A Gamer Into Trails

As always, Giliath demands your power stones!

*****

{Ding! Gamer Naoto has experienced an explosive growth in Host's mana core. As a result, Gamer Naoto's Familiar, Tamamo the Silver Nine-tailed Fox has undergone her sixth evolution. A seventh tail has been acquired, further strengthening Tamamo's skills and parameters.]

[Ding! Tamamo has acquired a new form. Human Transformation is now available to Host's Familiar.]

"The hell?", A voice of a boy cursed as three figures slowly walked out of the MacDowell Estate. The boy wasn't expecting to receive a notification sound off in his mind all of a sudden. And it sure was a notification alright. His lips curved upward as he reviewed it. He didn't expect something like this at all.

Seeing the violet-haired boy suddenly curse, the scarlet-haired man beside him raised his eyes.

"Something wrong, Young Master?", Lechter called out to the boy. That boy was me of course, and Lechter had regrouped with us, barely making it in time for lunch. I couldn't help but nod my head to Lechter's suspicion.

"I wouldn't call it wrong, but we might be in for a little surprise after we return to Erebonia.", I grinned. "You recall that silver fox that follows me around a lot, right?", I asked Lechter.

"Oh right, that cute fella. I always get the feeling it isn't your typical monster. There's that cat too, isn't there?", Lechter asked.

"That's because Tama isn't a monster. She's a familiar. Master made her for me. I do have plans to create my own. Perhaps after my training is over in the next couple weeks, I'll have enough time to do that.", I wondered.

After all, I did have a second slot available to create a second familiar. I already had a fox, and there was a cat in play thanks to Emma, and Vita has a peacock. I wanted to choose an animal type that hasn't been chosen.

So either a wolf or a dog, is what I'm considering.

"A familiar?", The third figure beside us asked, raising their eyes with interest. This was Tio of course.

"They're a witch's partner. They are a part of them, so Tama is a part of Master, in a way. And if I create my own, that familiar will be a part of me. They assist us in battle, provide support, help boost our magic parameters, and so on.", I explained a little. Seeing as Tio held interest in magic, giving her a lesson here wasn't a bad idea.

"A part of oneself huh? I don't think I get that quite yet...", Tio murmured.

"You and me both, kiddo.", Lechter replied. "I spent ages trying to find that damn place, and even that fox of yours got me good. That fox knows that forest like it's their playground.", Lechter frowned.

"Hahaha! I wasn't around so it sounds like Tama took you for a whirl, Lechter.", I replied with a smirk. "Still, looks like you made it back safe and sound this time around after escorting Lucy to St. Ursula, so I thank you for that. That was probably your first time meeting with individuals of the CPD huh? You weren't assigned to me back then during the cult extermination. It was Claire.", I mused, recalling the icy-haired maiden at my side. She didn't speak much then, but that happened shortly after our venture against the Red Constellation, so Claire knew what I was capable of doing.

"Yeah. I was stuck back at His Excellency's office doing boring paperwork. That was before I decided to start school at Jenis.", Lechter nodded. "Guess it was Claire who was looking after you during that time, eh? She's quite the beauty, if you catch my drift. I'm sure with a little persuasion---", Lechter tried to say.

"Not a single word, Lechter. You know that isn't my style.", I retorted him with a dead look in my eyes.

"Sheesh, can't take a joke now can you, Young Master?", Lechter sighed.

"Naoto takes relationships seriously.", Tio also nodded her head.

"Even you too, kiddo?", Lechter sighed again.

"You reap what you sow.", Tio retorted. Her eyes slanted downward, and she gave Lechter her classic stare. No matter how many times Lechter sees Tio do this, it still sends shivers down his spine.

"Would you cut that out, kiddo? That's creepy no matter how many times I look at those eyes!", Lechter exclaimed.

"Hey, Tio's a cult survivor, as was I. You gotta live with what happened, dude. I could still report to father that you aren't doing your job properly.", I grinned.

"Anything but that!", Lechter retorted.

Hearing that, Tio cracked a smile.

"Those ocean waters are still calling your name, Lechter.", Tio said, still slanting her eyelids halfway down.

"You...really can hold a grudge, can't ya?", Lechter sighed, scratching his head. "Don't take what I say seriously, at least half of what I say. I only say things when I mean to say them.", Lechter continued.

"Yeah yeah, you got that amazing gut instinct of yours that's almost otherworldly. I know all about it. That's why you're one of the most trustworthy persons I know, and I know you can get the job done.", I smiled at Lechter.

"Getting praise like that is weird coming from you man. You should save that for those girls of yours. Are you really going to be managing a harem, Young Master?", Lechter wondered if what was brought up over the discussion table was true. We had several topics that were brought up, and me forming a royal harem was one of them.

Elie did keep her interest in joining my royal harem a secret for now, she didn't want to disturb the friends she has made here in Crossbell City. Plus she has her primary duties as a nun of the Septian Church to deal with now. She did have interest in studying abroad at St. Astraia for a term or two as well. That did happen in the games, and if she decides to go that route, I'll support her.

With that in mind, I nodded my head at Lechter.

"Grandmother has approved of it. It's still in its initial phase, but I can introduce you to everyone, given the time. There might be a new person joining it soon too...", I uttered.

And I wasn't referring to Elie. Sure, she would be the fourth girl to join the harem. I'm pretty sure the first three slots were already filled.

The first was, surprisingly, Angelica. She was the first to initiate a relationship with me. Then came Ennea, in her unique way of becoming subservient to me. Then there was Emma. She declared her intention of wanting to stay beside me, before her journeying began around Western Zemuria.

And now, there was Elie. I would not deny her request if she really did want to join the harem. It looks like she still remembered me, despite almost having a decade passed. She had those feelings bottled up, and they were all let out during those little fifteen minutes of bliss. I wouldn't be one to turn that down. It felt amazing too.

But the girl who I was questioning now was Sara Valestein. She gave me a really unexpected kiss, and Sara's Blessing to boot. I need to have a chat with Sara to see where her feelings lay. If it turns out well, she would be the fifth girl to enter the harem.

I do have my little duel with Aurelia too, and if that works out, Aurelia would be the sixth girl. She already knows I have formed a royal harem too.

And lastly, whoever became my legal wife would of course, not enter the harem. That was currently in line with Princess Alfin and Kloe. I do have a feeling it will end up with Princess Alfin, considering father's intent. If that happens, Kloe would join the harem as the seventh girl.

And to be honest, that is quite the size. Almost too much for my liking, but it would feel sour if I turned any of them down. While it may seem like a lot to one person, the Trailsverse was massive. Even a harem just the size of seven was nothing compared to how big the rest of the continent was...

For now at least, I had no intentions of letting anyone else enter the harem. I'll see how Sara feels once we return to Erebonia. After that, I will have to eventually settle matters with Aurelia, I just don't know if that will take place before or after the trials.

Elie did say she will remain here in Crossbell City, and she had already returned to her duties. Hence why she wasn't with us three at this time.

"You already have your eyes set on another girl already? And you call me the player, haha!", Lechter laughed.

"That does sound imposing too. Are you sure doing something is fine, Naoto? It seems a bit much to handle.", Tio frowned.

Hearing that, I ruffled Tio's hair.

"Oh you needn't worry about me. My body is quite durable. There isn't much I can't handle.", I replied, reassuring Tio.

"Are you sure about that, Young Master? Somehow I get the feeling you don't mean that...", Lechter uttered.

"Haha! Take it as you will, Lechter. Elie won't be coming with us, to say the least. She has her duties she's currently tasked to do. I had already said my goodbyes. After all, I'm only going to be in Crossbell City for a little while longer.", I explained.

"So that's why the Young Miss wasn't too stressed about you leaving. Sounds like you'll be seeing her once mattles settle down in Erebonia?", Lechter asked.

"That's the plan. Sherryl will also stay here for the remainder of the week, so you're stuck with just us two, Lechter.", I replied.

"I think I can manage that.", Lechter nodded. "So where to, boss man?", Lechter asked.

"About that...", I began to say.