[Ding—]
[New Familia member added: Lacus Clyne (Excellent Rank).]
[Acquired 10,000 Points. Monthly fixed points income increased by 80,000 Points. Current monthly points increase: 101,500 Points.]
Looking at the notification, the first part was understandable—10,000 Points was the maximum for Excellent Rank. But a fixed monthly increase of 80,000 Points?
Staring at the number, Luo Shu couldn't help but rub his eyes, his expression one of disbelief.
Kurumi Tokisaki, a Demigod, only increased his monthly points by 10,000. How could Lacus alone add 80,000?
Thinking this, Luo Shu instinctively opened the detailed breakdown.
[This Familia member wields significant influence in human society, resulting in a substantial increase in monthly points acquisition. Current monthly increase: 80,000 Points.]
The exact figure had decimals beyond 80,000—specifically over 5—but the Divine Pantheon Reconstruction System seemed to have rounded it down.
Falling silent for a moment, Luo Shu was interrupted by another notification.
[Familia member Lacus Clyne has awakened a limited ability: Sword Spirit Manifestation (Hero Rank).]
[Sword Spirit Manifestation: A special ability derived from the wishes of Lacus Clyne, wielder of the Kusanagi Sword. Allows the sword's Spiritual Power to manifest as a unique Spiritual Clone.]
[This clone possesses the ability to swap places with the main body, operating at 80% of its capabilities. Current duration: 2 hours.]
[Current clones (0/1). Can be upgraded.]
Reading the detailed description, Luo Shu was momentarily stunned before his mood turned distinctly peculiar.
The system had never clearly explained awakened abilities before.
So, was the system's functionality gradually improving—or perhaps, gradually restoring itself?
As Luo Shu pondered this, a sudden realisation struck him.
Wait, wasn't that earlier vision the origin of the Kusanagi Sword?
Are you its victim, too?
[Ding—]
A crisp notification sounded, followed by the response from the God's Servant in Luo Shu's ear:
[Host, please mind your wording. The system and host are inseparable, thus the term 'victim' is illogical.]
'Wow, so you're saying it's my fault?'
Luo Shu's face twitched involuntarily.
'First, the sealed Mio Takamiya, and now the Kusanagi Sword... How many more 'victims' has this system claimed in this world?'
'And now this damned system wants to shift some blame onto me?'
'I'm not Danzo, am I?'
Luo Shu couldn't help but grumble internally. Just then, he heard a girl's exclamation.
"It really split!!"
Looking up, Luo Shu saw Lacus already playing around.
Lacus had created a Spiritual Clone. The two identical girls spun in place while holding their skirts, as if looking in a mirror, then curtsied like princesses.
Seeing the two Lacuses, Kurumi Tokisaki also approached Luo Shu with surprise:
"Can system-awakened abilities include cloning types?"
"That depends on the individual's subconscious."
Luo Shu wasn't sure how to explain:
"Of course, there are many factors, but generally, system-awakened abilities stem from thoughts one has harboured internally."
"I see." Kurumi nodded in understanding, eyeing the two pink-haired girls with interest.
'Had Lacus Clyne once wished for another version of herself? How amusing.'
After their mirror game, the Lacus on the left released her skirt while the other smiled softly.
"To prevent future complaints from Kirika, your name shall be Mia—the doppelganger Luo Shu helped me find."
Hearing this, Mia smiled and curtsied. "Hello, Lacus."
"Hello, Mia." Lacus beamed, then frowned slightly as an ethereal white sword suddenly shot from her brow into Mia's forehead.
Mia's eyes, which had previously mirrored Lacus's, momentarily glazed over.
She lowered her head silently, and when she looked up again, her expression had turned blank.
Gazing at Lacus, she spoke in a sorrowful tone:
"My contractor, why have you forsaken my protection to embrace the Evil God?"
"The Kusanagi Sword?" Lacus stared at Mia in surprise.
The sword spirit remained silent, simply watching Lacus mournfully, awaiting her response.
At this moment, Luo Shu stepped forward as if to speak.
But the instant he moved, Mia recoiled like a startled cat, hiding behind Lacus and clutching her arm:
"Contractor! Quickly, stop that Evil God from approaching!!"
Luo Shu suddenly sensed a peculiar gaze. Turning, he found Kurumi Tokisaki eyeing him with a knowing look:
"What? I didn't do anything!"
"Didn't do anything, hmm..." Kurumi drawled sceptically.
She wasn't blind—the transformed Lacus was clearly the Kusanagi Sword's Sword Spirit...
And if the spirit feared Luo Shu this much, could he really be innocent? Would Kurumi believe that?
Of course she wouldn't!
"Be good, nothing will happen." Lacus, on the opposite side, turned around to comfort the Sword Spirit while glancing at Luo Shu with puzzlement.
Seeing this, Luo Shu's face twitched slightly before he said:
"Don't look at me, I don't know what's going on either."
Hearing this, though aware Luo Shu might not be entirely truthful, Lacus still softly advised the Sword Spirit:
"If you're really that scared, perhaps you should return first?"
As Lacus finished speaking, the Sword Spirit instantly disintegrated, the white silhouette of the Kusanagi Sword swiftly vanishing into Lacus's forehead.
The abrupt return made Lacus stagger slightly, only to be steadied by Luo Shu's quick support.
"Are you alright?" Luo Shu asked with slight tension and curiosity. "What's the matter with the Kusanagi Sword's Sword Spirit?"
At this, Lacus pressed her forehead, remained silent for a moment, then replied with a wry smile:
"She said she was just afraid I'd sacrifice her to you, so she came out to ask why I was doing this."
"..."
Luo Shu was rendered speechless.
Was he some kind of demon lord? To make a Demigod Sword Spirit so terrified?
But come to think of it, just how many beings had the system smashed back in the day?
As Luo Shu internally grumbled, Kurumi Tokisaki cheerfully interjected:
"Well then, it seems the issue is resolved. So, do you two plan to continue your private moment here..."
"Or go explain things to those nearly frantic people outside?"
Hearing Kurumi's reminder, Luo Shu and Lacus suddenly realised something and exchanged glances.
"It seems Tachibana is about to lose it..."
Luo Shu then asked Lacus with a peculiar expression:
"Actually, I've always wondered—does Kirika Tachibana have some special feelings for you?"
"Otherwise, why is she always the most concerned about you?"
"Eh? Surely not?" Lacus looked genuinely shocked.
But after the initial surprise, her expression became inscrutable, tinged with faint apprehension:
"Tachibana isn't... that kind of person... right?"
Luo Shu said nothing, simply watching Lacus quietly, waiting for her to reach her own conclusion.
After about half a minute, Lacus suddenly said:
"Luo Shu, about the Familia's standard bracelet... could we change its form?"
"To what?" Luo Shu asked curiously.
Lacus paused before answering:
"A ring."