Chapter 40: Review, The Road Ahead, & Refreshed World Quest

A flurry of system messages took up the entire space before me. They burned bright in various colors ranging from deep crimson to a soft bluish-white. I took a deep breath and proceeded to sift through them. It has been way too long to leave these messages up in the air, and so much shit has happened. Who knows what this would reveal?

[ Warning! Warning! Rapid Emotional Torment!

Shutting Down... Loading... 

Error Error!! Unable to Access! ]

[ Volatile Emotions Unstable! Recalibrating... Failed!

 Restarting... Failed! ]

[ Reconnecting...

Success! ]

[ Warning! Warning! Emotional Overload!

Connection Severed! ]

[ The Wails of the Souls Call Out To You. You Respond To Their Hope! ]

[ Forming Mental Wards... Please Wait....

Success! ]

[ Binding Contract to The Souls Of The Dead Formed!

Primary Objective: Successfully Purify Them or Face a Soul-Cracking Backlash... ]

[ Pact Boon: Boosting Emotional Recharge and Absorption! ]

[ [Sin of Wrath(SS)] forcibly activated ! ]

[ Wrath Corruption Leaking...

Recalibrating... Failed!

Rerouting... Failed!

Retrying... Failed! ]

[ Successfully Contaminated and Corroded [Dracoform Ascedence(Sealed)(SS)] !! ] 

[ Temporarily Fusing Unstable [Dracoform Ascendence] skill to [Sin of Wrath] ]

[ Success! ]

[ Forced Consciousness Awakening... Success!

1 Minute Remaining... ]

[ Ddraig Infuses His Essence Into Your [Dracoform Ascendence] ! ]

[ Absorbing and Infusing Essence... Success! ]

[ Wrath has now consumed you...

Fury has been unleashed.

Massive Boost Obtained as a Consequence of the Skill Assuming Control ! ]

[ Remaining Time for [Sin of Wrath] : 00:05:00 min

Backlash: System Functions Semi-Dormant to Recover Soul Damage. Skills Halved. Stats Halved. 

Recovery Time: 3 Days ]

I gulped and then proceeded to the ones nearing the end of the fight and when the Satans came to my rescue. 

[ Contract Complete! Purification a Success! ]

[ [Whispers of the Dead(S)] skill obtained! ]

[ Warning! Warning! Alotted Time Exceeded! ]

[ Soul Corruption In Progress... Assessing Available Options to Prevent Catastrophe...

Recalibrating...

Searching...

Ensuring Aid Arrives for Host's Survival... ]

[ Success! ]

[ Warning! Error! [Dracoform Ascedence(Sealed)(SS)] Skill is now Repairing Essence Damage. Further Information Unable to be Reviewed. ]

[ Excess Corruption Expelling Through The Waves of Aura and Destruction Coursing Through the Host's Body. ]

[ Allies Detected! Aura of Pressure Detected! ]

[ Analyzing... Rerouting... Success!

Forcibly Canceling Skill... Success! 

Awakening Host... Success! ]

[ Processing... 

Recovery Time: 2 Days 23:59:59 ]

[ Warning Overheated! ]

[ Demonic Ice Energy Detected!

Recycling Energy, Expelling Heat... Success! ]

[ Sleep Initiated to Speed Recovery... Success! ]

Okay, that all checks out. I'm surprised I got a new skill out of nowhere, but well. it's obvious I was rewarded because I completed the binding contract with the souls that rammed into my own. I wonder how that even works and would keep happening in places with so much death. I shuddered at the possibility. Best not to think about it too much. Damn, so much shit has happened. I suppose my system was going crazy trying to keep me alive, and it was doing a damn good job, a smile overcame my face since I get the feeling that it wasn't just the system.

I grimaced when I saw the aftermath of my Wrath Skill. It certainly did a number on me it seems. It even fucked with my dragon transformation skill... and I have no idea how long that repair is gonna take. Now that it really matters too much seeing how it's still sealed and all. 

My recovery timer had long since been checked out, I think? Wait, I didn't see anything like that, yup, when I scrolled through nothing about it being complete came up. No wonder I still feel pain whenever I used some things, is that why I still feel like shit? Guess I wasn't so lucky in being able to expel and purge the corruption.

Let's see, what the problem is... Ah, that's not what I expected. 

[ Extensive Soul Damage Received. Additional Time Halted.

Converting Psuedo-Divinity and Mana to Soul Energy to Repair Damage. 

[ Soul Damage: 56.7% ]

[ Conversion: In Progress ]

{ 1 Unit of PD Converted into 10 SE. 1 Unit of Mana Converted into 5 SE. 

Total Soul Energy= ( Units of Pseudo-Divinity × Conversion Rate ) + ( Units of Mana × Conversion Rate ) }

[ Rate of Conversion: 5% per Second ]

[ Restoration Speed: 0.5% per Minute ]

Error! Error! [ Estimated Time ]: 17%&3.2 minutes / 0#$2:5*&^3:0#$%@0 to

Restore Soul Damage from 56.7% to 100% ]

What's with the error and garbled time!? Well, I can make out the numbers, ain't too hard, but wait, if I think about it some more, then doesn't this mean that my body and soul were mending themselves on their own but got into some problems within the allotted time and had to change into converting my energy into Soul Energy? Well, it didn't really help since it ran into another problem, corruption being the obvious answer, and as I looked at the following system messages I was proven right. 

[ Wrath Corruption Detected! Impeding Recovery Time. ]

[ Two Solutions Found. ]

I mentally confirm for it to continue. 

[ Soul Points Available for Use. 256,700 SP Needed to Heal Soul Damage. 

or 

Soul Piece Available for Use. 25 Pieces to be Distributed to Mend Soul Damage. ]

I thought about the consequences of waiting and found that there was nothing that needed to be addressed at least not yet. I wasn't even thinking of using soul points no matter how tempting it was and how much I tried to convince myself that it would be fine. I got a windfall because of the quest reward, but that didn't mean some awesome stuff could be available in the store, and the possibility of having an insane ability or artifact. I know I'm being frugal and maybe stupid in putting it off, but when I thought of the girl's reaction to joining me officially a smile graced my lips. They would jump at the chance of a boost in their abilities and would probably get angry if they found out that they had a chance at easing my burden at least a bit if they joined my peerage. 

It was a comforting thought that helped me make my decision. 

There was even a nudge that said they would automatically be listed in my Soul-Bond function because of the connection we would have. I nodded, thankful for this. 

I closed the screens that seemed to be finally done, taking note and sighing in relief that there was one that suppressed my moderate emotional distress and trauma, but upon acknowledging them they were released. With Jibril's help, the repairs to my soul were proceeding a bit smoothly, sure the corruption kinda impeded it a bit, but she was able to take control of it a bit and disintegrate some of it. I think ima have to use the soul pieces since all this healing is putting a strain on her Soul.

Either way, her soul helped ease the burden and allowed me to finally establish a connection with the two who had been waiting. I mentally prodded them and began speaking to Eve first as Ddraig grumbled in the background. 

(Hey, Eve, seems like things turned out fine in the end but it was looking bleak... Sorry if I worried you...)

[ I have no concept of it, but sifting through your memories and allowing myself to dive into your soul allowed me to perceive this strange sensation of loss when I could not contact you and that I was causing undue pain as a consequence of my presence when I'm supposed to be of help to you. ]

I embraced her metaphorically with my soul and allowed my soothing words to seep into her. (It was my own recklessness that caused this, the stupid pride I had in giving the souls peace and punishing the one that was the cause of it all. I'm happy for all your assistance, I know you are the one who forcibly moved the system and though I do have a patron now, it seems it was only by chance that they interfered. I'm lucky to have someone as competent as you at my side, so don't blame yourself. And thank you for looking out for me.)

[ I... I... Thank you for your kind words, Ryu. These faux emotions will take some getting used to, but allowing me to dive into your soul is helping me calibrate myself with them. ]

I smiled wide at the implication. (So that means those instances where I did detect slight trembling in your robotic voice and a bit of emotion seeping into your voice were not my imagination?)

Don't ask me how, but I was able to make out that Eve was fidgeting in place before answering. 

[ ...I'm rereading our conversations and yes... that appears to be the case. I am uncertain how, but I believe it is possible because my connection with you deepens. ]

(Now that is interesting, I wonder what effects it's gonna have on the system as a whole and if that would pose problems with the patron. I doubt it since they did help out and left me to my own devices...)

[ I believe your worries are unfounded and you have reached the correct conclusion. You are now an Independent regardless of the Patrons' wishes or any other that takes notice of you. Perhaps the mystery as to why is what the Patron wants you to find out? Further research is needed. ]

(I'll leave it to you, thanks again Eve.) Lots of information to digest, but discovering that there are powers beyond my comprehension is best saved for later. 

[ It is my duty and pleasure to help, Ryu. ]

With that, the connection with Ddraig linked up and a booming voice echoed within me. 

(You are a bold one to leave me for last, but bah I hardly care! Your transformation was magnificent, wild, and untamed, but powerful nonetheless. I would expect nothing less from my Sacred Gear Wielder! You really know how to blow my expectations! Gwahahahaah. But seriously, take more care of yourself, kid. Those burdens you bear will be your undoing, far more competent people will be joining you, and no longer will you have to bear it by yourself.)

I stopped short of answering taking in his serious demeanor and the concern evident in his tone. I hardly expected the battle junkie dragon to express himself like this and with sound advice, but I should've seen this coming. It feels like deja vu to be honest. No matter my impression of him, he is still so far removed from a mortal age and treading on Ancient already. The anger in my stomach gurgled and though it wasn't snuffed out, it turned into an ember as Ddraigs aura engulfed me in metaphorical fire and warmed me up. 

(You are now one of my kin. No harm will come to you. That I guarantee on my Moniker The Red Dragon Emperor and as one of the Heavenly Dragons. I who stole the Principle of Domination from God now place Ryu Ichijo in my protection.)

Pressure descended upon both my soul and Ddraig from what appeared to be the heavens or maybe the world itself. If it wasn't for Jibril who sealed us in a space where no others could detect that pressure could have been found out. Cold sweat cascaded down my body as the pressure took hold of my soul in a vice grip, but it didn't hurt me only squeezed me and seemed to be healing the cracks through sheer force of will. Flames erupted from my body and through gritted teeth at the uncomfortableness of the situation, I saw a bright crimson dragon tattoo begin forming on the right side of my chest, it resembled Ddraig to a tee with flames that circled around my heart and maintained an azure and crimson glow. Huh, this reminds me, I probably won't need the clan tattoo now that I have this one. The pressure continued as I heard Ddraig within me roar in defiance but contained himself all the same because it was he who used himself to decree a will with words of power, or at least that's what I think. 

And as the pressure lessened both Ddraig and I heard a whisper from a being with unimaginable power. 

'Acknowledged'

It stopped as soon as the word was uttered and we were left gasping. 

Through wheezing breaths, I spoke aloud while Jibril checked me over for injuries. "Whaat... was that.... did you... expect that to happen..."

(I can... assure you... that was out.. of my expectations... but I feel a more powerful connection with you... and some changes appear to be happening to you...)

I wondered what he was talking about until a flurry of system messages blocked out what I was about to ask. 

[ The World's Will Acknowledges Ddraig's Decree. ]

[ The Red Dragon Tattoo has been burned into your existence. 

[Fire] Psuedo-Divinity has been added.

[Red Dragon Emperor: Guardian (SS)] skill has been created and learned. ]

[ Your Fate's are now Tied.

Should One Fall, The Other Enters a Deep Slumber until the Other has Recovered and Revived within their Soul. 

You are now immune to Fire, you embody it.

Sacred Gear Growth Speed Accelerated. 

Dragon Race Growth Accelerated. 

Dragon Skills Boosted. 

Ddriag and Ryu now Embody the Principle of Domination, no longer a concept born from God, but Created for Them. ]

I gulped and shook at the whirlwind of information burning itself into my brain as the changes in my body rapidly happened. No longer did I feel the sting of the flames, they were snuffed out and though the tattoo felt tender, it felt like it belonged. The new skill allows Ddraigs Soul to Manifest and it transforms us into a massive dragon, but with his massive power, he takes the damage. Shit that's fucken sweet. I then suppress a shudder. The Creation of Fire is searing itself into my existence and cementing itself into my Soul by the force of my Psuedo-Divinity. Every dragon skill and even my scared gear pulsed and swelled with power, most likely receiving the benefits. And it feels like I am about to reach a wall, no wait, it feels more like I am at the cusp of evolving my race, both dragon and god. But the prize of it all is the literal concept of Domination being cemented as a creation that was destined for us. 

I then sent him the information and he was rendered speechless. 

(That... that...) He collected himself and continued with a far more dignified voice.

(That certainly was a ton of excitement from the vow I took... But it is prudent of us to not gawk and learn everything we must. Power may have come easy, but it is necessary for us to Master it. We are now bound and I doubt we will break out of it when the World's Will is cemented into our very existence.)

"Yeah, that's indeed true, but it also means we are immortal to an extent. Which is rad, but terrifying because who knows how long reforming would take. Either way, I agree with you training is now necessary for these new powers," I said and then glanced at Jibril who was biting her nail in frustration. Uhm, I get where she's coming from but this was all unexpected. Though I wonder if it would also work with her... no maybe not, perhaps in her home world though?

She seemed to have the same idea because she just pouted and leaned into me. 

This was a welcome surprise though, now more than ever because of the dangers that await us. Even if it was unintentional on Ddraig's part, this leap in power will be a boon, though it didn't heal all of my corruption, I think I did heal a bit over a quarter. I then thought back to the fight between Titans and the gut-wrenching fusions. If I think about it clearly and remember the devils and fallen angels that entered our territory to kill Akeno and Shuri as well as the fact that Rizeviem's son was there. Well, the answers pile up. He created a way to bring back evil dragons and create his army, so it's not too far-fetched to think he is the one behind the experiments. I grit my teeth in anger, but release it because I'm far too weak to handle everything on my own. I can send Jibril to smite down more but that also means exposing her and then maybe allowing others to investigate. 

I shudder to think about the consequences. But honestly, it might be best to launch an offensive, which brings me back to my plans. The vampire assault and the holy sword project. Tucking ourselves in and just waiting around is no good, I've already read too many stories about bad things happening when the main character decides to remain passive or is too aggressive in his approaches to adversaries and problems. 

Yeah, more allies is good which means there would be far more eyes to take stock of what's going on, maybe even espionage. Perhaps attacking with our own secret organization that no power will know of is also a good potential plan. There will be lots of fights, and who knows what other butterfly effects I will cause, though it might not be as big as I think it will be since I am technically the 'protag' in this world. But gotta keep my head in the game and stay calm.

No sooner was I thinking about the implications of the future battles that await me and everyone else, that a system message decided to pop up once again, this time in a flurry of a rainbow-like color with blazing red borders.

I gulped and my eyes widened. 

[ UPDATED! ]

[ 

[Main-World Quest] (DxD Mash-Up) :

[ Description/Primary Objectives ]:

Prevent The Emperor Beast of Apocalypse, 666 (Trihexa), from destroying the world or from awakening.

Prevent the Gehenna Gate from opening and causing the Destruction of the World.

Prevent Satan from Possessing a Compatible Being to keep him from Manifesting into the Human Realm(Assiah).

Prevent Enigma from Assuming Control of the Fusions and Phantoms. 

Team up with Chimune Chipaoti and stop the invasion of Gods from ExE.

[Bonus Objective]:

Help the Three Major Factions with the Peace Treaty, and prevent any disruptions/terrorism. (Must Include Every Faction, No Matter How Small). 

[Inevitable Objective(Ryu Exclusive)]: D?????? B?????? ?????t E??????????e, ??? ??v??? ???o??????

[ Rank ]: EX - (??U%$nkn??ow?n??)

[ Remaining Time ]: ??? Years

[ Rewards ]: Godship of DxD Mash-Up World, 5 Billion SP, 10 Celestial Rank Gacha Tickets, ???????, ????????, ?????????, ###### #### (???? Rank) ]

Fear clouded my mind, but a force so powerful suppressed it. It was my own will clamping down on the fear that threatened to consume me. This wasn't the time to cower, there is always a time and place for everything, but right now lots of fucken preparation is needed. I already had an inkling that this quest would change based on what happened back at the laboratory. It was only a matter of time before it eventually updated. So many powerful foes will be taking center stage, but at the same time, so many allies willing to fight will also be there to prevent them. It doesn't explicitly say that I have to do it, of course, I will get involved, but as Ddraig said, I can't just take the whole burden. I sighed, it's easy to forget the support behind you if you're always looking forward. I yawned, shit, the exhaustion is catching up, almost time for some shut-eye. 

My weary eyes locked onto the inevitable objective, my face morphing into a maniacal grin. So this world has thrown me a final boss exclusively for me. Well, I shall relish it in its entirety. 

My resolute eyes burned with determination. This wacky world won't know what hit it, that I can promise.