NOVEL NEXT Chapter 33: Chapter 33
"___" Text speech
'___' Internal thoughts
[___] status
(___) skills
(Great Sage:___)
{Author:___} author notes
Some things are subject to change depending on how I develop this story
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hey guys im back, hopefully i can go back to consistent schedule soon, my semester is ending soon anyways. also a guy asked me how my holidays went, thanks for asking, it went well my family and i reconnected with our extended family so thats a plus. also todays chapter is a double chapter so enjoy that ig, it also kinds fried my brain thinking of how to write this so if theres any inconsistencies or mistakes then point them out.
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Odin chuckled. "Good. Physical power may rule the battlefield, but here, your mind and magical aptitude will decide your worthiness. And before you wonder why I've structured this test as I have…" Odin's gaze sharpened, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. "You're a shadow clone, aren't you? A construct of demonic power, not a physical body. It's a clever technique, reminiscent of Sun Wukong's doppelgangers or certain yokai techniques from Japan, though I can see you've modified it to function with demonic energy."
Meelis tensed slightly but maintained his composure. "You're perceptive, All-Father."
"Of course I am," Odin replied, his voice carrying a mix of amusement and authority. "This body of yours can't withstand heavy physical strain or excessive damage, so testing you in brute force would be pointless. Instead, I'll judge you on what this form is meant for, energy manipulation, magical skill, and knowledge. Let's see how well you fare."
With that, he gestured to the Valkyries, who stepped forward to begin the trial.
The Valkyrie holding the staff stepped forward first, her expression calm but firm. "I am Brynhildr," she said, her voice resonating with authority. "Your first test is one of magical skill. Show me your control, adaptability, and precision."
She raised her staff, and the runes around the clearing flared to life. A sphere of glowing energy formed between them, rippling with chaotic magic. "Your task is to stabilize this sphere while I disrupt your attempts. Do so, and you pass."
Meelis nodded, stepping into the circle. As he extended his hand toward the sphere, he felt its unstable energy pulsing erratically. It was like trying to grasp a storm with his bare hands.
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The First Test: Control
Brynhildr wasted no time, sending a surge of destabilizing energy into the sphere. Meelis gritted his teeth, focusing his demonic energy to counterbalance the fluctuations. His reserves were limited, so brute force wasn't an option. Instead, he carefully layered his power in precise intervals, weaving threads of Demonic power around the sphere to anchor its chaotic magic.
Luckily, his training with Grayfia and the rest of Sirzechs' peerage was not in vain, even without a specifically made skill, he still had some amount of skill himself.
"Not bad," Brynhildr said, her tone almost approving. Then, with a flick of her staff, she altered the sphere's nature entirely, it began radiating holy power.
Meelis felt a sharp sting in his core. Holy magic was naturally antagonistic to his demonic nature. Still, he didn't falter. Instead, he adjusted his strategy, using his Touki to form a protective barrier between himself and the sphere while maintaining its balance.
Touki, being life force itself, was more of a neutral energy compared to Demonic and Holy powers, so despite not having an advantage over either, it was not weakened by them either.
Brynhildr's attacks grew more complex, her disruptions coming in rapid succession, but Meelis adapted with surprising agility. His knowledge of magical theory and combat tactics, while not much compared to a Valkyrie, allowed him to anticipate her moves, to some degree, not to mention he was compensating for his limited reserves with Touki which he wielded with better efficiency and ingenuity.
After several tense minutes, the sphere stabilized completely, its chaotic energy now a calm, steady glow. Brynhildr lowered her staff, a faint smile on her lips. "You pass." she said simply, stepping back.
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The Second Test: Adaptability
The next Valkyrie stepped forward, her silver sword crackling with enchanted lightning. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Meelis with a mixture of challenge and intrigue. "I am Sigrun," she introduced herself, her voice sharp and commanding. "Your next test will assess your ability to adapt. You will defend yourself from my attacks while countering with magic. Show me your ingenuity."
She raised her sword, and arcs of lightning danced along its blade. With a swift motion, she unleashed a bolt of energy hurtling toward Meelis.
Meelis moved instantly, summoning a barrier of pure demonic power. The lightning struck with a deafening crack, forcing him to dig his heels into the ground to hold the shield steady. The energy rippled around him, testing the limits of his control.
Sigrun pressed forward, her strikes coming fast and unrelenting. Each attack carried a devastating combination of elemental fury: fire roared, wind howled, and shards of ice glinted as they flew toward him.
Meelis gritted his teeth, sweat trickling down his brow as he focused on his limited arsenal. His shield flared again and again, absorbing blows with every ounce of his strength. But defense alone wouldn't be enough. As Sigrun lunged, lightning coursing down her blade, Meelis spotted an opening.
He thrust out his hand, summoning a barrage of stone bullets. The sharp projectiles struck her mid-step, forcing her to pivot and deflect. Another wave followed, peppering the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Sigrun's attacks shifted. She layered her strikes with more complexity, but Meelis held on. When she slammed her blade into the ground, sending a shockwave toward him, he used demonic power to propel himself backward just in time. A quick volley of stone bullets aimed at her exposed side made her retreat a step.
The fight continued, each moment stretching Meelis's endurance. His demonic energy fluctuated, and the weight of his choices bore down on him.
His mind raced. 'If this is just the second test, will I even have enough energy left for the final test?'
Sigrun's movements grew more aggressive, her strikes relentless, but Meelis refused to falter. With every ounce of strength, he combined evasion with counterattacks, using stone bullets to disrupt her rhythm and force her to adjust. When her blade came close, he barely managed to parry with a burst of demonic energy, the backlash numbing his arm.
Finally, Sigrun stepped back, lowering her sword. Her piercing gaze softened as a faint smile crossed her lips. "You're tenacious," she admitted. "Not many can hold their own against me with such limited tools. You pass."
Meelis straightened, his chest heaving as he steadied his breathing. "Thank you," he said simply, his voice strained but resolute. He watched as Sigrun returned to her place, dread pooling in his stomach. 'Two down. But what horrors will the last test bring?'
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The Third Test: Knowledge
The cool breeze rustled through the forest, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Meelis stood in a clearing, surrounded by towering trees that swayed gently in the wind, resting for a bit as he was allowed to recover some of his energy, which is necessary to him since he is a clone made up of demonic power. Odin watched from a nearby tree stump, his single eye gleaming with interest as he leaned on his staff. Issei sat cross-legged on the grass, fidgeting slightly as he observed the scene.
Before Meelis, three Valkyries stood in a semi-circle, their armor glinting in the afternoon light. The leader of this test, a stern-looking Valkyrie named Eira, stepped forward. Her silver armor was engraved with intricate runes, and her gaze was sharp and unyielding.
"Your final test is one of knowledge," Eira announced, her voice resonating through the clearing. "The world is vast, and its pantheons are many. You will face spells and riddles tied to these pantheons. To succeed, you must demonstrate your understanding of their origins and methods. Fail, and the magic will overwhelm you."
With a wave of her hand, glowing symbols began to form in the air, hovering ominously. Some pulsed with energy, while others twisted and shimmered as if alive.
Meelis glanced briefly at Odin, who gave him a faint smirk. "Well, lad, let's see if you're as clever as you are stubborn."
Issei tilted his head. "This seems... kinda tough. You good, Meelis?"
"Let's find out," Meelis muttered, trying to steady his nerves. He called on his unique skill, (Great Sage) to be ready to provide answers for him, the familiar voice resonating in his mind. When it came to knowledge, it might be tricky, but he was never afraid.
Meelis steeled himself for the challenge. The first challenge manifested as a glowing knot of blue and gold symbols. Eira's voice rang out. "Identify the origin of this spell and speak the correct pantheon to disarm it."
Meelis closed his eyes briefly, focusing as Great Sage provided the answer.
(Great Sage: Norse pantheon. Bindings of Tyr. Answer: Norse.)
He took a breath and spoke aloud, "Norse." The knot flickered and unraveled, its power dissipating into the air.
Eira nodded, her gaze unchanging as she conjured the next challenge, a spinning wheel of fiery runes. "This one is a test of precision. Speak the correct origin, or the spell will detonate."
Meelis furrowed his brow, feeling the strain of using (Great Sage) again. 'Great Sage, what's the origin of this spell?'
(Great Sage: Greek pantheon. Linked to Prometheus. Answer: Greek.)
Meelis barely hesitated. "Greek." The fiery wheel dimmed and faded, no longer a threat.
The next series of challenges came rapidly, each more intricate than the last. A shimmering shield of water appeared before him. 'Great Sage, what's the origin?'
(Great Sage: Egyptian pantheon. Associated with Ra. Answer: Egyptian.)
"Egyptian," Meelis said firmly. The shield of water evaporated harmlessly into the air.
The final test materialized as a massive glyph, an intricate blend of symbols from multiple pantheons, pulsing with radiant energy. Eira stepped forward, her eyes fixed on him.
"This is the ultimate test," she declared. "Speak the origins of all the components of this spell, and it will be deactivated. Fail, and you will face the consequences."
Meelis's heart raced as the magic around him intensified. 'Great Sage, give me the answer. I can't afford to mess this up.'
(Great Sage: The spell combines elements of multiple pantheons. Odin, Zeus, and Ra are the primary deities involved. Answer: Norse, Greek, Egyptian.)
Meelis spoke without hesitation. "Norse, Greek, Egyptian." The glyph trembled, then shattered into harmless sparks, the spell deactivated.
Eira stepped back, her expression impassive, though there was a glimmer of approval in her eyes. "You've passed. Your methods are unorthodox, but they are effective. Few possess the knowledge, or the will, to succeed as you have."
Meelis wiped his brow, the headache from (Great Sage) pounding in his temples. "Thanks," he muttered, his voice strained. 'Three tests down... but what's coming next?'
Issei raised an eyebrow. "Dude, how'd you do that? That was insane."
Odin chuckled, clearly entertained. "He's cleverer than I gave him credit for. Though I suspect he's not entirely reliant on knowledge alone."
Meelis gave a half-smile, though it was pained. "Let's just say... I had some help."
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As Meelis stood before Odin, his form visibly drained but intact, the All-Father let out a hearty laugh. "Well done, young Zagan. I'll admit, I wasn't sure you'd make it through all three tests, but you've proven your worth."
Odin's gaze turned thoughtful as he stroked his beard. "Your magical skill, adaptability, and resilience are impressive, especially for a clone. It's rare to see such ingenuity in one so young."
His eye gleamed knowingly as he gestured toward Meelis's faintly glowing form. "And while Touki isn't magic, it's a clever loophole. A form of energy in its own right, and neutral enough to withstand both holy and demonic forces. It's fitting for someone as resourceful as you."
Meelis inclined his head respectfully. "I'm honored by your words, All-Father."
Odin smirked. "Don't let it go to your head, boy. You've passed these trials, but your journey is far from over. Still, for a shadow clone, you've proven yourself more than worthy of my time."
The All-Father's gaze shifted toward the Valkyries. "What say you?"
Brynhildr, Sigrun, and Eir exchanged brief glances before nodding in unison.
"He is resourceful," Brynhildr said.
"He adapts under pressure," Sigrun added.
"And his knowledge is commendable," Eir concluded.
Odin grinned. "Then it's settled. Welcome, Meelis Zagan, to the next stage of your quest. You've earned it."
With that, the test concluded, and Meelis knew his journey toward securing the branch of Yggdrasil had only just begun.
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LP: 500
Devil Nobility Class: Low, Mid, High, Ultimate, Special (these are the actual cannon rankings of DxD)
Devil Strength Rank: Low(F), Mid(E), High(D), Ultimate(C), Satan(B-), Maxed Longinus(B), Dragon Kings(B+), Heavenly Dragons/Super Devils(A), Indra/Shiva(A+), Ophis/Red(S+ to EX)