16 Swindler
I calm myself before drinking the potion. After taking a deep breath, I removed the lid from the potion flask. Without further ado, I slurped the contents. Almost immediately, I feel the changes brought by the potion, like a hammer slamming on my body. I begin my cogitation.
As I cogitate, the new powers brought by the potion manifest. The Swindler potion strengthens my Thief's ability. I also gained Swindler Insight and Intuition. The insight made my Superior Observations knowledge of creation, Now I know how things are made, although not as good as a Savant. The Intuition made me aware of people who were after me, they were quite numerous. It also gave me the power of illusion, now I can lead other people's thoughts into imagining things that shouldn't exist. Looking at my face in the mirror, I realized it became more charming than it already was, it was more sharp and mature. I learned I could interfere with or lead other people's thoughts just by words and actions. Meanwhile, my mind became more quick and decisive, I could create plans and actions with just a small thought. My voice also changed, it became more pleasant and endearing. Swindlers are also good at disguises, with a simple illusion, I could make my disguises more real and elusive. I realized I could copy any non-magic completely, If I wanted to, I could replicate Mona Lisa just from memory due to both my new Insight
The powers didn't stop there, with my advancement to Sequence 8, both of my Sub-Pathways advanced as well. The Seer evolves into Clown and the Apprentice became Trickmaster. The changes brought by Trickmaster were decent. My "Spells" got stronger, now my Smoke evolves to Fog, Light became Flash, sprinkled to Freeze, and Wind became stronger. The Fog can cover an entire street with enough preparation, the Flash can blind an entire room, and Freeze can freeze an opponent's hands or feet. I also gained new abilities. Electric Shock, Tumble, and Magic Pull. Electric Shock as the name suggests shocks the victim. Tumble makes the targeted area slippery. Magic Pull on the other allows me to pull things from a prepared place, for example, I can prepare a rabbit beforehand and pull it from a top hat from a faraway place. It's like a magic trick performed by magicians of Earth. My knowledge also became enhanced with more details, I also became more cunning. I could easily deduce a person's occupation and lifestyle. What's more, I can make a detailed analysis of anything just by seeing them. Including people.
The Clown is what gives me to most advantage. Not only I became more agile and speedy. The control of my body became unparalleled, not only I am a master of facial expressions, I became a master of acrobats. To test this, I began walking around with my fingers. It was so easy. I began wiggling my limbs like squirming worms. It was both hilarious and terrifying at the same time. My body coordination was monstrous, not only did it synergize with Superior Observation it also has a great sense of balance. Now I could do tricks with knives and guns that would be impossible by normal means. I could probably also control my piss and make tricks with it, not that I would. It would be useful when I need to stop myself from going to the toilet. I could also predict a person's actions without even trying. With my observation ability, this is a mysterious foresight ability that can analyze an attack before it even happened. Then there's the part where I'm a master of origami, and that I can turn any paper into a weapon. Like a knife or as strong as a hammer, the paper will be as strong as steel, I could probably turn paper planes into a sharp flying object that could cut. I also gained a new ability, Spiritual Intuition, I can supernaturally see my enemies without even seeing them. Combined with my other newfound abilities, I could visualize the people who are after me with the help of Swindler Intuition, I as well learned some of them are Evilus members and are within Orario. Some of them are Freya's and Guild members. For some reason, Loki is looking for me as well.
'How should I act as a Swindler?' although pretending to be a god should help digest the potion. I need something more linear. Perhaps I should fake dungeon goods or sell fake magical items. Maybe scam some merchants. Or disguise as a guild tax collector... I need a more concrete plan, does Orario have an auction house I could scam with fake valis? Fake Valis is no good. What kind of scams can I do in orario? Ah... I guess just do some street game scams. I also need a new Identity, how about starting with fabricating identities first, making fake guild IDs is a must. Before my thoughts run wild, The system announced itself.
[Congratulating Host For Advancing To Sequence 8 the following rewards have been given...
1000 points
Beginner Ritual Pack 2x
Beginner Supplementary Guide Books(Mystical, Secrets, Symbols, Gods, History, Myths, Spirit Summoning, Spiritual Messenger, etc...)
Beyonder Essential Tools 10x
]
[For Advancing to Sequence 8, The System Tier Is Now Updated To 8 And New Features Are Unlocked...
Companion Gacha Have Been Unlocked
Beyonder Store Have Been Unlocked]
[For Advancing System Tier, The Host Is Rewarded with...
The Doll Of Imagination(Companion)
Key of Caves(Dungeon Key)]
Looking at the generous rewards of the system, I cannot help but smile. After a long unlucky day, the system saves it. 'Praise the System!' I inwardly praise the system.
Before checking the rewards, I went and take a look at the Beyonder Store. A surprisingly large menu came out. It had quite a large selection. From common bullets to protection. My eyes also saw a couple of legendary items.
[Land Abandoned by Gods](Legendary Dungeon)- 100000 points
[First Blasphemy Slate](Legendary)- 1 million points
[Second Blasphemy Slate](Legendary)- 1 million points
[Holy See](Legendary Base)- 1 million points
Looking at the diamond tier prices. I realize I won't be getting them anytime soon. I honestly want both slates. They're the cornerstone of all beyonders der organization. The slates contain the list of ingredients of all beyonder pathways. It also has a powerful secret function I don't yet. It's related to the above sequence.
Although the store contains countless dungeon keys and other items. Other than the common utility and essential supplies or basic packs. I can't afford anything else. The simplest Base is called Beyonder Saloon.
[Beyonder Saloon
Appearance: A two stories building reminiscent of Western Tavern perfect for a hideout and beyonder activities if placed somewhere.
Specialty: The saloon comes with 5 random NPC beyonders. 5 Beyonders of Sequence 9-8. It also comes with the bartender whose classification is sequence 7. The Beyonders are loyal to the hosts, these beyonders come with their equipment.
Abilities: The Saloon is protected by protection wards, the wards have anti-evil spirit warding. It also has Wards of Concealment, it can't be found normally without an invitation given by the bartender.] 5000 points
I can almost buy this, just a few more points, I also gained new missions related to beyonders acting and rituals, and I can buy this in a week if I moved correctly.
[Mission list
Act as a Swindler
Summon and Gain Messenger
Create A Beyonder Organization
Successfully Start a Beyonder Gathering
Guide Your Disciple In Digesting the Potion
...]
Looking at the numerous mission since the system update. I expect to be busy soon. And the Beyonder Organization gives points to every person who joins the organization. I could only hope the upcoming gathering is successful.
Before I rest, I took a look at the important rewards. Such as the Doll of Imaginations and Key of Caves.
[Key of Caves(Dungeon Key)
A key used to unlock a portal to a vast cave network. Numerous low sequence beyonder creatures and resources can be found in these caves.]
[Doll Of Imagination(Companion)
Appearance: Those without beyonder powers will see a small unmoving Victorian-styled doll for kids. Those who do will see a Humanoid-sized female with a doll-like body that has sentience. This doll has white long hair and a black gothic dress and headwear like its original look. With beyonder powers, you can talk and interact with it. The Doll is loyal to the hosts. The Doll can't move any other parts other than the hands and head.
Drawbacks: The Doll will fall in love with the hosts. This will soon turn into an obsession, and the doll could become depressed without proper care from the hosts. It could become unresponsive and the dream more melancholic. It will also often have an existential crisis but with proper communication, this could be avoided.
Abilities: The doll doesn't have any combat capability. What it has is the Dream. By drinking the Doll's blood you will gain access to the Dream. The dream is currently empty, this could be set by the hosts. The Doll is skilled at ladylike things such as etiquette and sewing. The doll also shares a life bond with the hosts. As long as the hosts live, the doll can't be killed.
Sealing: The Doll doesn't need sealing since it doesn't bring any danger.
Warning: Once Activated, Cannot be put in inventory]
These items are great. The dungeon key seemed reusable and the resources it gives should be a lot. the Doll will help me organize my gathering beyonders secretly. So without a second thought, I took out and activated the doll.
Once I activated it, the doll became, well a humanoid doll. The face was porcelain beauty. She looked really beautiful. My heart would have skipped a bit if it weren't for my Eye Of The Beholder perk. Her round purple eyes were mystifying. I had the gut feeling the system is turning me into a pervert with dubious fetishes. I could only marvel at her looks. She looked like an adult beauty right in my strike zone. I sighed within my heart at the reason this is more than I bargained for. The Doll open its mouth and melodious music enter my ears.
"H-hello master..."
The strainful voice gave me the urge to protect her with everything. I stopped myself from lunging at her so I could have a feast. Her saucer eyes look deeply at me. I was almost lost at it, but she spoke again...
"Master?..."
Instantly I was out of my stupor. What the hell is wrong with this doll? Why is it so beautiful? I spoke abruptly
"I'm Judas Iscariot! What's your name?"
"I-i, This doll doesn't have a name, Master..."
Oh no! She doesn't have a name! She looked sad now! What to do!? My mind starts going to light speed just to find a way to comfort Ms Doll. Finally, without thinking too deeply as I was too immersed in her I spoke faster than my thoughts.
"Well, from now on, your name is Echidna! A beautiful name for a beauty like you!"
I nod my head repeatedly at what I have named her. She smiled happily back at me and she starts bobbing her head. My insides start to flutter at her reaction.
"Thank you, master! I shall treasure your gift with all my heart!" She said
Argh! This is no good, If this continues I would get nowhere but trying to wiggle my way into her. I need to calm down. Being presented by my ideal girl, as a hormonal teenager, I need to calm myself before my morals break.
Deep Breathes
Deep Breathes
Deep Breathes
"Well, why don't we see your dream function first..."
She smiled genuinely again and starts to talk. I felt danger within me erupt as her harsh voice echoes throughout the quiet night.
"If master, please... Drink my blood... to enter my dream world..." She stutters as she said each word.
Drink your blood!? I feel the blood rush down my face. Lady, that's not all I'll drink if you allow me to.
"That's not all I want to drink from you." The thought accidentally came out of my mouth.
"M-master!? What!?" If she could blush, I bet her face is red like mine. But suddenly she pouted.
"Forget it! Master is just lost in your beauty! I was just making a joke."
"R-really? I-I think it's alright if the master wants to..." Her eyes swirl in places
I on the other hand felt bubbly inside. This is no good. Lady, you shouldn't say such a thing to a person you just met, otherwise I might...
"*Cough* Let's put that aside for now. Why don't you show me your fingers first so I could get your blood."
"Yes master, if you would please be gentle."
Her eyes were closed as she presents the tip of her fingers. As I touch her hands, I could feel her body rattle. It was kinda cute. I took out a needle from my inventory and prickle her fingers. White blood oozes out from the finger. I put my face closer to the bleeding finger and licked it. Her blood tastes sweet.
"Ah!"
Echidna moaned a little. After that, I realized I was far too gone. I once again took a deep breath. The prickle in her finger healed quickly.
"Well. Now what?"
"Now master, we just...sleep."
I nod my head. I stood up naturally, approach Echidna, and carried her to the bed naturally as she rattles. Nothing is wrong with this action as I take to her side and lay as well. And begin closing my eyes.
It was far too late to realize what I had just done. By the time I notice my action, I was already on my back. Staring at the ceiling. Then Echidna...
"M-master, I can't sleep at all!"
"M-me too..."
"Nyahahaha, nyou like dolls now!? Your taste is getting weirder every day."
This is going to be a long night. Perhaps, the longest night. I note to myself, as I send curses to the system for sending me my ideal girl in the form of a living doll.
_______________________________________
Chapter End
Thanks for reading. I don't like how the other chapter turned out. I'm going to rewrite it and might post it tomorrow or the next day.
