Chapter 334: Using A Combat Orbment (II)

As always, Giliath demands your power stones!

*****

I might do a little demonstration to get Tio raring to go. I'm sure she's used her Orbal Staff at training halls before, considering she has a staff in her possession. She just hasn't had any practical combat yet.

Well, considering we're talking about the Generation IV model, and taking the fact Tio still had most of her slots locked, there wasn't much wiggle room to work with. The deciding factor of what I chose was even more limited, because Tio's first slot was of the Water Element.

At the same time, it didn't make it difficult to choose what Quartz to take out of my Inventory.

[Ding! Gamer Naoto has taken out Generation IV - Mind II Quartz.]

I retracted my hand from inside that miniature black hole. My Inventory closed, and a little small marble-like sphere appeared in my hand. It was blue in color. Its design was slightly more than the basic one, as this was a tier above the Mind I Quartz. 

For the early Generation IV model, Quartz had two Tiers. I and II. Unlocking slots allowed one to equip more Quartz, and powering up those slots allowed one to equip higher tiered Quartz. In the second half of the sky games, the Generation IV upgraded, allowing one to upgrade their slots by three tiers. Even more powerful Quartz could be equipped, and I believe they are the equivalent of SR Quartz.

UR Quartz could only be equipped by Combat Orbments that could be upgraded by three full tiers.

This was definitely a lot to think about. But the beauty of these devices was what split the Trailsverse off from other fantasy stories. You had the freedom to build a character in any way, form or fashion. So what if Tio is locked to two Water slots? You could still use Quartz and turn Tio into a warrior-type attacker. Or you could turn Tio into a tank character, soaking up any damage that gets sent her way.

That was in the games though, and this is real life. It still may be best to gear people to what they're best suited for here. It wouldn't be a bad idea for Tio to go through some body strengthening at least, considering how frail her body used to be.

With that in mind, I looked at Tio with the Mind II Quartz in hand.

"That's a Mind II Quartz, isn't it? Equipping this will strengthen the damage my Arts do by a slight amount.", Tio said, looking at the small blue sphere in my hands. "Are you sure it's fine giving this to me, Naoto?", Tio asked with a hint of worry in her eyes.

I smiled at her, and ruffled her hair, passing the Quartz her way.

"Of course it is. I have a lot of Quartz at my disposal. And once we start amassing some Sepith, we'll be able to synthesize more from the local shops. It's not hard getting your hands on early generational Quartz like this one here, but I won't be giving them to you for free. Provide good results, and I might reward you with a Quartz or two, on top of what is going to be given to you by this Quest.", I happily responded.

Tio nodded her head with a look of anticipation in her eyes.

"Mmm. Tio will work hard to meet your expectations, Naoto.", Tio nodded, giving herself a boost of encouragement.

"You really expect a kiddo this young to get as strong as you in this next month, Young Master?", Lechter doubted.

"Hey, my ability can leverage a person's growth, going on for miles and miles without end. It's how I got this strong. It does count as a part of my foundation, but it's not everything. I can still be bested by strong individuals. If you grow stronger, Lechter, you'd be able to beat me too.", I responded.

"Is that right? Curiosity will bite me in the ass at some point, but I might take you up on your challenge and squeeze it out of you of what exactly this ability can do.", Lechter mused, recalling the challenge I sent his way. It was no easy feat in finding Eryn Village after all. That means if he does end up finding it, he'll be very in-tune with the mana flowing around in the atmosphere around us.

As we said that, Tio spoke out to us.

"Thank you for the Quartz, Naoto. I'll be sure to use it well. It'll just take a second to put it in my Combat Orbment.", Tio said to us.

Doing her magic, Tio effortlessly slotted her Quartz in her device. And to our surprise, we heard the Gamer System respond to it.

[Ding! Party Member Tio has equipped a Mind II Quartz. Combat parameters have strengthened.]

[Ding! Tio can now cast the following Arts: Aqua Bleed, Tear.]

'So it responds like that eh? I wonder, if I equip some Quartz on my device, will it grant me a title or a similar reward?', I thought to myself. I have strengthened my skills and body in several ways, but testing out a Combat Orbment is something I have yet to do.

So in fact, Tio is about to gain an upper hand on me, only for a brief respite.

'Display Arts effect: Aqua Bleed.', I inwardly declared, willing the Gamer System.

"Huh?", Lechter exclaimed in surprise, not expecting to see a blue screen pop out before him and Tio. It was the same screen this time. Tio raised her eyes too.

"This...", Tio uttered.

It simply displayed the effect of what Aqua Bleed did. It was one of the beginner Water Arts one could cast.

"Is this the effect of Aqua Bleed?", Tio asked me.

"It is. Pretty nifty, huh? I just did a simple thought of displaying your Art's effect, and my ability responded. Seeing as you two are part of the Party, you can do this too. If you come across a new Craft or Art, you'll be able to see the effects of it before you like this.", I explained.

"It even quantifies Art effects...Just what exactly is this ability, Naoto?", Tio wondered. She tried to call a time when Naoto used this weird ability, but she couldn't remember a single time he used it. Apart from having Ouroboros witness the Gamer System, this was the first time Naoto had displayed his ability in front of his friends.

There will definitely be many shocks to come, considering the Party size right now was a mere three people. Naoto invited many to partake in the Vermillion Trials, and he will definitely have a full roster for his party. There will be a lot of more surprised looks, and no doubt will many questions shoot his way.

Tio's mind was already starting to grow numb at the several new sights she had witnessed today.

I saw Tio shift her body after observing Aqua Bleed's effect for a moment, turning my way.

"You're not a walking orbal computer, are you, Naoto?", Tio decided to ask after a moment of hesitation.

"...", I tried to respond, not expecting Tio to ask me that.

She...isn't wrong, in a way. I do have a System that was granted to me before I was reincarnated into this world. That's basically a computer, is it not?

And that's a scary thought. Tio might be young, but she is definitely not to be underestimated.

"Haha, that's for Lechter to figure out while you just enjoy the ride, alright?", I replied with a laugh, trying to shrug Tio's doubt away.

"Mmm.", Tio nodded. She closed her eyes, and allowed me to ruffle her hair again, initiating a head pat.

"You really are something you know, Young Master. You did that His Excellency isn't aware of this, but is there anyone else that is?", Lechter wondered.

"Only a select few. But it will be more known in the coming month, as I've invited quite a few people to assist me in the trials I will be challenging. I'm hoping to increase my party limit size by one before then, which means I still have quite a grind to do. I'll be expecting your help for that.", I spoke with a look of anticipation in my eyes.

"Roger-roger!", Lechter heartily responded, pumping his arm full of vigor.

"Got it. Tio will be in your care.", Tio also nodded, acknowledging my selfish request.

That meant I had to reach Level 150 before the Vermillion Trials began.

That should be doable with these two's assistance, right?