The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #7 a LitRPG (ATS)

by Alvin Atwater

  None of that mattered anymore. Until she could find a miracle fix for the realm’s core, her father would continue to pursue her, promising eternal punishment. Accident or no accident.

  Yet, she didn’t want Clyde to be involved in her mess. Why should he get hurt or possibly die for her mistakes? The young woman wouldn’t stand for it. That didn’t go for just Clyde, but…her friends to, who had become precious.

  Alice, Tear, and Natalia were the first she made in this world, before meeting Clyde and the others. They were the only friendly faces in the palace. Tear especially. Maybe she had an answer. If not her, it’d be Natalia. The redhead WOULD NOT sit back and let Matsuko do whatever she wanted.

  Maybe if they found a way to banish her…she’d muster the courage to give her heart fully to…She shook off such childish thoughts. Now wasn’t the time! It wasn’t!

  Maybe she should use the dragon figure to call Airi? No… She’d have to do this herself, even if half her power was still dormant.

  Prince Clyde pulled the beautiful daughter of the Moon, Melody into a warm embrace, beneath the full moon. She stared into his emerald eyes, taking him in. He spoke kind, smooth, soothing words. Then moved towa—

  SMACK! The feeling of a rolled-up newspaper bounded her from the desk, nearly a foot into the air, and staring right into the glare of the professor. Some of the other students either sighed, knowing her habit of daydreaming, or snickered. Almost all of the men glared at the professor, perverts furious that they can no longer stare at her unperturbed.

  “Melody, I really don’t want to be angry with you today,” the professor said, then placed her hand on the redhead’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you for topping the test charts. Really girl, you surprised me. I certainly didn’t expect our chronic daydreamer to get the eighth spot. Everyone, give her a round of applause.”

  Melody blushed furiously as the class clapped, men hooting and declaring their love as a group. And the professor seemed to eat it up.

  “You’re too cute,” she whispered. “You remind me a lot of my daughter. Now if only you’d stay awake in my class. I have plenty of paper fans and newspapers waiting.” The professor took her spot back at the front of the classroom and taught as if nothing happened. She did smile warmly at Melody, a lot, almost like a protective…

  Melody really looked at her and saw through the illusion…

  Who she saw made her gasp.

  **

  As Clyde walked to the cafeteria, intending to meet up with the others like usual, he recognized someone wandering around. Before the young man could take another step, the genie recognized him, smiled, and teleport-dove, hugging his waist.

  “Kanako, what are you doing here?” he said. Thankfully, the other women helped her out with clothing and other things such as a toothbrush, combs, proper clothing, and the works. She couldn’t go back into the lamp, which acted as a transportation device to her home world. Clyde noted that her lack of reaction to this world’s appearance meant that the genie realm was a part of Satovia’s dimensional plane.

  “I got bored, so I came to see you, Master,” Kanako said.

  “It’s Clyde.” He looked around to make sure no one heard that. The last thing he needed was rumors going around stating his kinks. He lowered his voice. “Call me Clyde. Okay?”

  “Master Clyde it is,” she said.

  He sighed, trying to get the genie off him.

  “Okay, look, I’m going to be late for lunch, let go,” he said.

  “Oh Master Clyde, I’m feeling the need for spirit energy,” Kanako said in a low voice.

  “No—I—”

  “What are you two doing?”

  The two turned to see Kitome staring at them with a raised eyebrow.

  “You have no idea how happy I am to see you,” Clyde said. “Could you help here?”

  Somehow…just somehow, Kitome yanked the genie off with a single hand.

  “What’s she doing here?” Kitome said.

  “She got bored and followed us,” Clyde said.

  Kitome fixed the pouting genie, who reached for the young man, with a stern look.

  “Enough playing around, Kanako,” she said. “Clyde, why don’t you just make the three wishes so she can go back.”

  Kanako burst into tears.

  “Nobody wants me around—waaahhh.”

  “Hush—that’s not true,” the blue-haired magical girl said, attempting to walk back her statement. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  The genie’s crying stopped, though she sniffled.

  “Pfft, I’m not wasting my wishes,” Clyde said. “Relic things aside, I like Kanako.”

  “Really, Master?”

  Kitome sighed, shaking her head.

  “Just stop with the waist thing,” Clyde said then addressed the magical girl. She made the mistake of releasing Kanako, but Clyde was ready for her. Engaging his mystic senses and feeling the airflows, moods, vibrations without thinking, he sidestepped her. “What do you think about the text I sent earlier? Crazy shit, right?”

  “We’ll have to make the Jump from the back entrance,” Kitome said. “They’re after Melody mostly, but if Ming called you, that means—”

  “They can feel my magic or the power, whatever,” Clyde said, dodging the genie for the fourth time. Fed up, Kitome whacked her on the head.

  “Now isn’t the time for being childish,” she snapped.

  The genie held her head, teary, but said nothing. “I say we hold a team meeting to figure out how to deal with these guys.”

  Clyde waggled his finger, grinning.

  “Kitome.” He grabbed the genie, allowing her to hug his waist again. “We’ve already won.”

  Kitome’s eyes widened, then she grinned evilly.

  “Let’s get to lunch,” Clyde said. “Coming Kanako?”

  “Can I really?” she said.

  “Of course,” he said. “The food is good here, although not fun for the wallet.”

  “You’re spoiling her,” Kitome said, shaking her head.

  The genie let go and flanked Clyde’s left.

  “Let’s get to know her,” he said. “I mean all my life, I’ve wanted to meet a genie or Shenron .”

  “Shenron ?” Kitome said, confused.

  “Long story,” Clyde said. “Anyway, I decided that Kanako’s going to be trained for Team Stone. Well, that is if she wants to. If not—it’s fine. I’ll go back to—”

  The genie anime-dove into the young man.

  “You mean it? I can be on the team?” her eyes were starry. Clyde wasn’t sure if he could handle anymore cuteness. And the amount of breast that pressed against him.

  [Your relationship with Kanako has increased to Hopeful, friend level four.]

  [Kanako has joined your party! She is a chaotic party member.]

  [Challenge: Attempt to get Noona into your party. The chance of failing this is very high. You only get three chances. It is not recommended without a boost in charisma. Reward: chaotic party member, Noona. Challenges are optional and can be deleted from your menu…for a price. You can only hold 3 challenges at a time.]

  Kitome nodded. Clyde almost lost words to the prompt, but set it to the side for later viewing.

  “Congratulations, Kanako, though I’m not sure if it’s a good thing. I won’t sugarcoat the fact that we fight monsters and other scary things.”

  Kanako flexed.

  “Don’t take my kindness for weakness.”

  Clyde grinned. So did Kitome.

  “Maybe I should replace Natalia with you for my Right Hand.”

  Kitome laughed.

  “You know she’ll have a fit.”

  “Maybe she and I should duel for the position,” Kanako said.

  “No offense, but genie or not, I highly doubt you’ll scratch Natalia,” Clyde said.

  “I have to agree,” Kitome said. “Annoying brat, but she’ll wipe the floor with you.”

  Kanako pouted, then harrumphed, anime-girl
style, folding her arms.

  “Let’s go eat before we end up with a tsundere genie on our hands,” Clyde said.

  When the trio arrived to the cafeteria, the young man did a quick scan but saw no sign of Melody.

  “Where’s Melody?” he asked.

  “I think she’s still in class,” Chika said.

  Alice frowned.

  “I’m not even going to begin to ask why the genie’s here. Come, sit next to me, Kanako. My Clyde gets the other side.”

  “You know, I’ll let you have today,” Seth said to Clyde, “though you still should jump off a bridge.” He smirked at Kitome. Toru sighed.

  “Seth, how many punches to your face and groin do you need before you realize that rubbing your score in Kitome’s face is like snorkeling in a volcano,” Toru said, stare blank.

  Smiling smugly, Seth pointed to a spot two tables away. A spot occupied by a known strict professor. The Maki Slayer.

  “I’ll still—”

  “And feel his wrath,” Seth interrupted Kitome. “He set a new record with student suspensions this year.”

  Kitome let the words die on her tongue and joined Clyde to ordering food.

  Episode 38 (Part 8)

  Unknown town hotel…

  Aunder awoke, eyes glowing purple in the darkness. He looked at the naked serving girl next to him and smiled. He was so happy that he found a way to utilize the taint—he celebrated with enough beer to serve a nation. The bar owners were probably filthy rich now.

  His new weapon, given to him by a crusader researcher. Well, he killed him—but that was beside the point. The bastard not only figured out his identity, but tried to take control of Aunder. The man really knew nothing of this lot who called themselves defenders of humanity. And he really didn’t care.

  He smiled at his sheathed prized sword. To think some random faction member carried it around—supposedly made of a dragon’s tooth and a god’s heart. He believed Olivia exaggerated that one too much. There was no way some random crusader could casually walk around with such a blade.

  He crawled out of the bed and walked over to the fancy hotel mirror. Long black hair draped down. Maybe he could get it cut, but the ladies loved the style too much. He looked at his lovely naked guest from the corner of his eye, grinning. He’d have to reward the kid for getting rid of Su Yang and then placing a soundproof, unbreakable ward on it to top things off. And at last, his sexless month ended. An unnatural release amount in this world, but he didn’t want to think about it. Or how the hotel staff had to carry off the bedsheets. That made him chuckle.

  Ever since he fought Mortem in such a fun fight, the man had kept his hood down, revealing himself to all.

  The Fallen God’s sword. Princess Dire, an incredibly powerful child who he felt was not really a child. The three Venus sisters. An ex-member of one of the most powerful cults in the world. He should be happy to have such resources at his disposal. And only three hundred miles remained until he reached his maidens.

  Yet…this wasn’t enough. The game moved too slowly. Wait… His eyes widened. Why was he playing this game? The accursed gods were planning to trap him into an endless loop, interfering whenever he had the chance to get home. He looked at his lady guest. Well, being in Satovia wasn’t all bad, but Aunder was no one to control. No one will drive his destiny. He glanced at the time. Five of the goddess’s morning.

  Speaking of goddesses, he considered praying to the one of his own world. He didn’t believe in her at first. Satovia changed his mind. She probably wouldn’t show anyway, afraid of providing a proper explanation to why she allowed him to be cast away. A king or queen that can’t protect his or her people is worthless. That logic applied to emperors and empresses and shouldn’t be any different for beings that claimed divinity.

  Aunder allowed this thought to ponder him as he showered and brushed his teeth. In the end, he decided enough was enough. He dressed in Satovian casual clothing, then covered it all up with his favorite cloak.

  Three hundred miles left on this trip, traveling by limo. How Su Yang arranged this was beyond him. He needed the Forgotten Party to be known.

  Abruptly, the sound of glass shattering, caught Aunder’s attention. A man dressed in all yellows had actually broken into the Viper’s chambers. His lady guest screamed, holding herself in the covers.

  “Relax woman, I’m not here for you,” the intruder said, eyeing Aunder. “The nation of Polodia has offered five million palos for your return. They want you to make you king, buddy-boy. And I don’t intend to lose this bounty.”

  Aunder looked at his lady guest.

  “Last night was fun,” he smiled. “Hurry and get out of here. A pretty lady shouldn’t see the violent side of me.”

  She actually smiled warmly at Aunder before running off with her clothing.

  “How sweet,” the intruder said sarcastically. He pointed a pistol at Aunder. “You’d like this the hard way.”

  “Are you choosing not to fight honorably?” Aunder said.

  “Oh please,” the interrupted said, laughing. “You may have pulled some bullshit to trick the Polodians into believing you killed a dragon, but that’s not going to work on me, buddy-boy. Now let’s go or I’ll put a bullet in—”

  Aunder kicked the gun into the air then grabbed the intruder by the throat.

  “We’re on the sixteenth floor,” he said as he dangled him over the air. The intruder begged for his life. “I’m impressed that you took the time to scale this with such poor equipment.” He chuckled. “In the next life, pray that you’re reincarnated into a better assassin.”

  Aunder released him. The scream lasted only a moment. “I suppose killing this way isn’t that honorable.” He sighed. “I’ve been contaminated with the taint, interfered with by the Watchers, pointlessly sent from point A to point B. I can’t even get to what will be the greatest fight of my life.”

  Suddenly, Aunder heard a voice respond to him.

  “The Viper, lone wolf, lord of all blood. A man without the support of the gods aligned with the light. Abandoned by his goddess, a war goddess who’s responsible for your world’s…unique ways, mind you .” A chuckle echoed throughout his room, before a transparent …being appeared outside of Aunder’s window, hovering. His glowing red eyes could captivate all that peered into them. All but the Viper.

  “You want to offer me something, but is too cowardly to show yourself,” Aunder said, aiming a hand at the figure. “A dark god who foolishly believes he can win me over by association. By false promises and sweet talk. He who does not know me.”

  The dark god gasped, holding his throat, choking. Aunder laughed.

  [Aunder used Dimensional hold.]

  [Aunder can now travel to the Hellfoam Realm.]

  “There’s a price to pay when you attempt to buy me without showing yourself,” Aunder said as the transparent figure dropped dead, a projection of what showed across the dimensional planes. “A shame. I’m not interested in killing your kind, just the Watchers. But…”

  [Aunder activated FORBIDDEN MAGIC: Illegal dimensional warp.]

  “I think it’s time I show you what happens to those who insult me.”

  Aura mixed with taint burst around the man as he Jumped, finding himself in front of a city. A rift remained behind him, only able to be closed at his will. So…it actually worked. Too bad he couldn’t use it to get home.

  He observed his surroundings. The grass and leaves were red. Five blue moons paraded the purple sky. Perfect. He raised his sword high, as if mocking them.

  “I will kill them all and if I have time, their worlds too. Starting with this one.”

  Red, black, and gold aura swirled around his hand like smoke. The cold breeze brushed across his face, bringing with it the smell of wet wood and pine. He cast.

  [Aunder activated an Almighty tier skill: Gravitational Disruption En Grande.]

  The five moons began to fall.

  “If you want to blame someone, blame your fool
ish ruler,” he said then hopped back into the rift. With a thought, he closed it, but not before hearing the panic and screams of the world’s inhabitants.

  [You have killed all the life forms of the Hellfoam Realm, but the gods and goddesses that ruled live on an unseen planet above it. They were unable to stop your magic fast enough, however, they may be able to reverse time. Do you wish to cover the planet in anti-god miasma?]

  Aunder selected yes. One benefit of the taint is the useful new abilities it brought him. Even a system on his side. The miasma blocked all magic cast by divine beings indefinitely. Sure, he could easily ask his system to remove it, but why would he do that?

  Three hundred miles left… Then immediately mobilize the Viper Maidens. Or at least see if they could give him the insights of crushing the stone-viper games.

  [Number of worlds destroyed: 1]

  Low numbers bugged Aunder. He couldn’t wait to increase it. His honor, gone with the taint, howled like a lost lover. He shrugged.

  “He shouldn’t have come here.”

  He set off to wake the others. It was time to make progress.

  **

  Sato Academy…

  Something about Melody not showing up to lunch bugged Clyde. Sure, the redhead was sometimes subjected to meetings with the student council or errands imposed on her by some professors, but she still ate lunch with them.

  “Chika, do you know what class Melody’s in right now?” he asked.

  “I think chemistry,” she said. “I can take you there if you want.”