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Name: Minoru
Race: Summoner
MP: 350/350
Resistances: [Physical][Dark]
Weakness: None
Strength: E
Endurance: E
Magic: E+
Agility: E
Luck: C-
Skills: None
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When I glance at my parameters, my expression tightens. For me, absolute power shouldn't be confined to mere statistics. But here I am, reduced to numbers and letters on a screen.
"Burroughs," I say, my voice tinged with irritation, "what do these parameters mean? I have an idea about some of them, but I'd like a full explanation."
"Of course, Master Minoru," Burroughs responds promptly.
Burroughs begins, "Your Name and Race are self-explanatory, MP stands for Magatsuhi Points, indicating the amount of Magatsuhi you can harness and expend from yourself.
Resistances show that you have increased defense against physical and dark-based attacks, while Weakness indicates areas where you are particularly vulnerable. You currently have no weaknesses, which is a significant advantage.
Strength, Endurance, Magic, Agility, and Luck are graded from F to EX, with F being the lowest and EX being the highest. Strength determines your bodily might in terms of power, Endurance your ability to withstand damage, Magic your capacity to use and manipulate magical energy, Agility your speed and reflexes, and Luck influences your chances of favorable outcomes.
Finally, Skills are abilities you have acquired. Currently, you have none, but as you absorb more Magatsuhi and encounter various demons, you can develop and learn new skills."
I take a moment to process this, the possibilities swirling in my mind. Before I can delve deeper into my thoughts, another question forms. "Burroughs, just how powerful am I right now?"
Burroughs responds promptly, "With your current strength, you could destroy medium-sized buildings and constructions, such as large factories or supermarkets. And if you wished, you could use magic to obliterate multiple urban city blocks or equivalent areas of space."
I stare at the screen, stunned. I knew I had become more powerful, but this is beyond anything I imagined. The sheer scale of destruction I could cause is both exhilarating and terrifying. Yet, what shocks me the most is that this level of power is considered "Rank E."
"If this is Rank E," I muse aloud, "then what on earth would Rank EX be?"
The thought sends a shiver down my spine. The potential for growth, the heights of power I could reach, are staggering. This world, with its demons and Magatsuhi, is a playground for someone with ambitions like mine. The power in shadow I've always aspired to be is now within my reach.
I can't help but smile, excitement bubbling up inside me. The journey ahead is fraught with danger, but also filled with opportunities. Every demon I defeat, every bit of Magatsuhi I absorb, brings me closer to my goal.
"Thank you, Burroughs," I say, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "This information is invaluable."
"You're welcome, Master Minoru. Remember, I am here to assist you in every way possible."
I nod, feeling a deep sense of resolve. I need to reach the National Diet Building, but in this twisted Vortex World, its location might not be the same as in the real world. Still, I have to try. I take a moment to recall the direction it should be in and steel myself for the journey.
"Let's see how fast I can really go," I murmur, excitement bubbling within me. I launch myself forward, running as fast as I can. The sensation is exhilarating, the world around me blurring into a streak of colors. Trees, buildings, and debris whip past me in an indistinguishable haze. It's as if I'm moving at a speed beyond human comprehension, a speed where the eye cannot keep up.
The wind roars in my ears, and the ground seems to barely touch my feet. My senses heighten, able to track every minute detail despite the incredible velocity. It's an intoxicating blend of power and freedom.
In the midst of my sprint, something unusual catches my eye. I slow down slightly, enough to take in the sight of a small, flying figure. It's a little fairy-like girl, no more than a meter tall. She hovers gracefully, her light blue, semi-transparent wings fluttering with an elegant rhythm. The wings are detailed with faint vein patterns, shimmering in the light.
Her hair is a vibrant shade of red, styled in a wavy, voluminous manner that adds to her mystical allure. She has pointed elf-like ears and striking red eyes that give her an ethereal appearance. Her attire is form-fitting, blue outfit that covers her torso, arms, and legs. The outfit has a high collar and geometric patterns near the edges, adding an intricate design to her look. The long sleeves and leggings extend to her hands and feet, completing her enchanting ensemble.
Intrigued, I come to a complete stop, the sudden deceleration causing a rush of wind to sweep past me. The fairy-like girl notices me and flutters closer, her eyes curious and unafraid.
The first thought that comes to my mind is "Demon," and I instinctively stay on guard. However, the expression on her face brightens, and she speaks with a voice that sounds just like a little girl's. "Oh, a human here! That's rare!" she exclaims. "I'm Pixie, of the Fairy race. What's your name?"
I'm taken aback. I had expected this encounter to be similar to my run-in with the zombie, but to my surprise, she shows no signs of malice. Her demeanor is cheerful and innocent. Despite my curiosity, I decide against asking Burroughs to analyze her-doing so might be perceived as a hostile act.
So, I choose a different approach. "My name is Minoru Kagenou," I reply, trying to match her friendly tone.
Pixie giggles, her wings fluttering with a joyful rhythm. "Nice to meet you, Minoru! What brings a human like you to the Vortex World?"
"I came here to gain more power," I say, though my thoughts betray the truth. The reality is far more embarrassing: I had been banging my head against a rock in a desperate attempt to awaken magic within me, only to mistake the headlights of an oncoming truck for some mystical force. And to top it off, I was stark naked during the whole fiasco. But there's no way I'm admitting that to anyone.
Pixie's eyes light up with stars. "You must be really strong then! If you are, I'm willing to join you if you can take care of some demons for me."
I raise an eyebrow. "Are these demons stronger than the zombies I've encountered?"
She nods eagerly. "Yes, much stronger! And there are about ten of them."
A smile tugs at the corner of my lips. Finally, a real challenge. "Alright, lead the way, I'll take care of them for you."
Pixie flutters around excitedly. "Yippee! Follow me, I'll show you where those pesky Preta are."
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The journey doesn't take long, but I have to consciously hold myself back to avoid surpassing Pixie's leisurely pace. We arrive in front of a dilapidated superette, where ten demons with hunched postures and elongated limbs are dancing in a grotesque rhythm. Their deep purple skin and protruding bellies give them an unsettling, otherworldly look. Shadows obscure most of their faces, but their glowing green eyes and broad, toothy grins are clearly visible, adding to their sinister expressions. Their dark, unkempt hair sticks out in wild tufts, and large hoop earrings with rectangular red tags hang from their ears, inscribed with black symbols. Gold bracelets adorn their wrists, jangling as they move.
Pixie hovers beside me, her eyes wide. "There they are. Be careful, Minoru."
I nod, stepping forward and drawing my katana. The demons notice my approach and their dance halts, their eyes locking onto me with predatory interest. I feel a surge of excitement. This is what I came here for.
One of the Preta snarls and charges at me, its elongated limbs flailing. I sidestep its clumsy attack and bring my katana down in a swift, precise arc. The blade slices through its flesh effortlessly, and the demon collapses, disintegrating into Magatsuhi that flows into me, enhancing my strength further.
The other Preta hesitate for a moment, then rush at me in a chaotic frenzy. I tighten my grip on my katana, my movements fluid and deliberate. I strike one Preta down with a powerful horizontal slash, then pivot to block another's swipe, countering with a quick thrust that pierces its heart. The demons fall one by one, their bodies dissolving into Magatsuhi.
Two Preta attempt to flank me, their grins widening as they sense an opportunity. I leap into the air, spinning and delivering a mid-air slash that decapitates both demons in one swift motion. I land gracefully, already turning to face the next threat.
The remaining Preta snarl in unison, their eyes glowing with a chilling light. "Bufu!" they chant. Giant stalactites materialize in front of them, waves of icy spikes racing towards me. Even layers of frost begin to creep over my body, threatening to encase me in ice.
Without hesitation, I channel my strength into a powerful vertical slash, my katana cutting through the air with a force that disrupts the icy magic. The arc of my blade creates a shockwave, shattering the approaching ice and sending shards flying in every direction.
As I land, I glance around, assessing the damage. The entire superette is split cleanly in two, and a nearby building begins to collapse, its base severed by the force of my strike. Debris and dust fill the air as the structure crumbles, a testament to the raw power I now wield.
Pixie hovers nearby, her eyes wide with amazement. "Minoru, that was incredible! You totally smashed them!"
I sheath my katana, a satisfied smile on my face.
The last of the Preta disintegrate into Magatsuhi, their energy flowing into me and enhancing my abilities further. I feel a surge of power, my connection to the Magatsuhi growing stronger with each battle.
Pixie flutters closer, her wings shimmering in the dim light.
Burroughs' voice chimes in. "The 'Bufu' skill has been assimilated. Preta of the Haunt race has been added to the Demonic Compendium."
A smile spreads across my face. My first skill, and it's magic. This power is intoxicating, and I can't wait to see what else I can achieve.
Pixie flutters closer, her wings shimmering in the dim light. "Thank you for dealing with those Preta," she says, her voice sincere. "As promised, I'll join you."
She reintroduces herself with a graceful bow. "I am Pixie, of the Fairy race. I'll assist you in any way I can."
A red light emanates from Pixie, shooting toward my COMP. Burroughs' voice follows, "Fairy Pixie has become an ally. The contract is in effect.
Pixie of the Fairy race has been added to the Demonic Compendium,"
"Thank you, Pixie," I say, nodding at her. "But can you step back a bit? I want to test my new magic."
Pixie flutters backward, giving me space. "Sure thing, Minoru. Let's see what you can do!"
I position myself, focusing on the newfound power within me. With a deep breath, I say with determination, "Bufu."
I feel the flow of energy coursing through me, the COMP assisting and guiding the formation of the spell. The sensation is exhilarating, as if I can sense every particle of ice taking shape. Suddenly, massive ice spikes erupt from the ground, spanning several hundred meters.
A genuine smile spreads across my face, a stark contrast to my usual smirks. This feeling, this authentic happiness-it's rare, perhaps the first genuine smile I've ever had in my life.
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Name: Pixie
Race: Fairy
MP: 150/150
Resistances: [Force]
Weakness: [Dark]
Strength: F
Endurance: F
Magic: E-
Agility: E-
Luck: E-
Skills: [Dia][Patra][Zan]
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Name: Preta
Race: Haunt
MP: 65/65
Resistances: [Dark]
Weakness: [Fire][Force][Light]
Strength: E-
Endurance: E-
Magic: E-
Agility: E-
Luck: E-
Skills: [Bestial Bite][Bufu]
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