The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #14 a LitRPG (ATS)

by Alvin Atwater

  The young man examined his spells and equipment once more. He couldn’t wait to try out dual- and tri-casting. The Sword of Thunder and Rage seemed to have potential, but Clare had poured her heart into upgrading Bloodlight. In fact, Bloodlight was probably the more powerful blade thanks to the shrine maiden. But hey, a legendary sword collection: why not? Maybe he could scatter them across the world and grant a wish to the person that collected them. Ha.

  The young man took the time to set the World Map as his primary map. He’d have to get to exploring again soon enough. There was so much to see, so much to do, but to be honest, no real rush. It wasn’t like a thriller novel where something magically found his location and burst through his windows every day. Celestial only watched his important battles. The young man figured this upcoming Raid would be one of those.

  A Raid… They were so damn rare. Note to self: make sure to get a relic-level or higher item out of this ordeal. Then again, that wasn’t the important thing. Defeating the dragons was for Harumi’s sake as well as any others they’ve wronged.

  He wasn’t a hero of justice, but fuck with Harumi, you fuck with him AND Team Stone.

  “Nya, I will not!”

  Clyde caught a glimpse of Chesire running away from Undine. The reaperess held a small dress, laughing.

  Somewhere…

  Night…

  The Disciple did not look forward to going out in public, but all of the guards were out for their routine training. Worse, the internet was shaky, so none of her online orders were going through. After nearly ten minutes of self-debating, she put on her hooded cloak and treaded out into the night.

  At a convenience store, she loaded up a basket with bentos, snacks, and a few drinks for good measure. There were few people around thankfully, though she still made sure to avoid them, terrified of having to engage in small talk with strangers. Why was she like this? Why couldn’t her confidence ooze in all places? Even the voice of the clerk made her flinch.

  “That’d be forty-seven sinnos,” he said, face bored. She could somewhat relate to that. The lack of emotion on his face meant that the cashier simply wanted to finish his shift and go home. He didn’t see the petite woman. He just saw more money to stuff into a register. The Disciple quickly paid the lowly human and hurried home. Although, on the way, she chomped down at least three melon buns.

  Clyde’s house…

  Backyard…

  Clyde had no idea how he ended up cleaning and polishing all of his weapons when magic mostly kept them in perfect condition. Well, anime logic, too. Yet, he was still on Winter Break—should technically be having fun—but refrained from disturbing any of the busy girls. Well, Neko lounged around, ignoring seemingly important lectures from Ako. In fact, she ended up following the young man outside just to get away from her sister.

  The attention to his weapons did, in fact, pay off a little.

  [Your weapons have received sharpness and damage buffs. A daily cleaning and love can go a long way.]

  “Nya, nya, woops.” Neko tripped on the large ball of yarn she was attempting to balance on, falling on her face. Clyde shot her a Toru-style blank stare, then helped her up.

  “Are you good?” he asked. “I mean I’ve been bored before, but breaking an arm or leg over a ball of yarn…”

  Neko blushed. “Nya, something like this can’t scratch me. I’m just doing some secret training.”

  Clyde’s blank glare landed on the small bleeding cut on her arm. Neko smiled sheepishly.

  “Give it here,” he deadpanned, gently pulling her arm before she could resist. He warped one of his health potions from the inventory and dabbled just the tiniest bit onto the catgirl’s wound. She winced a little, but it healed instantly. “There.”

  Neko ears perked up.

  “Aww, how sweet.”

  The duo turned to see Airi walking toward them, followed by Harumi and Ruri.

  “You will never be able to say I did nothing for the team because I’ve dug up some sweeeet and juicy info,” Airi continued. “You may want to call a big ole meeting for this.” She grinned. “And get ready to praise me.”

  Clyde chuckled. “Alright, I’ll start screaming at people to get to the boardroom.” He sent the mass text draft. “If you’re talking like this, then I suppose I’ll be giving you more than a head pat as congrats.”

  “I’ll take that head pat,” Ruri said as she anime-dove into Clyde.

  Harumi and the others couldn’t help but smile at Ruri being Ruri.

  “Nya?” Chesire said as she peeked outside, curious. The young man made a mental note to check on her well-being in a week or so. He kissed Ruri and then pet her.

  Episode 71 (Part 2)

  Clyde’s house…

  Boardroom…

  The entirety of Team Stone sat in silence, looking for Clyde’s input, after Airi finished explaining the details of her recent discoveries. If raiding the Soulless family and Disciple’s headquarters happened at step four of this long questline, then step five—the final—meant taking on the dragon god itself.

  [Quest update: Dragon Business, Step 4: Black Raid. Some of the elder dragons within the Soulless family still believe in the old dragon ways, including the Head. And following the Disciple draws them closer to their goals. They want to present the last kitsunes’ heads to their god. They want Harumi and Liru dead. With Harumi being the reincarnation of the legendary Nine-tailed fox, her death would be a string of the worst torture. Let that sink in. If the Soulless Head and the elder dragons that support her aren’t killed, they will eventually locate and mercilessly attack your sweet fiancée and her saintly sister. Not only will the kitsune race be lost forever, but also the super important, cute and wonderful, amazing and delicate life that she holds within her.]

  [System alert: If Harumi dies in this fight, you will receive an immediate Game Over. Also, she cannot be left behind, as they will send agents to team up on her if she isn’t present at the main event. She must see this through, the justice for the lost kitsune clan delivered once and for all. Then from there, you must eventually confront the Thousand Year Dragon. When is entirely up to you.]

  Clyde made up his mind at that moment, eyes cold. Hell, to think even the system stood behind everyone’s favorite fox girl and so strongly. There was something strange about how the system regarded Harumi, but the young man couldn’t put a finger on it.

  Then again, she had quite the special circumstances laid before her. One of the last two kitsunes, the Nine-tailed fox, very kind and loving, carrying his child, working hard all her life with a pure heart. Despite what happened to her entire family and species, the pink-haired girl still found the time to put on a smile every day. And she wasn’t some damsel in distress, but quite the ass-kicker AND healer. To be honest, he didn’t deserve the love of someone like this.

  Well, the present served as the best time to prove one’s self.

  “Everyone be ready in an hour. Contact Clare and the magical girls, and Selkie and her crew to see if they’d like to join on this risky endeavor.” He stood. “And you guys may not even have to fight.”

  The young man eyes shined, resolve booming off him.

  [Your relationship with Harumi has increased to Absolute Treasured level 6.]

  He looked at Harumi for just a brief moment. Another thing to solve with violence, but hopefully by the time their kid entered the world, things would calm down. Or he’d make them.

  Team Stone’s new and improved prep operation showed itself to Clyde as he inspected each member of the team. Support team gathered healing potions, bottles of water, and other supplies to enhance team efficiency.

  He’d do his part too. After this raid, the young man would start pushing the team and even his personal platform further than ever. He recalled a workshop prompt.

  [It is recommended to start crafting and enchanting weapons, not just for yourself, but your team. Even as a billionaire, there are weapons and materials out there that you cannot afford. Don�
�t get left behind! Quest: Create a Workshop! Build your economy. It is recommended to do so in your territories. Neither “Players” nor Adventurers will be able to attack your territorial workshops. This quest is mandatory and cannot be refused.]

  When the hour was finally up, Clyde and Team Stone, Selkie and her crew, as well as Clare and the magical girls, had all assembled in his backyard. Good thing they’ve been over plenty of times or any wondering neighbor would surely have questions. Or just write it off as a rich guy being rich.

  Tetra and Airi gave Tear last-minute details about the Soulless stronghold.

  [You are about to enter a raid. Difficulty: Giga Hard. You have pre-selected yes, so no takebacks.]

  “Harumi, meanie girl’s bullying me,” Natalia whined as she snuggled into the fox girl’s breasts.

  Kitome sighed. “I swear.”

  Tear whacked Natalia on the head with a paper fan. “Focus. Unless you want to lose Harumi.”

  “Never!” Natalia said. “I’ll never lose Harumi.”

  Misaka giggled. Seth shook his head, but for once said nothing.

  Toru pat his shoulder. “Wise man.”

  Fumi smiled at Toru. Seth rolled his eyes, a little annoyed.

  Asu looked the Stone Maidens up and down, then winked. “You could seduce our great lord of the—

  “Seduce me?” Dark interrupted. “Pssh, the great lord of the dark is flattered, but cannot be easily—”

  “Not you, imbecile,” Asu said. “You’re not worthy enough to compare yourself to my great master.”

  “Tell him, Asu,” Kanako cheered. “Master is the best.”

  Alice laughed at Clyde’s blank stare. “Hey, at least you can always count on everyone being themselves.”

  “Maybe,” Clyde said to the half-demoness.

  Fuyoko sighed, allowing Naoko to eat two more sticks of chocolate Pocky. “Don’t spoil your dinner,” she said.

  “Onee-chan, we’re going to burn off the food during battle,” Naoko said, voice carrying no emotion.

  Jae nodded twice. “Words of wisdom,” she said simply.

  Tear at last started the Jump. “Everyone get ready to jump right into fighting.” She held up a glowing finger. “For Harumi!”

  Clyde and the others repeated, “For Harumi!”

  The fox girl blushed. Misaka smiled at her.

  “Harumi’s the best and nicest!” Natalia added and then Tear released the magic, Jumping the party to the other half of the world.

  Unknown City, Unknown Nation…

  Night…

  Clyde could feel the murderers of Harumi’s family lurking in a giant, beautiful, Japanese-style mansion. From there, he knew what he had to do.

  “Harumi, become the Nine tails. You’re coming with me. Everyone else, mow down the lackeys. Anyone for the cult, well, you make the decision from there. Remember, they’ve killed lots of people.” The power radiated from his voice. “As much as I hate having to once again go back to violence, I know demons love this shit, let this be judgement. Spare the innocent. Unlike them, we’re not here to wipe out the dragon species.”

  Chiyo and the Rose Dragon sisters were guarding Liru with their lives, keeping her safe from the bloodshed.

  “Clyde, what are you doing?” Tear asked.

  “There are six elder dragons headed this way,” Clyde said, causing the team’s eyes to widen. “Yeah. Remember the last disaster. And that was the youngest. We’re stronger, could probably hold our own, but I need to prove a point.” He addressed the entire team. “If you see the Disciple, you know what to do.”

  “Clyde, are you crazy?” Tetra asked, grabbing onto his shirt with both hands, eyes worried and a little panicked. “You can’t seriously take on six elder dragons by yourselves. We couldn’t scratch the youngest. Now you’re going after the prime? Think about it.”

  “We’re not here for a tea party,” Clyde told the dark elf. “And we sure as shit shouldn’t expect the stronghold to be elder dragon-free. But you don’t have to worry. Stick to the original plan, which is to end the cult. I’ll keep the elder dragons away from you guys. When you finish, just send out the signal, alright?”

  Tetra hugged him then let go. “Just… be careful. I don’t know much about your powers—I haven’t fought with you as much as the others.”

  “You’ll have to trust me,” Clyde said. “Or at least trust Harumi.” He grinned. “Anyway, let’s go, Harumi. We don’t have the time to be sitting around and letting them bust our plans.”

  >>>>Harumi invoked Nine-tails form.<<<<

  [Form: Nine-tailed fox.]

  His fiancée’s power felt so strong that he actually had to adjust to the exerted pressure. In addition to having nine tails, Harumi’s golden eyes glowed. Her pink aura swirled off her like mist. In fact, a fog began to settle in the area, giving credibility to ancient stories and sightings.

  Her stats… were at least quadrupled, maybe way more. He didn’t have time to check.

  With his gesture, Team Stone hurried off to infiltrate one end, following a carefully composed plan. Clyde took Harumi to face all six of the remaining elder dragons, Risa not included. She wasn’t around at all for some reason.

  They took a route from the side, knocking out men in suits along the way. The guards, Clyde assumed. The young man remembered that in most raids, the teams would have to take out the generals first before the raid boss spawned. He assumed the Disciple wouldn’t show until her Soulless support was dead.

  One advantage of attacking in the middle of the night was the enemies sleeping, of course. Hell, most of them were probably at home for the day. The cult, on the other hand, lived here. And for some reason, so did all six elder dragons. If it wasn’t for Chiyo, Clyde and the others wouldn’t know any of the numbers or the security weaknesses. They didn’t come to this battle ill-prepared.

  Eventually, Clyde and Harumi found all six of them waiting for them in an open area, human forms still on. Not that this surprised the young man. The elder dragons didn’t even see the new Nine tails as a threat. Harumi still needed time to adjust to her new power. But she was here as a witness.

  Among the six, only one was a man. The leader, the Soulless Head stood out as a strikingly beautiful woman with long dark hair, perfectly brown skin, and silver eyes. She was dressed similar to Tear; very classy, and seductive. Her magic and level even towered the other elder dragons, which was how the young man could tell she ran everything.

  “Good evening,” Clyde said, analyzing all six of them. “Or bad, depending on the perspective.”

  His analysis started with the head of the Soulless family first. He enabled simple mode for the other elder dragons, knowing damn well that time wasn’t on his side. They definitely sensed Team Stone, but most likely believed the cult could handle things. The dragons were in for a surprise.

  Tenri Soulless, Head Elder Dragon of the Soulless Family.

  Level: ???

  Type: Dragon.

  Work under: N/A

  Special: Elder Dragon Fire (Does super-extreme fire, dragon, volcanic, magic, and wyvern damage.)

  Weakness: Dragon Slayer, ???.

  Resistances: +30% resistance to all physical and magic attacks. Unaffected by Negative Ki.

  Secret: wishes she could own all the world’s cats.

  His analysis had to stop, since all of their levels showed up as question marks. If Risa’s level was six hundred sixty-six, then the elder dragons were probably well above one thousand. Hell, even Lilith’s level didn’t show up to him.

  Then again, he never got the chance to analyze her while engaged in Awakened Stone Mode. He wasn’t going to bother doing so again with the elder dragons, since they were dead.

  “I’d say you have a death wish, if not for one thing,” Tenri said, her eyes turning to Harumi. “You’ve brought something we believed was extinct for years now. A natural enemy. Is this an offering? Because if so, you’ve definitely earned a place with us.”

  Clyde laughed.
“The new Nine tails is simply here as a witness, nothing more.” He winked. “You and that cult wiped out her family and all of her kind, breaking one hell of an important treaty. Since the gods of Celestial won’t do anything about it, I will.”

  Tenri snickered and at that moment, Clyde felt emitted anger from Harumi. “You really do have a death wish. What’s some pathetic whelp like you going to do about our destiny? A treaty so fragile was bound to fall when the two married were betrayed BY THE KITSUNE KIND IN THE FIRST PLACE.” Tenri sneered. “If your kind hadn’t killed my son, the treaty would still be there and none of this would be happening. The first Nine tails wouldn’t have… let’s say, vanished.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Clyde said.

  “Exactly as I said, boy,” Tenri said. “Maybe you should actually know the full truth before pointing an accusatory finger at us. Dragons come in all shapes, sizes, personalities, and wisdoms. We knew the importance of the treaty, but we do not take uncalled-for betrayals lightly.” She snorted. “None of the past talk matters, because you’ve signed your death papers. We’ll be taking her head to present to our god soon.”

  “Don’t you try to spin the story and put the blame on us,” Harumi suddenly snarled, aura blazing like a giant red sun. “I’ve heard of the deaths. Both of them died and we didn’t do it. You unreasonable lizards planned to betray us without even doing your own investigation. You chose to believe a lie. My grandparents said they were pouring their hearts into searching for the third party responsible. A possible assassin. Over time, they discovered clues and who knows, could’ve come close to discovering this person. Then your Disciple bum-rushed with a surprise attack after centuries of peace. And I’m sure your side knew of the investigation but didn’t care. You had an excuse to attack and took it.”