Chapter 77: Operation Party Crash (I)

"The name's Van Arkride. I can't believe that shitty father really sold me out like this. I couldn't even say goodbye to Elaine.", Van said, introducing himself to us four.

'Van Arkride', I thought to myself. It's still on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't remember it properly. I do know the Gamer system allows easier memory recall, going as far as to grant an eidetic memory. The reason why I'm struggling to remember this figure is that I've only played through Trails into Reverie.

I do know that the next game was already in development and was set to release soon, but after finishing Reverie, I was reincarnated, so I did not get the joy of playing through the next story arc. I did know the next arc was set to be in Calvard with a whole new main cast of characters...

Searching of what I could remember for a good moment, it didn't take long before my eyes turned wide a bit.

The hell is Calvard's protagonist doing here in the DG Cult, the same lodge that Tio was received?

However, to not pause the the conversation, I could only keep this thought for now. It did look like Van gave his reason, but Sherryl was the next one to speak.

"So it's Van huh? That's really a shame hearing that. Would Elaine happen to your big sister?", Sherryl asked with interest. Hearing that, Van clicked his tongue.

"Tch, as if. Told ya I'm an orphan, remember? I was soon to go through the actual adoption process but word of it reached Elaine's father. And now, well, I could only imagine that the parents who were going to adopt me were scumbags, tossing me in this place a couple years back. If anything I'm actually glad you guys showed up. I don't know how much longer I could handle spending my time in here.", Van said his voice contained a hint of anger.

"And as for Elaine, we were born the same year, but vastly different backgrounds. She could be considered a childhood friend of mine. Elaine Auclair is the heiress to the Quincy Company.. You can probably guess why they wanted me out of the picture.", Van said, shaking his head a bit.

Hearing that caused my head to nod.

"I can definitely see that. Even I saw the Quincy brands back when I was living in Erebonia. Their chocolate is quite famous.", I said with a nod of my head. Van raised his eyebrow.

"So you're Erebonian? How the hell did you end up down here in Calvard? You look like some fancy noble too. Even more fancy than Elaine.", Van asked, confused as he saw the way I was currently dressed. Despite all of us wearing similar hospital-style gowns, I still looked more beautiful than your average Joe. Definitely up a tier or two. Would I call that a blessing being born with the blood of the Auslese?

And a side note, thanks to Gamer's Inventory, I do have various sets of clothes for us to change into after we get this operation going. I have not used Inventory much thus far but it's a very convenient feature to have.

And if anyone asks, I can just blame it on magic.

With that note, I let out a laugh before answering Van.

"Haha, I'll be getting to that in a bit, as well as the operation we'll be discussing as to get out of here. There is already a destination, so I'll mostly just be going over the process. That is, if you're on board with it, Van.", I asked, looking back at the blue-black haired boy.

"Totally. I don't want any more second spent in this rotten cave.", Van answered with a nod.

"Welcome aboard then. As you see, we've formed a party to break out of here, but the party has yet to be finalized. However, before dive into that further, we need to get some introductions out of the way. If a fight breaks out while leaving this cave and we don't know who each other are, it could become awkward.", I said, which caused everyone to nod their head.

"Makes sense to me. Since I already introduced myself, who is going to go next?", Van asked us.

The moment Van asked that, Sherryl's eyes started to sparkle.

"I'll go first! I'm Sherryl Sky. Younger of the two Sky siblings. I'm sure my big sister is deeply worried for me, as well as my parents. Those cult priests nabbed we when we were on on our way home from Sunday school outside of Crossbell, which I would still be living in if that didn't happen. We grew up in Erebonia but moved to Crossbell recently."

"Bruh. They just took you out in broad daylight? Do these bastards know any shame?", Van couldn't help retort Sherryl.

"Right? They just put drugged cloth rag over my mouth and I passed out before I knew it They originally took me to the Sun Fort in Crossbell but I wound up where Big Brother was. Looks like I was the first to meet him out of you guys. Ennea shortly came after that.", Sherryl said, explaining her situation.

"Oh, and by the way if we escape this ordeal, I plan to become your own private maid, Big Brother.", Sherryl suddenly declared as he clapped her hands together happily, which caused me to spat out some cold air. Hearing Sherryl say this so suddenly almost caused me to lose my balance even though I was currently sitting.

"Where'd that come from? I mean of us right now it is mostly you who knows who I am, Sherryl. But are you sure about this?", I asked Sherryl. I could even see the determination in her eyes.

"Of course, Big Brother. The rest will surely be shocked after learning who you really are. I can't help but make my own request first, okay?", Sherryl said letting out a light giggle. "Oh, and I was taken a full year ago, which would be S1194 of the Septian Calendar. They took me when I was five, and now I turned six this year.", Sherryl said, concluding her talking.

"Now its making me even more curious about you.", Van said, after he looked my way. "Just who are you, really?"

"Why don't we save me for last?", I said, letting out a chuckle. I then looked over to Ennea. I figured Ennea would be quite young, but in actuality she is the oldest of us. Perhaps it was what she went through, but maybe that stunted her growth. Despite being thirteen now, she still appears similar to Sherryl's age, except somewhat taller.

Seeing me look at her, Ennea simply stayed quiet and nodded.

"Ennea. Assassin to the Order of the Moonlight Horse. Thirteen. No last name.", Ennea declared, which brought all of us to a sudden halt. Even I was surprised. Ennea had talked about some of who she was but she did not describe where she truly came from, until now that is.

After Ennea formally introduced herself, instinctively, she began to release a certain pressure, which contained hints of bloodlust. Despite being induced by Gnosis several times, bloodlust was still new to Sherryl, Tio and likely Van. They started to shudder as a cold air swept them, and Tio started to behave the most violently.

"Oi, how many times do I have to tell you not to do that?", I said to Ennea. Looking directly at her, I released my own bloodlust, which began to develop during the fight I had with Randy. Sure it may be not as strong as father's but I still say it could developed a good amount by now. Ennea immediately tensed up the moment I did, and hers was quickly taken back. She even started to shiver when I looked directly at her. I could see Tio let out a sigh while Sherryl and Van returned to normal.

"Sorry...But since you guys are saying who you truly are I figured I would do the same...", Ennea said, feeling guilty now. As she said that, I looked at Tio.

"Are you alright, Tio?", I asked her. She simply nodded her head.

"Yes. I know Ennea did not mean this to happen on purpose. I react more than others as you guys have seen just now...", Tio said. Hearing that caused me relief. As she did, I reached over and flicked Ennea on the forehead, which earned a giggle from Sherryl. I too retracted mine after. Tio saw this after Ennea finished speaking, and she was quiet again. Tio took that as it was her turn now.

"Tio Plato. Five years old. Remiferia. I am not sure the exact cause as to why the priests took me to Calvard, but I started to show quick results.", Tio said in a very flat tone. Sherryl, Ennea and I were used to this tone by now but Van obviously wasn't.

"Is that why you talk like this? I know we just met but it's hard to get used to.", Van said, feeling a bit apologetic.

"Yes. I am sorry. This is not something I can fix easily. Gnosis started to take away most emotions I have felt. But in return, my senses have been greatly sharpened. I also have started to detect the flow of Mana.", Tio said, revealing a rare smile despite saying that with a flat tone.

"Is that truly the case, Tio?", I asked as Tio hadn't brought this part up yet.

"Yes. Perhaps it was the sphere you had just created but I can sense your Mana now, Naoto. It gives off this warm feeling. If you weren't here, I don't think I could last much longer even though I was brought here earlier this year.", Tio continued to say.

"Is that so? Perhaps the potential brought out by Gnosis is increasing your growth at a faster rate. While the concept of this drug is solid, I just wish it was used under a different set of circumstances.", I replied with a hint of disappointment.

"I concur. How they treat us is...", Tio began to say, which immediately caused us to nod quietly.

"Speaking of which what are we gonna do about the guard that's still alive?", Van asked, only to look at the guard who was still standing still with a blank look in his eyes. He had not reacted since I casted Blood Magic into his mind.

"Oh I still have a use for this guy which I'll show in a bit. But before that I guess it's my turn now eh?", I answered Van which caused them to nod again.

"That's right. It looks like the girls were able to say who they were, you won't tell us half-assedly now will now?", Van questioned me.

"Nah. I don't like doing that. You may call me Naoto. Turned 9 this year. I might have gained a few titles thus far. To name a few, the son of fiercest brigadier general of Erebonia. A witch's disciple. The sole disciple of the Sword Fox, and Duke Phoenix. Or my personal favorite, the would be Crown Prince of Liberl.", I said, formally introducing myself to the four. "Naoto von Auslese. At your service.", I continued to declare, which among the four, Van's eyes turned wide in shock while Sherryl revealed a playful smile.

*

Would you guys be against Naoto receiving game memories at given times when he completes a Gamer quest? Like how Rean resonates with the memories he sees.

Since most who survive DG Cult have a trigger of some sort, I was thinking of giving one to Naoto as well. His Gamer system does not prevent this. Let me know!

Giliath demands your power stones!