'Are...those really my stats?', I thought to myself, wanting to suck in a deep breath of air. I'm just Lv15, but my stats are already approaching mid-game level. My EP too. I think that stat was the winner here. Unlocking one's Mana Core sure did something alright. Even so, I'm still a far cry from Father's stats when he limited himself down near my Level when he fought Agnagarn.
Just now much of a monster is he?
Plus, I've gained new abilities this time around. I'd like to point out the Blessings. So that's what happens when I reach 100% Favorability with someone. I didn't think Aurelia would be that impressed with me. She only unlocked a single-type Mana Core, but seeing me unlock a two-type Mana Core was enough for her to unlock her Favorability, let alone reaching it all the way to 100%. It did mention that rewards will vary, but receiving a whole twenty percent to three of my stats is huge. Plus, it's permanent. I can see my growth exploding from here if I can continue bonding with others. I've already a handful already~
Even my gear isn't properly equipped yet. These are just my raw stats alone. That Title promotion too. That's going to be scary once I start learning Fire Spells. My damage is going to soar with that.
But this is good progress. I need to be as ready as I can be for what is to come. Quite literally, all hell is going to break loose soon in these next couple years.
And it decided to throw a bone my way already. Phase 0 of the Vermillion Trials. I think a battle is awaiting me beyond Valflame Palace!
I need to find out where. And I was able to determine who that voice belonged to.
It was Testa-Rossa, the Divine Knight currently resting inside my soul. Not physically, of course. Testa-Rossa's actual body is sealed far beneath Valflame Palace by the previous Emperors. Did he reach out to me through the Spirit Veins here, and once I activated my Mana for the first time, the signal grew strong enough allowing him to establish the link?
That is what I assumed, for now.
It looks like things aren't over yet, but I was able to calm down during this time. My Mana also receded back into my body, and my eyes returned to normal, like nothing had happened.
Unfortunately, I could not rest for long as we all heard hastened shuffling of feet dashing our way, followed by a loud bang of a door. Bang!
Opening the door wide, a figure came through with a worried look. One of their hands rested on the sword at their waist. It was Mueller.
"Your Highness, are you alright!?", Mueller quickly asked, looking around the room we were in and quickly spotted him, still holding onto the pillow that Aurelia sent flying at him earlier. He smiled seeing Mueller arrive.
"Of course Mueller, my boy. Not a hair out of place. All is well.", Prince Olivert responded, assuring Mueller that he was safe and sound. Valflame Palace shook rather hard, so it was clear as to why Mueller was worried. Hearing that, Mueller sighed, but he kept his hand on his word, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
"Nice timing, Mueller.", I said, greeting him. Hearing me suddenly speak out to everyone, Aurelia became relieved, and checked over me.
"You look fine now, Naoto. Just what in Aidios's name was that?", Aurelia questioned. Mueller paused. It didn't take long for his eyes to spot me amongst the group.
"It's...you. Naoto, was it? There was a report saying you'd be staying the night and departing in the morning since the General is still with His Majesty. I did not expect you to remain behind as well, Lady Aurelia.", Mueller said, keeping his tone formal after taking a moment to regain his composure.
"Let's just say I had a prior commitment, which has been mostly taken care of at this point. But should you really be asking that? Did you forget what just happened? I am grateful that you checked in on us, but I think there is a more pressing matter to attend to.", Aurelia said, her eyes turning serious while saying that.
"Umu. It is as the girly said. Why don't you all take a gander out the window over yonder? You too, Mueller-boy.", Roselia suddenly said, calling out to everyone. For some reason, a look of anger appeared on his forehead.
"Did you just call me Mueller-boy? Now that I think about it, who are you?", Mueller questioned, recalling how this girl sat next to me on top of Emperor Eugent's orbal car earlier in the day. Prince Olivert simply smiled, and shook his head.
"Sometimes, Mueller, it is better not seeking answers to questions you ask. This person is a friend. That is all you need to know. You can be at ease.", Prince Olivert responded. His playful demeanor vanished entirely. Mueller could only nod his head at his words. He then recalled Roselia's words, and his gaze was quickly drawn toward the window.
In a similar position to the main banquet hall, the guest room I resided in also had a direct line of sight with Dreichel's Plaza.
Disregarding Roselia who was still in her adult form, Mueller was first to rush up toward the large window next to the bedside. It still had its blinds mostly closed. It wasn't closed all the way since Roselia enjoyed a soak in the moonlight earlier. It should be night time right now since dinner has already ended.
But the moment the blinds were open, we were greeted with an unusual sight. It was as if the entirety of Dreichel's Plaza shut down, and had all of its color absorbed. You heard me right. There wasn't a moon. There wasn't a sun. Everything was just...gray.
Except for three large figures that is. Three large dolls that had its gears currently in an inactive state.
The three remained still. Unmoving. It was eerily quiet.
"This...", Mueller said, frowning seeing the new scene before him. "Just what in the world...?"
It wasn't just the three Magic Knights either. Something surrounded the entire space.
A crimson barrier. It was as if time itself had turned still. Here back inside Valflame Palace, everything looked normal. How intriguing.
I took this time to approach Mueller. Thankfully, this window was a sliding glass window, so it stretched all across the side of the room. I didn't need any help to see what was going on outside. Considering you know, I'm still a little kid.
"Those things look like mechanical dolls, if you ask me. Mostly composed of metal?", I asked, causing interest to go around the room.
"Mechanical dolls?", Prince Olivert mused, and took to our side. Mueller nodded his head while Prince Olivert approached us.
"That does seem to fit the description. How did these things appear inside the Plaza?", Mueller wondered. I did too, but unlike him, I think I knew the answer.
"I think I might know why...", I responded, murmuring to myself.
I now stood front in the still window. You couldn't even see a droplet of condensation trickle down. It was entirely frozen. Reaching my hand out, I touched the window.
"H-Hey, I don't think that's such a good idea---?", Mueller tried to say, only to see a visible change in the air.
A single blue screen appeared. It wasn't just me. Everyone around me saw this large blue screen appear.
[Gamer Naoto is about to enter [Instance Dungeon - Dreichel's Plaza: Proving Grounds]. Party formation is possible. Level Requirement: 100. Level will be adjusted upon entry. Would you like to enter?]
This...
A Gamer Notification for an Instance Dungeon? My eyes were drawn to this screen. And yet, I saw something else draw my interest. I saw those around me also now looking at this screen, unable to look away from it. It was something that shouldn't be there, and yet, there it was.
"Wait...You all can see this?", I asked in shock.