He considered his needs for the moment. “Remove starter Crystallim types one, two, and three from the list.”
The listing dropped to a little over four thousand offerings remaining. That was a much better selection group. Scott had just removed the Cat Girl, Vulf, and Bunny Crystallim from the listing. They were excellent starters to work with, but they did not provide much in the way of special capacities.
There was more to the choice of a Crystallim partner than simply the fighting power that they possessed. The bond would allow for a portion of the Crystallim's power to awaken within her master. The gifts varied from breed to breed, and even by the individual Crystallim.
The two types left were the Alraune and the Avia. Basically, he could choose between a plant girl and a bird girl.
Scott made a decision. “Remove the Avia Crystallim from the list.”
The Avia granted wind manipulation powers, but the Alraune granted minor regenerative capacity. His vital force would be able to regenerate a little faster. Once she evolved a few times, their bond would allow him to regrow lost limbs. Though, he would need to refine the girl down a proper build path. The need to develop a high-end synchronization rate was also a factor. Limb regeneration would require a great deal of mutual love and trust before he could access it.
The options remaining dropped to just over nineteen hundred. Scott looked through the list and immediately began to make further cuts. “Remove all Alraune from the list who are not rated as humanoid type one or type two.”
Immediately, the available options dropped to three hundred sixty four. He removed all of the Crystallim who needed to be rooted to the ground, or who looked like a tree with breasts. The remaining girls were all bipedal and looked mostly human. There were a few obvious differences, however. Most of the remaining girls had flower parts growing from various parts of their bodies, and a large number of them had green or dark brown skin. It was not the sort of brown skin tone that a human might have, but an earthier tone.
Scott was not prejudiced against the girls who looked less human than others. But he needed to be able to interact with his starter easily. The further away from human a Crystallim was, the more difficult it was to develop a high synchronization ratio.
He looked through the remaining options and began to make selections. He chose girls who appealed to his sensibilities, or possessed higher than average scores in certain stats. They would all be level one when he bonded with them. Bonding with a new master reset a Crystallim’s status to their base for their grade.
In the end, he whittled his options down to eighty-seven girls. “Transport my selections to this room in lots of twenty,” he said.
The screen selection options faded out and four glass cases shimmered into sight. Each case held five Crystallim, the tiny marble-sized stones twinkled in the light. They were inert now. They slept in their true forms, crystalline beings with supernatural powers.
Scott walked to the first case and ran his hand along the surface of the glass. He checked for signs of an energetic effect. Each of the Crystallim glowed slightly, but there were no clear connections. The core essence of those girls viewed him with indifference. As far as they were concerned, they felt no spark.
He moved to the next case. Three of the Crystallim in the second case showed a slightly increased effect. A soft-green light radiated outward from them. He viewed the synchronization rate and noted that it ranged between eight to twelve percent. Scott logged those three girls on a selection screen and then moved to the next case and then after checking through it, he moved to the final one.
After checking all of the currently offered Crystallim, he saved four as a possible selection, and sent the rest away. The next twenty girls arrived. He checked through them and only two of them made the cut. One had a synchronization of six percent, and the other had a thirteen percent ratio.
Scott checked through the rest of the Crystallim until he had moved through all eighty-seven of his possible selections. In the end, there were twelve Alraune girls to choose from.
“Anything over ten percent would do, I suppose.” Scott removed five girls from the list.
Synchronization rates referred to how well the human and the Crystallim matched in their resonance. Basically, it related to how suitable they were for each other. In a more emotional manner of speaking, it was how likely the Crystallim was to like her new master.
A low ratio seemed like it would mean that the girl would hate someone, but it just meant that she did not know her potential human partner. If there was any sort of spark at all, even one percent, it meant the girl was at least slightly interested in that human's particular resonance.
If the Crystallim was not interested in someone's resonance, she would not be able to bond with them. Though, a human with a high resonance stat might be able change her mind by attempting to express a sincere desire to get to know her better.
Strong resonance meant that a human could communicate more easily with inert Crystallim. That factor was why many hunters tended to focus on resonance early in their careers, though there were other benefits to it as well.
Scott called up the information screens for each of the remaining eight Crystallim. He removed five more of the girls due to the fact that their stat growth was somewhat average. The final three girls possessed above average growth in at least two stats.
When a Crystallim gained a level, she did not receive status points. Her stats increased automatically according to rank, breed, and build. A C-Rank, Alraune, Crystallim built as a fighter could have several above average stats related to fighting, while another such Crystallim built as a support unit might excel at the mental stats.
The girls who were less human in appearance frequently had higher stat growth, or specialized abilities. The girls who were the closest to human usually had either no above average stats or perhaps two at most. It was the latter type that Scott focused on. The bond was most important for his new starter.
Stat growth patterns were shown as a letter grade that ranked from H to S. The overall rank of the Crystallim influenced the growth pattern. An F-Rank girl with H ranked stats across the board could see significant upgrades in her growth pattern if she were refined to an E-Rank. The amount of change varied, but the most growth would be seen in her build stats as those were the stats specifically chosen to be refined for growth.
The letter grade of a Crystallim's stats represented how many points that stat might grow when she gained a level. It also determined how easy it would be for her to actively train those stats outside of level-based growth.
The Alraune girls who Scott would choose from at the moment each had at least two stats that were a full letter grade higher than the norm. Basically, he chose the girls who had been trained into a build, instead of merely being refined for stat growth.
“Now, who do I choose?” Scott looked at the three remaining Crystallim and tried to make a decision. The girls each seemed to focus on different stats. One was focused on debilitation abilities, another was a fighter, and the last was a healer.
Scott looked over the stats of the girls once more then checked the synchronization ratio. It was impossible to choose from that alone at this point. Instead of that, he decided to study their appearance.
Each of the girls was beautiful in her own way. They were formed from a combination of human and different types of plants. One girl possessed a slightly higher attack power and used thorny vines to attack like a whip. Another girl had sunflowers sprouting on the sides of her head. She gifted the world with a sweet, natural-seeming, smile.
The third girl had light green skin, bright blue eyes, elfin ears, and a cantaloupe sized flower bud growing from her back. Her appearance was fairly standard in regard to the typical Alraune. However, her face held a curious expression that caught his attention.
Scott liked all three girls. In a perfect world he would take them all and throw the sexiest garden party ever. He could not choose more than one of them, however. Instead, he made t
he choice that made the most sense to him. He chose to study the final girl’s stats with greater care.
<<< Status >>>
Breed Name: Alraune | Evolution: Base | Rank: C
Age: 19 | Level: 1
EXP: 0 | EXP to Next Level: 10
Build: Caregiver
Owner: Global Trade Network
Vital Force: 175[C]
Attack: 3[F] | Defense: 4[E]
Strength: 3[F] | Agility: 3[F] | Vitality: 7[B]
Intellect: 4[D] | Resonance: 3[F]
[-Special-]
Photosynthetic Regeneration: [Type 1]
She is capable of regenerating lost or damaged body parts when she is exposed to sunlight.
Photosynthetic Conversion: [Type 1]
She is capable of absorbing sunlight and converting it into vital force.
Plant Manipulation: [Type 1]
She is capable of manipulating the growth and mobility of plants to a minor degree. This specialization allows for the development of plant-based attacks.
Shared Nutrients: [Type 1]
She is capable of utilizing skills that directly share her vital essence and internal nutrients.
[-Abilities-]
Entangle: [VF 3] Level 1 [F]
Vine Whip: [VF 2] Level 1 [F]
Solar Absorption: [VF 10] Level 1 [E]
Sweet Milk: [VF4] Level 1 [D]
[-Synchronization Gifts-]
Passive:
Vitality [F]
Vital Force [E]
Photosynthetic Conversion
Plant Manipulation
Active:
Lesser Solar Absorption: [VF 33] Level 1[H]
<<< * >>>
"Definitely the girl I want on my team." Scott looked her stats over once more then bit his lower lip. At D-Rank, her Sweet Milk ability would be decent, but he wanted to be certain that it would not do her more harm than it did him good.
"Show me the information for the Sweet Milk Skill, D-Rank," said Scott.
[-Ability-]
Sweet Milk
The love and care that a Crystallim possesses for others has granted her the power to express nourishing milk. This ability restores vital force per minute. It also improves natural regeneration due to high nutritional content. Minor physical injuries will heal at a greater rate of speed.
Cost: VF/ per minute
D-Rank: 0.1 per minute, per skill level.
Statistic Scaling Focus: Vitality
Storage: This item will remain at full potency for one hour, if stored at room temperature. Cold storage will prolong this time to four hours. Freezing this item is not recommended. Re-heating this item will destroy potency.
Warning: Sale of this item is regulated through global trade policies. Please speak with your sponsor if you wish to set up trade agreements.
[--]
Scott read through the information then nodded. "So, with vitality scaling she could restore up to seven-tenths of a point of vital force per minute, right now."
He tilted his head to the side then grinned. "Damn, that's a lot to drink..."
It did not work that way, of course. The effect of a small amount of milk was weak. If he were to drink his fill then the effect would last for up to an hour. The little information blurbs never told the complete story, as the system was not one hundred percent accurate. The grading system, for instance, was well-known to be flawed at higher levels if someone were to go by the basic designations. Crystallim, and even hunters, needed to have their stats re-evaluated at certain level intervals in order to reflect truer accuracy.
He smiled softly while he looked at the floating image of the girl. She reminded him of the few people he met at the orphanage. Most of the time, the children were separated into their own little rooms for educational purposes. They came together for lunch and playtime outside, however. During those times, he would often see a Crystallim nursing one of the younger kids. He did not remember her, but he once had a nurse maid as well.
There was something nostalgic about the girl. However, it was not the nostalgia that made him choose her in the end. The Sweet Milk ability would be useful as an inexpensive restorative, especially after her vitality and skill level increased. Of course, the cost of using those abilities increased with skill level as well. The rank of the skill decreased the cost, however.
"It must have been hard to get that skill to D-rank, if it still costs her four points of vital force." Sure, it was easier for Crystallim to use skills with high vital force costs. Most of them had more vital force than a human could dream of without augmentation or bond gifts.
"Hmm, vital force and vitality upgrade. That's a little unusual, unless..." His eyes widened. "Oh you are so going to be my new partner."
Scott made his decision. He dismissed the other girls and commanded the glass case to open. He would try to form a tenuous bond with the third girl. If the bond did not take, that would be fine. He would recall the last two girls and try with one of them.
However, he could not keep his excitement from showing as he reached down and picked up the tiny jewel-like crystal. Scott cupped it in his hands gently, and then thought strongly about how he would like to get to know the true nature of the crystalline being he held within his hands.
“Hello,” he said in a warm and calm tone of voice.
The Crystallim core vibrated gently in his hand. The soft green light shined slightly brighter. Tiny currents of energy began to skitter along its surface like miniature lightning bolts. A gentle voice responded, though it seemed as though it was coming from a place far away. It was the result of his resonance not being as strong as it needed to be for solid communication.
“Hi...” said the soft, sweet voice. There was a hint of sadness, in her tone.
Scott's excitement grew several fold. She responded to him! The Alraune was willing to make his acquaintance.
Giddy as a school girl, Scott started to rush his next thought. However, he forced himself to calm down. He did not want to frighten the poor girl. In a similar warm and calm voice as before, he asked, “My name is Scott. Do you have a name?”
Silence reigned for a moment. The light died back slightly, but did not disappear altogether. The gentle voice shyly whispered, “Flora..."
He smiled. That was not exactly an original name for an Alraune, but it was still a nice one. “That’s a pretty name.”
The tiny crystal grew slightly brighter. Flora’s voice increased in volume, though just a little. “Thank you... Your name is pretty, too.”
Scott looked at the crystal for a moment and thought strongly about how he would like to be friends with Flora. He envisioned hugging her and laughing with her. After a few brief seconds the light intensified further. He began to receive images from her as well. They were shadowy, ill-formed, images of two vaguely human forms cuddling.
“Would you like to be friends, Flora?” asked Scott. "I'd love to get to know more about you."
The light dimmed a little. She hesitantly responded, "I-I don't know..."
"Hey, I understand if you don't trust me. We only just met, right?" asked Scott softly.
"Well..." she said, her voice trailing off, "What would you do with me?"
"What would you like for me to do?" asked Scott.
She was hesitant to answer. The only response that he received was a cute, if sad, sigh.
"I'm a hunter, so I need someone to be one of my partners. Still, my most important job is to give girls like you a home, some place to feel they belong," said Scott.
The light flickered a little. For a moment, it seemed like it might go out altogether. However, she softly asked, "Why do you care about that?"
Scott started to tell her the hunter's oaths about looking after the Crystallim and to keep them from losing hope. However, something in her tone of voice told him that it would be a mistake. Instead of the simple explanation, he told her about his upbringing at the orphanage. Afterward he said, "So, I know what it's like to be surrounded by people w
ho claim to care about you, but only spend time with you when it's required by law."
Several tense minutes passed. Scott did not speak again, as the crystal in his hand seemed to waffle between a bright light and a dull spark. He could sense her confusion, and the fact that it was hard for her to decide whether or not he was trustworthy.
Finally, she asked, "Would you force me to stay in my natural form?"
"Why would I? If you want to rest, you can. Otherwise, I'd love to spend time with you when you're awake."
"Really...?" she asked in a curious tone that seemed slightly disbelieving.
"We can't really cuddle unless you're manifested, right?" asked Scott with a laugh. His laughter died off immediately afterward, however. Something was happening with his shy little crystalline friend.
The green lightshow intensified several times over and little arcs of pale green lightning skirled outward to tingle his palms. A single image was the response. It was a bright red heart symbol with vines wrapped around it.
A gentle warmth radiated outward from the crystal and then flowed through Scott's body. His sense of Flora's emotional state increased. She seemed nervous, but slightly hopeful. It was a wonderful start, something to build on. A new friendship was forged in that moment.
Several quiet moments were spent together while he cradled his new friend in his hands. Crystallim were delicate creatures, emotionally. Their physical forms were incredibly hard to damage through anything but dedicated technological means, but emotionally they could be hurt quite easily.
It was the quiet time together, the small things, that allowed for the tenuous nature of the bond to grow stronger. However, they could not spend their entire day in that room. Life intruded after another few minutes of quiet encouragement and soft whispers passed, Scott received an official system message.
Galataea Crystallim Core 1 Page 6
