Chapter 31: Mysterious Subordinate
After Emilia left me alone in the living room, I eventually decided to return to my room. I hadn't finished checking my rewards from yesterday's battle because I was too exhausted after defeating Guy Crimson.
Curiosity about those rewards had actually been tickling me since last night, but the physical and mental fatigue made me choose to postpone that curiosity and rest immediately.
"System, show me the log of my rewards from yesterday's battle!" I requested the system with mounting anticipation. My heart beat a little faster than usual, awaiting the long list of rewards that must have accumulated after the epic battle against the Vampire King. I was eager to see the results of my hard work.
The virtual system screen appeared before me, displaying the list of rewards I had earned clearly and in detail. My eyes scanned each line, feeling a surge of satisfaction and pride filling my chest.
[Congratulations on defeating the Vampire King, Guy Crimson]
[Congratulations on earning 500,000 experience points]
[Congratulations on leveling up] x5
[Congratulations on earning 50 points]
[Congratulations on obtaining the key to dungeon level 2]
[Congratulations on acquiring a Vampire Subordinate]
[Congratulations on obtaining the Quirk Mental Barrier]
This time, I leveled up five times in a row. Each time my level increased, each of my three main stats increased by 10 points. This significant stat boost made me feel even stronger and more confident. I could feel a new energy flowing through my body, filling every cell with a burning power.
In addition, I also received 10 extra points for each level up. The total points I got from leveling up alone reached 150 points, not including the 50 additional bonus points. A feeling of pride and relief flowed through me as I looked at the achievements I had earned. Each point and level I gained was tangible proof of my hard work and dedication. I had proven to myself that I was capable of overcoming any challenge, no matter how difficult, if I tried earnestly.
So this was my property panel after experiencing five consecutive level-ups. The numbers displayed on that panel were like medals of honor for my struggle.
[Name: Yūsha Himaru]
[Age: 9 Years]
[Level: 20]
[Vitality: 430]
[Intelligence: 429]
[Sense: 440]
[Quirk: Dungeon Master (Max)]
[Remaining Points: 50]
"System, allocate my remaining 50 points to add 25 points to Sense and 25 points to Vitality," I requested, while considering the best strategy to face future enemies. I weighed my stat needs, trying to find the most optimal formula for my fighting style.
I decided to set aside Intelligence for now since I felt my Intelligence points were sufficient at the moment. Intelligence was indeed important, but in direct combat situations, Sense and Vitality were, in my opinion, far more crucial.
However, I would definitely add to it in the future and balance it with the other stats. Maintaining balance in all aspects of my strength remained my top priority. I didn't want to be strong in just one aspect and weak in others.
After I used all my points, this is my current property panel. The numbers now looked much higher and more impressive compared to before.
[Name: Yūsha Himaru]
[Age: 9 Years]
[Level: 20]
[Vitality: 455]
[Intelligence: 429]
[Sense: 465]
[Quirk: Dungeon Master (Max)]
[Remaining Points: 0]
After I finished using all my points, the next step was to check all my rewards. I felt very excited to see what rewards I had received and whether there was something I could use to further strengthen myself. These rewards were the recompense for my struggle, and I couldn't wait to utilize them immediately.
But before that, I would enter the dungeon first and open all my rewards there. The dungeon was a place where I felt more comfortable and secure to check the results of my efforts. There, I could fully focus without distractions from the outside world.
"System, how can I use the Quirk Mental Barrier?" I asked the system, wanting to ensure the best way to activate this new power. The Quirk Mental Barrier sounded very promising, and I wanted to master it quickly.
"The host just needs to open it from the reward box, and the system will ask for the host's approval to proceed with the Quirk installation," the system explained in its usual calm and clear voice. The system's explanations were always straightforward and easy to understand, so I never felt any difficulty in understanding the system's functions.
"Alright then," I responded with full confidence. I was ready to receive and activate the new power I had obtained. I felt impatient to test the capabilities of this Mental Barrier Quirk in the dungeon.
Then, I immediately opened the reward box from the system panel. The reward box shone brightly, emitting a mysterious aura of power. The system notification sound quickly appeared in my head, providing the final instructions I needed to follow.
[Are you sure you want to proceed with the installation of the Quirk Mental Barrier?]
[Yes or No]
Without the slightest hesitation, I quickly chose yes. In an instant, I felt a new power coursing rapidly through my entire body. A warm and comforting sensation filled every inch of my body, indicating that the new quirk had been successfully installed perfectly.
I could feel the changes happening within me, even though they were not visible to the naked eye. I immediately felt my head become lighter after the installation was complete. It was as if a heavy burden that had been weighing down my mind had suddenly been lifted.
After inquiring about the function of this quirk from the system, I understood that this quirk was incredibly useful. The system explained in detail that this quirk acts as a mental shield that can protect me from mental attacks such as brainwashing, lie detection, and other forms of mental manipulation. The system's explanation made me even more enthusiastic to test this new quirk's ability soon.
Hearing this explanation, I felt relieved and more confident in facing enemies with dangerous mental powers. With this quirk, I could focus more on the battle without worrying about being attacked from within my mind. This mental protection gave me a precious sense of security, especially when facing unseen enemies.
This confidence was a significant asset in every battle. I knew that with strong mental protection, my chances of winning when facing enemies would increase significantly. This quirk was an invisible but very strong defense fortress.
Because with this quirk, I could block others with mental-type quirks like brainwashing, lie detection, and so on from using their quirks against me. This was a huge advantage in fighting against cunning and manipulative enemies.
This mental protection provided a crucial sense of security, especially when facing opponents with mind manipulation abilities. In critical situations, this quirk could be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. I realized how lucky I was to get such a great quirk.
So I could have confidence when facing people with such quirks, considering in the original work, Shinso indeed had such a quirk, and let's not forget AFO with his lie detector quirk. This Mental Barrier Quirk was a secret weapon that would protect me from unexpected threats.
Next, I would check the key to dungeon level 2 to see if it was still the same as before, requiring two different quirks to be combined with the key before the dungeon gate could be opened for entry.
I took out the dungeon level 2 key from the system inventory and examined it carefully. The key seemed to glow dimly, as if harboring the mysteries and challenges awaiting in the next dungeon level.
I felt curious whether this mechanism remained the same or if there were changes I needed to know. Carefully, I examined the key and the instructions provided. I read every line of the sentences carefully, ensuring no information was missed.
And sure enough, it was still the same as before. This time, the mission content was to find two Quirks related to the keyword [Machine]. This keyword gave me a slight clue about the type of quirks I had to look for, although the scope was still very broad.
I knew that finding these two quirks would not be an easy task, but I would increase my efforts to search for such quirks. I was also ready to commission Mouri-san again, as the commission I gave him last time was very satisfying. Mouri-san's information service was indeed very valuable in the role of opening my first dungeon gate.
So my goal for the next period was to find these two quirks and quickly unlock the level two dungeon key. This mission would be my next primary focus. I had to prepare myself immediately for a new adventure in a dungeon level that was higher and more dangerous.
Knowing that every day is a new opportunity to strengthen myself, I was determined to complete this mission as soon as possible, as it would significantly speed up the process of increasing my power. The sooner I unlocked dungeon level 2, the sooner I could become stronger.
The last reward I would check was the one that intrigued me the most. I was very curious to know what was inside it. This Vampire Subordinate reward felt different from the other rewards. There was a mysterious aura emanating from it, making me wonder what kind of creature would emerge from this reward.
The thought of this mysterious reward kept haunting my mind. Would its contents match my expectations or even exceed them? Various possibilities swirled in my thoughts. Would someone really show up and become a gift from the system?
Because if this [Dungeon Master] was truly just a quirk, it would be very strange if an individual suddenly emerged from it. This concept felt so foreign and confusing. I tried to understand the logic behind this reward, but my mind was stumped.
How could someone simply materialize from this quirk? This thought made me even more curious and excited to discover the truth. I wanted to see with my own eyes what kind of being would emerge from this reward.
This made me, as the current owner of the Quirk, feel as if I had just given birth to a child. This feeling was a bit strange and unusual. How could I feel this way? Yet, this feeling also made me even more eager to open the reward and find answers to all the questions in my mind. This strange feeling mingled with an unbearable curiosity.
So, as I prepared to open this reward, my heart was filled with mixed emotions such as curiosity, confusion, and excitement. My heart pounded as I readied myself to open this gift. Various emotions swirled inside me, making me even more eager to see what was inside. This was the culmination of all the rewards I had obtained, and I hoped this reward would be something extraordinary.
"System, summon the king's subordinate immediately!" I commanded the system with reverence, hoping the system would respond quickly. I waited with high anticipation, trying to calm myself from the nervousness I felt. I took a deep breath, trying to soothe my pounding heart.
[...]
I briefly thought the command wouldn't work, but moments later, a dimensional gate with a dark black background as tall as an adult human appeared before me. I was astonished at the sight. The gate looked so mysterious and invited great curiosity. A strong magical aura emanated from the dimensional gate, making me feel slightly intimidated but also fascinated.
Then a slender woman with waist-length purple hair and golden eyes emerged from the dimensional corridor. Her appearance was captivating, and I couldn't take my eyes off her. Her beauty was like a living painting, perfect and mesmerizing. There was an aura of power and elegance emanating from her presence. She was not only beautiful, but also possessed a strong aura of leadership.
She wore a white blouse with a black tie and black pants covering her long legs, resembling an office worker's uniform. This attire gave a professional and authoritative impression, adding to the impressive nature of her appearance. Her formal yet feminine dress style made her appear even more attractive and mysterious.
As she stepped out of the dimensional gate, her face appeared cold and expressionless, like a perfect ice sculpture. But when her eyes met mine, a smile blossomed on her once icy face. Her sudden smile made her already beautiful face even more enchanting. The smile was like the sun warming winter, melting the coldness around her.
She appeared before me in an instant, without me realizing it, and hugged me tightly. Her speed of movement was so extraordinary that I was unable to perceive it and couldn't react at all. The hug was so sudden and strong, leaving me surprised and bewildered. I felt the warmth of her body and the scent of a soft and intoxicating perfume.
"Finally, I can meet you again, Himaru-sama!" she said with a voice filled with happiness and relief. Her voice, soft and melodious, made my heart flutter. I wanted to break free from her hug, feeling a bit awkward and uncomfortable with this sudden intimacy, but then I felt my shoulder was slightly wet. I felt confused but also touched by the genuine emotions she displayed. Her warm tears seeped through my clothes, touching my skin.
It seemed she was hugging me while crying. When I realized this, I abandoned my thoughts of breaking free and instead gently patted her back. I tried to comfort her, even though deep inside, I felt very confused by the emotions she was displaying. I didn't understand why she was so emotional upon meeting me. Did we really have such a close relationship?
And at that moment, several memories seemed to surface in my mind like a quickly playing movie. Fragments of images and sounds flooded my mind, giving me a clearer picture of who this woman actually was and what our relationship was.