Arthur lay sprawled on his bed, idly tapping his fingers against the headboard, confined to his room under the vigilant watch of his maids. Suddenly, the door flew open, and his mother Iliyana, sister Elena, and stepmother Elona hurried in, worry etched across their faces.
Arthur lay sprawled on his bed, idly tapping his fingers against the headboard, confined to his room under the vigilant watch of his maids. Suddenly, the door flew open, and his mother Iliyana, sister Elena, and stepmother Elona hurried in, worry etched across their faces.
"Arthur!" Iliyana rushed to his side, enveloping him in a fierce hug before he had a chance to respond. She held him close, her worry palpable. Arthur felt his head press into her milkers, his thoughts momentarily blanking out.
"So…big," he found himself thinking, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. While his mother's mind was focused on his well-being, Arthur's hands instinctively roamed across her back, taking in the warmth of her skin even through the fabric. Iliyana noticed his subtle touches but merely smirked, her expression softening as she held him even closer.
"Look at you," she said playfully, releasing him and pinching his cheek lightly. "You've grown up, haven't you?"
Before he could answer, Elona chimed in with a teasing grin, watching the exchange from a few steps away. "What did you expect, Iliyana? He wasn't going to stay your sweet little boy forever."
Arthur coughed, glancing at the floor to hide his flushed cheeks. Meanwhile, his maids, Lily, Lira, and Lyra, tried to stifle their giggles. Elena, on the other hand, simply looked back and forth, a hint of confusion on her face.
Seeing her son's embarrassed expression, Iliyana chuckled softly. "Just one more day, son," she said with a warm smile. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, "I've prepared a special gift for you."
"Well, seeing how energetic you are, I'd say you're all right," Elona observed with a raised eyebrow, her tone light.
Elona smirked as she made her way to the door, waving casually. "If everything's in order, I'll head back. Iliyana, Elena—coming?"
After some light conversation, his mother and sister gave him final reassurances before following Elona out of the room. When they were gone, Arthur let out a sigh, lying back on the bed. Boredom settled in quickly, and he pulled up his status window to pass the time, deciding it was a good moment to review his skills and newly unlocked features in detail.
[Status Window]
Name: Arthur Ludwig (Unawakened)
Age: 14
Title: Heir of Ludwig
Strength: 14
Stamina: 12
Agility: 12
Charm: 18
Mana Affinity: Locked
Swordsmanship: Elementary
Skills: Observer's Gaze (B-SSS)
Items: Venom (Untainted) (Bound to Host)
Harem: Lily
Eroge Points: 12,160
Fate Points: 0
Kill Points: 50,000
================================================================
[Venom]
Name: Venom (Untainted)
Race: Symbiotic Entity
Traits: Adaptive Evolution, Organic Armor, Enhanced Regeneration
Description: A powerful, sentient symbiote capable of bonding with hosts to amplify physical abilities, providing unique skills and an adaptable form.
Note: As an untainted version, it lacks sentience.
Skills & Abilities:
Symbiotic Bond: Significantly enhances host's physical strength, speed, and durability.
Shape-Shifting: Alters form to create tendrils, claws, and weapons, adapting to combat needs.
Regeneration: Heals itself and the host rapidly, even during combat.
Camouflage: Blends with surroundings to become invisible for stealth attacks.
Web Generation: Produces organic webbing for restraining enemies or for movement.
Poisonous Touch: Inflicts venomous bites or toxin-laden strikes, incapacitating foes.
Mind Shield: Grants host resistance to mental invasion or control.
Memory Extraction: Absorbs memories and knowledge from individuals it bonds with or consumes.
Adrenal Surge: Temporarily boosts aggression and reflexes for intense combat performance.
===============================================================
[Demon Hunter's Arsenal]
Forging and Enhancements: Craft and enhance demon-hunting weapons and items with unique effects.
Storage and Summoning: Stores enhanced weapons and artifacts, instantly summonable for surprise attacks.
Kill Points System: Earned by defeating demons or their allies, used to unlock and purchase gear.
Extensive Arsenal: Access a vast array of demon-countering weapons, artifacts, and items—unlocked progressively by kill points.
Custom Demon-Hunting Effects: Apply effects like holy energy, soul-binding, or paralyzing strikes specifically for demon combat.
================================================================
A list of items available for purchase appeared. After skimming through, his eyes landed on a weapon that caught his attention.
[Spirit Slasher (D)]: A curved sword imbued with energy that disrupts demon spirits. Each slice prevents demonic possession or ghostly attacks. Price: 15,000 KP
"Hey, Sol," Arthur called out mentally, "I'd like to buy the Spirit Slasher."
Ding!
[Purchase complete. Spirit Slasher stored in arsenal and can be summoned at will.]
[Remaining KP: 35,000]
"Interesting choice," Sol noted. "Is there a reason you picked this one?"
"Venom gives me a physical edge against demons, but it can't hit what it can't touch. The Spirit Slasher is perfect for dealing with demons who don't have a physical form," Arthur explained.
"Using your head for once, I see. Good thinking, Arthur."
Arthur smirked, feeling a rush of anticipation.
After that, unable to go out, he spent the evening tinkering with his Aetherpod before eventually drifting off to sleep, his mind filled with anticipation for the long-awaited awakening.