew even darker than before around the elemental, the wind essence starting to focus and pulse around it now.

"Crap, we need to kill it, now!" Saito aimed his gauntlet. He grit his teeth, first getting close to Lucian. "Stay close... I have a plan..." After that he launched one more quick Arcane missile barrage.

---

Damage Dealt: 174

---

It was all up to Lucian now, the beast only having 24 HP, which meant that after one more hit it would fall.

"Seems like the same thing that we have been doing the whole time Saito." Lucian shook his head, with a smile, alright, I guess I get the finishing shot?" He held out his hand, and gathered the mana for another chained mana surge, if it hit, it would die, if he missed, odds are that neither him or Saito would be having a good time after.

---

Lucian Final Strike: 26 - 16 Projectile Weaponry = 10

Hit!

Dead

---

That one final strike did it. The blast knocked away a huge bunch of its essence that it was struggling to hold together, the creature's glowing eyes starting to fade as more and more of its essence began to fade away. Saito, not knowing what was going to happen with all of that essence gathered in one spot, quickly ran to Lucian and held up his gauntlet, wrapping an arm around his shoulder to hold him close, but not for a weird reason. Another one of the symbols, ironically the one on the middle finger, disappeared as what looked like a solid wall of arcane energy, or like bluish glass, formed around them both as within that next instant all of the essence was burst forth. It slammed like a hurricane force against the barrier, which somehow didn't shatter upon the impact of all of that power, but Saito had to stand in place and keep it secured.

Luckily for Sylph, it was wind essence, so it didn't harm her. It knocked her down, but she was fortunately unharmed. Once the storm had finally cleared, literally, a treasure chest was in the place of the beast, Saito dismissing the barrier sighed heavily, his gauntlet turning back into a ring. "Damn that was some fight..."

Lucian would notice that Chained Mana Surge went up 2 Levels from that final hit against that powerful enemy and Mana Flow gained one. Summon Elemental also leveled up as did Lucian's actual level, Lucian now being Level 14 after he got 21 XP from defeating, with help, that creature. He probably would have gotten alot more if he soloed it, but soloing such a mighty beast was probably not possible for Lucian's current level.

"You did more than you think you know..." Saito walked over to the treasure chest that appeared before walking back to Lucian and setting it down on the ground. "If it had just thought of me as a threat, it would have focused all of its wrath on me in those last moments rather than trying to take both of us out in one shot. I don't know why it opened itself up like that, but if you hadn't been there then that thing would have gotten its super powerful attack off, so thanks for the help buddy, you've gotten alot better." He gave Lucian a grin before looking back down to the chest. "So... I guess this thing is holding the Boss Mob loot then or whatever?" Saito was curious as to what was inside now.

"Well even though I dealt the finishing blow, odds are it might only allow the one who did that most damage to open the treasure. So give it a try, go and try to touch it, either it will open instantly and the goods will then be on the ground, or it will send you a message and I will have to open it." Lucian pat Slyph on her head and walked over to the treasure as well, curious to see what suh a creature would drop. "If it drops a book, I recomend we share it, in that you read it first if it interests you, and then I will use it as a skill book, if it is money or other rare drop items, we can just split them as we see fit like normal."

Saito just gave a nod, touching the chest. To his surprise it opened and in a gleam of light vanished. When visbility of the chest returned its contents were spread out along the ground. A large stack of yen bills was one thing that was there. Four bottles were also there. They were all ones he had seen before. Three Medium Mana Potions and one Medium Recovery Potion. The next was a crystal. It was definitely an elemental crystal, the Storm elemental force swirling in it and around it. However, it differed a bit from regular elemental crystals. It seemed a bit more concentrated and the crystal seemed to be alot more polished and pristine.

Next to that appeared to be a sphere that looked like the Elemental Spirits that they had gotten before. It seemed a bit larger, and seemed to look as if it had a storm going off inside of it. The fury could be felt emenating from it, the fury and strength of a storm, but there was also something else. It was stable, and the will it gave off felt incredibly calm in its fury, something Lucian could somehow feel perhaps by pure chance thanks to his connection to the wind, the will of the elemental force of Storm capable of being felt from it, almost as if it was the elemental's will itself, or a piece of it anyway.

The final thing was a book. A Skill Book most likely. They seemed to appear alot after a Boss Mob is killed. Saito picked it up and began to read through it. "Hmm... it appears to contain some sort of instruction on a Spell. Its a Spell Book. The Abyss Auction actually has people who sell books that depict single spells that they write up that people can learn if they know the right type of magic. Although for you guys, you may be able to learn it just from knowing any type of magic if it fits..." He leafed through a few more pages. "It teaches a spell called... Elemental Discharge... that may have been that power that elemental was going to use just then if the name says anything." He closed the book, setting it back on the ground with the rest of the items as he sat down.

He looked at the money, quickly counting it before setting it down. "400,000 Yen, very nice. And what appear to be Mana Potions and Health Potions... heh, knowing your Gamer power they probably restore health instantly..."

"So..." Now came the real question. "The money splitting is obvious, but what about the rest? I'm not all that interested in the book, that seems more up your alley with how you are using both Natural and Metaphysical elements, so you can have that..." Saito was a bit in thought, before turning his attention to another item he missed. It looked like some sort of circlet, only upon closer look, etched across its surface were mystical symbols that may have been about storms, not that Lucian could tell. In the two smaller gems resided the powers of lightning and wind, but in the center one storm essence shone within, the crown itself looking quite strong as Saito stared at it wide eyed.

"This is... a seriously powerful Item...maybe not super powerful, but this thing is still incredibly powerful. D Rank, maybe higher than that. It feels like it could be made stronger, but it contains some pretty powerful magic, especially in the three gems" The left smaller gem seemed to have an aura of lightning essence about it, the right one wind, and the center one storm element. "So..." He set the circlet on the ground very carefully. "Who shall get what?"

"Well, you probably know what all the items or goods here are worth a bit more than I do, but like you said, it would make more sense for me to take the book, and based on what you mentioned on this circlet, i wouldn't mind taking that as well as it seem in line with it all." He looked at all the items and tried to price it all in his head. "Well as long as I get those, and say...120, 000 and some crystals for research." He knew this could be pushing it, but if some of the ideas wracking his brain worked out, he would easily be able to pay him back plus more. "I have an idea that would make a few more rare items. We could say I owe you, and i bring things past you first when I find things that dont fit into nature or the elements?"

---

Lucian Negotiation: 3 (Critical!)

---

Saito was a man of business. Lucian had made him some profit with all of the Crystals and other stuff they had found and helped Saito advance in his own research, plus the Level Up from that XP was also really nice. Even moreso, Lucian had a history of quick returns. He paid Saito back 60,000 Yen that he owed the next day. "Alright, you strike a really good business deal, and if more helps you out then so be it." He pushed the Circlet, Book, the Storm Spirit(?), Storm Crystal, and 200,000 Yen towards Saito. Not only that, but he let Lucian keep 2 of the Mana Potions as well.

Among the drops of the other Elementals, which had to be searched for, they found 8 Air Crystals and 1 Air Elemental Spirit. Saito let Lucian keep four of the Crystals and the Spirit as well. "You've been good to me so far. If investing free stuff... well... not exactly free, but still 'free' in a sense is what'll take for some nice returns, then its an investment I'm willing to make." He stretched a little bit, feeling a bit tired while meanwhile a window appeared.

Critical!

Talking a good business deal has made you a better negotiator. +1 Negotiation.

"Still, that battle was enough for me. Not really tired, but I just kinda want to relax for a while. Casting magic alot can take it out of you..." He walked Lucian to the door of the Pseudospace Room. "Ill set up a Construct to run the store, so you should probably get on home as I also have to leave for some other stuff. I'm sure you have alot of work to do yourself don't you?" He chuckled a bit, opening the door and walking Lucian out of the shop, bidding a farewell with a smile before walking back inside, leaving Lucian to his own devices.

"Pleasure doing buisness with you, and lets hope these investments turn out in both of our favours." Lucian gave Saito the head nod before leaving the store. He had placed all the items and money he recieved in his inventory, and it was time for him to get to work. He realized just how weak he was during that fight, and had a few ideas and theories to get stronger. The only problem was time, he didnt have much time left, and there were many things to do. I guess I should head home first and then work it all out. He continued on his way as quickly as he could. While riding on the train he would oberve the items which he had recieved to get an idea of what he needed to do with his stat points to use them.

Storm Circlet

Name: Storm Circlet

Rank: Rare

This special enchanted circlet gives one the power to connect with the very Elemental Force of Storms itself as storm essence and the magics to control said power were all imbued into it during its crafting. This crown grants +10 Storm Affinity, +5 Wind Affinity, +5 Lightning Affinity, +50 MP, and strengthens all Storm Element abilities by 30% and all Lightning and Wind Abilities by 10%. Furthermore, it has three powers. Three times per day the user can cast Storm Bolt, once per day it can cast Summon Storms, and Twice per day they can use Command Storms. Requires Storm Affinity 20

Storm Bolt: Launches a bolt of powerful Storm element, which not only shocks the enemy with lightning, but blows them away as if they were caught in a powerful storm. Deals 75 - 125 + Storm Affinity Damage. Furthermore, has a potential knockback affect. This also ignores metal armor.

Summon Storm: You can either call forth a Storm Elemental to your aid, or you can conjure a small, yet still mighty twister to ensnare your foe(s) so that they are trapped and whipped by the winds of the storm, taking 25 - 50 + Storm Affinity Damage every few seconds or so until either they break free or 30 seconds has passed.

Command Storms: You can either command whatever storm may be brewing, or you can command enemy Storm, Wind, or Lightning Elementals to aid you if you can turn them to aid you, the elementals getting a chance to resist (DL 75 - Storm Affinity for resistance). Wind and Lightning Elementals are at a -10 to Resist.

Elemental Discharge Book

Name: Elemental Discarge Spellbook

Rank: Quite Uncommon

This Spell Tome teaches the powerful Elemental Discharge spell, a spell that gathers alot of elemental essence from the area then lets it forth. Rank: Quite Uncommon

Medium Pure Storm Crystal

Name: Medium Pure Storm Crystal

Rank: Pretty Uncommon

A decent sized piece of crystallized Storm Essence. This crystal is alot more polished, pure, and concentrated though and thus holds more power than a regular Storm Crystal of its size. Rank: Pretty Common

Storm Elemental Will and Fury Piece

Name: Storm Elemental Will and Fury Piece

Rank: A tiny bit rare

Within this piece of Storm Elemental Spirit lies a bit of its calm fury and powerful will that seems to be awaiting to be tapped into, or even brought forth to be made into a different elemental, or even moreso used to empower an elemental with its strength.

After arriving home, Lucian set himself up at his compter. He was finally going to use his discount on the abyss auction. He had been saving it for a while, but now that he had a fair chunck of money, and a bit more intellegence than before, he felt this would be the time to open it up again, and make some purchases. Then he wouluse all the skill books that he had gained at the same time, or close to. He stared into the monitor, scrolling through the options in the abyss, he knew what he was going to buy. IF wind and lightning make storm, then it would probably help to learn lightning, and while i am here and have the funding I might as well toss either earth or water into the mix. He sat back in his chair, he had enough money ofr only one of the later two options, but now it was deciding which one would be more up his alley, and more importantly, which one would benifit him the most later on.

Lucian decided to purchase the Lightning and Earth elemental books, now not only covering half of the elemental spectrum, but also having multiple elements that opposed one another as Air beat Earth and Earth beat Lightning. Still, in games Earth Elementals were always good tanks and Lightning Elementals were usually great single target DPS, so that may be the case here. After that, came a quick and brief search of the auction looking for anything similar to his Wind Crystals.

---

Auction Search: 96 (Fumble)

---

Nothing. Nothing was found. Luckily Lucian didn't spend too much time on it since all of the Essence on the auction was somehow all sold out for today and people weren't selling it tonight either by some mysterious, unlucky twist of fate. Of course, according to Saito essence harvested through the "normal" way was pretty unstable at times, so perhaps buying some to recharge natural powers wasn't all such a good idea.

So the two books came down to 140,000 Yen. By entering Gin's name in the Coupon Code box it came down to 105,000 Yen. After the Cash Fee, ATM Account Fee to avoid paying the Cash Fee on future purchases, and the Quick Delivery Fee the total amount was 125,500 Yen, leaving Lucian with 92,400 Yen, a fair chunk of change. Naturally, just like the others, a UFO would be right outside his window after he clicked accept and looked towards it maybe accidentally. It was quite the silly sight, but also a bit creepy with how well... Quick... the delivery was.

Upon opening the window the UFO would let out an animatronic voice telling Lucian to insert the cash into the hole in the top, which opened as it was saying this. After doing so, since pissing off the Auction probably was not a good idea, Lucian would be able to take the package. In the package was indeed the two books, an ATM Card with his choice of picture on it, and one more item. A small ring box, and attached to that was a note saying the following.

Note

A little something from me to you, as I do want you all to succeed after all.

From Gin,
The Auction Dealer

According to Ren the dealer who he met with had the name of Gin, so perhaps it was safe to say that he was looking out for them somewhat with this. Upon opening the ring box was a ring, its Observe Data stating the following.

Beginner Elementalist

Beginner Elementalists Ring

Rank: Uncommon

This weak magic ring is inlaid with base elemental essence that connects straight to a person's spirit, strengthening the connection with their respective elements slightly. +2 to all Base Elemental Affinities and your Elementals use 10% less MP when using their powers, it is perfect for the beginner Elementalist. Requirements: Possess multiple Base Elemental Affinities.

It wasn't really all that strong, but every bit counted concerning what was happening tomorrow at midnight if the Gamers really did decide to go through with the Quest. He was successfully able to learn from the Lightning and Earth Skill books, acquiring the following Skills in the process.

Earth Magic Rituals

Earth Magic Rituals (Talent Skill): You know everything that is needed for using basic earth magic rituals, which involve the summoning of earth elementals and communing with the magical elemental forces of earth. Also grants an Affinity to the element of Earth once you contract with an Earth Elemental.

Lightning Magic Rituals

Lightning Magic Rituals (Talent Skill): You know everything that is needed for using basic lightning magic rituals, which involve the summoning of lightning elementals and communing with the magical elemental forces of lightning . Also grants an Affinity to the element of Lightning once you contract with a Lightning Elemental.

Unfortunately, the third Skill Book gave the following notification.

Notification

You do not meet the following requirements to learn this Skill.
--Any Elemental Spellcraft Rank 10 or any 2 Elemental Spellcrafts Rank 5.

First though he applied his Level Up, and the moment he gained Rank 20 in Focus the following windows appeared.

Skill Get!

A Skill has been created through a Special Action. By acheving peak mental concentration and a mastery of focus, an ability to display the mastery of this talent, Focus Mastery, has been created.

Focus Mastery

Focus Mastery (Max Level) (Passive): +1 Wis, +5 MP Regeneration, +20 MP. You have mastered the natural skill of focusing your mind and thus your concentration can only naturally increase from now on. It may become much easier now to unlock Focus or willpower related related abilities.

Title Unlock

Becoming a master of focus is quite the accomplishment, and a new Title to display this, Master of Focus, has been unlocked.

Master of Focus

Master of Focus: You have mastered the Focus Talent, achieving the Max Rank in it and thus have a mind of steel. +2 MP Regeneration and +5% to your Focus. [/hider\

That was two titles in a single day. Queller of Storm's Fury, obtained after slaying that Angered Storm Elemental, and Master of Focus, both neat little acheviements to remember everything by.

After that, Lucian went into his back yard to experiment using a combination of Mana Flow and Healing Roots to try and obtain Mana from the Earth instead of HP. Well for Lucian, since Spiritual Energy was Mana, Spirit Channel would be the main applicable one here as would Mana Flow, so both Skills would carry a benefit for this plan.

---

Nature Invocation Creation: 40 - 34 Natural Force Rituals = 6

---

Normally this would have been incredibly difficult, but having Mana Flow and Spirit Channel both active during it made it easier. By tapping into the power of Healing Roots that Lucian had contracted, he was instead able to gather Spirit Energy from the earth and flow it into him, which then flowed through him with Mana Flow once it entered him as it Spirit Energy and Mana were one in the same for Lucian. He could feel his Mana being replenished now for just a short time until he had no choice but to break off the flow due to it being hard to sustain, but now that he got it, new Windows appeared.

[hider=Skill Get!]
A Skill has been created through a Special Action. Through practicing using the power of roots to tap into the spiritual energies of the earth and then flowing them into yourself to replenish your Mana, the ability to better do so, Spirit Roots, has been created.

Spirit Roots

Spirit Roots (Level 1: 0/100 XP) (Active: Special): By touching the earth, bare feet or bare hands the best for this, it is possible to absorb spiritual energy. While you use this Skill (GM Note: In Game Terms it will be Rounds, and it is activated as an Action so if you have more than one Action you can still use something else), you replenish an amount of Mana equal to 5 + 50% Nature Invoking Score. Better connections to the roots and earth may increase this, as weaker ones will decrease it. Note though while using this you are unable to move from where you are standing, meaning you will be a sitting duck for most attacks (no using Dodge). If you get on your knees and touch the earth with your hands, the amount of MP gathered will be increased by 20%. The longest you can sustain this Skill is 20 seconds. After that it has a 30 Second Cooldown. To Level Up: Use Spirit Roots.

The Skill seemed quite useful, but it had one large flaw. It left Lucian stationary, so perhaps acquiring multiple elementals would be a good thing. Which is exactly what he would do. First off he would prepare himself and contact the elemental of lighnting, and afterwards the elemental of earth.

---

Earth Ritual Magic: 4 (Critical!)

---

The contract for Earth was a success. Perhaps it was Lucian's deep connection to the earth through nature and elemental forces and natural elements being the same thing for him, but he would suddenly feel a very deep connection to the elemental plane of earth as if he was walking upon it before, in a flash of light, a figure formed from ethereal earth essence for a few moments before soon attaining a full shape. This elemental looked a bit more human than the others had in terms of appearance. Like Sylph did, she spoke through a sort of telepathic connection.

"So you are the one who has summoned me. I shall make a contract with you then, so lets work well together". Like before, when he made a contract with Sylph, that same sort of surreal experience happened before soon enough he was back in reality, the contract completed and Gnome having vanished, but not before telling Lucian to call upon her whenever he needed.

A window appeared after that, stating the following.

Window

Through contracting a rare Waking Earth Elemental you feel much more adept at Ritual Earth Magic. +1 Ritual Earth Magic.

Next came an attempt to contract a Lightning Elemental to finish off the evening.

---

Elemental Contract: 22 - 30 Ritual Lightning Magic = -8

---

The contract was once again a success, Lucian contracting with a basic Lightning Elemental named Rai (not as big as seen in pic).

After that, Lucian would next go to bed.

---

Sunday. Lucian had until midnight to prepare, but stopping first thing in the evening to allow for plenty of rest before midnight would be the best idea.

First part of the morning was renewing his boons. Luckily with newly acquired Elementals, some of these would probably be stronger than usual since he now had an Earth Elemental Affinity thanks to having contracted Gnome.

---

Protection of the Wind: 22 - 34 Nature Force Rituals = -12

Ocean's Resistance: 15 - 34 Natural Force Rituals = -19

Sustenence from Earth: 49 - 34 Natural Force Rituals = 19

---

All three boons were renewed without a hitch. After that came recharging all four of his Powers.

---

Power 1: 38 - 34 Natural Force Rituals = 4

Power 2: 28 - 34 = -4

Power 3: 74 - 34 = 40

Power 4: 36 - 34 = 2

---

These all went without a hitch as well, although the Earth's Might Power was a bit harder to renew this time around and thus was effectively weaker. After that came grinding Mana Roots and getting his elementals to work together, which may have been a bit harder since Earth opposed Lightning and was weak against Air.

---

Elemental Bonding: 4 (Critical!)

---

Somehow or another, Lucian, who was a surprisingly good speaker, managed to get the three of them working together quite nicely, able to get them to work well together as he grinded spirit root for the rest of the afternoon, having to take plenty of breaks inbetween since Spirit Root drained the stamina his 11 VIT gave him like a battery. Still, it got to Level 5, which was nice.

Also, upon nearing the end of the afternoon, Lucian recieved the following windows near the time he finished all of his grinding for the afternoon.

Skill Get!

A Skill has been unlocked through a Special Action. Through excellent commanding and working together with multiple elemental summons, the ability to better utilize their powers as one, Elemental Synchronization, has been created.

Elemental Synchronization

Elemental Synchronization (Level 1: 0/100 XP) (Active: 75 MP): +1 to all Elemental Affinities. You are very gifted at commanding multiple elementals, even ones of opposing elements, a talent not many possess the knowledge and charisma for. By using this Skill you can unleash a powerful elemental ability that depends upon the elementals you use. Note though that this takes several seconds to set up (uses all actions) and your elementals must be close to either you or each other. All Elemental Sync abilities you perform are strengthened by 10%. As you practice more with this Skill you will gain more knowledge of powerful sync abilities that you will be able to call your elementals to perform at any given time. To Level Up: Perform new Sync Abilities, Use Known Sync Abilities.

After this though it would be best for Lucian to rest for a while and take it easy, since they had a big quest coming up at midnight, and once the deadline would get close, Lucian would head to Gekkoukan now.

[Renose]

On the table in Erica's room when she woke up was a total of 200,000 Yen, 5 Small Health Potions, what looked like the same Buckler the Kobold Lord had been using, a Medium Mana Potion, two Medium Recovery Potions, and a Small Mana Potion. A bit more notable on the table though was the battle axe that looked like the same one the Kobold Lord held, and looked quite heavy, and some bracers. A usage of Observe would reveal the data on the items.

Kobold War Buckler

Name: Kobold War Buckler

Item Type: Shield

This special shield is very sturdy and incredibly light. Grants +5 to Defense and allows one to use Shield Block Defense, which uses Melee Weaponry and can parry against ranged projectiles. Requires 13 Strength.

Rank: A tiny bit uncommon.

Bracers of Armor

Name: Bracers of Armor

Item Type: Bracer

Special bracers enchanted with kobold magics that, when worn, provide a small sheen of mystical armor against attack, granting +5 to Resistance when worn.

Rank: A little bit less than somewhat uncommon.

Kobold Lord Axe

Name: Kobold Lord Axe

Item Type: War Axe

A powerful battle axe that is always held by a Kobold Lord, one of the most powerful forms of Kobolds. Deals 20 - 50 Damage and it has been enchanted by Kobold shamans so that it gives its user strength (+5 Strength). Requires 25 Strength to Wield.

Rank: A little rare.

It was all pretty powerful gear if Erica ever wanted to switch up from her fists to an axe and shield, and raise her strength up to 25 of course. With more money, a somewhat healthy stock of healing potions and even a couple of Mana Potions, and some better gear Erica would probably have a somewhat easier time fighting anything, especially if she decided to try out that axe, although with her current Strength score that probably wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

Breakfast went by rather normally, Sumi telling Erica not to push herself too much before she left the dojo to go do whatever. After that, Erica trained ID Create/Escape as well as Spirit Channel for a good part of the morning as well as the Ban Family Technique for another part.

---

Stamina: 54 - 14 VIT = 40

Ban Family Technique: 80 - 32 Ban Family Technique = 48

---

It wasn't too difficult a training, although Erica did have to take a few breaks here and there since using the ID Create and Escape Skills over and over again did take a good chunk of stamina as did keeping Spirit Channel on until MP ran out and training the Ban Family Techniques while she waited, that training not really going all that well either.

Still, a little bit of progress was gained in all three Skills, Genji coming by in the afternoon after he also returned from a class to see Erica training, so he offered to do a bit of light sparring with her.

---

Stamina: 10 - 14 VIT = -6

Ban Family Technique: 91 - 33 Ban Family Technique - 10 Genji's Help = 48

Capoeria: 95 - 35 Capoeria - 10 Genji's Help = 50

---

Her stamina lasted her much longer this time around during their sparring. Unfortunately her technique was somewhat off. Luckily Genji was here to provide some pointers so that she didn't waste her time with this, allowing her to get a small bit of progress, about as much as she got before.

After the bit of training and sparring with Genji, Erica decided to take her skills to the Kobolds again, deciding on just seven of them since it seemed like the more one killed, the higher the odds of a Boss Mob appearing would be.

The training was a bit tough against the Kobolds, they having gotten some blows in, but ultimately Erica prevailed, slaying all seven of the Kobolds, no Boss Mob appearing this time around. Erica got a good bit of progress, Physical Endurance hitting Level 10 which also seemed to give her a good bit of bonus in terms of endurance since it also gave a point in VIT now as well.

After dinner she meditated for a little while, Genji giving some good meditation tips before he left her to her work.

---

Meditation: 37 - 21 Focus - 10 Helpful Advice = 6

---

The meditation went really well. Erica felt her mind clear as she focused herself, relaxing and taking deep breaths as she both calmed and focused her mind and body through peaceful, thought free meditation.

After she was done the following windows appeared before her.

Skill Get!

A Skill has been created through a Special Action. Through practicing clearing your mind and relaxing the body and spirit through peaceful meditation, the ability to better do so, Meditation, has been created.

Meditation

Meditation (Level 1: 0/100 EXP) (Active): +1 MP Regeneration. The art of focusing and clearing your mind to relieve stress and tension or to increase focus. Raises MP recover rate by 100% when used. Cannot be used in Combat. If used during an attempt to focus towards a focus or meditation oriented task your Focus is increased by 1%. To Level Up: Use to recover MP. Meditate Naturally.

After that, when she asked Genji to bring her to some type of store, Genji directed her to the computer they had in the dojo and showed her the Abyss Auction site, allowing her to use their address for her account. "You can buy all sorts of things on here, but don't be afraid to ask if there's something specific you want here. You are family after all." He gave her a smile before yawning.

"Anyway, its getting late, best that we head to bed. That's where i'll be heading. Good night." After that he left, letting Erica explore the auction for a short bit if she wanted to, but otherwise heading to bed would be the best option for her.

[Renose]

On the table in Erica's room when she woke up was a total of 200,000 Yen, 5 Small Health Potions, what looked like the same Buckler the Kobold Lord had been using, a Medium Mana Potion, two Medium Recovery Potions, and a Small Mana Potion. A bit more notable on the table though was the battle axe that looked like the same one the Kobold Lord held, and looked quite heavy, and some bracers. A usage of Observe would reveal the data on the items.

Kobold War Buckler

Name: Kobold War Buckler

Item Type: Shield

This special shield is very sturdy and incredibly light. Grants +5 to Defense and allows one to use Shield Block Defense, which uses Melee Weaponry and can parry against ranged projectiles. Requires 13 Strength.

Rank: A tiny bit uncommon.

Bracers of Armor

Name: Bracers of Armor

Item Type: Bracer

Special bracers enchanted with kobold magics that, when worn, provide a small sheen of mystical armor against attack, granting +5 to Resistance when worn.

Rank: A little bit less than somewhat uncommon.

Kobold Lord Axe

Name: Kobold Lord Axe

Item Type: War Axe

A powerful battle axe that is always held by a Kobold Lord, one of the most powerful forms of Kobolds. Deals 20 - 50 Damage and it has been enchanted by Kobold shamans so that it gives its user strength (+5 Strength). Requires 25 Strength to Wield.

Rank: A little rare.

It was all pretty powerful gear if Erica ever wanted to switch up from her fists to an axe and shield, and raise her strength up to 25 of course. With more money, a somewhat healthy stock of healing potions and even a couple of Mana Potions, and some better gear Erica would probably have a somewhat easier time fighting anything, especially if she decided to try out that axe, although with her current Strength score that probably wasn't going to happen anytime soon.

Breakfast went by rather normally, Sumi telling Erica not to push herself too much before she left the dojo to go do whatever. After that, Erica trained ID Create/Escape as well as Spirit Channel for a good part of the morning as well as the Ban Family Technique for another part.

---

Stamina: 54 - 14 VIT = 40

Ban Family Technique: 80 - 32 Ban Family Technique = 48

---

It wasn't too difficult a training, although Erica did have to take a few breaks here and there since using the ID Create and Escape Skills over and over again did take a good chunk of stamina as did keeping Spirit Channel on until MP ran out and training the Ban Family Techniques while she waited, that training not really going all that well either.

Still, a little bit of progress was gained in all three Skills, Genji coming by in the afternoon after he also returned from a class to see Erica training, so he offered to do a bit of light sparring with her.

---

Stamina: 10 - 14 VIT = -6

Ban Family Technique: 91 - 33 Ban Family Technique - 10 Genji's Help = 48

Capoeria: 95 - 35 Capoeria - 10 Genji's Help = 50

---

Her stamina lasted her much longer this time around during their sparring. Unfortunately her technique was somewhat off. Luckily Genji was here to provide some pointers so that she didn't waste her time with this, allowing her to get a small bit of progress, about as much as she got before.

After the bit of training and sparring with Genji, Erica decided to take her skills to the Kobolds again, deciding on just seven of them since it seemed like the more one killed, the higher the odds of a Boss Mob appearing would be.

The training was a bit tough against the Kobolds, they having gotten some blows in, but ultimately Erica prevailed, slaying all seven of the Kobolds, no Boss Mob appearing this time around. Erica got a good bit of progress, Physical Endurance hitting Level 10 which also seemed to give her a good bit of bonus in terms of endurance since it also gave a point in VIT now as well.

After dinner she meditated for a little while, Genji giving some good meditation tips before he left her to her work.

---

Meditation: 37 - 21 Focus - 10 Helpful Advice = 6

---

The meditation went really well. Erica felt her mind clear as she focused herself, relaxing and taking deep breaths as she both calmed and focused her mind and body through peaceful, thought free meditation.

After she was done the following windows appeared before her.

Skill Get!

A Skill has been created through a Special Action. Through practicing clearing your mind and relaxing the body and spirit through peaceful meditation, the ability to better do so, Meditation, has been created.

Meditation

Meditation (Level 1: 0/100 EXP) (Active): +1 MP Regeneration. The art of focusing and clearing your mind to relieve stress and tension or to increase focus. Raises MP recover rate by 100% when used. Cannot be used in Combat. If used during an attempt to focus towards a focus or meditation oriented task your Focus is increased by 1%. To Level Up: Use to recover MP. Meditate Naturally.

After that, when she asked Genji to bring her to some type of store, Genji directed her to the computer they had in the dojo and showed her the Abyss Auction site, allowing her to use their address for her account. "You can buy all sorts of things on here, but don't be afraid to ask if there's something specific you want here. You are family after all." He gave her a smile before yawning.

"Anyway, its getting late, best that we head to bed. That's where i'll be heading. Good night." After that he left, letting Erica explore the auction for a short bit if she wanted to, but otherwise heading to bed would be the best option for her.

[Card Captor]

Well that was a complete bust. Mike wasn't able to get anything out of that book. "Guess I'll have to come back to this" he thought aloud to himself. Having given up on learning the secrets that the book held, Mike decided to work on something else today. He didn't think going into an ID was a good idea, since his Fortune Telling skill said that he would get attacked today. Speaking of Fortune Telling..."hey yeah, that might be a good idea. If I get good enough with this, I might even be able to tell what all the different books for sale at the Auction would give me, among other things. Yeah, this is sounding awesome!" With that settled, he began to practice his Fortune Telling "lets see what's going on in the world"

[Renose]

Resting for the night healed the Time Compression Stress ailment, which was nice since he still felt a bit of that even as he went to bed, it having lessened instead of having gone away completely after he left the Time Compression Pseudospace. It lessened by one stage. Still, it was Sunday. The day of the deadline of the Quest, the Quest being due at Midnight. In the morning when he woke up all refreshed at a regular time, not really bothering to try and get up early today. No. They would need all of their strength if they were going to go through with this plan. This was why Ren wasn't planning on performing any Grinding today.

"Just preparations for now..." Ren got out of bed and went to his computer, deciding to just eat some of the snacks he kept at his desk as a breakfast. He was too lazy to actually prepare breakfast right now, the aura of a neet flowing through him at the moment. They filled him up and Ren never got fat, ever. Despite that his metabolism he began to wonder if he was ever going to grow beyond his short height of about five feet. Not that he really cared. Ren wasn't much for keeping appearances up, and only made himself look somewhat presentable every day just to not stand out more than he already does.

Spell Tomes or Magical Tools that help with frost or demon magic that were in his price range. With near a million Yen, which Ren figured was probably chump change to people in the abyss but to Ren it was more money than he had ever had total in his entire life, not counting what he has already acquired with the Gamer Power. With that, Ren began searching for one of those two things, willing to spend part of the morning doing so.

---

Auction Search: 87 - 14 Luck + 25 Multiple Search Penalty = 98

---

Ren found... nothing really. Well, nothing special anyway. To phrase it properly, he didn't find anything special that was on sale or that he could afford even if it wasn't. Magical weapons and items were expensive. Spell Tomes, which were books that contained info on a single spell, were also expensive, but not too expensive. Still expensive enough to blow away a large chunk of the money he currently had though considering that the cheaper ones were either Upper E or Lower D Rank purchases. There wasn't really much on there though that Ren was willing to blow tons of money on.

With time wasted, as he had no Toggles to grind aside from Meditation, which he didn't bother with, Ren decided to move on to something else after having spent around an hour or so searching. "Time to prepare for midnight." Renewing his Jinx, making some Runes, and creating some better Essence Weapons were all a part of his preparation plans. If he had any time left, he would try contracting another Demon. He wanted to save some time though to just rest and relax in the evening, unwind by playing some games before their quest began.

First came renewing his Jinx of Draining. After that, he decided to attempt making another Hex or two.

---

Jinx Renewal: 4 (Critical!)

---

The Hex Renewal worked. In fact, it worked so well that he felt like he would be able to use its power more before it ran out. After that, Ren thought for a few moments, wondering if he could make some sort of paralysis hex. "It would certainly be useful against human foes..." In the games he played, the job of a black or dark mage, while sometimes was dealing major damage, was also more or less debuffing. By making the enemies weaker it made them easier to destroy. That was what his Black Magic would be for once he leveled it up some more, Ren not having paid too much attention to it ever since he now had two other forms of magic to focus upon.

---

Jinx Creation: 3 (Critical!)

---

A Natural at Black Magic. Being called such a thing probably... was both good and bad in a sense. Perhaps it was Magic Affinity, but Magic was coming so naturally to Ren, it felt incredible really. With one of the Death Runes he had as a focus before to harness the powers of death like he used before to make the Mark of Numbness, he was able to create the Hex and still even keep the rune intact. The black magic mark on his right hand glowing some, Ren cringing a bit as it hurt, but he endured it for now, looking in apt satisfaction at the new windows that appeared. With that out of the way, Ren wasn't stopping there. That grand showing of magical prowess ranked up his black magic enough, he figured he would learn some black magic spells, something he wasn't planning on, but figured he could do anyway.

Hexes were the next step in the path of black magic. Hexes were similar to Spells, but were created differently. Black Magic is a magic born from dark desires. It made Ren wonder if White Magic was the opposite if it even existed. It was something worth looking into, a buffing or positive magic of sorts. Unlike other forms of magic, if one had the desires and means of focus or symbolism, one could create any form of spell as long as it is within the mage's power. If it wasn't, then the attempt to create the spell would probably kill them.

Ren decided to use his Survival Knife as the focus medium for the first attempt at a spell. It had cut into alot of enemies and he had been using it for a while, even having enchanted it a few times with temporary magics. It would make the perfect focus.

---

Attempt at Hex Creation: 32 - 52 Ritual Black Magic - 7 Skill Bonus - 3 Magic Ritual ID Bonus = -30

---

Ren could feel dark desires bubbling within him. Desires to hurt, desires to harm, desires to cut down enemies. The knife was a perfect Symbol for this, its blade glowing with a black energy for the ritual as Ren's chanting continued. In order for the ritual to work properly one had to feel their own creation, their own Hex. Experience the darkness of it for themselves. Without hesitation Ren closed his fist around the knife, cringing some as he could feel it cutting into him. No blood came out, but he could feel as if it was coming out, running over the knife and onto the circle where the knife had been placed.

From the 'wound' he could feel the dark magic beginning to move into his hand, the mark pulsating and glowing with a dark power. It was hot, and felt like it was filling his very being, attacking it, empowering it, corrupting it. He felt the demonic force within him react in kind, the two dark forces moving within him now, Ren cringing and crying out loudly in pain. The ritual was working, but he could feel his HP dropping, Ren wondering if he could even endure this dark power corrupting and eating away at his being as he felt both the darkness of his black magic and the very demonic energy within him starting to merge as one, something Ren tried to stop, but for some reason he just couldn't, no matter how hard he tried.

Because of this, he felt as if it was tearing his very being apart, his MP and HP both being drained at very fast speeds, dark thoughts slithering into his being like some sort of white hot malice. He couldn't even focus himself to resist the malice, relying on just sheer willpower to resist.

---

Endure the Power: 53 - 22 VIT = 31

Resist the Corruption: 75 - 32 WIS = 43

---

Ren's eyes were rolling back in his head a bit, the dark power starting to burn and eat away more at his very essence while it seemed to corrupt more of his mind. He tried his hardest to keep himself with whatever force of will he could muster. It was all too much, but somehow Ren barely managed to pull through. He collapsed to the ground after that, exhausted, barely able to move. HP and MP were both extremely low. He felt though that this power was tamed within, whatever it was. A force of dark will and demonic strength. Something that just seemed incredibly dangerous.

Ren felt weaker physically while his mind felt duller for some reason. His eyes widened when he discovered that said force had weakened his body and damaged his mind permanently, a -1 to each Stat being listed, except Luck of course, so just his Physical and Mental stats. "Dammit... that's the last thing I need, today of all days..." Ren panted heavily, slowly crawling towards his bed. Luckily though the new windows explaining some of his new stuff was interesting, but Ren was wondering if the loss of five entire Stat Points was worth it. Those weren't going to be easy to come by, not easy at all, especially now that he was Level 20. He had lost a total of 11 Stat Points to these dark powers so far. Ren wasn't really sure how many more he was willing to lose.

Too tired to do much else, Ren decided to first heal himself as much as he could with Healing Wave before resting, resting the rest of the morning away, making sure to set an alarm to get himself up around noon.

And get up he did. Feeling a bit more refreshed now, it now being around noon. The afternoon was all Ren had left to prepare. He wanted to grind until he leveled up again, but decided against it. Ren wasn't too keen on utilizing a power that nearly killed him yet, so first he decided to practice a bit of Essence Manipulation. He figured that two Minor Crystals and two Frost Crystals would make a decent dagger of sorts.

---

Essence Manipulation: 26 - 48 Ritual Water Magic - 7 Magic Affinity - 3 ID Bonus = -32

---

The manipulation worked like a charm. With Shimo's help, a dagger of chilling energy and solidified essence of frost was now sitting in Ren's hand, which was then soon enough stored within a Rune. He needed a new weapon now more than ever since learning that new Black Arts Spell destroyed his Survival Knife. It wasn't that strong, but Ren figured he would use it if need be. Next he wanted to create a water knife. He thought about a trident, but decided against it.

---

Essence Manipulation: 8 - 58 Bonuses = - 50

---

The water essence dagger was easily created, and a bit stronger than the ice one thanks to both the materials he used, and the fact that his Water Affinity was much higher than his Frost Affinity. With two elemental weapons created, Ren decided a bit of an experiment was in order. He wondered that if he used a bit of his own Mana, the technique of Essence Manipulation, and his more or less pretty good knowledge of magic if he could somehow use these two weapons as ranged weapons for launching blasts of the elemental energies within at an opponent. It was certainly worth a shot.

So first he turned on Mana Focus and Essence Manipulation, deciding to use his Water Dagger in the experiment since it had more uses available to it. This was a pretty foreign concept though, so Ren wasn't sure if he could even do it or if he was even doing it right if there was a way to do it.

---

Essence Focus: 13 + 25 Unknown Method - 51 Focus - 5 Focus Title Bonus = -18

---

It was incredibly difficult, but somehow Ren pulled through. By focusing into the mana the magical weapon was powered by and by grasping the Essence of the weapon, with a burst of mental focus he was able to eject it out with a slash, creating a blade like wave of water essence. He looked down at his dagger after that, a small smirk appearing on his face after he saw the new Window that had appeared.

With that, a third of the afternoon was gone. Ren decided to spend it grinding his newest Whisper and Hex, the Whisper having been updated again when Ren learned that Cold Fire whisper Skill Book. Of course, Healing Wave would also be trained here as well so that he could be healed, letting Shimo and Undine also assist with Healing when necessary. Grinding these Skills was a bit harder, especially since he had to face Corruptive Encroachment a couple of times, but with proper focus and inner strength, and thus a bit of time wasting, it was fought off. A couple levels were gained in Harm, the newest Whisper he acquired, and the corrupted being Skill.

Ren decided that for the last bit of preparation today he would just make a bunch of Runes before heading off to Gekkoukan. Healing Wave Runes was going to be what he made. Of course, he turned on Mana Shield in case any of the Runes decided to explode on him like before.

---

Rune Magic: 5 - 58 Bonuses = -53

Rune Magic: 96 (Fumble)

Rune Magic: 12 - 58 Bonus = -46

---

The first one went well, but the second exploded right in front of him with enough force to nearly shatter his Mana Shield, which he was glad that he kept up. After that, Ren rested for now, playing games and just relaxing.

Once it was around 10:30 PM, Ren left for Gekkoukan, getting there around 11 PM. It was an hour before midnight, Ren hanging out a bit away from it on a nearby bench, waiting for the others to arrive now.

[Card Captor]

Well that went well. Not only did Mike get two extra points in Divination, but he also discovered that he has a skill that gives out a LUK point every 5 levels. That was nice. What wasn't nice is what he saw about Ren; that dark feeling didn't really bode well. Anyway, since both of his parents were gone for the night, and would only me back tomorrow, Mike was able to leave his house without having to sneak out. After he put his Divination things into his inventory, he equipped his Spirit Bokken and set off for school

When he got there, he soon saw Ren. "Hey! It's been awhile hasn't it?" he asked as he ran up to him. Remembering what he saw in his Fortune Telling session, he asked "hey, um...this is going to sound a little weird but; do you have any sort of dark power inside you that you know about? Because if not, then you might have a problem and you should really look into getting that fixed"

[Valeric]

After her morning exercise in making talismans, Sasha went to hunt for wisps again. They were still giving good experience, although they were much harder than the kobolds. She began with her routine enchantments of her equipment before opening the instant dungeon. It went well this time. She was getting better at enchanting items.

The day's training went extremely well. Sasha mowed through two dozen wisps, gunning them down with her energy spells. However, right after the last wisp dissipated, a boss spawned. There was no Genji here to help. Sasha steeled herself and engaged the boss. It was a long and difficult battle, in which she had to use some of her potions to survive. In the end, she came out alive, with a good bit of loot as her reward.

"Fucking. Awesome. I'm good," she said with a wide grin. The sheer excitement from fighting in a life-and-death battle was exhilarating. She could get addicted to this, Sasha thought. "And the money's good too. I might never need to work."

Sasha, the monster hunter? That was as close to a dream job as she could ever hope for. Exhausted from her battles, she returned to her room and slept like a log.

[Omnial]

Lucian took a look at his alarm clock beside his bed. He had been mostly killing time and resting after his morning and afternoon training, and it was finally coming to a close to see if he had done enough for it to pay off. He let out a slight yawn, as he got himself together. He had cleaned himself up nicely after his training, made sure that he had showered and ironed his shirt. Slicked his hair back, and double checked his inventory. Yeah he was about as ready as he could be. He cracked his knuckles and went out the door, locking it and placing his keys in his inventory. He took a look at his place. It really wasn't much, but students normally didn't have much. IF things kept going as they were though, he could probably get himself a proper house even...this was assuming that tonight wouldn't kill him of course.

He turned around and set course for the school. It had been a while since all the Gamers had been together, I wonder what everyone else did for training? or if they even trained at all? Lucian kept on his way as he mused to himself,