9 Day 41 - 45

- Day 41

I ended up leaving the caves a little later than Rou because the girls wanted to "say goodbye" so I didn't end up leaving until two hours after that black ogre. Before leaving I decided to test something by using {Inter-Dimensional Storage}. I found out that I can store my Golems within the space which, unlike Rou's bottomless treasure chest, my skill was more of a black hole that doesn't seem to have a beginning or an end. I stored 5 clay golems and 2 rock golems while leaving the stone golem on watch, protecting the cave. I made it so that Dou could order it with basic commands since I figured that he would be the least likely to abuse it.

After leaving the settlement, I came across a few different creatures from my past that used to pose a threat. Now, barely over a month since I've been born, they run away from me if I don't use {Presence Concealment}. I eventually came upon a small lake where I decided to relax for a bit. When I was about to doze off, a group of lizard men rose out of the water with the intent to kill. I used {Water Manipulation} to lift them up in bubble of water, then proceeded to use {Lightning Breath} to fry them. After eating their souls I learned {Lizard Men Language} and not much else. They were quite weak.

When I took a closer look at the lake, I could somehow feel the flow of the water beneath the surface. This is probably thanks to {Water Sense}. Swimming down to the bottom of the lake, I found a small crevice which seemed to lead into a cave down below. With a bit of effort, I was able to use a mix of {Earth Control} and {Water Manipulation} to make my way into the cave without causing a flood or collapse.

It was rather dark since the only light happened to be from the crack in the ceiling where I came in so I used {Pyrokinesis} to generate enough light to see my immediate surroundings. As I walked through the cave, I noticed an increasing number of rare minerals that I would place in my storage as I walked. Eventually I came across what seemed to be a small clearing that didn't seem natural. Searching around, I heard a noise grow closer before being assaulted by flames spewed from the mouth of a six legged, black, yellow and red lizard that would be about the same height as me if it stood upright. The flames were hot but I had enough tolerances and resistances that it didn't really hurt. I walked up to it and sliced it's head off, thinking that if I ever got a beast taming skill that I'd like to return here and find another one of these.

When I ate the soul I gained {Fire Breath} and {Dark Vision} which, coupled with the, albeit pretty lacking, dark vision I was born with, I no longer needed to keep my hand alight. Come to think of it, that lizard must have been pretty stupid to think that fire would hurt something currently using said element as a torch.

Looking around the room some more, I found a hidden area with a pile of yellow and black spotted eggs in it. Figuring this to be that six-legged salamanders' eggs, I used {Earth Control} to make sure they wouldn't be found until they hatched and created a goblin sized stone golem to protect them after they hatched.

Moving on, I found some more creatures but they were nothing worthy of note. Just a few spiders and snakes that didn't give any new skills. I did find something that looked like a gross, green, purple and white pustule plant that I named as such before taking its essence and gaining the {Burst} {Corrosion Resistance} and {Corrosion} skill which together, seems to allow me to make parts of my body explode and spread a corrosive acid that can at the very least melt through stone. I'm glad I ate it before it did that to me, I've had enough of my skin melting.

{Water Sense} kicked in again and after following it, I discovered a beautiful little alcove with a small lake and flowing waterfall. The stone ground was covered in a fluorescent, purple moss and glowing blue mushrooms grew all around. I gained the {Glow} skill from one of the mushrooms and it doesn't seem to be poisonous.

Just then, I heard the sound of water splashing and when I went to investigate, I saw a strange, female, humanoid figure lying behind the waterfall. I told her that I meant her no harm and was simply exploring when I noticed that, while the top half of her body seems to be that of a beautiful woman with long red hair, her lower half is that of a fish with sparkling blue and green scales. She's a mermaid. Another thing I noticed when looking closer is that she appears to be injured. Blood running down her tail indicates that it had to be something strong enough to pierce the scales.

When I told her I wanted to heal her and showed her that I could control water by making myself an entry to the area behind the waterfall, she seemed to calm down a bit, probably believing I had ranked up into something water related or had a water God's Blessing which, I actually do have.

Before anything, I synthesised {Minor Healing} and {Moderate Healing} which created {Major Healing} allowing me to restore the girl's tail back to its original, uninjured state with flawless accuracy.

Her expression turned from one of caution to bewilderment to joy as she embraced me in a hug. We stayed in the little area behind the waterfall for a while longer and spoke about things. I learned that her name is Cora and she's actually a Siren. When I asked if that had anything to do with the reason she was injured, she nodded her head sadly, stating that a group of humans deemed her a danger even though she had done nothing to them. They attacked her and one of the spears they threw managed to pierce her tail. I asked if she wanted revenge but she didn't believe it was necessary, saying that they would eventually get what's coming to them in one way or another. I suppose people here believe in karma too.

When I told her I was a Ghoul that had ranked up from a goblin, she was surprised but returned the favour when she explained that she started out life as a piranha. We spent the rest of the day chatting but when night came around, she said that she wanted to reward me for helping her. I told her that it wasn't necessary but she insisted that she could let me stay the night. This places cool atmosphere is rather nice and when I activated {Cold Blooded} I went straight to sleep.

Synthesis Results:

{Water Manipulation} + {Hydro Hand} + {Water Sense} = {Total Water Manipulation}

- Day 42

I woke up today with the naked body of Cora lying on top of me while her soft breathing blew on my neck. I was a little concerned about whether she had done something in my sleep but I still had all my clothes on so I think it's fine. After she woke up we parted ways when she showed me another way out of the cave and I promised her that I would keep in contact. In fact, I used this time to try out {Ally Communication}. I tried telepathically talking to Cora and if the surprise on her face was anything to go by, she heard it.

{Siren Cora added as an Ally}

Huh, That's useful. I should do the same with the others when I get the chance. On the way back to the settlement, I came across a strange bull with the face of a man and killed it without hesitation. I didn't gain anything but I just felt it had to die so it was fine.

When I returned to the cave, I learned that Sei's group, <Agony>, had gained some new members and when I went to check on them, I was able to learn a few things about magic, though my magic seems to have Ranks as well as Levels which even Sei wasn't able to properly explain. She still gave me a hug for returning and coming to visit and I added her to my Allies. I did the same with Emery, Fu, Dou and Rou which they appreciated and apparently got Rou thinking about something.

When I went to visit Emery, I found Rou plus a pile of scrapped knives and an annoyed Emery as Rou was happily swinging around a knife with flames coming from it. When I asked what they were doing, Rou said he was enchanting using {Job: Enchanter} while Emery said he was wasted good materials. I asked if I could try once using both {Job:Enchanter} and {Enchanting} and ended up enchanting a plain, wrought iron knife on the first attempt with a durability that could give the best steel swords a run for their money.

After Rou left me with the pouting Emery, I tried to cheer her up by showing her the materials I found in the lake cave. She stated that the minerals I collected were extremely rare and with enough time and effort, could certainly be made into a weapon worth bringing into battle. I hugged her tightly and her face turned sour. I asked what was wrong and she told me that I smelt of fish. When I told her the reason, she began angrily pouting until I promised to sleep with her and her alone tonight.

Today's results:

Golems: {3 Stone Golems}

Synthesis: {Presence Concealment} + {Presence Hiding} + {Conceal Status} = {Presence Erasure}

{Awareness} + {Presence Sensor} + {Presence Detection} = {Total Area Perception}

- Day 43

I've decided to spend today on two things.

I spent the entirety of the morning and a little bit of noon working with the minerals I found in the lake cave and I think I've finally created a body worthy of one of Velvets creations. Still unsure of whether or not I would succeed, I didn't tell anyone about what I was doing.

With the new, still small, enchanted body in front of me, I gathered the majority of Returners soul in my hand and slowly inserted it into my creation. A few minutes passed, then half an hour, then an hour until finally something happened. The little figure began to twitch and move before taking in a deep breath and falling to her hands and knees. I immediately checked to see if she was okay and, I suppose my concerned face relaxed her because she sat up and worked to regain her bearings before finally speaking. She asked about what happened which was to be expected so I told her about the golem related skill I received from Velvets ring and how that, plus my own skill, was able to bring her into this new body. She looked around the room, then at her own body, then back to me and smiled brightly.

I smiled back while picking her up and suggesting that we go say hello to the others. She agreed and we talked about her new bodies capabilities on the way. Through the use of wind spirit stones she has the ability to fly, I've made her body as durable as possible without hurting the flexibility and various other things to make her life easier.

The first place we went to of course, was the mines to see Gobue. She was surprised to see me but when I opened my hands to show a fully revived Returner shouting "Surprise!" She broke down crying and the two talked for a while. Gobue thanked me profusely and I could feel a certain pair of eyes digging into my back because of it.

When we arrived at the human girl's area, Rou was flirting with all of them while receiving a death glare from Mi and the red head. They all turned to look at me when I called out and their surprised and shocked faces when they saw Returner was almost as good as Gubue. The look on Rou's face was especially fun considering he ate Returners last core.

Alchemist lady was amazed by the prospect and asked my how I did it but all I could say was that I had the right skill and the right material. She was a little upset by that answer but accepted it as futile to ask for anything more from me. Rou welcomes her to the community and asked if there was anything in particular that she would like to do. Surprisingly, she said that she wanted to serve me like she did Velvet since I was the one that brought her back. I saw no cons to this so I accepted her help with open arms while also adding her to my list of Allies.

I began to leave but Rou stopped me to ask if any more surprises were going to pop up today. I simply smiled back and said nothing which I believe conveyed the message quite clearly as he began to chuckle nervously.

What was it that I had in mind? Well, I did say I wanted to spend the day doing two things. The other being, the skill I received from the {God of Judgement} when I received their blessing. {Summoning: Valkyrie}.

I had decided to use it in the forest nearby as to not attract too much attention for the time being. Oh, and Returner is with me. She's sitting on my shoulder as I do this. When I used the skill, a runic circle appeared on the ground while emitting a bright, white light. When the light cleared, in its place, stood a young looking woman with blonde hair, blue eyes, pale skin, toned body and wearing incredible looking white and gold armour. When she saw me she knelt down before me and declared me her master.

[Kei] "uh, you may rise."

[Valkyrie] "Yes master."

She stands back up at attention and seems to be waiting for a command which is making me a little anxious considering, like I've said before, I don't like leading.

When I told her she could relax, she looked confused and after I explained the prospect, she vehemently refused saying that a Valkyrie must always be on guard so I ordered her to at least try and relax. She seemed a little uncomfortable but agreed when I called it an order. In the end I just gave up and said to behave how she wanted.

When I asked what her name was she replied by saying that I hadn't given her one yet. Apparently that's how this works. Okay then...

I named her Sigul after trying desperately to come up with something that sounded vaguely Valkyrie-like. She smiled when I gave her the name and once again swore her allegiance to me under the name of the {God of Justice}

This is going to be a pain I just know it.

I sent Returner ahead to alert the others and told Rou we were coming via {Ally Communication} and he just sighed before saying it was fine for us to return. As we returned, I added Sigul to my Allies.

When we got back, I introduced Sigul to Returner properly first and seeing them politely bow to each other was remarkably cute. Next up was Dou who Sigul commented on by saying that he had remarkable tenacity. I agreed with her and Dou puffed out his chest as sweat poured out over his body.

Next up was Fu who I found curled up in my bed. It didn't seem like they would get along at first but when Sigul learned that she wasn't just some stalker and was actually one of my lovers, her tune changed and bowed respectively. Regarding Fu however, a sinister look appeared in her eyes that made me warn Sigul once we had left. I told her that if there was anyone that she shouldn't let her guard down around, it would be her, for certain reasons.

Next was Emery and the human girls who took very kindly to the idea of having another human girl around. Sigul immediately corrected them by saying that she was merely a tool for doling out justice and would serve at my side in battle. This caused a few of the girls to lose interest but red head looked at her with stars in her eyes. Remembering that red head is also an adventurer, I asked if Sigul would be alright with teaching Redhead a few things when it comes to battle. Sigul simply stated that she would do it should that be what I want her to do.

It's at this point that the elephant in the room becomes obvious. She doesn't have a weapon. Seeing this as the problem it is, we went with Emery to her forge to figure out what kind of weapon would suit her the most. When asked, Sigul states that she is best with spear type weaponry so Emery went and grabbed a white Guan Dao from storage. She said that it's an [Ancient] class weapon that wields light as a weapon which seems perfect for her. I thank her with a kiss on the forehead which Sigul questions and when I explain that Emery is also one of my lovers she seems to break down while Emery blushes.

After asking me how many lovers I had and quickly rescinding the question after realising that it was rude to ask a question of that sort of her master. I simply chuckled at her surprising level of innocence and told I had 3. I then took her to visit Sei and they introduced themselves to each other with Sigul bowing politely and Sei teasing her by asking if she was another of my lovers. We both got a chuckle out of Sigul's embarrassment before finally introducing her to Rou and those who happened to be with him at the time.

- Day 44

In the morning, a group of what seem to be elves dropped by for a visit, rudely demanding for the leader of our little hovel to come out. Using {Presence Erasure} and {Total Area Perception} I was able to find all of the hidden archers while Rou politely dealt with the elf leader. Apparently they're at war with a group of humans and are demanding our participation on their side. This pompous fool has no idea how to negotiate properly. How the hell did they decide to send him?

According to Sigul who seems to have some kind of {Empathy} skill, his two attendants are as sick of him as I am. By the way, when Rou gives the signal, namely the use of his intimidation skill, I activate the traps I laid at the feet of the hidden elves. The moment the pompous elf calls out to his allies, they reveal themselves. Or rather, they're thrown to the ground, all tied up in my silk thread. They quickly run away but I have no doubt they will be back.

Today's results:

Synthesis: {Silk Creation} + {Golden Silk} = {Multicoloured Silk}

Golem: {10 clay golems} {5 Rock Golems} {3 Stone Golems}

- Day 45

I decided to spend today figuring out how skilled Sigul really is by going out hunting with her. It seems that there has been a major increase in grey slimes for some reason and that's all we seem to be able to find. This is fine though, since Sigul is able to use her Guan Dao and her own skill similar to {Photon Ruler} to take them down. I would eat their souls which would in turn cause their cores to break. This process was repeated for a while until we came across something a little...bigger.

It was nothing too different from what we'd just been doing it's just that the size had increased a few times. Cora took on the massive slime and managed to beat it with only minor injuries. After I ate the soul and gained {Self-Replication} and {Fluid Restoration} I learned that Sigul also has a healing skill, though it seems to be pretty slow compared to mine.

As for {Self-Replication}, by cutting my finger and letting the blood drip, I'm able to create a tiny version of myself. I've been able to determine that it shares its vision with me and I can even make it so that it has a few of my skills. Perhaps I should leave a Hobgoblin sized one for Fu? She'd probably enjoy it.

When we returned, Rou told me about a little plan he had for something and suggested that I should be in on it. I listened to what he wanted to do and figured that it would be a good idea. I thanked him for telling me before going my own way.

Today's results:

Golems: {20 clay golems}

Synthesis:

{Pyrokinesis} + {Flame Breath} = {Fire Manipulation}

{Electrokinesis} + {Lightning Breath} = {Lightning Manipulation}