Akio POV
Lets see…1103 right? Yeah this should be the next classroom from the list if I remember right…or was it room 1105?
Akio: "Sigh…Dieci Association…why do you guys have to become temporary amnesiacs?"
I carefully opened the door and as I stepped through I saw Lucresia and a bunch of other students who upon looking at my sorry appearance of tattered clothes and cut marks on my body made them shriek in fear or look at me cautiously.
Lucresia looked at me in confusion before staring at the drifting fox I held in my hands in surprise and beckoned me over.
???: "Y- You can't waltz into this room after getting into fight with other students! I can't accept students who were in a fig-"
Akio: "Right, sorry about my current appearance ma'am but I just got back from combat practice with Fujimoto-Sensei"
???: "Wh- Combat Practice with Mr. Shiro Fujimoto? Sigh, then in that case please take a seat student…?"
Akio: "Akio Tengoku at your service miss"
I walked towards Lucresia and as I was about to seat down beside her I was stopped by the same guy she had punched earlier but this time he had red ruby eyes like Lucresia with the teeth he had lost from earlier regrown.
???: "Tch! Why does a commoner like yourself able to seat nea- argh!"
Whoosh
Bam!
I had simply sat down and as he was about to speak the drifting fox had jumped out my arms with an broken umbrella in its jaws and hit the guy in the stomach before a puddle of water formed beneath his feet and he slipped.
Thud!
The drifting fox had landed onto my arms once more before the female teacher had turned around to look at the commotion.
???: "Mr. Mavrogheni! What tomfoolery have you made this time!"
???: "It was-"
???: "If you don't want to learn the subject in my class I suggest finding another one that will allow you to act a fool!"
Having no chance to refute the teacher, he sat down while staring daggers at me to which I simply focused on the teachers current lecture.
Lucresia: "The golden fox in your hands is your familiar right?"
Hearing Lucresia speak, I simply nodded and petted the drifting fox who happily raised its head to be petted more.
Lucresia: "It is the first time I have seen such a familiar…what is it's name?"
I hummed and stared at the cleaned fox before I softly whispered it's new name which the fox liked as it snuggled into my arms in joy.
Akio: "Her name is Indira…I won't abandon you like the rest so lets continue helping one another~"
Having heard my words, Indira yipped in agreement and Lucresia nodded seriously as her eyes were fixed on Indira.
Lucresia: "I had heard a commotion whilst passing through one of the classrooms and I believe it was thee's no?"
Akio: "Yeah it was Indira's summoning which might have caused the commotion earlier, sorry about that"
Lucresia: "Thy need not apologize for thou's own actions alarming others for it is thy own business"
I simply nodded and caressed Indira's fur gently as I memorized everything that the teacher had taught which further helps me know more about this world.
1.5 Hours Later
Ding!
Ding!
Once the bell rung I got up and stroked Indira's fur before leaving after saying my goodbyes to Lucresia whom responded with a nod.
While leaving, I was approached by the same
Mavrogheni guy from earlier but already knowing what he would say Indira had simply yipped before a small puddle formed beneath his feet and he slipped.
???: "W-Woah! Again!?"
Bam!
As he fell I continued walking out and towards the next class that would teach on the subject of demonology which I need more precise knowledge on than the previous books.
While walking I couldn't help but notice that someone was following me from afar but I paid it no mind and once I had found my class I entered.
I looked at the large greenboard with the words Demonology written in kanji and at the bald old instructor who was standing at the front waiting on everyone.
5 minutes later
Creak
As the final student walked in, the old teacher started writing down his name before we just got into it the lesson.
???: "Alright! Since you all have arrived, we will start with your lesson soon"
As he spoke I looked at the girl on my right who kept staring at me with indifferent eyed and I couldn't help but ask her if she needed something.
???: "I don't recall seeing a student like yourself here before? If you don't mind me asking what your name is…"
Akio: "My name is Akio Tengoku, a new transfer here by the Director"
???: "By the Director? I see…"
Akio: "So what's your name?"
???: "My name is Mischa Yusupova…"
Akio: "приятно познакомиться Миша!"
Mischa: "Вы говорите по-русски?"
Akio: "Somewhat, but im not that fluent"
Mischa: "Is that so? Then why do you speak russian as if it's your native tongue?"
Akio: "Guess I am a natural?"
Mischa: "Well it's nice having someone who speaks my native language in a foreign country"
I nodded and continued petting Indira's soft fur and focused on the current lecture on Demonology before I heard Mischa speak again only in a softer tone.
Mischa: "The fox is your familiar?"
Akio: "Indeed, she went through some abandonment issues and I decided to take her as my familiar to no longer make her feel sorrow with every person she came across leaving her…"
Mischa: "How wonderful…"
I smiled gently and as the teacher approached us both he looked at me with a questioning look on his face.
???: "Well mister Tengoku, may I ask why you were so focused on speaking with miss Yusupova?"
Akio: "Well I simply was introducing myself to my classmate while focusing on the current subject you are teaching Terufasa-Sensei"
Terufasa: "Then tell me what books were in the Hebrew Scriptures Mr. Tengoku?"
Akio: "The three books in the Hebrew Scriptures were the Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus etc,whom are known collectively as the Torah"
Akio: "In Hebrew, this word means Law"
Terufasa: "Correct! How wonderful, at least we managed to gain some students who pay attention to the classes and not just go straight in to fighting demons without prior knowledge of the book necessary for the demons verses"
I simply nodded and felt more intrigued about the latter half of his statement making me sigh for I knew it was going to be a long night of studying…
Terufasa: "Ahem, let's continue where we left off earlier class"
It wasn't long before he continued with his lecture and Mischa had become quiet and focused on the lesson at hand.
1.5 Hours Later
Ding!
Ding!
Once the bell had rung and m class had finished I stretched and got up before Mischa tapped me on the shoulder.
Akio: "Hmm?"
Mischa: "Would you mind me petting your familiars fur…?"
Akio: "Well thats if she wants to be petted"
I looked down at Indira who had raised her head and looked at Mischa studying her before she nodded at me and Mischa gently placed her hand on Indira before patting Indira's head.
Yip!
Mischa: "Her hair is so soft…"
Seeing Mischa pet Indira I couldn't help but smile feeling happy that the once lonely fox who was always left alone to be abandoned now be loved and at the same time I thought back on the interactions with the rather large amount of abnormalities that mostly stayed neutral.
Every choice you made with your interactions with the Abnormality made the player gain an E.G.O gift of any status, lose HP, gain SP, gain an attack buff..etc.
I hummed and after letting Mischa have her time in petting Indira I had to leave with Indira in tow otherwise I would miss my next class.
After I said my goodbyes I went towards the next class which was Swordmanship Training which I might need to change ID's for but need to do it in a seperate place.
As I spaced out to think I hadn't noticed a hand coming out of a door before I was grabbed from my collar and dragged into the door.
Akio: "Hu- OH!"
Trying to turn around all I could see was a hand coming out of an open door that was a spiraling vortex of white light.
Whoosh
As I fully crossed over with Indira I opened my eyes and saw myself be in a strange arena where I saw the same woman from earlier named Shura who had a grin on her face.
Akio: "What is this place? And why did you bring me here miss…Shura…?"
I stared at the red haired woman with an incredulous expression as I stared at her current attire that was only a bikini and long ripped pants.
Shura: "To train up your abilities and as your swordsmanship professor!"
Akio: "Wh- To train!? Then why aren't you wearing a shirt!?"
Shura: "Tch, men…higher ranking demons will try seducing you so grow up and be mature!"
Akio: "Atleast have some decency!!!"
Shura: "Whatever! I hope you're prepared for a beating kid! So I hope my guess is right and fight me with a different weapon!"
How? How did she guess that right, but I shouldn't make the mistake of using the more stronger ID's but she just wants to train right?
As I kept thinking Shura charged straight at me and I couldn't help but get flustered by the bouncing jugs and she took the opportunity to send wind blades at me.
Whoosh
BAM!
Whoosh
BAM!
Whoosh
BAM!
I raised up my left arm in defense and felt the heavy impact of the strikes making me slide back and I thought of Ishmaels Zwei Assoc. West.
Whoosh
Hearing Shura charging in I took the current smokescreen to swiftly change identities and I felt the weight of the iron plated armor but it was lightweight surprisingly well made with it giving so much defense and health.
Whoosh
Clang!
As I saw Shura about to slash at me with her weapon I couldn't help but grin seeing her face turn into surprise at my changed form.
Islammed down my Greatsword stopping her sword strike and I grabbed the handle with both hands in a tight grip. Indira had jumped away seeing that I wasn't in any danger and that Shura had no hostility towards me.
Shura: "Well what a nifty trick of yours! Now I want to know how far you can go!"
Akio: "Then let's fight!"
Whoosh
Clang!
With a wide grin forming on my face I pushed Shura away before swinging the Greatsword in a horizontal swing clashing against her katana.
Once the Greatsword hit Shura's blade she was flung backward before flipping around and landed.
Akio: "Huh, thats more of an impact than I thought…"
As I spoke I saw a multitude of snakes come out of her blade and I swiftly swung the Greatsword before slamming it down in defense.
As the serpents closed in, a light yellow shield appeared infront of me with a large sigil in the middle.
With both hands I swung my greatsword and clashed with Shura who grinned before she kicked me back and I raised my greatsword in defense before counterattacking.
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
Clang!
I struck back with a wide barrage of blows that Shura blocked but as if her body was made of steel she didn't bukle under the heavy blows of my greatsword.
Akio: "Tch! Just what are you made of woman!"
Shura: "Hah!? Is that all brat!"
Akio: "No! And you're not the only one that can summon familiars!"
Taking the piece of paper with magic circles from earlier I called forth Indira's name and as Indira dissapeared from her previous position.
A large shadow appeared from above before it fell down creating a cloud of dust as Indira landed beside me.
AWOOO!!!
Grr!!!
Shura: "Heh, then let's test if it's worth the effort to train it!"
Shura had smiled before suddenly biting her thumb and sliding it across her blade that changed into a serpent's tongue.
Whoosh
Shing!
As she stabbed her katana into the ground, a strange purple light lit up and a large five headed serpent appeared beneath her feet.
Akio: "This will be the first time we fight together Indira so let's do our best!"
Awoo!
Whoosh
Clang!
Hearing the agreement from Indira I smiled and stared back at Shura before I charged forth and raised my greatsword to block the tail swipe from her serpent.
Whoosh
Clang!
I charged once more before raising my greatsword with both hands and slamming it down onto its tail.
Seeing my greatsword bounce back from its scales surprised me but this weapon was a blunt weapon and I need more of a pierce weapon.
Hiss!
Whoosh
BAM!
While thinking of what pierce identity I should change into I swung my greatsword to the clashing with the maw of the serpent that tried swallowing me whole.
I grimaced before my entire outfit changed from a knights armor to a tactical orange and black suit and my greatsword turned into motes of light before transforming into a bulky orange tinted gun.
Whoosh
I felt a sudden rush of adrenaline and jumped over the serpents tail before I aimed at the open maw and pulled the trigger thrice.
Whoosh
Bang!!!
Whoosh
Bang!!!
Whoosh
Bang!!!
With one of the three serpent heads knocked down I stepped back to avoid one of the snake heads maw trying to bite me.
AWOOO!!!
Indira howled high in the air before charging straight at one of the remaining heads with an old worn umbrella in her jaws.
Whoosh
BAM!!!
HISS!
Slowly the sky started to darken with grey clouds before it started to rain and Indira sprinted towards the massive serpent and swung her umbrella and as one of the heads moved to bite her she opened the umbrella as it slammed in its face stopping it entirely.
Whoosh
Bang!
Whoosh
Bang!
Whoosh
Bang!
HISS!!!
I took the moment to aim and fire off a few rounds into the recoiling snakes open maw as it hissed in agony.
Whoosh
Clang!
Shura: "Try better than that brat!"
While focused on the serpent I saw Shura waving her katana as three wind blades flew towards me and I swiftly moved out the way before I aimed and fired only to see her block the bullet with a wave of her katana.
Akio: "What the hell…"
I sighed before deciding to switch to a different Identity entirely and one I simply couldn't deny was the epitome of power.
Narrator POV
Shura: "You giving up ye-!"
As Shura stared at the sighing Akio she was about to yell at him to give up before dark clouds started gathering out of nowhere with purple lightning striking down.
Shura stared at Akio who was changing forms like before but this time she felt danger much to her surprise.
Indira had felt a significant change in her partners being and as she sniffed the air she retreated before growling.
Grrr!
But to Indira's surprise she felt her connection with Akio be cut in half much to her sudden dismay as she slowly turned into motes of gold light before letting off one last howl as she disappeared into thin air.
AWOO!!!
Crackle!
Shura: "What form is this…? Well whatever it is I need to see how far you can go…"
Shura: "If his familiar disappeared that means he did something dumb that erased his connection…"
Crackle!
As she spoke Akio's outfit started changing into a rustic brown coat with metal plating on the shoulders with a brown scarf covering his neck.
Crackle!
Crackle!
A large empty iron maiden slowly started to materialize on Akio's back being held by metal chains and not long after a rather massive barbed greatsword burst out from the ground.
Crackle!
Slowly Akio's hair started changing from black to brown as it grew until his shoulders and an dark eyepatch formed around his left eye.
Crackle!
Once his transformation was completed Akio had become the Erlking Heathcliff, he who lords over the Wild Hunt, the strongest Heathcliff, and the most formidable Heathcliff of the mirror worlds.
Crackle!
???: "This place isn't Wuthering Heights…"
His rough voice could be heard from everywhere and the more Shura stared at the figure the more serious her expression became.
Crackle!
Shura: "You aren't Akio…who are you?"
???: "Hmm…I can't sense her…? No.. I can't feel the other Heathcliff's presence…?"
Whoosh
Crackle!
???: "No matter…I shall find out soon enough… I must find…Cathy…"
Crackle!
In a swift manner the Erlking grabbed his barbed greatsword and lifted it up from the ground and stared at the rather large serpent.
Crackle!
Erlking: "O'…Dullahan…heed my call…"
Whoosh
Crackle!
KA-BOOOMM!!!!
The gathered lightning in the dark clouds roared through the arena before it struck down at the Erlking Heathcliff.
Crackle!
Crackle!
Ka-BOOOOMMM!!!
As Shura covered her eyes from the blinding light, a horse's silhouette appeared in the place lightning struck with Erlking Heathcliff having mounted the large headless horse and his barbed greatsword over his shoulder.
Erlking: "Time to fight once more…I will find you soon…Cathy…"
Whoosh
Thud!
Thud!
The large horse rushed forwards as it jumped over the serpents tail whip trying to stop it before the Erlking swung his greatsword that seemlessly tore through the serpents scaled tail leaving a trail of purple energy.
HIISSS!!!
Whoosh
Sizzle!
As he saw the serpent wriggle in pain he continued and as one of the heads opened their maws green poison shot out of its fangs but the horse dodged the attack but the other remaining head lunged at him from the left.
Crackle!
Whoosh
Clang!
Crackle!
The horse charged forth and with an overwhelming swing from the Erlking had sent the other head reeling back before he had reeled back his greatsword and pointed at Shura who had a grim expression.
Crackle!
Crackle!
Slowly the shadows beneath the Erlking started spreading outwards as numerous horses began to rise with riders similar to the Erlking having their barbed greatswords
drawn.
Whoosh
Clang!
Once the Erlking thrusted his Barbed Greatsword forth the riders charged forwards with their large greatsword leaving cuts and bleeding wounds to the snake that was writhing pain.
Whoosh
Clang!
For each strike had started to lower its sanity and wouldn't be long before the beast would rampage and fights its own master.
Shura: "D-damn it! My connection is loosening! What did you do!"
Erlking: "Hmph, I need not answer an ingrate that knows not to control their own servant…"
Whoosh
Boomm!
Shura had raised her katana and waved it thrice as wind blades were launched but this time she wasn't defending rather attacking.
Whoosh
Boomm!
Whoosh
Boomm!
As the Erlking fought he had stopped momentarily as if frozen yet that momentary lapse was enough for Shura to knock him off his horse.
Erlking: "Tch…so you must be the one that brought me to this mirror world…it matters not for you shall die beside that woman…for Catherine..!"
As if the Erlking went mad he started speaking to himself much to the confusion of Shura yet she saw who he was talking to once a blinding light lit up the entire arena.
Erlking: "Tch…you're avoiding the inevitable…fake copy!"
As Shura opened her eyes she saw Akio appear fragmented into a being of pure light barely holding on.
Akio: "God damn was it difficult getting through the Erlkings Wild Hunt..!"
Shura: "A-Akio? What are you doing here?"
Akio: "Overestimated my self and now my body is taken over by the Erlking…"
Shura: "Is he a demon that can be exorcised from your body?"
Akio: "No hes a heartbroken man who has killed himself just to see his lover once more…"
Shura: "Wh-…!"
In an instant the Erlking had charged forth with wrathful rage covering his face with his barbed Greatsword raised high.
Erlking: "Shut your damn mouth!!! Cathy isn't dead!!!"
Akio POV
Having finally gotten out of that damn dark place thanks to that strange voice that spoke I reeled back my fist and as it glowed brighter I punched at the downward swinging barbed Greatsword.
Whoosh
Clang!
BOOOMM!!!
The impact of our clash created a loud boom tht lit up the surroundings sending us both flying back but I rolled to reduce the force of my fall.
Whoosh
Bam!
I swiftly got up before punching forwards at the massive shadow that appeared infront of me with its claws raised high.
Whoosh
Boom!!!
As my fist and his claws met in the middle Wild Hunt Hindley had kicked me in my stomach flinging me off into the arena walls.
Akio: "Gah! Damn you Hindley!"
While thinking of how to deal with the Erlking I finally realized that Indira wasn't here surprising me.
Whoosh
Boomm!!!
As Wild Hunt Hindley charged at me I asked Shura where Indira was before I ducked the wide swing of the werewolf's claws and hit him back with an uppercut straight on his chin.
Shura: "Your familiar had dissapeared once you transformed to the edgy guy kid!"
Whoosh
BOOOMM!!!
Clang!
Clang!
I dodged another claw slash and as the light in my right fist glowed brighter I punched at Hindley's stomach sending him flying buying me time to ask Shura who was busy deflecting the Erlkings blows.
Clang!
Akio: 'It should still work if I can summon her back right…?'
I didn't waste a second seeing Wild Hunt Edgar walk out from the Erlkings shadow before it ran towards me rapidly rapier in hand.
I took out a small paper with the summoning circle inscribed onto it and I prayed whatever my body was to have blood to fullfill the requirements.
Akio: "Indira if you can hear my voice, come back to me and aid me my dear friend!"
Biting my thumb, gold liquid spewed out from my thumb before the gold blood touched the edge of the summoning circle and lit up in a golden light.
AWOOO!!!
Whoosh
Chomp!
Crunch!
A loud howl was heard through the arena garnering all of their attention on the huge fox form of Indira who had jumped out of the summoning circle with her jaws opened before biting down on the form of Wild Hunt Edgar.
Akio: "Well I'll be…what a way to show up Indira!"
With another crunch Wild Hunt Edgar turned numb before turning illusionary as its shadowy form retreated back to the mass of shadows beneath the Erlking before it reformed again.
Shura: "Akio! A little help here!"
Seeing the numerous Wild Hunt maids and butlers that started attacking Shura alongside the Erlking, I climbed ontop of Indira as she rushed towards Shura.
Akio: "Show them your true power Indira, I'll be right there beside you!"
AWOOO!!!
As we neared, numerous Wild Hunt maids and butlers tried throwing kitchen utensils but were met with a large opened umbrella that blocked their thrown knives and forks.
With a high jump Indira launched herself over the swarming tide of the Wild Hunt jumping off Indira's back before falling down onto the Erlking.
I had hoped to take him out with a powered up fist but fate had other plans with another Wild Hunt Hindley jumped up to intercept me from hitting its Master.
Whoosh
Chomp!
Luckily enough Indira did her best to stop the Wild Hunt from launching attacks at me with a lunge but Wild Hunt Hindley had escaped her jaws.
Whoosh
Bang!
As I reeled back my glowing fist with more energy to clash with Wild Hunt Hindley raised claws, he seemed to be struck by a bullet that knocked him away.
I turned to look at where the bullet and saw the old priest from last time holding a rifle over his shoulder with a grin on his face standing on the edge of the arena.
Whoosh
Erlking: "Hmph, today you shall perish and join the Wild Hunt..!!!"
I turned back to look at the Erlking that was looking back at me as he raised his barbed greatsword ready strike me back.
Grinning I took a deep breath before shouting out something that will break his composure and if possible my strike to hit him.
Akio: "HEY!!! HEATHCLIFF!!! CATHERINES RIGHT BEHIND YOU WAITING FOR YOU WITH A SMILE!!!"
While I first saw him not move and Shura looked at me in surprise but the more he didn't take a look made me think I pissed him off more.
Erlking: "Cath…erine…? My…Cathy…?"
But it seemed to work as the Erlking lowered his greatsword before turning around slowly wanting to see the woman he missed so dearly only to be met with empty air.
I thanked him deep in my heart as my empowered fist approached and connected with his skull seemingly having enough power to knock him out.
Erlking: "DAMN YOU!!! YOU DARE LIE ABOUT CATHERINE!!!"
Of course the instincts of a mad man would never loosen up as he struck my arm with an incredible amount of power not befitting his body as I was sent flying into a wall embedding myself deeply.
Ashura: "Damn it!"
AWOOO!!!
But it seemed as if my punch was enough before the Erlking started bleeding heavily from his head as he was brought down to his knees.
Erlking: "NO! I CANNOT LOSE NOW…!!! Not before I see you again..Ca..th..y…"
At the same time, I felt a massive headache as I witnessed the Erlking fall unconsious before blacking out not knowing my golden form had merged back slolwy into my original body with the tide of Wild Hunt merging back into my shadow.
Slowly the Erlkings transformation regressed until I wore my regular clothes again along with my hair going back to its black shine.
Narrator POV
Shura: "Hah, you sure are a handful ye damn brat!"
Shura stared at the now unconscious kid her mentor had told her to look out for and a smile couldn't help but form on her face as she thought of his potential.
Shura: "Sigh, and that was only this brat not his kids…"
While Shura begrudgingly muttered about the other son of her mentor, the man himself walked over before taking a look at the exhausted Akio in surprise and asked Shura what exactly happened.
Shura: "I decided to test him fully and he went all out!"
Fujimoto: "Sigh, I saw a sudden lightning storm appear near the Academy and I rushed over only to see the kid fighting himself"
Shura: "Well he called that form of his, The Erlking with the Wild Hunt as his subjects.."
Fujimoto: "The Danish Legend of the dark side of Nature? Hmm, now that's something I'd like to ask the kid once he regains consciousness"
Fujimoto: "Speaking of the kid, did you feel something when he was in that glowing form of his?"
Shura: "Hmm? I wasn't sure if it was just me but he radiated a strange yet comforting feeling"
Fujimoto: "I see…well I'll take the kid to the infirmary and send word to his professor"
Shura: "Alright, well I guess I will see you once the kid gets back up again"
Fujimoto: "Yeah…sigh, what an interesting week this has been…"
With a sigh, Fujimoto had walked over towards the unconsious Akio before he picked him up over his shoulder and headed to the Academy's Infirmary.
Meanwhile deep within the unconscious Akio's mind, he was having a conversation with the mysterious being he had heard speaking to him earlier.
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To Be Continued