"Hoh. Now that's a big dream. A harem. You sure lucked out, didn't you? You are essentially royalty now. At least in that respect, society will not shun you if you do pursue a harem. In fact, if they know you could become heir to Liberl's throne, many girls might try to swoon you.", Roselia said, wondering if that would happen in the future.
"I know, right? I consider my new position a blessing, not a curse. I may know the future, but this future may not even happen. Things will likely change now that my presence is known to this world, whether through better or worse, so why not have a little fun with each step along the way?", I replied in agreement to Roselia's words. And to my surprise, the two of us heard a notification from the Gamer System responding to this exchange, as if it was responding directly to my will.
[Ding! After coming across several characters, Gamer Naoto has expressed his desire to create a harem. Gamer Naoto's Title, Harem Seeker, has been upgraded, and is now at its full potential. It cannot be upgraded any further. Title has changed to True Harem Seeker.]
[Ding! A new perk is now available. Additionally, this Title's final perk of True Harem Seeker has been unlocked. Effect 3 and newly added Effect 4 are now available for viewing.]
[Ding! The Party Function is now available. Gamer Naoto can now use the Gamer System to invite people to form a Party. Current Limit: 6.]
[Ding! Upon creating a Party, members of the Party will be able to view their own Statuses.]
[True Harem Seeker]
Effect 1: Unlocks Favorability with those around Gamer Naoto. Upon reaching max Favorability, Gamer Naoto will receive a one-time stat boost to various stats, and potentially receive items or gear.
Effect 2: Friendship Boost I has been strengthened to True Friend. Upon reaching max Favorability, the bonds Gamer Naoto creates will not falter. The path of a noble is filled with strife and treachery. Forge bonds, and they will be unable to be broken. They will remain loyal to Gamer Naoto.
Effect 3: The Party Function is now unlocked. Current Limit: 6. This limit does not deter Gamer Naoto from building a Party beyond this limit, but any additional members will not be able to be invited by the Gamer System nor be able to see their Status.
Effect 4: Per the number of girls in Gamer Naoto's Party, Gamer Naoto will receive a 30% increase to all stats, excluding SPD and DEX. Max: 150%.
[Ding! Only Effect 4 will be conditional upon having the Title equipped. Effects 1-3 will be considered passive, and can be used without equipping the Title.]
A/N: These are my tweaks to Harem Seeker. How do you readers like it?
Seeing the effects of this upgraded Title, I paused. As much as I wanted to crack a joke, I couldn't. I know I've already unlocked Favorability with many characters here in Zemuria already, and a lot of them are at 20-30%. Now it's saying I will get one-time stat boosts and potential further rewards from it? How could I not look forward to that? And I don't even need to equip this Title to benefit from it!
Moreso, the Party Function!
You see, unlike other fantasy stories where the main character would often try to hide their so-called System, the Gamer System does it in the opposite direction. It makes itself known. And that is through the Party. In the original The Gamer, you'd see its main character invite different characters within its story to become a Party. They'd get to experience the Gamer System together.
And now, that function is mine!
"Well now. Isn't this something? If I'm reading this correctly, it sounds like those beside you will be able to benefit from this 'System', as you call it, boy. You really are a walking enigma. No. Perhaps it's more apt to call you a singularity? Artifacts bestowed by the Goddess can alter physical phenomena around our world, and yours can do exactly the same. Just who in Aidios's name bestowed this ability onto you?", Roselia questioned. Her curiosity only grew seeing this play out, as did mine.
"That question remains to be answered. I want to find it out as much as you do, Rose. Titles are pretty unique to it, and I can only equip one at a time. Otherwise, I'd grow too strong, haha!", I happily replied.
"Umu. At least it knows some limitations.", Roselia responded. I'll definitely need to test this Party function out. Eventually, but I know now is not the time. Getting my stats increased by a whole 150% sounds too good to be true. Sadly, this thought was interrupted by the sound of Aurelia's laughter.
My meditation ended. It grew some levels, and I'll check that out later. Once my vision regained, I saw Aurelia now fully dressed, but something was off. Her hair was way out of whack. It was a giant puffy fur ball. Now that I think about it, I heard some zap-like noises while Roselia and I were conversing. Now it's starting to make sense.
It wasn't just Aurelia either. I saw her finger currently pointed at Prince Olivert whose hair was also puffed out. It looks like he received an electric shock too. Both of their hair were now a mess.
"Haha! I am going to enjoy this.", Aurelia said, smirking at the prince.
"Oh no...", Prince Olivert retorted. But he held his hand. Otherwise, he'd receive another burst of lightning from Aurelia.
'May you rest in peace, Prince Olivert.', I thought, keeping my thoughts to myself. This time, Roselia chuckled, which distracted the two. It was loud enough for Aurelia to turn around and look at Roselia.
"Sorry about that, Master. I'm just having a wondrous experience with this newfound ability. It did not take me long to see how Mana can be used, it can influence the elements directly. It would seem I have an affinity for Lightning.", Aurelia said.
"So it seems. It is good to see you were able to bear through Master's incantation. Are you well?", I decided to ask, wanting to make sure.
"I am fine. More than fine, in fact. I've this new sense of clarity I haven't felt before. It is as if I've a better understanding of how the world works. Quite strange.", Aurelia responded. "It looks like your turn is next."
"Umu. Are you ready, Naoto? It is time for me to engrave my two crests on your back.", Roselia said, turning her head my way.
"I am. Let us proceed, Rose.", I said. My eyes were now determined. I was going to see this through, no matter what. I've already experienced soul-bound, excruciating pain. She did mention that she would be tampering with our souls directly. Aurelia managed to bear it.
Since Aurelia was done with hers, she parted ways, and joined Prince Olivert's side. It was just Roselia and I now, seated on the rug. I really wanted to know what elements I had a natural affinity with. If it really was as Roselia said, would I have more than one? That remains to be seen.
But I didn't let this excitement cloud my judgement. I quickly activated [Meditate] again, and the notifications entered a steady rhythm.
"I will soon engrave my two crests. Are you up for a challenge, Naoto? We could speed it up. I have enough Mana to engrave both at the same time.", Roselia proposed. Hearing that, I thought for a moment.
"Sure, why not? Miss Aurelia endured one of your crests, so I will challenge her, and do both.", I replied, full of confidence.
I really was curious to see if this pain would be matched with the pain I felt when I crossed into Zemuria. She has the strength of a Holy Beast, but would it be as painful as that?
But now that I'm thinking about it...That wouldn't make me a masochist now, would it? Haha!
Shrugging that thought aside, I resolved myself, and kept my breathing steady. Aurelia and Prince Olivert saw my current appearance, and Roselia positioned her staff. Just like the first time, she initiated a similar incantation, but even more Mana burst forth this time around...