Fire and Fangs [2]

https://discord.gg/ZrWk2jqjbV

AN: AU stuff, no major changes/storyline changes

I didn't know exactly what had changed, but I could immediately tell it was "different". I was about to exit the lab to go have Azazel help me out when something in the corner of my eye caught my attention.

The Transmitter—was trembling? I went closer to examine it, and the trembling only grew more violent as I approached.

But the device wasn't even on. What was happening? I removed the cartridge inside it. It was still filled with fermented [Mana] from when I turned Kokuja into a golem.

Wait, a minute—was the volume of [Mana], decreasing?

No, more accurately, it looked as if it was being withered away. I held the flame closer to the cartridge, and the rate of degradation only seemed to quicken.

It took simply a few seconds for the cartridge to empty.

I was… degrading the [Mana] inside. Holy shit—isn't this overpowered?

But how was this possible? It was then that I came up with a theory.

It's within reason to assume that creatures in the Volcanic Marshes, or creatures in the Underworld, would have some form of [Mana] within them, whether it was [Ki], [Demonic Power], etc.

It should help them sustain their bodies, kind of like a life force—if you will. And Kokuja's venom must have properties that eat away at that, to kill her prey.

And now I've taken that ability and channeled it into its raw form—so now I have a flame that not only carries immense destructive power—but also an extremely strong affliction feature.

"Kokuja, I hereby declare that making you a golem was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made" The stronger she gets, the stronger her [Mana] should become as well.

I wonder how fast and how much [Mana] I can afflict with this level of strength, and by how much I'm talking about the density of [Mana]; Middle-Class, High-class—maybe even higher? I wonder.

Subarashi. Simply wonderful.

'Hmph, it's about time you realized the extent of my amazingness' She declared proudly.

"You can read my thoughts correct? Try to replicate my thoughts when I begin molding the shape of my flames" I began shaping my flames into the shape of an arrow.

'Should be easy enough' And just like that, it was now in its projectile state. Is competing with Valia possible?

No wait—she should be able to simply divide the strength of both the venom and my flames. Theoretically, I could just continuously supply it with energy to maintain its strength.

But I know for a fact, Valia's energy reserves eclipse both me and Kokuja's combined by a massive margin, she's a Lucifer after all.

Now if I bet on her not having half-dimension yet, which I am unsure of—I could technically just spam projectiles infused with venom from a distance.

But she could easily just close the distance, and I would be screwed. So I need a failsafe for close quarters, but Azazel said I wouldn't have time to train such a skill.

Damn, there are too many "what if's". Hopefully, Azazel can provide some answers, the Crow Project isn't going to be completed any time soon, my flames and Kokuja's venom will be all my arsenal has.

Even her battle intelligence will be far greater—unlike her, I haven't gone on any missions. Damnit, Azazel, why'd you have to rope me into this?

No matter, I already steeled myself to meet Valia's expectations, all I can do now is go through with it.

…

Nightfall had yet to set in, I was walking to the common library to catch up on some reading when I was forced to stop in my tracks.

A young girl with silver hair, hazel eyes, and wearing what seemed to be some type of combat attire with Grigori's emblem on it appeared in the hallway.

Valia was passing through as well—this time I was about to greet her when I noticed something fundamentally wrong.

I couldn't speak, no—I couldn't even move, I was shaking even. Valia's face was far grimmer than the last time I saw her, and she was…frightening.

No that's an understatement, she was dread-inducing.

What the hell was this…why can't I move, she's not touching me or anything—move legs!

She got closer and closer, and my panic only intensified—is this Draconic Aura? What the hell is going on…

Step by step, her figure made her way closer and closer to me. Was she about to kill me? No—I hadn't done anything…so why.

And to my surprise—she just passed by me…never in my existence have I felt such a sense of relief. But the feeling was short-lived when I heard her footsteps come to an abrupt halt as she was merely inches away from me.

I couldn't even turn my head to see what she was doing—was this her? Was it Albion? Was it both of them? What's going on!?

"Not bad" Her voice was raspy and hollow, those two words sent shivers down my spine. And just like that, she continued on her way.

Was that a compliment? A threat? I could not tell.

I could feel my heart almost trying to escape out of my chest, I could only waddle towards the library, every movement felt like I was trying to thaw my body out of a husk of ice.

'Is that…the one you call Valia? She's…very different from what I've seen'. I could hear tremors in her voice—and I don't blame her in the slightest.

"I'm not aware of the exact details—but for about a week she wasn't present at Grigori, according to Azazel she had gone on her first combat mission, when I initially saw her again there was clearly something up, but it wasn't nearly as bad as what we just witnessed—not even close"

I immediately thought about prying Azazel for details, but firstly I had no idea whether he would tell me or not—and secondly…did I want to know?

'I don't want to demotivate you or anything but…are you sure we can fight against THAT?' Her worries are definitely warranted.

"Truthfully, I doubt it—the one sealed in her counterpart once said, 'Rage is the best fuel for a dragon' and right now she seems full of it…haha, so yeah—we're screwed".

What have I gotten myself into…or more accurately, what has Azazel gotten me into.

But I can't stand starting something and not seeing it through—hah, Nakajima seems to have rubbed off on me.

"From the beginning, we stood no chance of defeating her, I'm aware of such—but we can at least try to be able to endure her"

'That's mighty optimistic of you, but we're partners now so I'll follow alongside you' She gave me a comforting nudge with her head.

"Thanks, truly—I really need something to boost my confidence" I continued on my way to the library.

'It can't be helped, you'd be hopeless without me afterall' Her ramblings helped me clear my mind ever so slightly.

"I suppose you're right" There's no way I'd have the confidence to take her on alone.

'Wha- at least try to rebuttal me…dummy' She hid her head into my clothes, how cute.

The encounter made me change my mind about heading to the library, instead, I went into one of the many available training rooms in Grigori.

Not the main gym of course—it might be cowardice, but I would much rather avoid Valia for now, I'm not equipped mentally nor physically to deal with her.

Azazel has brought me to these devices known as "Simulation Chambers" you can basically emulate combat scenarios with a plethora of customizable scenarios.

The specs of your opponent, how many there are, their race—abilities, the list goes on. Apparently, the entire thing was created by Azazel himself, he created a few courses for me to practice my aim on moving targets with it.

Sadly it's just that—a "simulation" Azazel can't actually create a whole army of soldiers bred to his liking, but still helpful for training nonetheless.

Sorry Azazel, but I'm going to ignore your word and practice close quarters, not that I understand why you're so opposed to it in the first place.

Will he find out? Yeah, of course, he will—but I don't see why I can't even practice a little. I know I won't reach Sairaorg's level or anything, but even knowing a little bit would help.

Let's see here, 'CQC Simulation - 1/Easy' seems good, the machine isn't very hard to operate—even someone with the bare minimum of digital literacy could manage it.

For now, let's turn [Mana] off, just regular combat is enough.

Infront of me appeared a white mannequin-like figure—almost like a crash test dummy, quickly it adopted what seemed to be a fighting posture.

Or at least that's what I assumed it was, how would I know?

Then it switched to some sort of blocking stance and a robotic voice began to play around me, "Step 1 - Perform a basic bunch" A moving video of a dummy doing a punching motion appeared on a screen infront of me.

So it's actually like a tutorial thing? Neat.

Alright so put my left foot forward, straighten my back, mhm—seems simple enough. I got closer to the dummy and prepped my fists.

Wham!

I gave it a good punch, hopefully, I did right.

"Incorrect - User should perform a twisting motion as they punch to increase the amount of power released".

Alright then—so I did just that. Huh, it really does allow me to release more power, it's not actually increasing the power of my punch itself, but using the momentum to assist it.

"120 psi" was recorded on the screen, was that the strength of my punch? Was it good or bad? I had no clue.

(AN: 120 is just about average)

"Stage 2 - Dodging" the voice exclaimed, now the dummy adopted the same stance I did when I punched it.

"The dummy will punch at random, the user may weave their head either to the left, the right, or backwards—though moving your body out of the way will count as failure" So it's a test of reaction time.

"Instructions: Move your shoulder rapidly downward and inward at a 45º angle across your chest to get your head out of the path of the punch. Bend slightly with your knees as well. Don't overdo this movement. You only need to move your head about six inches to dodge".

How detailed, as expected of Azazel, though it's a lot to take in at once.

Smack!

My face was met with a stinging sensation as a result of the dummy's fist being planted in my face, christ that hurts—but I suppose without the pain I would learn slower, fine then.

Let's try again.

Smack!

Damnit, I was close—no matter, I can do this.

Let's try reading its body language. There should be some sort of motion in between the change from fighting stance to punch, the question is if my eyes can catch it.

There it is!

I noticed a small shoulder movement and bobbed my head to the left.

Smack!

Yet I was still caught right in the face, guess I was wrong. Maybe I'm thinking too much, how about I just try leaving it up to instincts?

(AN: Bro thinks he's Goku lmao)

Wham!

Well that didn't work…and damn my nose is really starting to sting.

(AN: Goofy ahh)

It took me about ten more tries before I managed to do it correctly, the sense of accomplishment felt rewarding. My face stung like crazy, but I couldn't feel any swelling, is the chamber healing me?

"Stage 3 - Dodge and Punch" So now it's a combination of the two, interesting.

I'm not one to get cocky or overconfident, no wait a minute that's exactly like me—anyways, I wonder how far I can get it one night.