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I blinked the sleepiness away from my eyes, before yawning
"Heya kids, how many did you caught last night?"
"5. Nora personally took out 2 of them by smashing their heads off" Ren blinked, trying to stay focused, his gaze drifting behind me at the women "(Y/n), are those-"
"Before you ask. No. They got caught and raped by bandits"
It's only moments after the word escaped my mouth did I realized my mistake
I should not have said that
I. Should. Not. Have. Said. That
"Ah" Hand relaxing against his weapon, he stared at them uncomfortably. An awkward silence descended on both side, not having anything to say to each other as one was just too afraid to touch upon a sore spot for them
"Well, I guess you should leave then" I turned to them, which made their eyes widened in shock
"B-but sir, our families are killed. There's no where we can go now" The oldest of them said, her voice filled with horror "With no connection, we would not be able to find ourselves a decent job. The only place for us to go would be the red-light district"
Huh. I forgot this is supposed to be set in Imperial Japan. The people of this era are still living with that outdated mindset huh?
Well this is probably one of the truer case of gender inequality - which makes me feel a sense of pity for them.
However, that does not mean I must do anything about it. It simply won't help me in the long run if I selflessly help everybody I came across and not expect anything in return
"I'm sorry, but I can't take you with us" I rejected flatly "Our rations are limited, and honestly, no offense to you ladies, the numbers would just slow me down more than I need to"
"But you're supposed to-"
She was silenced by my stare
"I understand your feeling" I said, my voice quiet "You're frustrated. You're tired. You're hurt and traumatized from a long night of terror. Just take some rest for the time being. Talk to me when you're all feeling better"
With that I walked away
"He can't be thinking about abandoning us, is he?" The girl's voice shook in anger "He can't, he's a samurai. Aren't helping people supposed to be his duty?"
"Yumi, shut up"
Everyone tensed at their eldest's voice. She took her hand and squeezed it tightly "The swordsman is right. We're all tired now and arguing won't help making our current situation better. We should be glad he bothered saving us in the first place"
"Yeah...yeah" Yumi's hands came up and covered her pale, sickly face. She was shaking "I think I need some rest"
Unbeknownst to them, (Y/n) winced slightly in guilt
<><><><><><><><><><>
You have leveled up
You have unlocked [Increased Lung Capacity]
You have leveled up
You have unlocked [Hamon]
Deep Breath. Exhale
Strike
[Moon Breath First Form. Crescent Slash]
I shifted my foot and leaned to the side, allowing for the horizontal strike to achieve maximum force just before the moment of impact. Angling the last 3/4th of the blade will help minimize momentum loss, thus leading to more damage in this case
The thick tree trunk I was aiming for was easily sliced off, though not without some splinters being sprayed into the air. Suffice in power, lacking in precision
[Wind Breath Fifth Form. Winter Gale]
My blade moved again as I rotated my center of balance upward. The decapitated tree trunk was further sliced in six identical pieces mid-air, before being blasted off by a strong gust of wind that followed afterward
"....."
As expected, larger intakes of air means more energy for the execution of the technique. If before, I can only do one before having to resupply oxygen again, now I can use two forms at the same time in one breath, thus reducing the time it took to charge between each technique
Of course, the penalty is that each full refill would take slightly longer, but a burst-damage option is still a nice addition to one's skillset
Now if only I can learn [Full Focus Breathing]. Three forms executed in just one breath can lead to many creative combo, especially if you were to combine all the Breath Style in your arsenal together
And then there's the Hamon
After all that meditating, only to suddenly unlock a skill you've been yearning for just by leveling up....How anticlimatic
I closed my eyes, trying to get a feel of this newfound power
It wasn't as hard as I thought it would, as though I was guided by my instinct I began breathing. The pattern was strange, yet it also reminded me to the shape of a ripple
Summoning the unused butcher knife in my hand, I held it in front of me. A heat surged off from my own body, as if setting my blood on fire when i began concentrating on it. Slowly, I directed that feeling toward the weapon, watching in amazement and contentment as the knife also glowed with the same electric-like aura like my body
Ding!
Weapon's durability has been increased by 200%
Strength has been increased by 20%
HP regeneration has been increased by 20%
Great, now I just need to find my own Speedwagon waifu and everything will be perfect!
But putting that aside, to rank up two times like this is indeed rare, even when that is to be expected when fighting against such a tough opponent as that guy
Since I already have three breath style in arsenal, one in Taijutsu and the other in Kenjutsu, those respective stats automatically increase as I leveled up
[Breath of the Moon] and [Breath of the Wind] increased my swordsmanship stat by 2 per levels, so that means it just went up by 4
The same can be said with [Breath of Dragon], as of now I have 12 points in Taijutsu, which means my strength and regeneration speed is at least decently strong
But that leave me with 2 free stat points to invest
Let's see my status for now and decide
Name: (Y/n) (L/n)
Race: Human (All skills level up 30% faster)
Level: 12
Taijutsu: 12 (+1/level)
Kenjutsu: 5 (+2/level)
Ninjutsu: 0
Fuinjutsu: 0
Bloodline Limit: (Locked)
Number of [Traced Weapons]: 5
Hm? A new interface? I don't remember the window display having looked like this in the past. Granted, I'm not someone who would pay attention to unnecessary details, but even something as clear as this can't be mistaken
Perhaps the author had decided this look better and changed it, I mused
Ah, wait, the forth wall. Nevermind
But no matter, let's see how I can resolve this. The struggle of all first time Fallout player when choosing their S.P.E.C.I.A.L
My eyes narrowed as I stared at each of the stat with interest.
Taijutsu improve my general vitality. Strength, HP reserve and HP regeneration. Good for a tanky build and provide a good base damage for [Monk] or [Fighter] class
On early levels, increased survivability is always the best choice for me
Kenjutsu affect my combat performance. Melee damage, Weapon skills, Technique execution. Die fast, kill faster, suitable for offense-oriented classes like [Assassin] and others
It's a high risk high reward playstyle, something I'm not good at
Technically since I can now gradually increase two of them without using points, it would obviously be wise not to focus too much on these stats
That narrowed down my choice quite a lot. So between Ninjutsu and Fuinjutsu, which will it be?
Both, of course
Let it be said that I don't know a shit about these two and how to train them, but that may just be due to me having zero knowledge on them before. Either way, focusing on these two won't hurt me on the long run as much as it would if I neglect them
Ding!
Your Ninjutsu has increased by 1
Your Fuinjutsu has increased by 1
Ding!
A new skill has been learned
A new skill has been learned
Wha- Huh?
I don't remember learning anything when raising my two other statistics. Why is it that the System is giving me one now?
No wait, it would not be logical to assume they have anything to do with that. This is more likely a game mechanic to which it is necessary to work around these concept. A core to base a system around
Just like the Mathematic Operations. You can't learn about advanced equations without having basic knowledge about additions, subtractions or multiplication beforehand. The same may be said to other example that require a fundamental aspects for all derivation to function properly
A mage need to have mana in order to cast magic, as it is the energy that fuels it
Yasuo needs his third Q to execute his Ult, as it can't work without it
Jhin needs that fourth bullet to achieve perfection, since it's a guaranteed crit
John Wick needs a dog, because he's breathtaking
The point is that the skills given to me must be there because their function operates on a core principal that revolved around it, so that may be the reason why I'm receiving these for free when raising my stat up
You have learned [Decipher Script]
You can now read and understand texts written in an unfamiliar or archaic language
You have learned [Stealth]
People are less prone to detect your presence and the actions you take
My eyes widened. I sprung up from my spot and stared at the skill I just acquired with mouth hanging open
That is, before a smile overtook the lower half of my face
<><><><><><><><><><>
"Hah? It's you again?"
Needless to say the spirit was surprised to see me back at her place
"Sorry for the intrusion" I replied, crushing a piece of charred bone underneath me as I walked forward. No more bandit corpses for this month
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I'm here to find out more about this temple" A confused face. I can't judge her
"When that I first faced off against that demon. He did mention the potential that this shrine have, as I remembered right, a power that a mortal like me couldn't comprehend" I smiled "And it just so happen that I remembered having seen a few archaic symbols etched unto the walls around here"
"Now I know what you're thinking, and yes I won't deny it. I'm violating your shrine by doing this" I winked "But let's put formality aside and consider our gains. I may get to learn more about your history and identity while potentially honing my skill, while you lost nothing. Mutual benefits"
"That's not how mutual benefits works"
"It isn't?"
The spirit grumbled, before giving me what could only be interpreted as the "go ahead" signal
Either that or the middle finger. It's hard to make out with her form like that
Though nonetheless, I started with the inspection. Tracing my eyes across the symbols, I could vaguely made out the formation about it. Different possible meaning and words flowed through my mind like a river, but they are blurrier and unclearer than I thought. Like trying to look at paragraph out of the corner of your eyes, unable to fully concentrate on it entirely
Though that is to be expected, considering my expertise level right now
But as you can probably guess by my rather "lawful good" nature, I have no intention of unveiling whatever power or treasure contained within here, nor do I intent on helping her , as I know full well my level is still too low for that.
What I aimed for is the increase in experience upon examining such ancient and intricate seals. If my theory is correct, this may be quite easy
"Right. I've seen this word on the three previous paragraph. there's a pattern here, a repeat"
[Decipher Script] has leveled up
Ignoring the message window, I continued focusing on the lines of text. This time, the haze in my mind cleared up a little, allowing me to have a more transparent look at the content before me
"Pure?"
The word's meaning automatically translate itself upon me gazing at it for several seconds. Somehow, I felt as if I could decipher the meaning behind it just by analyzing the curves and characteristics of each individual symbols
"A female" I frowned
"Is it talking about a virgin?"
No, that's not right. A virgin is, by definition, someone who doesn't have any experience in sexual affairs with their partner, either by experiencing the pleasure of masturbation in the presence of others or pure, vaginal penetration. But it just a wholly physical concept regarding one's inner purity
If that's the case, there's no reason as to why they would need to worship virgins. As highly regarded as they are, just the state of keeping one's desires in check isn't guaranteed for one to earn a high rank among religious groups
Either way, the application is too shallow to directly reference it into this
Contexts are needed in this situation
The word "pure" may be referring to one's mental state, as in untainted by whatever mumbo jumbos they considered as negative qualities by their religion's standard
In that case, "Maiden" may be the right word
[Decipher Script] has leveled up
"One....Four"
My eyebrows went up
"One...of four?"
I don't have a good feeling about this
It felt as though I'm about to get myself into trouble again. Maybe I should just stop reading
Well I can't believe I'm getting intimidated by a bunch of words. It boggles me as to this sensation of dread in my stomach. Probably thinking too much about it
"She used Wind. An element. Four elements....Maybe that's referring to the seasons of the year. Spring"
"Four directions. Four seasons" My eyes trailed over the compass-like symbol before me- a circle with four thin needle spikes protruding out in four different equal sections from the inside
This reminds me of a certain Chinese symbol that eventually spread itself to other parts of the South East region of Asia. Four cardinal beasts that each ruled over a different regions....
"Four Maidens"
A pause
"Nope"
I smiled
"Nope"
I really should have stopped
"Nope Nope Nope Nope Nope"
I ran. I ran back out from the inside out into the shrine's courtyard. I ran straight through the Spirit-that-is-definitely-not-a-Maiden and headed for the entrance at top speed
"Wha- sir (Y/n), where are you going?"
I dug my heels into the ground and forced myself to stop. Taking a deep breath, a really deep breath, pat yourself on the chest, and calm your mind. There, I must think about this clearly
First off, it is quite likely that this is not the real manifestation of the Maiden. As Raven must be alive in this universe from what Ruby had told me and could have left the family after learning about the Maidens and Salem, and we all know she's the Spring Maiden. Second off, gods is apparently an existing concept in this universe
Counter argument: This is an AU, and AUs does not make any sense when it comes to an analogy of it and the source material (Canon). Ozpin could have just decided not to give her the Maiden's power, and there's no guarantee as to the real concept of a Maiden itself
That's like trying to apply Tsukihime logic into Fate/ Stay Night, or any of the previously existing installments in the TYPEMOON franchise for that matter
In conclusion
"You're a wizard, Harry"
"...."
"Who's Harry?"
"Or as close to a wizard as you could probably get. I mean you can use magic, sure, but that doesn't mean Voldemort-Salem is hunting you down for your connection with the Horcrux-Relics. Hell, for all I know you're really just a local deity with no power over different regions" He began biting his nails in frustration "Or even if the existence of the Witch and the Relics themselves being a plausible cause may affect my deduction of this situation. After all, I don't know the influence Asian mythology have on this universe of RWBY"
"...What?"'
The spirit blinked at the oddity that is the boy in front of her
Over her time in existence, she has witnessed many mortal individual paying visits to her. Yet this particular human may actually be the more...bizarre among them
"Anyway, let's be friends and go on an epic adventure with me" He looked up at her, and she could see a hint of something in his eyes
"I can't"
"I insist" He spoke calmly, like a scholar chiding his student "First off, you already told me that your existence depended upon the faith of others-"
"Identity" She interrupted, a frown on her face "Their faith shapes my identity, but the aspects upon which I ruled over will stays the same. As much as I am the weak spirit in front of you, in another religion I am known as the powerful deity Fujin. He is I, and I am he...we, along with countless others, are each other's alter egos. Human defined who we are, not what we are. Thus, our existence are mere fakes, shaped by the whim of those who follows us"
There was a hint of bitterness in her voice
He smiled, as though already expecting this answer. The calm and regal way in which this boy named (Y/n) carried carry himself almost made her pause
For a moment, she felt as though she was a child standing in the presence of a sage
"In which case, a concept is effectively a blank slate to project a personality into it. The aspect of your power is the canvas, and your identity is shaped by the brush of faith. That's why when I first met you, you can take on the shape of the deceased woman since I am convinced that is her I am talking to" He whispered, eyes glinting with amusement "You intended to play on my guilt and manipulate me into helping you. You depended on me, on my faith and piety to do your job"
"What are you getting at?"
"Become my companion" He said with a straight face
"......" She sucked in a deep breath, internally hoping it to just be problem of communication between them "I'm sorry?"
"Let's look at this from another point of view. The logical decision. As of current I am one of the few, if not the only one who know of your existence" He waved a finger "Such a state of being is quite hazardous to maintain, as relying upon just one person to keep on living may lead to...unexpected consequences"
"And do you think you can help me with that?"
"Not exactly. I may have a way to ensure your continued "identity" upon this realm" At this he stopped, and he turned at her
That emotionless stare shook her to the very core
Not cold, nor warm. Only a cold calculativeness behind it. A monster that can pierce through her very soul, analyzing everything inside it, searching and searching, as though the abyss itself is gazing at her through an endless veil of darkness
She gulped, anticipating his next word
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'Damn it, something got in my eyes'
It took all of my willpower not to raise my hand and rub the annoying itch on my optic globes
Come now, it would ruin the image she has of me if I were to do that in the middle of a speech
Or is it because I'm bluffing through my teeth that I'm feeling that itchy?
"But your purpose isn't to only exist, is it? You felt, as a local mountain spirit, that you have the duty to help people in need and protect the weak, In that case, there's a solution to your problem. One that would solve virtually both of them"
That's just a base theory that I came up with...one in regard to how a divine entity were born and fade away by the legend that accompanied them
As someone who is familiar with the Nasuverse, it's not hard to connect the dots
"Join me. Your power, my sword. We'll-"
[Create your own legend]
That is what the quest had asked of me, doing this would effectively be killing two birds with one stone
The spirit opposite of me bit her lips. Contemplation. Hesitation.
"I...."
She was silent
I felt a trickle of sweat running down my neck
'Did I overdid it?'
"Why would you go so far just for me?" Her voice wavered slightly, barely louder than a whisper in the wind
(Y/n) almost tripped on himself at that part, though thankfully he managed to retain his composure
'Oh shit'
She is doubting me and my previous words.
That is probably expected due to my pushy attitude and almost rush-like manner of doing it. Though no hostility could be detected from her voice, I could almost imagine she is being wary and suspicious of me
Which honestly makes sense. Why would a total stranger likes me help her anyway. The only plausible conclusion would be that I have an ulterior motive behind this
Damn, if only I could increase my charisma right now
People read me too easily!
"And...why wouldn't I?"
That's the best possible answer in this circumstance. As cowardly as it may sound, twisting her words against her and made the spirit doubt herself will give me ample ammunition for response
Unfortunately, the spirit's next words completely throw me off-guard
"I guess you're just that kind of person, huh?"
Noooooooooooo!
She sees through my bullshit!
She must have taken my silence as confirmation, for the spirit continued
"The words you say back then were the truth, then"
At this point, I just give up
"Yes" So she heard me planning to loot her shrine and use her as a tool to complete my quest "That is indeed as true as it can get"
"Then....I accept"
"......."
This sounds pretty neat. Too neat. I am both wary and worried at the same time
If she had really seen through me from the start and really know what I am planning, then still agreeing to it, this proves that the spirit herself is actually more formidable than I thought
An individual who can calmly think things through with clarity, completely unaffected by the blind prejudices of emotions, knowing that I was just using her as a tool. Yet she knew the choice is not without merit
Strength for existence
Power over faith
Mutual benefits. A fine deal. She knew this, and acted on it with no hesitation
How admirable. This is a companion I could definitely get along with.
With a grunt, I raised a single finger and poked her in the forehead. Before she can utter a word, I activatd one of my skills
[Bonding]
"What is this?" The wind maiden asked, marveling internally at the sudden surge of warmth and power that surged over her
"Just something I thought would help" My fingers twitched. Figured. It seems like this ability doesn't just apply to mere items after all. A skill named [Bonding] worked as an enhancement of the connection between multiple targets, one of which could, but doesn't required to be the Player themselves
The System is a troll for not giving me a proper descriptions of the skills I received
Still, had this been in my previous life on Earth I wouldn't have believed what I'm doing right now. Making a contract with a spirit isn't something that could be count as normal among the more futuristic world to which I lived in
Meanwhile, the spirit herself is shocked at the boy in front of her
'He could form contract with a deity like me?'
It is true that she had heard the human possessed divine blood inside them can form something called "Kekkei Genkeis" that enables them to perform incredible feats, though none of them had managed to reach the level of potency displayed before her right now
Ding!
The Wind Maiden has formed a Bond with you
Perk:
- [Greater Evasion]
Active Skill:
- [Eastern Wind of Chaos] (Locked)
- [Western Wind of Protection] (Locked)
- [Northern Wind of Destruction] (Locked)
- [Southern Wind of Haste] (Locked)
As soon as our connection was established, I almost jumped in joy at the amount of abilities I received
Of course, this also comes with the deal with helping her to reestablish her identity, so I can't exactly say it's an absolute win. But that's okay, the gains were enough to compensate for that. After all, I have plans to maximize my profit from this
But I still felt something was amisss
Oh
"Speaking of which, you don't have a name, do you?"
She shook her head. No apparent negative emotions could be seen, as though she was used to the lack of identity she possessed
Well, such a thing will not do
If you want a functional relationship with optimal benefits, it would be better to refer to each other by names. An indication of named things are that they are important, and thus they should be treated at such
"How about this....." I smiled, searching through my brains for whatever words my limited Japanese vocabulary could come up with. Subconsciously, I activated [Decipher Script], and the memory from reading the symbols etched on her shrine
A word. Ancient in nature. Repeated. In reverence and fear
"From this day onward, you will be known as Arashi"
Tempest
Like the wind, always by my side
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Author's Note: After updating this, I'll begin with the newest chapter of the Grim. Man, it felt like forever since I last touch it
I know some of you had already dubbed (Y/n) as similar to Shirou due to his...well..ability to trace and master weapons at the blink of an eye. But I don't intend for him to get down the path of a hero yet....if ever
"Hitokiri" would be a more fitting word
Yes...that same "Hitokiri"
*Insert Cool picture here*
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