23 Chapter 23: Sad Cat and Gacha again.
Returning home Izumi felt quite relaxed, he had finally found the path home and decided to enjoy the scenery while Uriel gave him directions. On the way, he picked up some cooking supplies, a few snacks, and some metal for forging a few new items. Izumi had started gaining an urge to create different items, in the past week or so he's dabbled in making accessories like rings, necklaces, and bracelets, as well as other tools, such as hammers, , and even spoons. Finding quite a knack for the former, funnily enough Izumi also discovered that in this world many modern items are developed off of magic stones, but due to the lack of [mystery] development ability holders there may be certain fields more developed than others. An example of this is 'clocks', even alarm clocks exist here using magic gems to power them, but they don't have many machines that run purely on non-magic parts. Izumi, himself found that interesting as he made his own clock, finding it more difficult to put the pieces together than forge the gears and components.
As he opens his front door Izumi enters and is surprised to see the usually sleepy and tired Coco awake and had a droopy tail sitting with her arms holding her knees and face in her legs in fetal position. Izumi, initially confused at this, decided to call out to her.
''Coco, something up?'' He said, not wanting to force her to answer. But far out of his expectation, when he called out Coco jolted up and met his gaze, however what surprised him was the light tear stains on her face. Running at him she hugged Izumi and stuffed her face into Izumi's chest and bawled hard.
Izumi, who could feel her arms tightly squeezing him and Coco's nails digging into him, as if she would never let go, felt extremely worried and began to panic as he tried to find out what had happened.
''Coco, what's wrong? Did something happen? Are you ok?'' Izumi hurriedly asked, with a panicked and concerned tone, as he gently returned her embrace and tried using his [Headpat] skill to calm her down.
''I-I thought y-you abandoned me. I-I d-didn't mean to… do anything wrong… I-I'm sorry…so don't leave me…'' Coco balled as Izumi was frozen in confusion, but suddenly he thought of something as he was hit with a small wave of nausea.
'Uril, how long was I knocked out?' Izumi asked inwardly, as he comforted the bawling Neko.
[Approximately, a day and a half.] Uriel replied.
Izumi hearing Uriel's answer was hit with a strong sense of guilt and panic. Squeezing Coco tightly in his embrace he spent the next hour or 3 spoiling her without stopping. He had spent every second with her and didn't leave her side at all. As time went on Coco calmed down more and more but stayed clingy, after all this had been her first night without Izumi and she did not take it well.
''Coco are you feeling better?'' Izumi asked as he brushed the hair of Neko on his lap.
''Umu''Coco nodded and snuggled into Izumi. Seeing this Izumi sighed in relief and decided to make something for Coco to eat.
As he tried to get up, Coco panicked and wouldn't let Izumi go.
''Coco, I need to make dinner…'' Izumi said with a helpless face.
''No don't leave me…'' Coco said with a hushed tone.
''I'm not going anywhere, I'll just be a few minutes, just to warm up some food ok?'' Izumi said as he always kept some food prepared in his inventory, which seemed to be frozen in time when stored there.
''no, don't… go… onii-chan…'' Coco said as her words grew quieter and quieter, until her last words were barely audible.
However Izumi who was listening intently heard her and was shocked that the usually quiet and self proclaimed 'collective and cool' Neko, would call him 'Onii-chan'.
''Did you just call me 'onii-chan'?'' Izumi asked but the hint of happiness could be seen in his voice. Coco on the other hand buried her head into Izumi's stomach as she wrapped her hand's around him, but Izumi noticed the large blush on her cheeks, rapid twitching of her ears, and tail being tucked between her legs. Izumi could tell she was embarrassed, which caused Izumi to break into a teasing smile which quickly changed into a small happy smile as he sighed helplessly.
''So…what do you suppose we do then? I mean we do have to eat.'' Izumi asked, thinking Coco might have an answer.
Coco, who's ears had been twitching, suddenly poked her head up and looked seriously into Izumi's eyes.
…
In a public kitchen none of the Blacksmith students used, Izumi quickly made dinner at remarkable speed and with a serious face. What else was surprising was that there was a Neko who had her arms surrounding him with her body in direct contact with him.
Izumi, who was cooking in a public area, sought to quickly finish cooking as his mental patience was being pushed to the limit. This is due to the large breasted Neko, who looked to be within her early 20s sticking so close to his back with Izumi's heads firmly placed within her large I-cup breasts.
After finishing cooking Izumi quickly took the plates to his room with Coco still attached to his back. Izumi however had a surreal expression as if he had ascended, reaching a greater enlightenment than any monk or sage.
'I understand the DAO' Izumi thought as he walked around the last corner and his face froze as he mentally shattered into pieces meeting the gaze of someone unexpected.
''W-what brings you here, Eitr-sensei?'' Izumi asked with a strained smile and nervous tone as he refused to make eye contact.
Eitr however just stared at his best student who was embedded into a busty Neko's bust. Eitr silently looked back and forth from Izumi and Coco waiting for an explanation.
''What brings you here, Eitr-sensei?'' Izumi asked once again with closed eyes as he smiled. Eitr seeing this knew he wouldn't get anything out of Izumi and sighed.
''I was here to check on you, since you didn't show up… but it seems you're in good health. Is she from another department?'' Eitr said as he gestured to Coco with his eyes.
''Hahaha, I'm sorry I was absent today, I won't let it happen again. What did you come to tell me.'' Izumi said as he changed the subject and refused to answer Eitr's question.
''Huuuh… alright I'll just tell you tomorrow.'' he sighed as he walked forward causing Coco to break off from Izumi, in slight shyness due to the absence of the twins, her personality returned to being quite shy around new people.
Standing in front of Eitr, Izumi began feeling slightly intimidated as a higher level adventurer stared him down. Sighing for the nth time Eitr looked into Izumi's eyes seriously and begrudgingly spoke.
''Make sure to use protection.'' He said slightly awkwardly yet seriously as he looked into Izumi's eyes. Izumi hearing his advice nearly choked as he processed Eitr's words and his eye involuntarily started twitching.
''Y-yes.'' Izumi could only mumble out, as Eitr would most likely not leave until he answered so.
And so Eitr walked away with a serious face but slightly heavier steps. Izumi could see Eitr seemed annoyed as he walked away.
Watching him walk away, Izumi could swear he heard someone say ''Kids these days...'', but chose to ignore it as he was with Coco.
Deciding to walk into his room before they somehow ran into Imarinen or something, Izumi prepared plates and finished off with some light seasoning allowing Coco to dig in.
After spending the remainder of the day as so Izumi can now be seen lying in the bed with Coco wrapped around him, sighing helplessly Izumi decided to chat with Uriel.
'So, Uriel, any updates or something?' Izumi asked, not completely sure of what he was asking.
[Yes, it is advised that the host checks both [Relationships] and [Templates].] Uriel advised.
Raising an eyebrow, Izumi decided to listen to her advice, clearing his head he said…
'Open [Templates], first' Izumi thought.
[Understood…]
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[Templates]
[Active]: [Ghislaine Dedoldia (7%)] [Expand.]
[Inactive:] [Shinomiya Hokage] | [Hotaru Haganezaka (86%)]
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As Izumi opened his [Templates] his eyes were instantly dragged to the change in unlock rate for both [Ghislain Dedoldia] and [Hotaru Haganezaka].
'[Hotaru] I can understand since I've been trying some new things, but why did [Ghislaine]'s increase by so much?' He asked as he noticed [Ghislaine]'s template had increased to over double its previous unlock rate. [Hotaru Haganezaka]'s also increased but was nowhere near as surprising as [Ghislaine Dedoldia]'s template increase.
[Your understanding of [Sword God Style] had dramatically increased when you first fought with only your instincts under Zald's attacks. Both fighting near desperate battles and against powerful opponents is something that highly resonates with the [Ghislaine Dedoldia] template, therefore allowing you to unlock a comparably higher amount of it.] Uriel explained.
'So doing something or experiencing something like the original will increase my unlock rate?' Izumi asked.
[Yes and no. Yes, experiencing similar hardships and achieving similar feets will help increase the speed at which you unlock a template but that does not adhere to everything. Sometimes if you repeat a template's mistakes, it may even become more difficult to unlock it.] Uriel explained.
'Oh, ok. Now can you show me [Relationships].' Izumi asked.
[Understood…]
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[Tione Hiryute] - [Fiance (Temporary)] [Expand.]
[Tiona Hiryute] - [Fiance (Temporary)] [Expand.]
[Coconut] - [Pet | Master/Slave] [Expand.]
[Eina Tulle] - [Self Proclaimed Older Sister | Secret Crush] [Expand.]
[Seshat] - [Target of Interest] [Expand.]
[Alfia] - [Older Sister | Close Friend | Crush] [Expand.]
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As Izumi read through the relationships his eyes grew wider and wider. Not expecting 3 more women to fall in love with him without his knowledge. He could understand Eina since they had become quite close and she sometimes treated him similar to Bell in anime, but was flabbergasted by Seshat and Alfia. He somehow felt confused at why a goddess such as Seshat was interested in him and could somewhat understand Alfia's case.
'I'm probably the only one she talks to…' Izumi thought as he realized Alfia was quite lonely.
Taking a breather he thought about his own feelings and began to realize he also quite liked her. From her personality to her quirks he had found himself slowly falling in love with the quiet but violent neurotic women.
'She's like a kuudere mixed with a little tsundere…' Izumi realized.
'But will it work out?' Izumi thought and his brain froze, he knew that she was going to go to Oraria with Erebus and didn't think he could stop her.
Finally after deliberating for a while Izumi made his choice.
'I'll save her.' Izumi resolved. He had genuinely liked Alfia if not love than a strong friendship, but thinking about her suddenly leaving made his heart ache and stomach churn. He decided to save her first and figure the rest of his emotions out later.
However Izumi knew of, but decided to not acknowledge a certain fact; he had already fallen in love with her and wanted to invite her into his 'harem'. But because he was worried of losing her he bottled up his emotions.
'Hey, Uriel, can you expand their information?' Izumi asked.
[All or some in particular?] Uriel retorted.
'Just Eina, Seshat, and Alfia, please.' Izumi requested.
[Understood…]
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[Eina Tulle] - [Self Proclaimed Older Sister | Secret Crush]
[Likability: +70 (Crush) ] [Loyalty: 75% (Elder Sister)]
[Kinks: Unavailable (must be lovers)]
[Emotional State: [Infatuation] [Confusion] [Uncertainty] [happiness]]
[Seshat] - [Target of Interest]
[Likability: +60 (Interest and sexual attraction)] [Loyalty: - (To be determined)]
[Kinks: Unavailable (must be lovers)]
[Emotional State: [Curiosity] [Interest] [Sexual Frustration] [Boredom]]
[Alfia] - [Older Sister | Close Friend | Crush]
[Likeability: +80 (Infatuation)] [Loyalty: 75% (Elder Sister)]
[Kinks: Unavailable (must be lovers)]
[Emotional State: [Crush] [Uncertainty] [Despair]]
Looking through the [Relationships] Izumi became slightly confused
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Looking through the relationships Izumi felt slightly bewildered. He found both Alfia and Eina were actually in love with him or seemed to be, but had [Confusion] or [Uncertainty] which confused Izumi greatly.
[The [Confusion] and [Uncertainty] indicate they hold feeling for you, proven by their high likeability to you and relationship with you, but are uncertain or confused about the feeling they hold towards you; they are either new to their feelings or are suppressing git due some other reason] Uriel informed.
'S-so they like me huh' Izumi thought with a slight blush and small smile.
'Wait, what about Seshat, I don't remember ever being intimate with her?' Izumi thought as his eyes met Seshat's relationship information.
[Based on her emotional state, likability, and loyalty, she finds interest in you rather than love. As a goddess there are some notions difficult to shake, unlike Hestia or Artemis, and won't see a mortal as a target of love. Rather she's interested in your ability to quickly learn, insight in hieroglyphs, and she's also sexually frustrated from lack of intimacy as the librarian. You also fit, appearance wise her sexual preference. She has an interest in you rather than true affection, as of now.] Uriel explained.
'So she's like Freya?' Izumi asked as a chill ran up his spine.
[No. Freya was a mix of obsession, love, and interest taken to the extreme. Seshat is more of a mix of interest, boredom, and sexual frustration, not even remotely near the level of Freya.] Uriel explained as Izumi breathed a sigh of relief.
''Ok, I get that. but what's up with her [Loyalty]? Why is it blank?'' Izumi asked.
[That is due to lack of interaction, she hasn't really thought about [Loyalty], right now it is simply undecided.] Uriel said.
''Ok.'' Izumi curtly said ending the discution about Seshat
Deciding to focus back on Alfia and Eina, Izumi was stuck, but he had already confirmed his feelings, he himself, actually wanted a harem. It was one of his goals, but got put off as he got to know some of the people in this world, majorly Tiona, Tione, Coconut and Ullr, who he truly began to think of as family. But because of that he didn't want to push the idea of a harem onto them.
'I'm selfish, that's why if they actually like me and wish to be with me even if I have a harem, I'll wholeheartedly except their feelings.' Izumi resolutely vowed, if they truly loved him, he swore never to hurt them and care for them.
Although he was slightly overwhelmed, as even if he was interested in making a harem and having a large family, he was quite weak against his loved ones. Coconut being a prime example of that fact.
[On the topic of Coco, if you've become determined and resolute on this, you should accept her feelings.] Uriel said, causing Izumi to break his concentration.
'Haven't I already?' Izumi asked as he had genuinely cared for her.
[You have never stated such, this being the reason her relationship isn't [Catpanion]. In fact you have been treating her more as a child than an adult. Coco herself is quite conscious about you not ever stating her to be your [Catpanion] and is too embarrassed to ask you such.] Uriel explained.
'I thought it was obvious...' Izumi thought but then his mind went to something else Uriel said.
'Wait, I thought she enjoys being spoiled?' Izumi said.
[Yes, she does but she also wishes for you to acknowledge her as a mate and female. Her wanting to be called 'cute' is through a sense of wanting to be acknowledged as a potential mate.] Uriel said as she unraveled Coco's emotional state.
'Huuh. really… I'm such an idiot.' Izumi sighed, turning over to the cat girl purring contentedly as she slept atop his arm.
''Coco, I'm sorry… you're very cute, beautiful in fact... I promise I won't ever leave you… I love you'' Izumi said to the sleeping Coco, who he thought was dreaming about fish.
…
What he hadn't noticed however was Coco's tail, which was out of his view, had become excited and would swing happily as well as her small smile that formed on her face, which was pushed into Izumi's side. Not to mention her twitching ears that were slightly obscured due to the dark room.
'He loves me!' Coco thought in her head as she desperately tries to not fidget as she tries to hide the fact she's not sleeping at all.
This had actually become a habit of Coco's, since she missed Izumi when he was away, she would sometimes lie awake in his embrace and enjoy his body's warmth.
'And he said Coco is cute! a-and… beautiful!' She once again said in her head, as her words became embarrassed at the end. At that thought her ear twitched even more as she tried to not run around the room in joy and embarrassment. Luckily her face was hidden in Izumi's side, so she was able to handle the embarrassment.
If Izumi was to look at Coco's [Relationship] tab, he would notice her [Master/Slave] relationship status change to [Catpanion] and her Likeability shoot up to 100 and her devotion go up to 200% (somehow) her emotional status would also show: [Joy], [Embarrassment], [Pure Love], and [Devotion]. However, fortunately for Coco, Izumi wasn't currently on that page and because of this didn't notice Coco's movements.
…
Back to Izumi who was still looking through he system decided to roll some of his [Gacha Tickets] something Izumi had noticed however was that when he entered the school district some of his [Daily missions] changed; his hunting and swordsmanship related [Daily Missions] had completely gone. Though his body training [Daily Mission] stayed. When he asked Uriel for the reason he had received his answer.
[The system's [Missions] function is adapting and ever changing. Due to this fact a [World Mission] may change to some degree while it is in progress or, in this case, [Daily Missions] may change. This is due to the system changing [Missions] to help the host, since the [Daily Missions] were meant to help you train, those that had become impossible or useless had been removed and will be replaced later on.] Uriel explained.
And Izumi couldn't agree more, as his swordsmanship [Daily Mission] had become useless due to the nature of the [Sword god style] and the hunting [Daily Mission] outright became impossible to complete in the school district.
Going back to the system Izumi decided to spin 10 [Gacha Tickets] leaving him with about 44 left. He had been saving them up quite a lot after losing two of the [Daily Missions] which acted as his main supply.
'Alright Uriel, spin the Gacha ten times.' Izumi said.
[Understood…]
[Rolling Gacha (x10)...]
[Due to x10 consecutive rolls luck is slightly boosted…]
[Extremely Spicy Mapo Tofu (F-)]
[Wireless Earbuds (E+)]
[3000 Valis]
[Iron Knife (F-)]
[Extremely Spicy Mapo Tofu (F-)]
Looking through the first 5 rolls, Izumi could only sigh as he looked through the rewards. The Earbuds might be nice but he didn't have a phone but 3000 Valis wasn't really that much, maybe just enough for 2 nice dinners. What really succeeded was the [Iron Knife] and [Extremely Spicy Mapo Tofu] which brought back his trauma from a gacha game. Wondering where the so-called luck boost went, Izumi looked at the next 5 items.
[Iron Knife (F-)]
[30 Valis]
[Extremely Spicy Mapo Tofu (F-)]
[Dirt (F-)]
[Six Eyes (S+)]
As Izumi looked through the last items, he slowly started losing hope until he saw the last reward. Opening his eyes wide he asked Uriel for confirmation first.
'Uriel are these the JJK [Six Eyes] or am I about to look like Trigon from DC?' Izumi asked with a mixture of hope and worry.
[They are from Jujitsu Kaisen, the same as [Gojo Satoru]'s [Six Eyes].] Uriel confirmed.
Feeling a sense of relief and excitement wash over him, Izumi quickly asked Uriel to bring up the item information. Suddenly 6 screens appeared in front of him ignoring the rest. Izumi quickly looks for the [Six Eyes]'s information.
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[Six Eyes]
World of Origin: JJK
Also known as 'Rokugon', the [Six Eyes] are an idiosyncratic rarely inherited in the Gojo clan. It is a sorcerer's trait that manifests in the form of captivating bright-blue, Azure like eyes.
They provide the user with vast perception and immense brain power, capable of allowing the user to utilize [Limitless] to an atomic level. The Six Eyes can see the flow of cursed energy, empowering their bearer with the ability to read an individual's cursed technique in use and determine its function. They can even differentiate between different types of cursed energy and help the user identify a person based on it.
Note* Does not provide the [Limitless] ability.
Note* Only works on curse energy.
Note* Passive, cannot be deactivated.
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Reading the description Izumi's heart skipped a beat but as he continued, his heart sank.
'I'm not going to be able to use this, am I…' Izumi thought as he sighed, as mere moments ago he had thought he would gain one of the most powerful and trademark abilities in JJK.
However as Izumi let out a depressed aura, he suddenly had a thought and decided to ask Uriel about it.
'Uriel do I still get the added perception and brain power?' He asked Uriel.
[Yes, however it is suggested not assimilate it, yet.] Uriel advised.
'Why?' Izumi asked.
[Two reasons, one, choosing to assimilate the [Six Eyes] will take a duration of time to fully assimilate and will be extremely painful in that time frame, doing it now will most likely cause Coconut to panic.] Uriel answered and Izumi gave an understanding nod, as he did not want to worry the Neko anymore than he already had.
[The second reason is that you may be able to improve the [Six Eyes].] Uriel explained and Izumi went wide-eyed at the notion he may get the other [Six Eyes] abilities.
'How.' Izumi asked without missing a beat.
[Unlike the [Templates] that are designed to adapt to the energy source of the world or allow the user to generate it if an ability of that nature, [Gacha] items are awarded as they are without tamper or adjustment. If you were to combine a [Template] ability or ability that is friendly with the world's local power system with a [Gacha] item you could upgrade it to make it compatible with another power system or gain a certain ability.] Uriel explained giving Izumi some hope.
'But, where do I get a compatible ability that uses magic?' Izumi asked.
[You already have it or more accurately, you will unlock it eventually.] Uriel answered, causing Izumi's eyes to widen in realization.
'[Ghislaine]'s has the [Demon Eye] of magic power!!' Izumi exclaimed.
[Yes. [Ghislaine Dedoldia] has a type of [Demon Eye] known as the [Magic Power Eye] which allows her to see the flow of magic. It is highly compatible with the [Six Eyes] and will allow you to use the [Six Eyes] to see mana, though it will not increase the [Six Eyes] abilities in any other way or allow you to manipulate mana. As the [Magic Power Eye] can only see mana, to go further requires you to some how upgrade it further.] Uriel explained.
'But when will I unlock the [Magic Power Eye]?' Izumi asked.
[You will unlock the [Demon Eye] once you reach 10% on her template and then can use the [Template Extractor] to extract the [Demon Eye] and incorporate it into the [Six Eyes].] Uriel explained.
'Alright, I'll have to train a lot harder with Zald.' Izumi decided, as Izumi was going to close the system windows, Uriel's voice sounded in his ear.
[It is recommended to check the other item's description.] Uriel stated and Izumi complied as he had nothing better to do, ignoring the [Iron Knife] and [Dirt] of course.
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[Wireless Earbuds (E+)]
Best sport and athletic Wireless Earbuds. Extremely comfortable fit, invisibility mode, and doesn't fall out. On top of that it is made of steel and is extremely hard to break. It also can access other [Music] related skills and abilities, to play music from it.
Invisible mode.
Noise blocking mode
Do not fall or come out unless commanded.
Adjust to ear.
Adjustable volume (0~100%)
Can sync with other non-combat musical skills/abilities.
[Owner: Izumi]
[Extremely Spicy Mapo Tofu (F-)] x3
An extremely spicy mapo tofu.
Cooked by a certain doomsday priest, it has incredible healing properties but is extremely spicy to a normally impossible level. A normal person eating will actually feel pain and an extreme burning sensation. This food is extremely addicting to a masochist, as eating it can cause you to burn your taste buds off for up to a month.
Causes an instantaneous healing and stamina boosting effect equivalent to a D to E grade position.
Giving to a [Masochist] will automatically increase their [Likeability] and [Loyalty] towards you.
Giving to a [Sadist] will automatically decrease their [Likeability] and [Loyalty] towards you.
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Looking through the information, Izumi was genuinely surprised that the [Wireless Earbuds] would work using the system and his own skills/abilities. With a smile on his face he put the [Wireless Earbuds] on and they adjusted to his ear size as Izumi turned them to invisible mode. Shaking his head lightly, Izumi tried to see if they'd fall out, but didn't even budge.
'Come out...?' Izumi unsurely gave a mental command and the [Wireless Earbuds] simply came off with a gentle tug from Izumi's hand.
Satisfied with its performance Izumi put them back on and had decided to try them later. Looking at the next item, he swallowed and read its description. As he realized who in the [Fate] verse was this 'doomsday priest' Izumi adopted an understanding and flabbergasted face as it all made sense now.
'Fuck you, Kotomine. But I'll hang on to it for now…it might come in useful.' Izumi thought as he sealed the dangerous Mapo Tofu in his inventory.
Now tired, Izumi closes the system window, turning over and slowly stroking Coco's hair as he falls asleep.
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Question from the author:
Should Izumi travel (shortly) to another world during School District arc or after he joins an Oraria Familia? Comment your thoughts, I'll decide based on your inputs.
