74 C74: Gifts and New Magic Teacher

C74: Gifts and New Magic Teacher

Overall Word count = 1754 on 4/29/2024.

It is only at noon that Axel finally rests and cleans up all the failed products. With the activation and understanding of Nen. He had changed his design model which had both over complicated but also simplified his crafting method. Complicated because he had to learn to utilize his nen as a string and chisel at the same time. This is the highest level of emitter style which is just neighboring his specialization of the Nen learning diagram[1] As such for a specialist like himself, enhancing is the hardest and causes the worst drain while the combination of emission and conjuration, he had spent a few hours using his nen mask to enter the Form of Isaac Netero and spending a few hours in practicing nen as he was an exceptional conjurer even though he was an enhancer. This training was then applied to Emission.

It was only later that he realized that he could have just created a nen shade to create a copy of Netero that he would then control as an extension of himself for the crafting process but this training was still valuable in learning the advanced techniques of nen as well as discover any other abilities he might have innately or just make one himself. The energy control training also translated a bit towards his mantra control, He can now create his own pair of mantra arms instead of using his soul fragment. The overall power of his own mantra arms is much higher than the souls since it's more personalized to his current state rather than Asuras.

Once he was done with all his practice, he was able to finally get to work but applying nen to the metals provided some resistance he didn't realize would happen since he is using a chisel instead of immersing the nen into the object. It's different as the usual imbuing process is temporary and he is trying to create a permanent cycle. The materials from the early attempts could be recycled as it only used nen but then he combined nen and (fate) magic as he had to give a way for the nen to not outright dissipate as he was programming the magic abilities with nen as the energy source. As such, magic would help the nen be generated or absorbed from the surroundings, then that nen would fuel the magic spells and abilities of the rings.

Unfortunately every failed attempt to integrate magic and nen together would have corrupted the material. Axel almost broke down crying as he is only using adamantium. There was no point in using other metals or increasing proficiency as he has experience with adamantium and how different it is from others that even if he worked with mithril the closest metal. It would have still been vastly different as adamantium is just that much more superior but also more difficult to work with.

With that, he suppressed his tears and the fact he is well and truly poor now. All the money he has made beforehand and what was won from Apollo is pretty much gone except for what is needed to maintain the payment for taxes for at least 2 months. He might have to sneak into the dungeon and hunt a few rex's to make back all the money. Speaking of, The goliath would be returning in a day or two while Amphisbaena will reappear at the end of the week.

He rubs his hands together like a gremlin thinking about fighting the two of them again. Maybe with his current pseudo divinity, the dungeon might even surprise him. It would be best if the dungeon only reacted when he uses his mantra but if it does regardless then that is fine too just that he would not be able to dungeon with the others unless they get stronger much faster.

He suddenly gets an idea

But he is only able to implement it much later as he is too drained at the moment after making the current set of rings. He pockets the 8 rings he made, then collects all the usable scapes while crying one last set of tears at the non usable sets. He then teleports back home where the group has gathered without his knowing. He hears them chat casually which is good for the team.

He comes outside to join them, Haruhime covers her eyes again while the others greet him and it seems the other half of the group had been informed of his change. "Glad to see everyone here, that makes it easier for me" He states which gathers the curiosity of everyone here.

"Take off your current magic items if you have any, it's time to upgrade" he tells them and they get to work

Clank, clang, thud, crick, clank clank, tussle.

An assortment of rings, necklaces, bracelets are dropped onto the thick glass table as Axel brings out his own little brown bag that holds the rings. He begins taking them out one by one and placing them down meticulously in front of their designated users.

The rings themselves don't look very special to them as their previous gear as it is filled with magic symbols and various patterns while these only have 1 or two patterns and a single overall magic sigil. They have questioning looks on their faces.

"These rings are different from your previous ones. These have all been prototypes for this current version. Granted they are still not the final version but they are made out of adamantium. " "Gasp, ha, ooh" Differing reactions are seen from being told that one of the best metals was used for something that is not the final product.

"The rings themselves are a bit more complicated to explain as they are a mix of magic, and nen. So the magic symbol is just to provide the elementary energy for the ring to maintain its power, the true abilities will be unveiled once you allow your own nen to flow into them. The effect should boost your own power depending on how much you can handle. Imagine how strong I was under the control of my nen ability. It's like that but you're in control. The rings also respond better to certain emotions which is why I tailored them to each of you"

His words elicit a second round of shock as this is one of the few times they had gotten personalized equipment like this. Before Axel had given them multiple items for the various spells that Axel himself knew himself or understood the concept of and could recreate. But this is different as Axel reassures them that no one else could possibly use these rings. Especially since they are powered by nen which only they have access to.

Everyone begins to put on the rings when Lily suddenly asks, "why did you have us take off the previous magic items? Her answer comes when Ouka puts on his ring as he trembles before dragon-like scales grow along his arms and his muscles bulk up. Axel looks at Lily with an eyebrow raised.

"Axel-san, please don't bully Lily today. She means well by asking." Bell speaks up for the supporter and Axel just shakes his head as he turns to Ouka and explains how to undo the transformation.

Everyone has differing reactions, Aisha gains the legs of a puma which doubles her speed alone in addition to other beast related strength enchantments. Welf bulks up a bit similar to Ouka. Chigusa gained wings which allow her to fly for better vantage points whilst aiming in the later floors as the roof is gradually growing higher in certain later floors.

Mikoto also gained draconic arms like Ouka, but her's were more slender, enhancing her dexterity rather than strength. Bell and Lily were the only ones who didn't seem to transform except for their nen changing. Bell's become 3 times thicker and abundant. While Lily simply gained tons of nen in the first place. It's as if she is in a constant state of Ren but that is actually her Ten state.

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Haruhime has the most unique transformation as she outright gains 8 more tails. She can tell that she can immediately cast her Uchide No Kozuchi magic and with much greater control on who is affected by the spell and its duration. Her mind reserves also grow exponentially.

(essentially her original Kokonoe spell is integrated into the first spell here)

They experience all these benefits just from wearing the rings, they haven't even used them but he warns them to study this on their own time and space as he can tell the guild or someone has been watching the house for a while now. Since he has no immediate solution on stopping whoever it is, he can only warn them to restrict their own actions and not reveal their hands.

As everyone calms down, Bell asks, "Why don't you have one of these rings?"

"I planned to go make it shortly after giving you all yours. It's much more complicated for me since I already have so many abilities. I will also likely not be available for a few days. If you all hear about some other phenomenon in the coming days then assume it's just me and not worry." His words baffle them as if causing a commotion is his signature move now. Welf and Daisy who know Axel the best suddenly realize that that is indeed the case and has been from the start.

Everyone soon takes their leave after collecting their original magic items. They could try to resell them or just keep them as mementos. Or they could try different ones that don't interfere with their transformations.

Axel himself enters the house and tells her about his plan to be away for a few days, maybe come back to kick the goliath's ass as a nice little break.

"Just try to come back in a week, your new magic instructor has informed me that they are ready to start your lessons by then."

"Got it. Thanks goddess." He gives her a kiss on the cheek as he teleports to Adelaides to collect tools before he travels to the Elsos ruins and then begins traveling to his next destination.

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[1] a hexagon that lists each Nen type and how much energy is lost in attempting methods other than one's own specialization (typically its a difference of 20% away for each type away from specialist. So conjurer and manipulator are 80%, emitter and transmuted are 60% while enhancer are 40%