Walking Disasters and Me-Showing Her Strength, Miscalculations – Ch 80
I take a few minutes to relax and clear my mind a bit, the anxiety of having to not only put on a show but really go all out against Akiko again making my heart quicken its pacing in anticipation. Both from my blooming Berserker tendencies as well as the slight bit of stage fright knowing that Samantha, Jun Li, and Gerra are likely going to be watching the whole spectacle. Kind of regretting that decision now, but what's done is done. Also, not like they aren't going to see me fight
eventually.
Hell, they're going to be training me later on!
Still, my dumb brain is deciding to make a big deal out of it, and logic can only soften the blow somewhat as I sit there in a growing pile of nervous energy. Ios, bless her, puts on some soothing music from back on Earth, some guitar cover of Moonlight Sonata that I always loved listening too when I was trying to keep calm. At first the sudden noise jolts me in surprise, realizing I haven't heard or seen any Earth media since I landed here.
"Right," I say back as my hand falls away from my startled heart, "I forgot you mentioned that you scooped all of the music and stuff from back home before we zapped over here."
Ios just gives me a little wink as she closes her eyes and leans back in her projection, her curly blonde hair falling past the back of the chair a little ways as her chest mimics the rise and fall of breath, seemingly eager to enjoy this little slice of relaxation along with me. I give her a quiet, "Thank you." as I follow her lead and just let the ebbs and tones of the slightly melancholic strum of strings guide me to a more at peace mindset.
A few minutes of both of us just existing in tune with the music, and my mind is much more settled. Ios gives me a nod and then switches over from the comms box to the drone which begins hovering up and moving towards the door. I get the hint and rapidly put on a new pair of underwear, donning my battle dress once more. I grab the storage bag that has my dual spear in it now, slinging it over my shoulder as I trot over to the waiting form of Ios and slide the door open for the both of us.
We make it all of two steps before the snowy white tailed kitsune appears in our vision, said tails wagging a bit as she leans down to give me a hug with her matronly voice calling out, "Good afternoon, my love~. And the same to you, spirit Ios. I take it preparations for our upcoming bout are finally completed?"
I give her a hug back, letting her pleasant scent wave around me as we press our bodies together and reply, "Yep! All filled up on stamina and ready to see how long I can last~. Oh, also, sorry about this morning. I don't know how much Ios told you about it, but I shouldn't have gotten so upset like that. I promise, one of these days I'll just have a normal freaking day and nothing incredible or incendiary will happen!"
Ios hides a laugh off to the side which makes me shoot a look over her way, the only other response I get is her shrug as she says, "Oh, I'm sure some day you'll have a nice, relaxed full 24 hours to enjoy with yourself or the others, but let's face it hun. It's going to be pretty chaotic for the next little while. May as well get used to it~."
"Can't even let me have a dream of normalcy, can you Ios." I deadpan back to her, knowing that while she is right, it still irks me to admit it. I sigh back and just take Akiko's hand in mine, leading us along the now familiar path towards the lower training rooms as I turn back to her and ask, "So, are the girls going to be watching us this time or did something come up while I was getting my stamina topped off?"
Akiko, now buzzing with joyous energy at me leading her for the first time, just gives a small shake of her head as she replies, "They are indeed waiting for us, but they did see to some tasks when I returned to tell them of the delay. I made sure they were all present and accounted for when I heard that wonderful music begin to play from your room. And think nothing of it, my dear, I am just glad you are well~."
Oh right. I wonder if Ios can setup the comms box to be like, a movie or media night projector. I'm sure the girls would love to share some of my old cultural bits and pieces, and now that I've remembered it exists, I do really miss music~. Seemingly reading my mind again, Ios floats in front of us as she proclaims happily, "I can always show off some of Earth's tunes or plays, Akiko. Might be a good bonding ritual for you and the others to share with Aims on the days she's off from training."
It never gets less scary when she does that... "That is a wonderful idea, spirit Ios! And I am sure that experiencing some things from your past home will do wonders for your mentality, my love~." Okay, now they're both doing it! That's just cheating!!
I can only shake my head and chuckle to the internal bit of humor, both Ios and Akiko giving me a curious look - Akiko even has one of her ear's flaps adorably over itself~ - but we continue on as I finally respond back, "Sure, movie night it is~. I know the answer is probably yes, but do you have the extended cuts of the first Lord of the Rings trilogy loaded up Ios?"
"Of course! Don't you take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks, Aims~! Hehe~!" Oh Heavens, it begins... I laugh in earnest at the inside joke, Akiko just smiling along and happy that we're being happy as she follows along silently behind us. A few more back and forths later filled with laughter or cringy sighs of exasperation at a bad pun or forced movie line, and we have reached the descending stone staircase down to the lower levels of the estate. Akiko leans down to give me a small kiss on the cheek before she opens up the door for us, gesturing inside as we walk past her.
Just like she said, Jun Li, Gerra, and Samantha are all standing next to each other, their previous conversation broken by our arrival into the larger training room. As is their custom, they skip over and give a small bow to Akiko with varying forms of Madam or Mistress before they all turn to me. Jun Li gives a little wave as a hello while Gerra comes up to give me a one-armed side hug, ruffling my hair with her other hand as she does so. I squeak out a small protest, playfully trying my best to stop her obvious bullying of my beautiful hair, when Samantha comes up and just places her hand on my other shoulder.
"I am looking forward to seeing you fight in earnest for the first time, Amelia. I know you are still new, but from the Mistress' s you hold exceptional talent in the spear, as well as with ranged weapons obviously. Have you given any thought to purchasing the Mercurial Weapon like you suggested some time ago?" Shit, I forgot about that
too
huh... Hopefully that little problem of mine will get sorted out with more Intelligence, or else we may end up needing to buy me some kind of short-term memory skill or something...
I laugh back sheepishly, further trying to extricate myself from Gerra's teasing affection as I reply, "Uhm, no. I haven't quite talked to Akiko about that yet, with all the other crazy things happening non-stop." Another groping tickle comes my way from the pink haired vixen before Akiko finally steps in and pinches her ear firmly, making Gerra instantly raise her hands in surrender and a small whimper. Now that's a neat trick to remember~.
"I believe you have had your fun, my dear~. Now then Amelia, what is this about procuring such a powerful item like a Mercurial Weapon?" Her voice still sounds playful, but I can tell by the slight glance toward Gerra that the cat woman may be in for some scolding later. I decide to throw her a bone, she was just playing around after all, I think... her hand
did
nearly grab my boob just then...
"Don't be too hard on her Aki, she was just messing with me, and I
was
having fun with it~. But yeah, Ios found that we can buy one of those things and Samantha and I went over what they were when she was fitting me for training gear. Like I said, we've just been going and going lately so it kind of slipped my mind. Sorry~." Gerra sends me a thankful look as Akiko merely nods her head and relinquishes the trapped furred ear that was between her fingers. She also hums for a few seconds before turning to Ios, a decision having been made, apparently.
"So long as it isn't Transcendent ranked, I think that would be a wise option, spirit Ios. The possibility of Amelia remaining a secret grows smaller by the day, and soon enough she will be out in the world proper. Having such a powerful weapon that fits nicely with our intentions to have her train across all classes of weaponry will be a considerable boon to her, and should anyone try and be foolish enough to covet it, Amelia will simply show them why that is not the wisest course of action~. Again, be sure to deactivate the Luck stat when you purchase it." Akiko finishes with a matter-of-fact tone, switching to her sensei mode seamlessly.
Ios gives her a nod and then turns to me with a cheery voice, "Well, its up to you when you want to buy it hun~! Probably should do it after the tribulation if you want my advice. I know you learn fast, but trying to pick up how to properly use such an artifact can be a bit tricky, and the last thing you need when facing down those bolts is to have to worry about learning how to use it on the fly. But, its your decision."
I mull it over for a few moments, and while I am eager to see just what it looks like and how to use such an insanely powerful tool, I can't deny that Ios once again has pretty good logic behind her reasoning. "Alright, let's add it to the list of presents after I face the tribulation, then. So, now that that's all out of the way and we've all said our hello's, I guess it's time to get started?" Again, that small little trickle of anxiousness starts to drip feed into me despite how much I'm trying to hold it back. Akiko must sense something about it because she just nods and instructs the others to go stand and observe from the wooden walkways that surround the training mats in the center.
She then takes my hand and places a talisman in the air between us, its azure flames turning it to ash as she turns back to me and gives me a kind look. "If you are having second thoughts about having them watch our spar, then I can have them go about their day. They are quite excited to see what you can do, though~. And don't worry, we have a few minutes of privacy thanks to the talisman I used."
I sigh as I lean in to give her a hug, "No... I
do
want them here, it's just a bit intimidating, I guess. Kind of like how awkward and uncomfortable I was when you first started teaching me the spear. I'll get used to it once we get started, but thank you for being amazing and thoughtful like
always
, you adorable foxy momma you~. I love you." She giggles and says the wonderful phrase back to me as I stand a bit on my toes and plant a small smooch on her cheek, giving her a small smile as I go back to a normal standing posture.
"Very well then, my dear. For this match I want you to use your proper weapon and I shall use mine. I will only defend, since this is more a test of how long you can remain fighting while having your technique active. Have no fear, spirit Ios confirmed for me this morning that so long as you do not actually
deal
damage, your Luck will not trigger in a fight. Well, there are some other ways it can activate, but for our purposes you can come at me with everything you have without a worry~. Remember what I taught you and take this match just as seriously as when we last fought, my love. When you are ready, walk to the other end of the area and retrieve your spear, then come at me with everything you have, understood?" Her hands come down to rest against both of my shoulders during her speech, giving them a soft squeeze as she asks the last question.
I give her a small nod, the weight of using actual, lethal weaponry against her making me a bit uncomfortable, but I trust her when she says not to worry. Besides, I highly doubt I could actually land a real, tangible blow on her as I am anyway, she's just too far out of my league still, even with my soon to be buffed stats. I give her one more hug which she returns and then turn around to slowly march my way toward the other end of the padded arena, heartbeat thudding loudly in my chest.
I eventually reach the mark, about 40 feet away from Akiko with the shimmering barrier coming to life behind me in a dull
*whump*
of energy. I breathe deeply a few times, urging my pulse and emotions to settle and prepare to morph back into that killing intent that I've unleashed a couple times now. It takes a few moments, errant thoughts and worries popping up that vary between being watched, possibly hurting Akiko, or just making a fool out of myself, but eventually I'm able to silence all of them and still the waters of my mind and soul. With one last exhale of breath, I reach into the storage bag still across my shoulders and pull out the dual winged spear, its metal humming slightly against the air as I flash it forward in an arc and toss the bag to the side.
Akiko pulls her slim katana out of her storage ring, slashing it through the air a single time which makes a wave of pressure blow around inside of the shielded cube we reside in now. "Come at me when you are ready, Amelia." She says from her spot, moving the sword into a defensive stance, its body in front of her with the tip pointed skyward. I nod as I lean down into my own stance, and begin flooding my body with Qi using the combined technique, forcing as much as I can into the pale glowing moon that is my body path. The air recoils from me, lifting my hair up in increasingly powerful waves as the mountain of raw Qi begins to saturate into me more and more.
When the celestial body inside of me begins to become too engorged to handle anything more, the model network straining under the unbalanced load, I raise my eyes up to Akiko's and say out with a whisper:
[Moonlight Body Strengthening].
With an explosion of force all my own, my first step rockets me straight to Akiko, both of our faces set with grim determination as the tips of my spear and her katana ring out loudly as gusts of wind blow both of our hair back violently. My cold eyes lock with hers, seeing them dance with lust laden joy and delight as she smiles down manically at me. I give her a small smirk back as we break contact, moving back just enough to begin rapidly lashing out toward her in a flurry of blows that shoot forward faster than a blink of an eye, all aimed at her neck, chest, and face. Each one expertly parried and deflected with the same force as the first. Akiko and I both begin to cackle, and soon we are playing a reverse of the game from the ranged quests, as I begin to chase her down while she dodges, dips, and deflects every attempt I make to land any kind of hit on her.
I hover in my holographic form, watching Akiko and Aims laugh like a couple of mad women as the dart and dance this way and that. I track another swipe from Aims that looks like its just about to make contact with Akiko's thigh, before her sword comes down between the spear point and the crescent wing of the spear, pushing it further away from her expertly and without any momentum lost. Yet another example of how even if Aims may get parity with Akiko stat wise, she still has a lot to learn about things like this. Things that she's probably going to have to learn the hard way, although I'll always do my best to not let that be the case.
I hear Jun Li, the sweet girl, off to my right as she exclaims, "
Amazing~!
To think Miss Amelia is already
this
far along after less than a month! I trusted the Madam's words, of course, but seeing it in person is
truly
something spectacular to behold~! Simply incredible~..." God I love that fox woman. If Aims doesn't get in her bed soon, I'm going to use that suit to torture her until she does~.
"Indeed," the stoic voice of Samantha responds back to the loveable black haired kitsune, "I am more impressed by the fact that she has already grown accustomed to her own killing intent. That is
always
the hardest thing to imbue into a new pupil, especially so for someone who comes from such a peaceful life. Of course, she shows acceptable skill with the spear as well, not falling for many feints or traps that the Mistress is setting for her. Look there, where the Mistress left her guard open?"
We all look and see what she's pointing at, noticing that indeed, Akiko has left her side completely exposed to Aims, her katana on the right side of her body while Aims is jetting up from her left and behind. Aims seems to notice something off about that too and instead pushes herself forward in a burst of speed so that she is now ahead of Akiko, flashing the tip of her spear up and across her body which makes her deflect the strike with a laugh of praise before they go darting off again.
"If Amelia were to take the bait, the Mistress will likely use her tails to deflect the haft of the spear and then turn around in a flash with her sword. Of course, no contact would have been had, but you see my point. I remember falling victim to that little trick quite often when training with the Mistress many decades ago." Samantha adds on afterwards.
"Right you are," I hear the southern twang of Gerra respond, "I think we all have fallen for many little tricks and traps the Madam likes to use, the cunning fox that she is~. But it's like ya said, the little bird has her talons out and seems to be keeping pace just fine, for now. I can't wait until we get a chance to spar with her too~." A slightly hungry look drops over the pink feline eyes, her similarly colored tail twitching back and forth like she is ready to pounce on something. Well, more like someone~. While I think Sam and Aims would eventually be sweet on each other, I am still a little concerned about the intensity Gerra puts out there...
Oh well, Aims said she wanted to be a full part of this harem, so as long as its all consensual, I don't mind. Doesn't mean I won't have some words with the sexy cat lady if she gets out of line like she apparently is want to do though~. I'm broken out of my musings by Jun Li, her flowing watery voice singing pleasantly in my virtual ears, "Spirit Ios, how fares Miss Amelia's reserves? It has been over a minute now of active fighting, will she be able to keep this pace long enough to endure her tribulation?"
Such a lovely girl~! I give her a wink as I check Aim's stamina pool, seeing that she is only just now dipping below 450k meaning that she can actively fight with the technique going for about seven minutes which should be more than enough to face off against this next pissy ass Heaven's attempts. Hopefully... I turn back to the sparkling ruby red eyes of Jun Li in answer, "Well, if she's just using the body technique, it seems like she should be able to keep it up for nearly seven minutes straight. That is enough for me to feel comfortable with her taking the tribulation, as she can also use a skill called
[Steady Breathing]
to offset some of that stamina usage for a time. Although, I don't think it will help too much until she gets that particular value up more from succeeding in her tribulations."
Jun Li nods a few times, delighted at the news while a chorus of banging metal from various and repeated clashes sound out around the room as we all watch in silence, only the faint muffled curse of Aims sometimes coming through on yet another failed attempt to land a blow. Sam and Gerra simply look back to the fight contemplatively, and curious, I float over to them and ask, "What's up?"
Samantha turns to me and replies in her usual tone, "It is nothing, spirit Ios. I was just considering how much longer we will truly be superior to Amelia in strength with how fast she develops and how powerful her skills and techniques are. As she stands now, at a peak 1st Realm, she can likely kill any peak 4th Realm so long as this technique is being channeled. And quite easily at that. It is a...
difficult
thing to grasp but seeing it with my own eyes has certainly helped." Another series of blows ring out across the training room, bringing us all back to look as Aims ends a chain of attacks by lashing the hooked scythe like end of the spear toward Akiko's shoulder, missing by a hair as the katana comes up to bash against the shaft of the spear. Aims grunts loudly in aggravation, her eyes flaring a small flick of frustration as Akiko laughs and off they go once more~.
Gerra seems to share the sentiment, crossing her arms as she focuses in on the fight with laser like attention. I hum softly between the two of them, knowing that they are 100% right about that~. My little Aims is going to be a monster~! Hehe~! "Well, all the more reason for you three to advance to the half step, no? I know you've all been ready to move up for quite some time now, your auras are too deep and profound to not be ready for ascension to that last step. That'll give you a bit more breathing room as Aims becomes more and more powerful, but you're right. Even
that
will eventually run its course. I'm assuming Akiko told you three about Aims' promise to get you all body and soul manuals, correct?"
The three of them turn to me and nod, the eagerness in their eyes at such a ludicrous treasure easy to discern. Honestly, it would be a bit off putting if it were anyone else, but I know these three are good eggs and their eagerness is more to try and keep up with this new typhoon of power called Amelia more than any dumb lust for power for its own sake. "Well, Aims is serious about that, so don't fret too much. Once the four of you start cultivating the other paths, you'll find that its an exponential growth in power, not a linear one."
That seems to mollify both Samantha and Gerra, although Jun Li seems much more excited about it going by her trio of tails rapid wagging~. Maybe I can buy a suit for her too... A loud, sundering crash of an impact, like a meteor falling violently to the ground, shakes the room around us as we all look toward the center with wide eyes. Smoke fills the entire training space as I rapidly check Aims' health pool, relief flooding through me at the unchanged number until I see a damage read out that
shouldn't
be there:
Damage dealt 29,857! Luck activates! Damage dealt increased to 14,928,500!
Oh
fuck
...
.
!
Showing Her Strength, Miscalculations – Ch 80
Comments