Chapter 178: One Hundred And Forty-Four

We splashed around in the big bathtub, washing each other off with hot water. The girls insisted on me cleaning them myself, while they washed me, bubbles foaming up as they rubbed me with sponges and their bare hands. As I ran my own sponge down Eri’s back, before washing the front, making her moan gently, I thought the situation was very arousing again.

Of course, I’m pretty satisfied after our previous bouts of lovemaking. Not only had I consummated with both of them in the Boundary, on our return Shaeula had convinced us all to make love again, saying it might help improve our strength. Though I think she just wanted to do it… still, I didn’t exactly take much convincing. Anyway, it was due to that I could handle the sensual situation here without getting too heated up.

“It was very wise of you to have this large bath installed.” Shaeula observed, her verbal tic back to normal frequency now that the excitement of my finally accepting her as a lover and our sex had calmed down. “Your old dwelling was clearly not-not sufficiently spacious for a princess such as me!”

“I like it too. It reminds me of our suite in Las Vegas.” Eri finished washing the soapy suds off me. “There we go, all clean. We should dry off.”

I nodded, and after finishing rinsing Eri and Shaeula we all got out. Shaeula spread her arms wide, and for a moment I stared at her naked body, puzzled, before I got it. “Damn, you are acting spoiled now. I guess it’s cute…” taking one of the towels nearby I dried her off. Once I was done she materialised her underwear and yukata, which was as always a very handy trick. I turned to Eri, expecting her to want me to do her too, but she was already mostly done.

Seeing me looking at her she blushed a little. “I did want you to dry me, but I’m a grown woman, I can dry myself just fine.”

“Oh Eri.” I grinned, pulling her into my embrace and kissing her gently. I then made a point to watch as she dressed herself, and though she was embarrassed, she gave me quite the show, dressing clumsily yet somehow seductively. I pulled on my own clothes, and we went back to the living room, since the bedroom was still… fragrant.

Sitting on the comfortable sofa, the girls on either side of me, I took a look at the time. It was late afternoon, so Eri didn’t have to go meet her parents yet. “Hey, since… well, since we are celebrating, did you two want to go out for a meal? Somewhere really nice. After all, you need to make the most of being in Tokyo, right Eri?”

“I do.” She agreed sadly. “Don’t worry, I’m really happy, it’s just… I’ll be going back to Nishimorioka tomorrow, while Shaeula… you’ll be here with Akio, and you can do all sorts of things…”

“All sorts of things?” Shaeula laughed. “You mean sex, right-right?”

As Eri nodded shyly, Shaeula took her hand and patted it gently. “Worry not-not. We shall hardly have time for love as much as you are thinking. We have much to do, and great battles to fight. I will not-not say we will not join ourselves when time permits…” she grinned wolfishly. “… but cheer up. Is it not-not your birthday soon, Eri? We shall visit, surely, and since it is a celebration for you, Akio will spoil you rotten, I have no doubts.”

“I sure will.” I agreed, rubbing both of their heads, causing them to purr with pleasure. “So don’t worry Eri. Besides… in just half a year you’ll have finished school, right? Then… then you can move in with us.”

“I know. I can bear it. But I wish the time would go faster…” Eri pouted.

Shaeula giggled a little, before caging the subject. “Anyway, Akio, we must get to the main subject. Tell us-us, have we grown stronger?

Eri agreed too. “I want to be of use. So tell us.”

“All right then…” I used Self-Examination on myself first, draining some of my aether, but now I was much stronger such a trickle was barely noticeable. I’ve come a long way in a short time, considering to start with, using it in the Material would really tax my reserves… “So… I’ll read out my own stats first…”

 

“You have grown stronger again.” Shaeula approved. “The benefits of gaining these levels is immense. I hope-hope I can finally grow past this level five I have been stuck at for an eternity.” Seeing Eri’s guilty expression, Shaeula sighed. “That is over with. Any regrets you have-have should be banished. After all, you have accepted me. I ask for no greater gift.”

Before they could spiral around past mistakes again, I interrupted. “Yeah, though Shaeula gets more stats on a level-up than I do. I think, from what I remember from before I met Shaeula, where I was only getting a few, and likewise when you only got a few Eri, the biggest factor seems to be the level of the Silver Cord and the Chakra Network. As they improve, the gains seem to grow.”

“I believe that makes sense.” Shaeula agreed. “The Chakra Network is the foundation of the subtle bodies, and the-the Silver Cord is what mediates both transfer of aether between bodies, and efficient absorption of ether. Strengthening the foundation makes for-for a stronger building, I believe.”

“Aww, then I have a long way to go to catch up.” Eri pouted, so I kissed her gently to relieve her disappointment. When our lips separated, I spoke.

“Don’t worry, you’ve only just taken your first steps. You’ll get there if you take it slow and steady. Anyway, I noticed one thing that was really interesting.”

“Yes-yes.” Shaeula agreed. “This League, yes?” she cocked her head, thinking. “I believe I have heard my father mention such before, it is something to do with the-the soul.”

“Well, time for my new Rank 6 Self-Examination to work for me. Let’s take a look…”

League- The calibre of one’s existence. League is a measure of the force of your existence, and perhaps can even be considered the ???????? of the soul itself. League adds positive benefits to every action one undertakes, and if one’s League is higher than an opponent it will suppress ?????????. If this difference is significantly greater, then ?????????????????.

“Wow, okay League is pretty powerful it seems.” I channelled Aiko involuntarily. “Still question marks, but… hmm, wait, there’s further information I can dig into it seems…”

League Classification (imperfect):

0-2 Dull: You have little to no comprehension of the mysteries of true ???????????.

3-7 Spark: Your existence exceeds the mundane. You have a higher grasp of ???????????.

8-20 Candle: Your existence is a match for ?????????? and other spiritual beings. ???????? opens to you.

21-????? ??????????: ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????.

“Well, isn’t that interesting?” I said, still annoyed that I couldn’t get all the info. “Still, looks like I’ve reached the top of ‘Spark’, whatever that really means.”

“Yes-yes. That is all very interesting.” Shaeula complained, looking downcast. Seeing her so annoyed, Eri asked her what was up, and Shaeula sighed. “Assuming that Akio measures me in the same-same way, when we first met… I was ‘Dull’! Me-me, a royal Fae! I feel rather pathetic. Surely my siblings are ’Candle’ or greater!”

“Aww, don’t feel bad. I’m sure you’ll get stronger soon. After all, you fought well.” Eri consoled her, and I found the sight soothing. I’m so glad we’ve worked everything out. I’ll try to put aside my own guilt over the situation too, it isn’t helping anyone.

Quickly checking over all my other previous abilities, I found that some of the question marks in the various classes were now gone, replaced with ‘Increases League.’ It seemed that every class increased League a little, with Conqueror offering the highest increases. That gives me something to think about. Coupled with my earlier worries… it’s still too early to draw conclusions. If only I could speak to Exposition-san again. Still, no point wishing for what I can’t have.

“The only other thing of note is that my unknown unique skill seems to be your Mystic Eyes. But it’s at Rank 0. I haven’t seen anything unusual since we bonded in the Fae way… I guess now I know I can work on it though…”

There were a few other extra bits of information revealed and added at Rank 6 under various skills, but nothing that was important right now. Shaeula and Eri were looking at me eagerly, like puppies, so I decided to check them before they started begging.

“All right then. Shaeula first…”

“It seems that since my Kin Examination isn’t at Rank 6 as well it can’t distinguish your League, but it must be it…” I mused. Since I know that’s her League, I wonder if I concentrate hard enough on trying to understand it, whether I’ll break through quickly? Worth a try later, definitely.

“Indeed.” Shaeula seemed satisfied. “I still believe I should be stronger, but this ‘Candle’… I did not-not feel much weaker in terms of existence than Ulfuric. His spirit was powerful yes, but I did not-not feel it was insurmountable.”

Yeah, though against Shaeraggo I definitely felt outmatched, that he was lording it over me, his blows obscenely powerful, his body resilient beyond what I expected. If it wasn’t for Foehn I’d have stood no chance. I don’t know whether he just outmatched me in terms of statistics, or whether his ‘existence’ was just so above mine… speaking of statistics, Shaeula’s had rose a little, and her Aether had gone up by a decent chunk, but she had stagnated a bit in terms of growth. Although…

“I can now level again.” Shaeula was ecstatic. “With fourteen more levels, I shall once more catch you up, Akio!”

Yeah, her skills and classes have gone up quite a bit. I’m starting to feel I’ve not been working hard enough, as I haven’t gained nearly as many skill-ups as her…

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“I’m looking forwards to it. You’ve grown far more powerful. Your classes and skills have seen quite the overhaul. I wonder what this Spatial Perception is…” I quickly checked it.

Spatial Perception Rank 2. This skill allows you to understand, perceive and calculate positions and trajectories in space instinctively, allowing you to perform attacks from difficult angles and also dodge more easily. Your overall calculation abilities improve, and ?????????? ?????? ??????? as the skill grows.

“From seeing how Shaeula was fighting with those wires, I think she learnt it that way?” Eri observed, and I agreed.

“I am finding the pinwheels easier and easier to use. That-that reminds me, Akio. One was broken during the Trials. You must repair it before our attack. I hate-hate that a gift you gave me was damaged.”

Weapons are hardly a gift… “Yeah, I may have to do without my batteries, but we should be able to scrape together enough bluesteel to fix it up.”

“I want a present too. Otherwise it isn’t fair.” Eri puffed out her cheeks.

“I’ll see what I can put together. But a weapon isn’t really a gift, you know?”

“It is to me.” Eri disagreed. “Especially now, where I’ll be standing by your side.”

“You win.” I had to laugh. Back on the subject of Shaeula, I was amazed her Pledged One class had leapt so much, and Shaeula thrust out her modest chest proudly.

“Of course it would have. I am surprised it is not-not mastered yet. After all, have we not-not shared everything already?”

When she puts it like that, how can I argue? “Since Pledged One helps us grow skills we both share, and we have a lot of overlap, when we’ve dealt with this enemy to the north, I think we should focus on trying to take advantage of that to strengthen ourselves. Sound good?”

Shaeula agreed, but looking at Eri, who was about ready to burst, she snickered. “Indeed, but we can discuss this later, for Eri grows very impatient to see her own-own growth.”

Eri flushed, embarrassed, but nodded. “I’m curious. How could I not be?”

“I get it, seeing numbers go up was pretty much all that overcame my fear of injury when I first started. It’s addicting, just like a computer game but better. Anyway, one second, here we go…”

Eri twitched as the feeling of being inspected washed through her. Shaeula had barely reacted, more used to it, but to Eri it was as though I was looking deep inside her. Which I guess I am. Anyway…

Yeah, stabilising her chakra network and getting her cord to silver has given her a huge boost. “Yeah, I think if any of the boys at school give you any trouble, you’d have a fair shot at beating them up, now. You’ll be a match for Aiko in sports too, probably…” I trailed off as Eri had a face like thunder, her dark eyes flashing angrily. “… err, what’s wrong?”

“I had noticed I was thinking more clearly, and I felt less tired than I usually do. But… I’m so pissed off!” she snarled. “Why is my Lovers’ Link skill lower than Shaeula’s? That’s a load of shit, she doesn’t love you more than me! Your stupid skill must be wrong! Check again!” she had actually grabbed me by my t-shirt, pulling me closer.

Before I could speak Shaeula placed a small hand on her shoulder. “Calm down Eri. The skill makes no judgement on your love, nor do-do I or Akio. I believe it is simply that I have an extra connection with him.”

“What connection?” she snapped reflexively, before realisation struck, and she let me go, looking contrite. “Sorry Akio, I got a bit carried away there. I’m so ashamed. Can you forgive me?”

“There’s nothing to forgive. You were cute. And how could anyone not feel loved when you were so fervent?” I pulled them both into a hug, feeling like a harem king for a moment. “It’s the Fae way of bonding, right?”

“I suspect so.” Shaeula acknowledged, burrowing into my embrace. “So you-you can do it too, once you have trained, Eri. At least I believe it should be possible with a lunar chakra.”

“I’ll train every moment until I can do it!” Eri swore, pumping her fist. She too snuggled closer. “Still, I can’t believe I’ve also grown so strong. Aiko will definitely be amazed, and super jealous. Still, I can get seven more levels, right?”

“Yeah, looks that way. And that isn’t all.” I asked Shaeula a question. “You said Eri seems to have aptitude with Darkness elemental energy, right?”

“I believe so, the way it was being naturally drawn to her.” She teased Eri then. “You should be less gloomy, you would not-not wish for people to call you a dark woman.”

“People used to call me gloomy and shy all the time, I’m used to it.” Eri hit back jovially. “But the past is behind us. Now I feel sunny just lying in Akio’s arms.” She looked up and kissed me, this time quite fiercely.

“I see. I am quite defeated.” Eri shrugged. “But yes. Eri, when you are next here, and our Territory is safe, you can-can meditate under our Dark Rhyming Tree and perhaps learn Darkness. It would strengthen you greatly.”

“Yeah, it’s a shame we don’t have the time or the security right now. While we do have extra forces, with those ghosts about, and the tree being outside the salt wards, no way. We can’t chance it. You can level up next time you are here too.”

At my words Eri looked down, deep in thought. After a moment she asked Shaeula a question. “So, now my network is stable, if I gather enough aether through your exercises I can enter the Boundary, right?”

“I see no reason why you could not-not. I would need to teach you a little more, but it should work.”

“Great. in that case, teach me, okay?” she looked at us both, her onyx eyes resolute. “When I return to Nishimorioka, I can enter the Boundary and level up there, right? I’m a little afraid to kill things, but if they are hideous insects and stuff like Las Vegas… for you, for me, for us… I can do it.”

No way! On her own, with few skills and poor stats… that’s way too dangerous. Feeling my face harden I tried to speak as gently as I could, but it was difficult, the thought of Eri getting hurt or worse terrifying. “I think that’d be foolish. There’s no need to take a risk, as when it’s your birthday I can help you level.”

“But I don’t want to wait!” Eri protested, head against my chest, clutching my hand tightly. “I want to get stronger as fast as I can. I love it that you worry about me, and I’m prepared to take precautions to be as safe as possible, but… I need to do this. Before… I would have been happy receiving your love, even if it was out of pity or obligation. I was shallow, pathetic. But now… now I need more. I want your true genuine love, and more… I need to feel I’m worth that love.”

“You are, I promise.” I hugged her head, wondering what expression she was making.

“Well, I’m competing with Shaeula now, aren’t I? Besides, we talked about this when you took me to your Territory earlier. I love you and want to listen to you, but sometimes you have to listen to me, let me decide, right? Love goes both ways.”

“She is correct again, as before.” Shaeula agreed. “You are very overprotective of us-us, Akio. It was why you fought my stupid brother so bravely, so recklessly. But we also wish to be your strength, right Eri?”

Eri murmured her agreement.

Ugh, yeah, we just had this discussion only a few hours ago, but so much as happened it seems an age ago. “All right. But… you need to learn from Shaeula before you return, and you must maintain as many safety precautions as you can. Let me see… why not speak to the priest at Chairoakitara shrine? He can lend you a room, and if you enter from there, you can get the kami there to help you grind. You are a child of the shrine, so he’ll not threaten you, and if you tell him you’re… you’re my fiancée he’ll help.”

“I can do that.” Eri disentangled herself from my embrace, looking at me with a happy smile. “And if you gave me a gift of a weapon before I go home, that’d help, right?”

“Damn, you really want that present!” I could do that overnight and if Shaeula charged her up we could exchange it in the Boundary quickly. I would feel better if she was armed. “Seriously though, I think this is a mistake, but I’m here to support you. If you want to try, so long as you promise me you’ll stay safe I can allow it.”

“I will. After all, if I’m hurt, it’ll cause you pain, and I’ll never do that.” Eri promised. “Thanks for supporting me Shaeula, I do appreciate it, always.”

“I must of course back the first-first wife.” Shaeula chortled.

“One thing though.” I remembered something. “Just how will you know you levelled up? You don’t have a way to check.”

“Oh yeah. That is a problem.” Eri mused. “I’ll think of something though. “I’m Intellect one hundred now, right? I must be smart!”

Yeah, I thought like that back at the start. We really do think alike…

“Fine. It’s decided then. Anyway, why don’t you teach her what she needs to know, Shaeula? I’m going to see about finding somewhere we can have a nice dinner.”

The girls waved me off and I headed to my bedroom, ready to look up top restaurants in Tokyo. This is a celebration. Technically I got engaged again, after all…

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