Wanderer's Game

It only takes a few minutes of walking to reach Ajuka, the maid guiding me here being basically unnecessary at this point. The man is so strong that I can feel his power through the bloody walls, however the hell that works.

When I enter the room, I quickly notice just how unnaturally cozy it all looks. A simple study, with a table, fireplace and library. It looks about as stereotypical as I'd imagined, yet I can't help but admire it. Lord Sitri has good taste.

Ajuka is sat at the end of the table, a steaming cup in front of him. He sits with an ankle crossed over his knee, and both his arms folded. The Devil doesn't even address me until I take a seat opposite him.

"I've heard quite a lot about you from Serafall since we last spoke. A great many things that intrigue me. But that can come later." He takes a sip.

"To begin with, allow me to formally welcome you to the Anti-Satan Army." He made no attempts to sound excited. Another sip, does he slurp on purpose?

"If you survive your excursion into Lucifaad, then you'll most likely be sent over to assist with the assault on the Valefor Territory. Serafall herself stated that she wanted to bring you with her to battle when her business in the Agares' lands is finished." Huh, how oddly endearing?

"Thank you, sir. While my status as a Half-Devil means I'd likely not survive if I hadn't joined, I'm still happy to work alongside you. Now if I may ask, what is the current situation with the war?" He raises a brow at my lack of knowledge but pushes it aside.

"As of now, there's been a brief lull in the conflict, only small skirmishes taking place here and there. After Tsuufame Leviathan's death, they've been unwilling to fully commit to a battle it seems." He smirks at that, pride radiating off of him.

"The main majority of their forces have been committed to the defense of Lucifaad. Daimadosu Asmodeus at least has been seen on excursions outside of the city, but Bidleid Beelzebub hasn't been seen much since the war started. His nephew, Beneram Beelzebub, hasn't been seen in a while either." Another sip. The cup feels almost unending.

"Because of this, we've been taking things rather slowly, making allies amongst the 72 Pillars. If we are to win this war, then we need Devil Society as a whole on our side once we do. Otherwise, it'll just cause another greedy house to try claim the thrones, and we'll be stuck repeating history." From what it sounds like, victory is an inevitability.

"The more allies we have, the less allies they have. Most houses pledge obedience due to fear, so when they see that we extend an arm out of kindness and respect, they take it. Of the 72 Pillars, 23 are on our side. 29 have gone extinct. 20 remain with the Satans. I expect that the war will be ending within the next few months at best." Well damn, I lucked out on the timing it seems.

"I had my doubts that Serafall had properly debriefed you, it seems I was correct given your surprise. Now, chances are you are wondering just why an excursion into House Lucifuge is necessary given the situation, no?" He finally rests the cup atop the small plate it came on, now placing his hands on his lap.

"Well, the answer is quite simple. We know nothing of the situation in House Lucifuge. All we know is that the Lord Lucifuge has pledged allegiance to the Satan's in the current Lucifer's absence. Aside from that, we remain in the dark, and that is a problem. Knowledge is the greatest weapon in a war, our lack of it concerns me, especially when the target in question is the right hand of Lord Lucifer." He motions to me with his hand.

"That, is where you come in. Desperation will lead the Lucifuge to accept any doctor they can get their hands on in the wake of the Phenex pledging allegiance to us. Even a Half-Devil. Given your skills, I've no doubt they'll keep you alive." At least he has confidence they won't kill me. Surely that means something.

"You have three objectives. If you can complete even a single one, then you'll be a significant help to our cause. Monitor the situation in House Lucifuge, learn anything you can. Sabotage them if possible. Then, you just need to make it out alive." Yeah, no shit I'm gonna want to survive.

"A dead spy is a useless spy. We can't learn anything if you die in Lucifaad, and it would make Serafall quite sad if you fell. All communications signals in and out of the city are monitored extensively, teleportation is blocked. You need to get in, learn what you can and get out. No sightseeing, no tourism. Do you understand?" His tone is quite stern. Finally I have a chance to speak.

"Yes. I understand. Get in, monitor House Lucifuge, sabotage them where possible, and get out. My life is too important to be thrown away." He smiles, for the first time since I entered the room.

"With me, I have a map of the city of Lucifaad. It is a few centuries old unfortunately, but all knowledge is useful in this situation. I don't know how long you'll be in Lucifaad for, but I do know that you will be needing this to make your escape." He sighs, shifting the folded map over to my side of the table.

"I don't envy your situation. Frankly, I don't know why you even accepted it, other than perhaps feeling intimidated into doing so. This is your one chance to back away. You are not the first man we have attempted to send into Lucifaad, though you may just be the last if all goes well." I didn't expect that I'd be given a chance to back out in all honesty.

"I have my own motivations for doing this. Ones that I would rather keep to myself." He doesn't press any further, thankfully. After I finish speaking, he smiles once more.

"I'm grateful. Now, as I stated earlier, I have heard a great many things of interest from Serafall regarding your abilities, things that I would personally like to observe." He checks his watch, hidden under a sleeve.

"I have 4 hours until I need to return. Would you be willing to do some testing in my lab? I can teleport us there." I don't like the gleam in his eyes. What I do like, however, is the rewards for completing a Companion Quest. I can't say no to that.

"I see no reason to say no." He grins. Doesn't smile, doesn't blink, just grins.

"Splendid."

------------------------------------

This lab is the definition of spotless. Every inch, every surface, shines in cleanliness. Not a speck of dust can be found. The only dirt in the room is that which falls from the body of the man restrained atop a table in the center of the room, yet even that does nothing to harm the beautiful image it has.

Every corner of the room has some sort of screen on it, words rapidly scrolling down each one, so fast that I can barely make out what they say. I didn't even know the Underworld had access to technology like this, Lord Sitri's domain had nothing close.

Ajuka stands behind a screen, a datapad in hand and a grin on his face as I gaze pitifully at the unfortunate Devil I am to kill.

When we entered the lab, Ajuka asked about my rapid growth, mentioning that I had grown even stronger since we last spoke. Serafall had relayed to him my empowerment specifically after killing two men just prior to our initial meeting, so he got this idea.

I don't feel bad. The Devil strapped to this table was scheduled for execution before the Civil War broke out, and had been essentially stuck in limbo while the war progressed, not knowing when he would die. This does however make me question Ajuka's morals a fair bit.

"Are you sure this is legal, Ajuka? Hell, are you sure this is okay? I don't think people would like us very much if word got out we executed people in the name of science." His grin didn't shift an inch.

"This is perfectly legal. Were he of a more important family, or the next in line to his own, perhaps we would be condemned for endangering a bloodline but this Devil holds no importance. I don't doubt we would be applauded for our part in his death." I keep forgetting that Devil's have far less moral boundaries than humans.

Either way, the man was already up for execution. This only accelerates his sentencing. A quick cast of Wandering Eye sets aside any small doubts I had about killing this Devil.

Harrelo Valac

Level 52

Oh yes. Fuck moral boundaries, this man is a wellspring of EXP.

"Well? I have more tests in mind so if you could hurry this up I would be greatly appreciative." Ajuka taps his shoe against the spotless floors of the lab, the sigils of the Kankara Formula shining in his eyes. He wants to observe every second of this extensively.

Harrelo writhes against his restraints briefly, but the manasteel beams locking him against the table don't budge. To spare him any suffering, I thrust Caduceus directly into the back his mouth, skewering his brain stem through the skull. Harello dies instantly.

300EXP!

EXP reduced due to the method used for EXP Gain!

Level Up x3 (10/90)

Gacha Pull x2

Despite the limitation, this is still a phenomenal reward for such little effort. Hell, it's basically free. Though, I'm still slightly confused by the nature of how EXP gain works.

[The amount of EXP required for a Level Up goes up by 20 every 10 levels. EXP gain is reduced because the User didn't defeat this opponent, the User instead killed a defenseless target who was defeated by another.]

Even still, I could just get a job as an executioner and farm levels until I'm in the thousands, surely?

[This method has diminishing returns! The more times you gain EXP this way, the less EXP you'll get! You must earn your strength, User!]

Fair enough then. I suppose it was far too good to be true. I quickly put both of the Stat Points I got from the Levels into INT and STR as Ajuka finally speaks.

"Fascinating. Utterly fascinating. It's as though you took a portion of his strength as your own. Does this happen every time you kill someone?" His eyes gleam still with the Formula, looking over every part of my body intently, occasionally glancing at the datapad in his hand.

"Yes, it does. Though, I get even more power from those I kill myself. I got a bit less this time because I didn't technically overcome this Devil in combat, it was free." He furrows his brow.

"How is such a metric measured? What does overcoming an opponent necessitate? Do you gain less power when allies assist you in combat? If you fought an opponent to near death, and an ally were to help at the last minute, would the gains be reduced?" All very good questions, but unfortunately I have no fucking clue.

"I don't know, I haven't had this ability very long. It only kicked in after I was ambushed by those Devils in Sitri lands." Technically true.

I don't want to give him the full truth, I'll never speak of the System aloud. However, I also need to explain just why I have such an ability. Ajuka hums and places a hand on his chin in response.

"Perhaps a latent trait? No current clans have such a power, though. A mutation is certainly a possibility. So too is a Sacred Gear, we still don't know just what myriad of powers they hold." He frowns, deep in thought.

"Do you know the origins of your Devil half, Alistair? Any record of your lineage?" No such thing exists, I'm afraid.

"No. Until recently, I thought I was exclusively a human." Again, technically true. His frown deepens.

"How vexing. And you are certain this only developed recently?"

"Yes, as I said. It only started after I killed those men in Serafall's territory. My power grows extensively from daily life too it seems, I've sometimes had boosts of strength from talking with certain people." He stills, once more going catatonic in deep thought.

Ajuka is one of the people I want to have a good favour with. Not only is he extremely smart, but he is extremely powerful as well. If possible, I'd rather have a good relationship with all of the future Satans.

While I won't tell them the full truth of the System, I'll give them enough. Trust is a two way bridge, after all.

"Perhaps... Yes. From everything you've told me, it seems like a mutation of the Andromalius Clan Trait. The Andromalius family had the unique ability to Take. The wording is quite vague, but essentially it allowed them to Take some of an opponents strength as their own temporarily, healing themselves of harm done and draining the victim of their Mana slightly." Bloody hell, that sounds absurd.

"It sounds far worse than it actually was. The victim only suffered a slight bout of exhaustion after being affected. Any boons the Andromalius gained from their Taking would fade away after a few minutes, and they could only do it once a day. It was powerful in the right circumstances, but it doesn't surprise me the Clan went extinct." He then gestures to me, his hand going up and down to emphasise my form.

"Of course, your case is far different from simple Taking. No, if I had to describe it, you are Siphoning power from multiple sources and incorporating it into your own permanently. It is, frankly speaking, an astonishing mutation." He once more returns his hand to his chin. As always, the conversation is dominated by him.

I'm astonished his theory has managed to hold up this far. I'm surprised even more that there was a similar enough Clan Trait in existence for him to make such a theory. Thankfully, there's a decently coherent explanation for the Systems power in this world it seems. Maybe my LUK stat is actually quite important?

"Interestingly, strength you Siphon from certain people must have no effect on the Siphoned target, because neither myself or Serafall have felt a drop in our power. Perhaps it only works on those you deem opponents?" His fingers are rapidly tapping against the datapad, I'm almost floored by the sheer speed with which he types.

"There are far too many unknowns about your power, and so far it is all just assumption on my part, but that only means we have more to discern and discover." He lowers the datapad and his grin shifts from utterly manic to disarmingly kind, extending a hand out for me to shake.

"We have a lot to explore together, young Alistair. There are a lot of ramifications to your existence, but nonetheless I look forward to working with you in the future to come." Without hesitation, I shake his hand firmly.

"Thank you, Ajuka. I look forward to working with you as well. Though, I would like to add that I'd rather keep my own name than try and claim the Andromalius. I have no connection to them aside from this trait supposedly." His smile doesn't droop or waver.

"Don't worry. The Clan is extinct anyways. There's no point claiming you to be the lost heir of a dead lineage based on an assumption. You can keep your name as your own." He chuckles slightly.

"I'm glad. You'd be surprised how difficult it was to come up with it." He doesn't respond, instead shifting around to examine Harrelo's body some more.

Emergency Companion Quest (Lab Visit) has been completed! Rewards:

500EXP!

Level Up x5!

Skill Unlock Token x1

Premium Interdimensional Gacha Pull x1

Luckily, or rather unluckily for him, Ajuka was asked to return early in lieu of a new development on the frontlines. I was teleported away from the Laboratory and told that a carriage would come collect me tomorrow to begin the journey to Lucifaad.

With all public transportation down due to the war and teleportation unavailable, archaic forms of transport are all I can use. So, I'll be teleported to the city of Dis, several miles away, and driven to Lucifaad by carriage.

The conversation with Ajuka was nothing short of exhausting, but thankfully he seems like quite an amicable Devil. It also offers me quite a boon as well, if I were to lean into this Andromalius theory, I could find a way to insert myself into Ars Goetia. That's for the future though. I don't have much care for Devil politics as of now.

With the stat points I gained from levelling up, I primarily brought up my AGI to 17 and my INT to 16. They seem like the most worthwhile stats to increase for now. My main interest though is in this Premium Gacha. Anya, any explanation?

[Of course, User! Premium Gacha Pulls are much rarer, but offer a guaranteed SR and above Item drop! Bear in mind that Item rarity is not decided by strength or usefulness, but instead by the Notoriety and Reputation of the Item!]

Ah. I see. I was wondering why Erza Scarlet's Underwear was an SSR rated Item, bur now it seems to make sense. Kyoka Suigetsu being EX was natural though.

[The highest available rarity for an Item is EX, with SSR and SR following beneath it. Everything else falls under the Rare and Standard tiers. You may not believe it, but you've been extremely lucky with your pulls thus far, User!]

I certainly don't feel lucky. But, I suppose I can't deny the luck looking exclusively at the Item Rarity. Alright then, I'll bite. The Premium Gacha Pull looks quite similar to the standard Pull, though it has an appealing holographic sheen to it. With a single tear, the Pull fades away.

Premium Gacha Pull Used! Reward:

Harbinger (SSR): Signature weapon of the legendary hunter, Qrow Branwen, the Harbinger is a mecha-shift weapon, able to alter forms between a single-edged greatsword and a scythe. A shotgun barrel is attached on both sides of the blade for bonus points. Gains a damage boost against Beasts of any form, and can be wielded with one hand.

Ohoho! I can definitely work with this. The weapon appears in my hand, and I'm left impressed by the artisanship. Not only is it beautiful, but it feels robust too. Two triggers, one for transforming and the other for firing the shotgun. A hefty weight that makes every strike feel powerful.

It's beautiful. While it's no Caduceus, it's definitely a viable alternative. Caduceus is powerful with the buffs it gains from Blight, but this is simply a powerful weapon through sheer versatility. The fact that I can use magic as well while wielding it one-handed is an even better treat.

It wasn't quite what I had in mind from this Gacha, but I'm certainly not complaining. More specifically though...

-40MP

The Doppelganger duplicates the weapon I have in my hand upon summoning as well. This opens a lot of opportunities for the future, specifically involving the application and sustaining of Blight.

With a beaming grin on my face, I use my Skill Unlock Token, and have my enthusiasm wiped away instantly.

Skill Unlock Token Used! New Skill:

Adept Chef (User is well-versed in the art of cooking.)

I suppose a passive skill like that isn't entirely a let down, but it's still quite disappointing after the Harbinger. That's what I get for enjoying myself while gambling, though.

Overall, things are looking quite nice. While I don't hold a candle to those of high status, for the short time I've spent in this world the improvement is nothing to scoff at.

Name: Alistair Mammon (Luocha)

Level: 38 (20/90)

HP: 1388

MP: 579

STR: 15

AGI: 18

INT: 16

VIT: 12

LUK: 10

A good day's work all things considered. Another important thing though is the progress made on Alduin's incubation. With these levels, I now have 74 days remaining.

Everything is coming together. A budding friendship with the future Satans, Serafall's growing affection, a chance to bring Grayfia to my side, and a fucking dragon as a pet soon to be.

The future seems to have wonderful prospects, but I want more. More power, more allies, more women, more Skills, more weapons, more Levels. All Devils are born with an inherent Sin ingrained within them, mine just so happens to be Greed. It's why I chose the name Mammon, after all.

Luckily, there's an abundance of different places to get the things I want in this world. That, however, can come later. For now, I need to ready myself for the excursion into Lucifaad.

It'll be a long while spent in the metaphorical trenches, but I embrace it wholeheartedly.