Around the same time the girls and I learned that Tamamo could speak the human language, unbeknownst to me, several Bracers both aspiring and current alike were currently gathering inside the Bracer Guild, looking to have a sparring match. They also talked about the current standing of Grancel City, and what's been happening as of late. The dawn of the next century is inching ever so closer, it will be here in half a year. I'm talking about the year S1200. And once that happens, only two years remain until Sky begins!
While that was when you officially get to see Estelle and Joshua Bright set off to become Junior Bracers, Sky actually starts much earlier. You get to see Estelle see Cassius bring Joshua home for the first time during the prologue, and that happened a few years ago. In a way, I'm already in Sky's story. Things will really kick it up once S1204 happens. That's when Sky's story is finished, and two concurrent stories happen at the same time, Zero/Azure, and Cold Steel. Hopefully by that point, the Vermillion Trials will be underway. I do see myself becoming quite busy once I begin my studies at Jenis in S1202.
Still, we remained shocked for a good moment after finding out Tamamo could speak. Granted, was it really that surprising? She likes to hang out around Celine, Emma and Rose a lot when I'm not around. It's only natural that things progress that way. Vita's familiar, Grianos, is a bird, so it wouldn't really make sense for him to speak like Celine and Tamamo can. It isn't just speaking that's the surprise factor either.
Familiars in the Trailsverse have the potential to attain a human form! You get to see Celine transform into a girl with cat ears and dark skin in the latter half of Cold Steel's story. She hates transforming, but that's Celine, and Tamamo isn't her. It is only a matter of time until Tamamo will be able to do this too, or I could hope it will happen. She has five tails now too. Maybe she still doesn't have enough Mana.
I also took this time to review Tamamo's Stats as well. Unlike others where they have to be in the "Party" to view one's Stats, Tamamo is different. She is essentially bonded with my soul. Roselia's incantation wasn't a simple one. Tamamo's an extension of me. Because of that, she has access to the Gamer System. She can use the Status Windows, check her Stats on her own, just like how I can. Heck, Tamamo can even form a Party. It doesn't matter what place Tamamo is in at the time. I say that, but she is as lazy as a cat is through most of the day, haha!
Who do I have to blame for that? A certain black cat definitely pops into my mind.
While I reviewed Tamamo's information, I did not see such an ability to speak the human language in her Skills. I am not sure she is trying to hide it. Still, I decided to have a thorough check in the meantime, and I was pleased with how strong Tamamo has become. Turns out she also has a Stat Preview as well!
[Status Window - Familiar]
Name: Tamamo
Race: Silver Nine-Tailed Demon Fox
Element Advantage: Water, Mirage
Level: 75
Tails: 5
[Racial Skill]
Nine-Tailed Form
Effect: Grants the potential to become a Nine-Tailed Fox.
Effect: With each tail obtained, Tamamo evolves and grows stronger.
Effect: Each Tail adds to its previous Stats. If the first tail grants +10% to Stats, and second tail grants +20% to Stats, the total gain is +30%.
1 Tail = +10%.
2 Tails: = +20%.
3 Tails = +30%.
4 Tails = +40%.
5 Tails = +50%.
Total Gain: +150%
HP: 8000/8000 EP: 15000/15000
STR: 1600 DEF: 2500
ATS: 6000 ADF: 3200
DEX: 200 SPD: 275
[Five-Tailed Form]
HP: 20,000/20,000
EP: 37,500/37,500
STR: 4000 DEF: 6250
ATS: 9999 ADF: 8000
DEX: 500 SPD: 700
DMG: 4000 ADMG: 15,000
RES: 6250 ADF: 8000
[Crafts]
Strong Mana Bite (A) - Single
Effect: Condenses own Mana creating crystallized fangs, and chomps at a target.
Effect: Inflicts special Status "Drain" on target upon successful blow.
Effect: Drain Status drains target's EP at a considerable rate. Duration: 01.00.
Effect: Each Tail allows Tamamo to bite a target consecutively (up to 5 times).
Cost: 5% of EP. Duration: 02:00.
Azure Howl (-) - Self
Effect: Restores own HP by 30%. Restores own EP by 30%.
Effect: Inflicts -100% Water Efficacy on all targets.
Cost: None Duration: 05:00.
Phantom Break (S) - Circle (Large)
Effect: Using own SPD, vanishes from sight, leaving behind afterimages.
Effect: Reappears behind targets, and creates a gigantic phantom claw, swiping at them.
Effect: Inflicts Weakness (100%) on targets.
Cost: 20% of EP. Duration: 08:00.
[S-Craft]
Roaring Hailstorm (SS)
Effect: Consumed own Mana to shoot it upward into the sky above the battlefield.
Effect: The Mana condenses into fierce and rigid ice-crystals, whipping up a hailstorm. The hailstorm strikes on all targets.
Effect: Inflicts Freeze (100%) on targets.
Effect: If Target is inflicted with a Skill that lowers Water Efficacy, that effect doubles.
*Tamamo is unable to put on Equipment in Fox Form.
**Tamamo is synced up to Gamer Naoto's Combat Orbment. Any Arts Gamer Naoto can use can be casted by Tamamo. Quartz effects do not apply.
[Skills]
Absolute Barrier
Effect: Isolates an object or target from all environmental surroundings into a barrier that cannot be broken. Can be combined with certain Incantations.
Blink
Effect: Can move from one spot to another in a blink of an eye. Can be used to flee from a dangerous foe, or move around large distances.
Sight Link
Effect: Can share sight with Gamer Naoto, allowing Gamer Naoto to see two sights at the same time.
Spatial Relocation
Effect: Swaps current position with Gamer Naoto.
'Woah', I thought, seeing Tamamo's progress since Roselia first made her. Her stats are already nuts. Some even more than mine. The one downside is, Tamamo has a lot less HP, meaning she can be caught off guard and receive lots of damage. At least Arts or Incantations won't affect Tamamo much. Her Arts Resistance is insane. She's already reached the cap for ATS too, and it's behaving the same way like my Attack Damage does. Arts Damage can go beyond 9999, and that shows its true value. That might be what the Gamer System will do going forward.
I think I'm fine with that. I'll still be able to see how much damage I can do, even if my Stats start reaching 9999.
Either way, I was pleased with Tamamo's progress. I know a bulk of her Stats come from that Racial Skill of hers, the one that allows Tamamo to evolve and gain more tails. She's a Nine-Tailed Fox, and she's already gaining 150% Stats from it. I can't even begin to imagine once she reaches all nine tails...
As if sensing my thoughts, Tamamo popped her head out of the bed, looking at us. She had regained her composure, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Kyuu?", Tamamo asked, returning to her cute yips. It was like she had never spoken English at all.
"Is everything alright with Tama, Naoto? You've been staring at her for a good moment.", Kloe said, calling out to me. Hearing that, I smiled.
"Hahaha.", I replied with a laugh. "I was just reviewing our progress. You see, Tama's linked in a way where she has full access to that particular ability I have. I'm just admiring Tama's progress. She's done well these few years."
And I meant that.
"Kyuu Kyuu~", Tamamo said. Her eyes lit up hearing me compliment her. All of a sudden, she triggered "Blink", and re-appeared in my arms. Even in my lap, Tamamo's tails began to swish around happily.
"That...was unexpected, but I'll allow it.", I said, and began to pat the cute silvery-white fox.
"Just what exactly is this fox, Naoto? Tama behaves very similarly to that cat that likes to show up on occasion here who was with Emma, but you never did go into the specifics. Aren't foxes normally secluded creatures and enjoy being with their own pack instead of with, you know, humans like us?" Angelica asked, placing her hand over her chin. It looks like she was done fitting her Combat Orbment.
"Maybe someday, I'll dive into detail about it. Tamamo's origins are...particular, to say the least. It isn't so easy locating it on any map, no matter how hard you try.", I said, answering Angelica's question. I was referring to Eryn Village here.
Emma tasked Lechter to find the secluded village, and even if he does take it seriously, I doubt he'll ever find it. It takes both aptitude and sensitivity to detect Mana in the first place, unless you're trained by Witches or you're in a special situation like me, who has the Gamer System.
"I mean, as long as Tama is okay, I don't see a problem looking into it further for the time being. On a more serious note, you invited some guests into the castle today, haven't you, Naoto? There's more on the agenda than just departing with Ennea's group later.", Kloe said, drawing our eyes to her.
"Oh? So you do have something else to settle today, Master.", Ennea said, wondering what I was referring to.
"Indeed. It wasn't a spur of the moment or anything. I do apologize in advance, Ines. We'll be greeting some guests today before I can partake in your mission. Still, you all should be familiar with them. It's the Russel Family. Professor Russell is said to be one of the founding forefathers of the Epstein Foundation and is one of Professor Epstein's disciples, no less.", I explained. After I said that, Angelica just looked at me.
"You're abusing your status as Crown Prince, aren't you?", Angelica asked, squinting her eyes.
"It isn't like that, Angie. You saw it earlier, didn't you? Professor Schmidt said he's giving me a favor, and he doesn't like loose ends. So instead of waiting around, I decided to use it. He's acquainted with the Russells, unlike us. I would have personally requested for him if he wasn't already busy laying the foundations of the Orbal Network. His expertise lies in heavy machinery often seen in war. I figured it's better to call up someone like the Russels.", I said, explaining the situation to the girls. As I said that, I picked up my Combat Orbment.
"That favor huh? I do remember it. Don't the Russells hate that Schmidt guy? Couldn't see eye to eye on their work, or something? Guess he must take owing favors seriously.", Angelica mused.
"Heh. Well, you aren't wrong there Angie. It's quite well-known now that they like to argue. A lot. It is a shame I couldn't have the famous Professor Russell to come, but I had the next best person sign up for the favor I wanted. Erika Russell. His daughter. She should be able to work on what I have planned.", I continued.
"It is regarding your Combat Orbment after all. Are you sure there isn't any risk, though? This is passed down from Auntie, after all. You don't want it destroyed, right?", Kloe asked with a hint of worry in her eyes.
"There's always a risk when it comes to maintenance. It is something I'm willing to take. I have some schematics I want Professor Russell to look at once she arrives, and see if it's a possibility. Only until she says otherwise, I will give it up.", I said.
"Well, alright. As long as it isn't dangerous or anything, I don't think we'll mind.", Kloe said, nodding her head in agreement.
"Likewise. I'm interested in what you're requesting from one of Zemuria's most talented minds.", Angelica said, displaying interest in her eyes.
"Like I said, we do not have to leave right away. It sounds like you've some plans for the day. I will see your availability once the event has come to pass. I'll go explore the capital. You know how to reach me.", Ines said, before departing our private quarters from who-knows-where.
Before we could even say anything, Ines was gone. It was just Kloe, Angelica, Ennea and I.
"Please forgive Ines, Master. She can be quite blunt at times. She'll know when to call upon us again when the time comes.", Ennea said, feeling apologetic.
"Haha. It is no problem. Let's wait for our new friends to arrive.", I said, smiling at the three.
We were all on the same page. At this time, any excess Quartz that we didn't use, I swiped it all back into my Inventory, acting like it didn't exist to begin with. Seeing such a big pile of Quartz suddenly vanish into thin air received surprised looks from the girls. A reaction I will never get tired of.
But before I could do anything, I suddenly reached my head out toward Angelica, and lightly kissed her on the cheek, which caught her by surprise. A faint blush appeared on Angelica's cheeks. Now that is a rare sight.
"Why don't you girls go get dressed properly? We need to act our roles for once. I'll put on my Robe in the meantime.", I said.
"Teehee, should we take that literally, Master?", Ennea asked, smiling at me.
"...I'll leave it to your discretion. Just make it work-appropriate, alright?"
"Hehe, Ennea's just teasing again. We'll go get ready to meet our guests.", Kloe said, and smiled.
Just like that, Kloe got up from her chair, and urged Angelica and Ennea back into the bathroom. Trust me, that bathroom is one of the largest you'll ever come across. Not only is the tub gigantic, there's a whole other area connected to it, which houses the girls' clothes. I could hear a lot of clothes ruffling in the near distance.
That's just a place you don't wander into on your own, unless you're ready to face consequences, haha!
"Kyuu?", Tamamo asked, tilting her head upward at me.
"You know, you've grown a lot lately, haven't you, Tama? As the girls are busy, how about a snack?", I suddenly said, only to draw out my hand, and flip my palm over. The moment she saw my hand start to sparkle and condense into a blue ball of Mana, Tamamo's eyes sparkled.
"Kyuuu!", Tamamo excitedly said. Her eyes were literal stars. I couldn't even do anything before I saw her open her mouth, and chomp down. Chomp.
Ignoring the obvious, I could only shake my head at the silvery-white fox who was now gobbling up the snack without a care in the world. I couldn't even free my hand anymore. "What will I ever do with you?"
Some time later.
With noon fast approaching, a polite knock suddenly struck our door.
"Your Royal Highness. I've come to inform you that the Second Lieutenant has escorted your guests into the reception area---?", A firm voice said. We were now standing near the door, waiting for the word. Kloe was now in her formal dress attire, and Angelica appeared like a prim and proper noble for once.
As for Ennea, she surprised me the most. Even Hilda raised an eyebrow at her appearance. She couldn't even finish her words before being caught off-guard. "...Is this a new maid of yours, by chance?"
"She is. This is Ennea. You may have seen her around the castle before. Starting today, she's officially taking up her maid duties. I hope you won't go hard on her, Hilda.", I said, smiling at the head maid.
"You just love putting more on my plate, don't you, Your Highness?", Hilda said, and sighed. "Well, Ennea, was it? You'll be put through the same course as all the other maids go through here in Grancel Castle. I can assure you of that."
"Thank you, Hilda. There's just one little exception to the program you currently run. Ennea's part of the Royal Harem, you see. She joined after Angie did.", I said, scratching my cheek with a hint of embarrassment.
"....Did she now?", Hilda said, glancing her eyes back at the beautiful bluish-indigo haired girl beside me. Ennea remained polite, and even bowed.
"It is an honor to meet the head maid. You may call me Ennea.", Ennea said, formally introducing herself. All Hilda responded to that was a curt raise of her hand, and lightly coughed.
"Anyway, we can discuss the finer details at a later date. We shouldn't keep your guests waiting for long. Like I had stated earlier, Professor Russell brought...along someone. Her daughter, apparently.", Hilda explained. Surprise appeared in my eyes.
I immediately recognized who Hilda was referring to. This should be the last character of Sky's playable cast that I have yet to meet.
Tita Russell!