Reincarnation Game (Book 1 - Highschool DxD)
Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool DxD.
Chapter 2: Skeletons and Skills
'Thinking'
"Talking"
"Talking"
- After School -
Thankfully, the class turned out to be very easy for me. Everything taught was on stuff that I had learned in my previous life, so there were no surprises or challenges on my first day. It seems like I got placed in one of the third-year classes that didn't have any main characters in it, allowing for some relative peace and quiet without having to worry about getting noticed.
The only noticeable thing that happened, was the drop in Affection from Issei and his two perverted friends for being a "pretty boy" after word had spread about me. I nearly laughed out loud when Aika Kiryuu saw me walking through the halls, took one look at my crotch, blushed, and instantly gained 5 Affection.
As I made my way home, I went through some of the recent changes that happened.
Relationships:
Sona Sitri - Level 53 - Heiress of House Sitri
Devil - High Class
Affection: 0 | Obedience: 0
...
Issei Hyoudou - Level 1
Human - Normal
Affection: -5 | Obedience: 0
...
Matsuda - Level 1
Human - Normal
Affection: -5 | Obedience: 0
...
Motohama - Level 1
Human - Normal
Affection: -5 | Obedience: 0
...
Aika Kiryuu - Level 1
Human - Normal
Affection: 5 | Obedience: 0
Oh well, it's not like I care what a couple of male perverts think. And to be honest, I find their peaking and constant lewd comments disgusting. There's a reason porn exists on the internet.
I mean honestly, if you wanted to get laid, you should realize that acting like a lecher was only going to hurt your chances. The Affection from Aika was a nice touch, though. I was surprised to find out that the anime didn't do her looks any favors. She's really not that bad looking, with more of a girl-next-door vibe that I'd say places her firmly in the 'cute' category.
Unfortunately, she's one of those girls who if she's alone, she looks like a 6 or 7. But because this is an ecchi world; full of massive, gravity-defying breasts and gorgeous faces, she barely passes for a 4.
Gaining some Affection right off the bat, just for my dick size, is somewhat helpful if I ever need someone to do something for me. Or it would be if I was looking to stick around and play student. Because once I start leveling up, I'm dropping out of Kuoh Academy. There's no reason for me to stick around and risk getting reincarnated into a Devil when I have other ways to get stronger.
Nonetheless, I tried to keep mostly to myself for the first day despite the girls in my class bombarding me with questions. I don't want to risk finding out how well the [Humanity] perk actually hides me by accidentally doing something to draw attention to myself.
Quest Completed!
[Attend School]
Reward:
[Student] (Perk)
All non-combat skills level slightly faster.
Not the most useful of perks, but I'll take what I can get.
Don't worry! The rewards get better as you level up.
That's good to know. And I got a few more levels for my [Observe] by spamming it on everyone in school.
Leveled Up - Skills:
[Observe] (Active) - Lvl. 10 (Novice)
While it might not be the path to ultimate power, it's better than before. And [Observe] should start leveling faster now that I have [Student].
Looking through my skills, it's disheartening to see so few. I used to always enjoy playing games that had you start from nothing and build your character up to become the strongest in the world. Now I realize what a pain in the ass it is.
After making it home, I quickly set down my backpack before walking into the bathroom to take a shower after the long day. My mind races as I spend several minutes just standing under the hot spray, thinking over my plans for the future.
As I am now, I'm dead if someone tries to attack me. It's only the [Humanity] passive that's keeping me alive and not a Devil's slave.
The real question is, do I want to get involved with one of the Biblical Factions? Or do I make a play for one of the others, like the Yōkai or the Norse? All of them are limiting in how strong I can become…but until I figure out a way to become a Dragon or a God, there aren't many other options.
Continuing to ponder over my thoughts as I leave the bathroom and head into the kitchen for some dinner, another textbox appears.
Quest Received:
[Don't Burn the Water]
Objective: Attempt to cook your first meal.
Reward: [?]
Rummaging through the kitchen, my head slumps when I discover that its mostly empty, only a half-empty carton of eggs and some bread on the countertop. It looks like tonight's meal is just going to be scrambled eggs and toast…yay.
Quest Completed!
[Don't Burn the Water]
Reward:
[Gamer Credit Card] - (System Item)
A credit card? I could definitely use that. I had to skip lunch at school because I didn't have any money to eat with, and if it hadn't been for the food already in the kitchen, I'd probably be incredibly hungry and annoyed right now. Feeling slightly better about my situation, I quickly grab the wallet that appears on the countertop, giving it a quick glance at the gold credit card inside, '[Observe].'
[Gamers Credit Card] - (System Item)
A limitless credit card that works only for buying food.
So I can only use this to buy food? At least I won't be starving now, but if I want to wear anything besides a school uniform or the single shirt and jeans, I'll have to figure out some form of income.
After slowly trudging back to my house with several bags of food, I quickly put everything away before I decide it's time to check out the Dungeons and see about getting at least one level tonight. Making my way out to the backyard, I stop for a second to enjoy the serene sounds of the garden before taking a deep breath. "[Dungeon: Open]!"
Immediately, a glowing golden magic circle appears beneath my feet. As it rises, I notice my lower body vanishing until it reaches my eyes, the light blinding me as I'm swiftly teleported away.
- Dungeon -
Blinking away the spots in my vision, I notice that my surroundings had changed to become a small room. The walls and floors were made of stone, and there were old-fashioned torches hanging from the walls that gave the room a decent amount of light. Directly in front of me, was a set of thick wooden doors.
Placing my hand against the wood, I struggle to try and force the doors open, only for nothing to happen as they refuse to budge. Before I can try again, another textbox appears.
Please select the Dungeon Type:
Skeletons (Lvl. 1 - 20)
?
?
?
?
So, I can only access Skeletons for now? That's fine, I can't imagine them being too difficult to kill at Level 1. But how am I supposed to fight them without any weapons or skills…'Gaia?'
I thought you'd never ask!
Item Received!
[Iron Sword] - (Common)
A simple sword for a simple purpose.
Suddenly, I feel a weight settle in the palm of my hand. Looking down, the sword is a standard iron blade with a plain cross-guard hilt. Testing the heaviness of it, I'm pleased to see it's light enough for me to swing around while also being heavy enough to deal some decent damage if it hits something.
It's not much, but at least it helps…right?
'Yes, Gaia, it helps a lot. Thank you!'
Yay! Go me!
Chuckling at her…its?...enthusiasm, I select Skeletons as the Dungeon Type. The moment I do, the heavy wooden doors creak open to reveal a forest of dead trees and a night sky. The shining crescent moon hanging overhead provides just enough light for me to see the dirt road leading through the middle of the forest.
Spooooky~!
Adjusting the grip on my sword, I carefully exit the room, hearing the doors slam shut behind me with a BANG!
That was scary!
…Looks like I'm not going anywhere until I make it through the Dungeon. That's fine, I need to start leveling up before the story kicks off, and I can't do that if I run away at the first sign of danger.
Quest Received:
[Dungeon Conqueror]
Objective: Clear the first Dungeon.
Reward: [?] [?]
'Here goes nothing.' Keeping an eye out for anything that might jump out at me, I walk down the dirt path for no more than a minute before I come across my first enemy. '[Observe].'
Skeleton - Level 1
It's a single skeleton, wielding a rusted sword and standing there lifelessly in the middle of the road. It seems to be waiting for me to approach, and I feel a small bit of adrenaline coursing through me as I raise my iron sword. If it's letting me make the first move, then I'll need to make it count.
Instead of charging at it like a fool, I take careful steps towards it. The moment I'm within a few feet, the skeleton finally comes to life as it raises the rusted sword in its hand and takes a swing.
Bringing my own sword up to block it, a CLANG rings out through the area, sending birds scattering from the forest and into the sky as a textbox disrupts my vision.
Skill Learned:
[Swordsmanship] (Passive) - Lvl. 1 (Novice)
The ability to fight with a sword. Higher levels improve fighting ability.
Taking a frantic step back, I quickly get rid of the textbox as the skeleton uses my distraction to take another swing. With not enough time to bring my sword up, I frantically throw my body to the side, diving out of the way and hitting the ground hard as the rusted sword barely misses me.
Sorry! That's my bad!
I'll keep the notifications hidden until after the fighting's over.
Ignoring Gaia's apology in favor of picking myself back up, I bring my iron sword in for a slash at the skeletons ribcage while it recovers from overextending its missed swing.
Striking it dead center, I feel my arms shake from the contact as the iron sword smashes through the ribcage. In seconds, the chest of the skeleton breaks apart before the entire thing falls to the ground in a pile of shattered bones.
[Skeleton] defeated.
Leveled Up - Skill:
[Swordsmanship] (Passive) - Lvl. 2 (Novice)
Panting as the adrenaline of the moment fades, I grin widely at successfully killing my first enemy. Even if it was just a Level 1, the feeling of being alive after having come close to death was exhilarating. Taking the time to see what I got for it, I'm elated to see some actual change to my status for once.
Sora Sakai - Level 1 [5%]
Human - Normal
Five percent for killing one skeleton... I'll take it. As long as no more textboxes interrupt me, it shouldn't be a problem killing some more skeletons if they're one at a time.
'And Gaia…'
…yeah?
'It's okay to make mistakes, everyone does. What matters is that we lived through it, and now you know what to do for next time. So don't be so hard on yourself okay? I'm still happy to have you with me.'
…thanks :)
'You're welcome. Now, let's go kill some more skeletons. Shall we?'
YEAH!
Atta girl.
- Later -
SMASH!
With a solid hit to the skeleton's unprotected skull, I wipe the sweat off my forehead with shaking hands as I pant heavily, watching the skeleton's body break apart and fall to the ground. For the last half an hour, I had taken on several more skeletons, each one the same as the first and proving to be easier to kill the more my [Swordsmanship] leveled up.
Leveled Up - Skill:
[Swordsmanship] (Passive) - Lvl. 7 (Novice)
It hasn't made me into some legendary fighter, but I can feel a slight change in how I hold my sword, and a little less energy being wasted every time I strike. But the most important thing for me right now, is the fact that the skeleton I just killed was the last one needed to reach Level 2.
Sora Sakai - Level 2 [0%]
Human - Normal
Way to go! You really smashed that last one!
'Thanks Gaia. Now is there anything left to do, or is that all there is for this Dungeon?'
So far, it had been nothing more than a straightforward walk down the dirt path with a skeleton appearing every so often. While it made things easier on me, it also got repetitive quickly. There's only so many dead trees and skeletons I can stare at before I get bored.
Nope! That's it for this one.
This was what you might call the tutorial, it'll be harder next time.
That's…potentially worrying.
Quest Completed
[Dungeon Conqueror]
Reward:
Unlocked - [Class Selection]
Unlocked - [Dungeon: Close]
Skill Unlocked:
[Dungeon: Close] (Active) - Lvl. MAX
Allows you to exit the Dungeon at any time.
Alright, now I've got a way out of here. But that other unlock is certainly interesting…'Hey Gaia, does Class Selection mean what I think it means?'
Oh yeah! I was wondering when that would appear.
You're going to love this!
Instantly, a new textbox appears in front of my vision. And the longer I stare at it, the more I feel like laughing maniacally.
Choose a Class:
[Warrior] [Mage] [Thief]
I wondered when I'd come across this! I couldn't be called a Gamer if I didn't get to pick a class, and without even having to think about it I knew exactly which one I was going to choose.
Gamer has chosen:
[Mage]
If there's one thing I've learned from video games, it's that magic provides far better options than the other two choices.
Choose a Specialization:
[Arcanist] [Elementalist] [Healer] [Illusionist] [Necromancer] [Summoner]
Now comes the difficult part. Which magical power do I want to use? Whichever one I go for will likely be how I see myself going forward as well as how others will see me, and I don't want to waste time leveling a specialization that I'll come to regret later on. So while Illusion sounds fun, I doubt it will help me very much in the early levels, and I need something that hits hard.
Arcanist is too broad, and the possibility that it'll end up being a support-type specialization like Healer is, is too great a risk to take at my low level.
[Elementalist] [Necromancer] [Summoner]
Between the remaining three choices, I have to get rid of Necromancer. It's far too often seen in a bad light, and I can't be making enemies yet without allies of my own.
[Elementalist] [Summoner]
Hmm…this is a tough choice. The ability to wield elements is obviously tempting, but I need allies soon if I'm eventually going to have to fight against Devil Peerages and Dungeon monsters in large numbers. I doubt the Dungeon is just going to keep putting a single skeleton in front of me at a time.
It won't.
It's a meanie.
Well, that makes the choice obvious then.
Class Unlocked:
[Class: Summoner] - Lvl. 1 (Novice)
The ability to summon other beings to fight at your side.
The higher the level, the more that can be summoned.
Skills Unlocked:
[Summon: Spirit] (Active) - Lvl. MAX
Summons ethereal animal spirits that act as spies, warning you of danger and allowing you to see through their eyes.
Able to summon +5 per Summoner Class level.
[Summon: Servant] (Active) - Lvl. 1 (Novice)
Summons humanoid servants that act as simple workers.
Able to summon +1 per Summoner Class level.
Two summons to start off with, and one that's already maxed? Hopefully they'll prove useful. At least [Spirit] will allow me to keep an eye on things happening in Kuoh while I'm at home. It's too far away to travel every time I want to check on things, and without wings or a form of teleportation, I'll likely only go into town from now on for food, clothes, and school.
I should test these out before I go any further. "[Summon: Spirit]."
At my words, a golden magic circle appears on the ground in front of me. Rising out of it is a group of five animals, made entirely out of ethereal golden energy. There are three deer, a fox, and a rabbit. And each one stares at me obediently with glowing golden eyes, waiting for my command. '[Observe].'
Spirit - Level 0
I didn't know that something could be at such a level. 'What does Level 0 mean Gaia?'
It means it's super weak.
Like, one hit and it goes POOF weak.
Which means I can't use it in any sort of combat situation. Damn…
Well, let's see what it can do.
Motioning towards the dirt path I had been walking down ever since I entered the Dungeon, one of the deer trots off without a sound. It moves surprisingly fast, and as it does its body starts fading before it disappears from sight. For a second, I worry that it's dispelled until it reappears farther down the path.
Relieved, I decide to try out the ability to see through its eyes.
Closing my eyes, my vision changes to show what the deer is seeing, noticing my body standing off in the distance next to the other four Spirits. While I don't actually move the deer's body like my own, I can direct it with my thoughts to go where I want it to go.
This will definitely come in handy, and the fact that they can disappear from view is a neat little trick.
Disconnecting from its sight, I dispel the Spirits for now to check out my other summons. "[Summon: Servant]."
Watching another golden magic circle appear, instead of an animal this time it's a man. More specifically, a man dressed in an all-black suit with a featureless white mask covering his entire face. The Servant has a typical slim build with short black hair, and stands around my own height. '[Observe].'
Servant - Level 1
'At least it's better than Level 0.'
"Can you understand me?" I ask, wondering if he's as lifelike as he seems or if I'll have to control him the same way I controlled the Spirits.
Luckily, the Servant nods his head, which means he can respond to my voice and commands. And he seems to move like a regular person, but can I use him in combat? "Are you able to fight?"
Again, the Servant nods.
Fantastic, now he just needs a weapon. 'Gaia? Any chance you can help with that?'
Sorry, no can do!
The last time was a one-off.
That's unfortunate. I thought about having him take the rusted sword left by the Skeleton, but a quick glance at the pile of bones shows that the sword and bones have since disappeared.
Maybe you could try the chest?
'Chest? What chest?'
Whoopsie!
You're meant to get one after beating the last bad guy in each Dungeon.
Here you go!
A few feet to my right, a wooden chest appears out of thin air.
Stepping over to it, my Servant dutifully follows right behind me as I gently lift up the lid to peer inside. The only thing in there is a small crystal that seems to give off light. '[Observe].'
[Light Container] - (Item)
A vessel containing the light attribute of dozens of children.
Grants the perk: [Holy Sword Wielder].
Contains: [Sacred Gear: Blade Blacksmith].
Well, hello there!
Grabbing the small crystal, I carefully pull it out of the chest. Holding it up to the crescent moon to get a better look at it, I grin as the item shines within the palm of my hand. 'Wait, isn't this the same crystal that Kiba is supposed to get from Valper during the Excalibur Arc? Won't that guy notice this is missing?'
Nope!
Anything you receive that once belonged to someone else gets rewritten.
From then on, it's like they never had it in the first place!
That's both a relief and incredibly terrifying. I'm relieved that I won't have to worry about someone coming after me for stealing their stuff, but the fact that a person's entire reality can be rewritten in an instant is mind-bogglingly scary. Still, I can't exactly look a gift horse in the mouth when this is just what I needed. 'But how do I use it?'
Just crush it in your hand, silly!
'If you say so.' With a firm squeeze, the crystal shatters easily, sending the light inside of it streaming into my hand before it travels up to my heart. The feeling is a rush; as if I've awoken something inside of me.
Perk Unlocked:
[Holy Sword Wielder] (Perk)
You are now able to wield any Holy Sword.
Skill Unlocked:
[Sacred Gear: Blade Blacksmith] (Common) - Lvl. 1 (Novice)
Allows you to summon regular Holy Swords at will.
Able to summon +1 Holy Sword per Skill level.
Notice!
*Rank: [Normal] changed to [Sacred Gear User].*
[Maximum Level has been changed to reflect Gamer's new status.]
Sora Sakai - Level 2 [0%]
Human - Sacred Gear User
Oh, I very much like where this is going. Holding out my hand, I try out my new Sacred Gear.
Immediately, an exact replica of the iron sword in my hand pops out of the ground with the hilt pointed to the sky. It's the same iron blade with a basic cross-guard hilt, looking almost like a cross with the way it's coming out the ground. Only, unlike the iron blade, there's a noticeable thin golden glow coming off this sword. '[Observe].'
[Holy Sword] - (Sacred Gear)
"A standard Holy Sword, blessed with the power of Light."
Deals increased damage to Devils and Undead.
Glancing at the [Iron Sword] in my hand, and the [Holy Sword] jutting out of the ground, I quietly pass the iron sword to my Servant who takes it wordlessly before I grab the Holy Sword for myself. It's not like my Servant will be using it for long, once Blade Blacksmith is leveled up I can start making more of them.
But I'll have to be careful about keeping Blade Blacksmith and my Servant skills equal, otherwise I'll have Servants with no weapons to use. If I'm lucky, that won't be much of a problem once I get more powerful summons and awaken the Balance Breaker for Blade Blacksmith.
If I remember correctly, the Balance Breaker is also a type of summon that creates armored knights. Which means I'll have dual summoning to create an entire army at my beck and call.
For a moment, my imagination runs wild with how many summons I'll have in the future. I can have my own army of loyal fighters to clear Dungeons and fend off the other Factions and Races of this Universe. 'Speaking of…how do I level up my Summoner Class, Gaia?'
You need to use them in a fight…
They gain experience just like you do!
Damn, I was hoping that it was more like Oblivion, where the Conjuration skill leveled up just by spamming the summon ability. Meh, that's fine. I can grind out both my own levels and the levels of my Summons through Dungeons. But for right now, I think I've done all I've set out to do tonight. I even got a few more levels for my [Observe].
Leveled Up - Skill:
[Observe] (Active) - Lvl. 15 (Novice)
Covering my mouth as a loud yawn escapes me, I take one last look around the area to see if I've missed anything. Nope, just more dead trees.
"[Dungeon: Close]!" A golden magic circle appears on the ground, this time large enough to encompass both myself and my Servant as we're teleported out of the Dungeon.
- Sora's House -
Seconds later, I'm once again standing in my original spot within the garden of my house's backyard.
Yawning loudly, I feel my eyelids droop in exhaustion from all of the excitement that went on today. If it wasn't for having had to go through so many life-changing experiences in rapid succession, I would likely jump back into the Dungeon and grind out a few more levels.
Right now though, sleep is calling me.
Turning to my Servant, who is still standing there dutifully with the iron sword in his hands like some kind of old-fashioned knight, I give a tired grin at the potential he and his future comrades will offer. "Do you need to sleep?"
Getting a negative shake of the head, I think over what I want him to do before settling on something simple for now. "Then go stand guard in the courtyard, and keep an eye on the gate for anything suspicious." Getting an affirmative nod, I cast [Summon: Spirit] as he walks off.
When the five golden ethereal animals appear, I mentally command them to spread throughout the small complex.
Two of the deer Spirits stay within the garden as the third one joins my Servant in the front courtyard, while the rabbit and fox Spirits are sent to hide in the bamboo forest surrounding the outside of the walls.
If anyone tries to come in unannounced; not only should the Barrier keep them out, but my Spirits will also let me know right away. I can't allow myself to be caught unaware in the event something happens, and there's no telling if someone like Ophis can bypass the Barrier or not until its actually tested.
Utterly exhausted, and with slow, tired steps I walk back inside of my house. Barely having any energy left, I quickly throw off my clothes into a basket in the closet before collapsing on the bed. Pulling the soft, comfy sheets over my naked body, I feel my eyelids drift shut on their own. 'Good night, Gaia.'
Good night!
- END -
Author Notes:
And that's Chapter 2!
What do you guys think of the Summoner Class? I got tired of all the Necromancer Gamer stories, and decided to try my hand at something different.
Hope you all are still liking it so far! Thanks for checking out my story.