Terror Infinity Side B

Chapter 35, H.O.T.D 2 NEXT

To begin Team Japan's exchange session for their preparations for the Main Mission of "Brynhildr in the Darkness" and upcoming Team Battle, they started off by having all members exchanging for the C tier defensive item which they had discussed. There were of course a wide variety of defensive times available even with a C rank reward. Some offering full body protection, created a shield with a stronger defense than normal yet lacked 360° of protection, or other items with unique reflection abilities, but ultimately they went with the Dharmacakra as discussed.

The Dharmacakra was a interesting defensive item. This item could block attacks, both sci-fi and magical with great success, and also had the added function to heal injuries of the user or another person if needed. As they experimented with this magic defensive barrier they learned an interesting fact. The deployed barrier would only block harmful attacks to the user. They had Hikari slap Shin (She was more than happy to do than she should have been!) as a test and the barrier didn't come out. For Shin who had physical stats well over ten times a normal human, so Hikari slapping him wasn't even consider a injury, but when she added her B tier Mana to strengthen her next slap with all her might the barrier actived property (She had such a disappointed lock in her eyes...).

With this confirmation Jin was happy to explain that defensive items had the capacity to distinguish harmful attacks and non-harmful attacks. The others didn't understand the importance of this discovery, so Jin went on to explain further. If any of them had exchanged for a shield to block the bullet of a gun, or reached a level of physical strength where bullets just bounced off their skin without leaving so much as a scratch, defensive items wouldn't waste their energy on those pointless attacks, making these items incredibly energy efficient long as the ability to distinguish between harmful attacks, harmless attacks, and possibly harmful attacks disguised as a weak attack never failed. For the last one an example could be a normal bullet fired with a magic or supernatural ability added onto the fired bullet, or a special bullet fired from something like Aqua's Mystic Code gun. The Mystic Code was a bad example here when they recalled what Aqua's gun did to the magic barriers of Team Kenya back in H.O.T.D, but they got the point.

The Dharmacakra had another power besides creating a defensive barrier and that was healing. The healing aspect of the Dharmacakra was a big sell for the team since it could be used to treat the users own injuries or that of others. It was a life saving tool which could even help the user recover from fatal wounds if their medic Sachi was not present, but it did have limitation. The Dharmacakra wasn't a rechargeable item where the user could manually pour Ki, Blood Energy, Mana, or other types of energy into the Dharmacakra. A defensive item that could do that would belonged to A tier times and higher.

Most C-BB tier defensive items could restore energy by themselves instead, but this recovery was very slow and inefficient. Especially over the course of a long battle against powerful enemies. In addition, the healing of wounds drained a lot of the stored energy and once the stored enrgy was completely depleted it had no use other than a paperweight, losing all function permanently. This showed that the Dharmacakra had its downsides, but in the end they each exchanged for one without regret. Every member of Team Japan could have exchanged for a B tier defensive item, but for everyone other than Shin, Hikari, and Connor that would mean using up most of their rank rewards. They all had to enhance themselves and prepare items for the dangerous Main Mission, so it was not a option for right now.

Aqua: "You know, a defensive item, even the D tier pendant could save a lot of lives. Zero, Kampa, Renji, and even Misaki could have been saved by one. Shuai was unfortunately a goner once he faced Badru without at least a A tier Defensive Item, so there was no helping him, and although harsh it was a important lesson to the team. With just a C or CC tier item on us our chances of survival increase by many folds. Even Shin who has the highest recover rate and second to me in pure power can still die if a stray bullet hit him squarely in the head when caught off guard. His bones are thick from enhancing Muscle Density (Includes bones despite the wording), but he could still be knocked out or left in a coma even if he doesn't die. I wouldn't thanks to my Adamantium indoskeleton, but the rest of you are not like me."

Hikari: "I agree. Heck, Shin was even worrying about the other side nuking us since it was a profitable option for Team Kenya unlike us. We were only saved since Team Kenya didn't know what kind of world they were entering into, and like us didn't expect such a large scale war between humans of zombies. The next time we all have B or BB rank rewards we need the defensive items which can block nukes and other tactical and strategic attacks. Then in the latter stages we'll need the A, AA, and the S tier ring Shin once mentioned for critical large scale battles where continents or even planets could blow up. If not we'll always be forced to take a defensive or retreating stance to avoid those dangers. If we know a nuke is coming right at us our options with a Defensive Item will be far greater than they would be without one."

The battle with Team Kenya taught the Team Japan many hard lessons and one of the most important lesson of all were of the value of defensive items. They had the opportunity to kill many members of Team Kenya quite a few times, but their powerful defensive items kept saving their lives. These were dreadful items to go up against for any team as they extended the battle and kept dangerous individuals alive, but they were a critical element every team needed to survive large scale conflicts and Team Battles, and so Team Japan at last began to integrate Defensive Items into one of their powers to overcome God's Dimension.

Dharmacakra -

Rating 80.

The Dharmacakra can be used both as a defensive power and to heal injuries, and when activated a layer of golden light appears on top of the target. Limit to how many times it can be used as the amount of energy it contained is limited. Will automatically recover 1% of energy every sixty minutes, but once it depletes completely it will no longer have the defensive or healing properties, and losing all function. Can not be recharged externally. Requires 5000 Points and C rank reward.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

After defensive items came gear to tackle the enemies of the main Mission within "Brynhildr in the Darkness", Witches. The combat ready Witches sent by the evil organization within this world, Vingulf, would have extremely powerful magic(?) which will render most defenses useless and the idea of a direct confrontation foolish. Still, as Shin pointed out they did possess a weakness. The Witches weren't military trained and nor were they warriors. At best a few had minimal self defense and they were few among all the witches of Vingulf who had the training.

To keep the Witches from thinking they could escape their control Vingulf established a master/servant relationship with them where it was drilled into their heads that defying Vingulf in any way was a death sentence. If they were trained as true soldiers the Witches would gain a unique viewpoint on how to defeat a enemy which could become Vingulf's undoing if directed at them after all. The Witches were all young girls, but emotional young girls who were abused and experimented on repeatedly. Given the chance the Witches would absolutely nuke the scientist of Vingulf without a second thought, so they made countless counter measures. One of which was even installing a device in their necks.

Each Witch had a self destruct function installed in the nape of the neck in the form of a "Harnessed". The Harnessed had many features, but the most problematic was the Eject Button. When pressed the Witch would melt and die. Scientist would even go as far as to install Beacons, a remote control device to press the Eject Button on the Harnessed, but it was still smarter to not allow them the knowledge to rebel and succeed. That's why they never dared to let any Witch out of captivity without reminding them they could be killed at anytime or without them having an absolute relationship with a member of Vingulf who they would never disobey.

Only Witches with special Harness couldn't be equipped with a Beacon, but they were rarely let out without confidence that their brainwashing was strongly ingrained. The point here was that Witches were not trained to really fight. Just to over power their opponents through force with powerful magic. In the Manga the main character thought up many tricks and schemes to defeat Witches rather than fight a frontal confrontation, and for the most part the succeed in all his battles, or at least won in the end.

Sachi: "So we'll be relying on diversionary tactics, traps, and surprise attacks to kill the Witches. That's what I specialize in, but it's a shame. Sniping, 3 Optical Projection Spheres, 1 of Hikari's remote control infinite ammo DRAGOONs, 3 tactical flash bangs, 8 light reflecting sunglasses, and magic binding traps. Leader and Jin's ideas favor instant kills rather than prolong suffering. Where and when am I supposed to have my fun?"

Drake: "Save it for the other team, sadist nurse!"

Nuclear Fusion Gauss Bullet -

Rating 90.

Special ammunition. The effect is a nuclear fusion explosion in a 250 meter diameter upon impact. Can only be safely shot from the Gauss Sniper Rifle, or special rifles. Requires 500 Points and D rank reward.

Optical Projection Sphere -

Rating 65.

A sci-fi device which will alter a 100 meter area with a virtual preprogrammed projection. Indistinguishable from reality, but can be seen through by special optical powers. Activation period 300 seconds. One time use and can not be recycled. Requires 5000 Points and D rank reward.

Anti PFD Programming Tool Kit -

Rating 100.

Programing tool for hackers for hindering the interference of prime factor decomposition. Requires 10,000 Points and B rank reward.

DRAGOON (Type: Mini Beam Cannon) -

Rating 80.

A DRAGOON (Disconnected Rapid Armament Group Overlook Operation Network) is a control system developed by ZAFT to guide remote weapons. The system allows a single mobile weapon pilot to control several smaller weapon pods to attack enemies from different angles, using a quantum communication network to send signals to move them around the battlefield. Equipped with a Beam Cannon. Needs to be recharged after every five shots. By using Psyche Force it can be controlled with the mind and it's limitations within the atmosphere have been overcome. Requires 1000 Points and D rank reward. Infinite ammmo model requires 2000 Points and C rank reward.

Tactical Flash Bang Grenade -

Rating 50.

A sci-fi grenade which produces a intense blinding light over a wide area. Range 1000 meters. Requires 3000 Points.

Solar Resistant Shades -

Rating 30.

Sunglasses which allows the wearers to see under intense light. No magic resistance. Requires 100 Points.

Magic Binding Snar (Level 1) -

Rating 60.

A disposable magic seal placed on the ground and to be set. Once set can't be moved without activating the seal. Once someone steps within a 5 meters radius of the seal the trap will spring. A powerful magic binding will spring and coil around the one who activated the trap. Last 10 seconds, or until broken with powerful force. Can easily be dispelled from the outside. Requires 4000 Points and D rank reward.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Another set of preparations, but less for the Main Mission and Team Battle was prepared by Sachi. Team Japan had acquired in the Cross Series H.O.T.D world Essence Beads. Crystals of physical energy found within Mutant Beast and if consumed could increase the stats of Enhancers, Evolvers, and even Mutant Beast. According to what they were told the 30, now 29 after feeding one to Grim Ash, Essence Beads of low level Mutant Beast weren't all too valuable for those who have consumed numerous low and high ranking Essence Beads anymore, but for Team Japan who had yet to develop such a immunity they would bring about an abundance of stat enhancements from consuming these low level Essence Beads. Unfortunately till now they never consumed any Essence Beads.

This was because of a warning from Sachi about their immune systems possibly differing from those under the God and Devil System and would be risking death or sicknesses if consumed as is. Team Japan listened to her and refrained from consuming any as of yet, yet they were also promised something making the wait worth while. That as a true expert of mixing poisons and medicine, Sachi could use the 29 essence beads they obtained as material to make a superior stat increasing potion. Sachi only needed a few hours of experimenting and 2000 or so points worth of materials from each member to complete her potion. The sight of her hard at work with a serious expression on her face was awe inspiring to say the least, but the fact she developed such a professional level of skill craft from crafting poisons for the purpose of long lasting pain frightened them even more, so it was hard to praise her openly.

Sachi's end product was completed after 29 hours on nonstop mixing and minute measurements, and was named by her as Miracle Essence Elixir Number #1. The end product was a pink water with herbs floating in the potion, which was used to fill up eight glass bottles. It was supposed to be nine, but with Shuai's death Sachi chose to create a more concentrated elixir with eight. The Miracle Essence Elixir Number 1# was a product born from spending 16,000 Points, 29 Essence Beads which they couldn't replace anytime soon, and a D rank reward special plant root from Sachi herself, so everyone held high expectations as they each consumed the potion. Within the first few minutes of ingestion they was no noticeable changes or notification of a increase of stats, so they all grew worried that Sachi failed and they wasted close to 20 grand in points, a D rank reward, and valuable special items, but then-

Sachi: "Don't worry. The fun is about to start any second. Since I can't look forward to the pain filled expressions and wails during the next mission, I tweaked the Miracle Essence Elixir Number 1# just... a little bit."

Shin: "What?! You sadistic bitch! What did you-"

And then it happened. As the contents of the elixir finished absorbing themselves onto their bodies, it transformed into a warmth that surged throughout their beings, nourishing and enhancing the body continuously. At the same time every pore of their body started oozing out black dirty blood, impurities within the body, and soon they were covered entirely in dark grime. With the exception of Sachi who knew it was coming, the other girls let out a shriek at the stench of vile grim covering their bodies. Unclean and smelling bad was the enemy of girls who valued image, even for woman who engaged in life and death struggles. They immediately wanted to clean themselves up with a hot shower with the best soaps and shampoos God had in the Exchanges, but for the men, while it was a gross feeling they were more occupied by the benefits they received.

- MUSCLE DENSITY+300, REACTION SPEED+250, INTELLIGENCE+100, MENTAL CAPACITY+100, CELL VITALITY+200, IMMUNIZATION STRENGTH+300.

When Shin and the other who paid attention to the notification from God heard this they grew excited. A feeling of the tremendous vitality surging within themselves was the proof that they he had grown stronger yet again with a increase of stats. They had each contributed just 2000 points, only worth an exchange of 200 stat points if made directly with God, yet they each received over six times the profit in stats. It was such a large power up Shin considered in that moment to go back H.O.T.D to find some Mutant Beast to kill for more Essence Beads.

Perhaps ones from high level mutant beast which Takashi and his team could only gain enhancements from now at their level, but this smart idea was soon forgotten as the *Fun* Sachi talked about began without further warning. A overwhelming pain equal to when one first unlocks the Genetic Constraint assaulted each one of them. After a few minutes of this terrible pain they all passed out and when they woke up no one remembered what had occurred except Sachi who took a pain reliving drug in time. They questioned her why they were dirty and sore all over, but Sachi just shrugged her shoulders and said the following.

Sachi: "Seems like this Miracle Essence Elixir Number #1 is good stuff, but seems to have some minor side effects like temporary memory loss and soreness as it detoxifies and strengthens the body. Don't worry. I'll do better next time... Look forward to it!"

Shin: "..."

Shin and the others didn't know why, but they felt a ominous chill sweep pass them at Sachi's words.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

After that stat increasing episode that was never to be remembered for all but one, it was finally time to chose their own personal enhancements. First up was Hikari, Connor, Jin, Kisara, and Shin. The other chose not to enhance and used their points and rank rewards on others or for supplies.

Hikari -

◆ To begin off with Connor kept his deal from the mission to bestow onto Hikari a 900 stat point increase in Mental Capacity stat for the three Newbies he killed from Team Kenya. This, along with the Miracle Essence Elixir Number 1# boosted her Mental Capacity by 1000 stat points from where it was before, increase the range of her scans and the overall Psyche Force. Of course it would have been more efficient to get the stat packages, but they had used up most of their rank rewards for items and enhancements for others.

◆ Next, Hikari used just a single C rank reward to buy a new DRAGOON. The ones she had bought before were all destroyed during the mission, so this way she will regain some of her offensive power.

◆ Hikari then used two C rank rewards and some points to get a offensive Psyche Force skill, Psyche Whip which can attack another teams Psyche Force user. Team Japan already had Shin's Holy Switch which was much more powerful and could even cause a powerful backlash to any enemy Psyche Force user, yet Holy Sword required a living target controlled by Psyche Force to use, whereas Psyche Whip can even attack an enemy's Psyche Force directly that's watching over Team Japan.

◆ The next Psyche Force skill she obtained was the skill Mind Control. It would allow Hikari to control weak individuals to do her bidden. It may not be able to control someone powerful, but it was a convenient skill to have for a lot of reason. With such a skill, it would have been possible to stealth assassinate a Head of Military back in H.O.T.D. Directly, indirectly, or by just having someone of high status lead an assassin to their room without suspicion, or even make the person a suicide bomber (Do not condone). The Psyche Force user from Team Germany and the Guide from Danganronoa probably had this, or a similar abilities. The Guide's power Suggestive Eye was its BB tier counterpart which took control of almost everyone on the team, though it may have only been as successful because the Guide was an incredibly powerful Psyche Force user who had unlocked up to the Third Stage and was also had a special position as the Guide granted from God.

◆ Lastly, Hikari acquired her first true Persona skill at long last. For B rank reward and 10,000 points curtsy of Aqua who didn't feel the need to enhance herself as she was still getting used to her power "Silver Fang", Hikari acquired the skill Full Analysis. It was skill to probe information about the target, and together with Mind Control, it would allow Hikari to gather more information about their enemies. If they had this power before they could have grasped Badru's power more accurately and prepared better, so no one regretted the expensive purchase.

Psyche Whip -

Rating 79.

When a team member is being watched or controlled by another person, the user will form a whip with his or her psyche force to attack the other person’s psyche force. This ability gets more powerful as your mental capacity stat increases. Requires 5000 Points and two C rank rewards.

Mind Control -

Rating 86.

Control normal people with willpower that aren’t strong and haven’t unlocked the Genetic Constraint. When you aren’t intending to control someone, it can probe the target’s willpower. Request 5000 Points and two C rank rewards.

Full Analysis -

Rating 110.

Display detailed stats of an individual. Can also see skills, resistances and weaknesses, but take much more observation and a high Mental Capacity stat to reveal of those who resist the scan unconsciously or consciously. May be unable to see additional information beyond stats if the target is too strong or blocked by a powerful Psyche Force user's mask. Requires 10,000 Points, B rank reward, and support type Persona.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Connor - He was to be the core of their sniping operations in the coming mission, so they made his enhancements a priority.

◆ Connor used a B rank reward to upgrade his mutation to B tier to enhance his power in general. The B tier Demon Lord (Rank) Mutation. His Trion had surpassed his Demon mutation for the sake of firepower, but it was the Demon Bloodline which suited him more because of his inherited bloodline.

◆ Connor next exchanged for a second eye power with a B rank rewards called Reality Shifting Eyes. It was a supernatural power to improve his sniping's damage potential and allowed him to become a specialist at slaying all types of monster and enemies they could face in the future. There was also a higher tier ability which Connor could acquire later as well for AA rank rewards called Dimensional Shifting Eyes, an ability which allowed a sniper no blind spots, so there was more than enough value for the future to get this eye power.

◆ Drake used a B rank reward to improve Connor's stealth ability with the Trigger Chameleon. Which turns the user invisible by draining Trion.

◆ Lastly, the Trigger Bagworm. A cloak which allows the user to hide from modern technology and some sci-fi tools.

Demon Lord Genetic Mutation -

Rating 87.

Applicable to most missions. Has demonic power and access to most Demon Magic. Rank Lord increases strength substantially and emotional state can increase power. Owner will not be affected by holy water. Requires a rank B reward, 2600 points, and Demon Count Mutation.

Reality Shifting Eyes -

Rating 100.

Suitable for snipers and long range attackers. Eyes capable of preciving the world around them as "Physical Space", "Magical Space", or "Spiritual Space". Only one type of perception can be used at a time. An attack when using one type of perception will have extra damage for that type, but lose all effectiveness on other types. Switching between "Physical Space", "Magical Space", and "Spiritual Space" places a large burden on the mind. Requires 5000 Points and B rank reward.

Chameleon Option Trigger -

Rating 79.

The Trigger's main ability is invisibility, allowing the user to hide from their opponent. They can flee or attack in any situation. However, they cannot use any other Triggers while invisible, only able to use those already active, rendering them vulnerable to any attack. One must turn of the Trigger to us another. Drains a lot of Trion. Requires 4000 Points and B rank reward.

Bagworm Option Trigger -

Rating 70.

An Optional Trigger with the form of a brown cloak which renders the user invisible to radars. Requires 3000 Points and C rank reward.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Jin - He made just two exchanges. He felt their preparation for the Mission were enough, so he wanted think about the Team Battle. To that effect, Jin exchange for a powerful and expensive AOE spell, the strongest B tier ice magic spell in the Exchanges, and a C rank consumable support item.

Death Frost -

Rating 118.

A wide AOE ice magic spell of immense destruction and death. Call forth a freezing winter's wind which freezes all in the targeted area except the spell caster. All object or people frozen by the spell immediately shatter soon after. Five minute long aria to cast spell and requires vast amounts of energy to deploy. Requires 15,000 Points and B rank reward.

Ice Energy Stone -

Rating 60-200

A peasiz crystal stone containing vast amounts of ice elemental power within. Can be used for a temporary boost in elemental power, reinforcing the user or a weapon by crushing the stone and absorbing the energy within. May also be used as material for magic. The higher the rank the greater the power within the stone. Rank D energy Stone increase elemental power by 100%. Rank DD by 200%. Rank C by 500%. Rank CC by 800%. Rank B by 2000%. Rank BB by 3500%. Rank A by 7000%. And Rank AA by 10,000%. Requires rank rewards equal to the rank of the stone.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Kisara - Originally she didn't wish to undergo any major enhancements as she wanted to just practice with her new power, the Volt Weapon Sephiroth Boots, but Shin and others insisted she should at least raise her energy, Nen to B tier. Her quite plain yet powerful sword Shusui required a high level of energy from the user to show its true worth, so Sachi and others came together to out up a B rank reward for Kisara as she had already used her own rewards for others.

Upper Class Hunter Nen -

Rating 91.

Applicable to missions that require close combat. Potentially has very high growth, but because of the specialist nature of Nen is very limited ability wise. Requires B rank reward and 2700 points.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Lastly was Shin. To everyone's surprise he didn't immediately enhance himself or talk about what he would be getting this time around. He had just went up to God for a few minutes and left without a word. Shin had always acted like a kid in a candy store when it came to enhancements or magic weapons he could get. Previously after Danganronpa he could never stop talking about his enhancements and showed off to others. Especially his harem to their annoyance, but now seeing him now with no excitement made everyone worried. After returning to the Terminal Lobby Shin in passing had said he had lost his faith in God's Exchange System, but now they saw he really meant it.

Jin: "So just what did you get this time around, Shin? Like me you thought our preparation for the main mission were enough, so you got enhancements to deal with the other team."

Shin: "Yes, but I didn't get anything too dramatic. I could have gotten one of the Cultivation Pills I wanted with the A rank reward, but there was a chance my power increase wouldn't be worth it. Also... after facing Badru I'm questioning just relying on enhancements to improve myself, so with the another Team Battle on the horizon in a dangerous Mission World, I went for stability with two new techniques. A Healing spell which I feel can be improved with training and a martial arts technique to expand my fighting style with kicks. There were more powerful skills I could have gotten and many skills I want to get, but I'm satisfied in general with my skill set right now, though I am considering getting low level stat packages later as a experiment. Also, like you I invested in Energy Stones and a equivalent for my mutation."

Jin: "Oh, then you understand their value, Shin? I looked into them when I saw that Sakura women of Team Kenya shatter what I believe to be a Ice Energy Stone when she tired to kill us. Energy Stones increase our powers dramatically in battle, but there effects don't last too long. Just a few minutes at best. Less if you burst through the power all at once. When you think along those lines then the purpose of Energy Stones are obvious. They are an investment! A D tier Energy Stone should be used to kill a enemy worth DD rank rewards or higher. A C tier Energy Stone should be used to kill a enemy woth CC rank rewards or higher. And it goes on like that. Using them any other way is a waste of points unless it's a life and death emergency."

Shin: "That's the idea. When I'm challenging unlocked members of another team or the boss, I plan to use a C rank Wood Energy Stone (Life) and two C rank Human Essence Pills to shut them down. I also exchanged for two D rank Soul Energy Stones (Darkness) which can be used as materials for my healing skill. With energy stones I'll not only recover more health than normal, but energy as well. I'm not willing to test out the C rank stones, but I tested a D rank energy stone in my basement after training, and I was able to recover 25% of my energy in one go. It not the best at my stage of Ki, but it has value since the energy recover is near instant."

Jin: "That's great to hear. Still, I'm surprised by you restraint. This time and the time after Danganronpa, you chose to not use all your points and rank rewards. Knowing that you're goal is to become Over Powered, I, no all of us are shocked to day the least. Hikari and Aqua were talking and were considering the possibility that you've gone insane. Kisara and Komaru even had a look of resolve in their eyes to take care of you from here on out."

Shin: "So wait, I'm insane if I don't freak over all the possible powers I can get? Whatever! Like I was saying during the mission I'm aiming for high end goods which are A tier or higher. Cultivation Pills, One-Eye Ghoul Mutation, the true form of Gravity Blade, armor to replace my previous one, and martial art techniques. There's even a cool sword technique I'm interested in called Dead End Destination! An AA tier sword skill! Jin, I even want to get that God's Blessings defensive item if I can. The point is that I have enough okay and good weapons and skills, so now my sights are the big prizes, and I can only get those exchanges with three methods. Borrow from the team, save up, or make it big every mission to afford what want. I'm not shameless enough for 1 and I'll die if I activity pursue 3 as I am now, so that leaves me 2. Save up! If I want to become OP I have to take the risk of not enhancing as much as possible for now on to save up for the A and AA tker enhancements. I already have plenty of skills and enhancements not counted in my rating with Skill Masteries and the Dark Walker Hidden Class, so I shouldn't die from the next few main missions."

Jin: "But do you think it's enough?"

Shin: "No. Not at all. Jin, I think we're really missing something here. About enhancements specifically. I believe that even if I had a S rank magic sword, magic armor, more high level techniques, mastered all my abilities perfectly, and whatever else I could think of... I still don't believe I could have killed Badru. I gave it my all and was prepared to die, but Badru just swept me away once he showed just a tiny bit of seriousness. He wasn't even really trying to kill me and the one time he put killing intent into an attack I felt that it was halfhearted, but still enough to defeat me. His power doesn't seem like it just stems from Whole Enhancements, Mutations, or special abilities, so as I said before I lost my faith in enhancements. Going for more powerful abilities right now feels like a waste, so I'll rather aim for stability... at least till I understand just what made Badru as powerful as he is."

Yunhon Soul Recovery -

Rating 100.

"Yun" meaning to burn and "Hon" meaning soul. Yunhon spirit technique's recovery skill which carries the meaning to burn one's soul. In the past, shamanism is said to have flourished in the Korean peninsula, and techniques were developed to embrace a spirit and use its power. Among the techniques is the Yunhon spirit technique, which materializes power by burning the user's soul. With a Soul Energy Stone recover both physical health and some energy. Additionally, with a Soul Energy Stone cure low ranking status effects and illnesses. Without a Soul Energy Stone only recovers health to a lesser degree. Requires 11,000 Points and B rank reward.

Seismic Step -

Rating 68.

Also called Focus Stomp or Rupture Point Strike. Focuses three key energies points to the practitioner's Ki source. The practitioner then focuses that concentrated energy through one's arteries to their feet. The technique is capable of cutting through flesh, bone, concrete, and stainless steel upon contact with the kick. Requires 4500 Points and C rank reward.

Wood Energy Stone - (One C)

Rating 60-200

A peasiz crystal stone containing vast amounts of life elemental power within. Can be used for a temporary boost in elemental power, reinforcing the user or a weapon by crushing the stone and absorbing the energy within. May also be used as material for magic. The higher the rank the greater the power within the stone. Rank D energy Stone increase elemental power by 100%. Rank DD by 200%. Rank C by 500%. Rank CC by 800%. Rank B by 2000%. Rank BB by 3500%. Rank A by 7000%. And Rank AA by 10,000%. Requires rank rewards equal to the rank of the stone.

Soul Energy Stone - (Two D, one left)

Rating 60-200

A peasiz crystal stone containing vast amounts of darkness elemental power within. Can be used for a temporary boost in elemental power, reinforcing the user or a weapon by crushing the stone and absorbing the energy within. May also be used as material for magic. The higher the rank the greater the power within the stone. Rank D energy Stone increase elemental power by 100%. Rank DD by 200%. Rank C by 500%. Rank CC by 800%. Rank B by 2000%. Rank BB by 3500%. Rank A by 7000%. And Rank AA by 10,000%. Requires rank rewards equal to the rank of the stone.

Human Essence Pill - (Two C)

Rating 80-180.

A pill containing the nutritional and spiritual force of humans within. Can be ingested for a temporary boost in power and stamina for users with mutations that consume the blood and flesh of humans and other organisms. After ingestion thirty seconds to take effect. The higher the rank of the pill the greater the power gained. Rank D pill increase power and stamina by 100%. Rank C by 500%. Rank B by 2500%. Rank A by 10,000%. Requires rank rewards equal to the rank of the pill.

Cell Vitality Package D -

Rating 65.

A 300 stat point increase in Cell Vitality. One Time purchase. 1000 Points and D rank reward.

Reaction Speed Package D -

Rating 65.

A 300 stat point increase in Reaction Speed. One Time purchase. 1000 Points and D rank reward.

Muscle Density Package D -

Rating 65.

A 300 stat point increase in Muscle Density. One Time purchase. 1000 Points and D rank reward.

Immunization Strength Package D -

Rating 65.

A 300 stat point increase in Immunization Strength. One Time purchase. 1000 Points and D rank reward.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

After all the exchanges were finished Shin was left with a odd feeling. Team Japan had always prepared weapons and enhancements for the individual or for the sake of the team's power, yet this time with the exception of a few, we had spent most of our points and rewards from the last mission of preparation for the main mission. It felt oddly reassuring, but at the same time left him with a vulnerable feeling for his comrades.

Shin: "If our preparations were truly enough we'll be fine... but if they fall short.. we'll die. *Sigh*! That's life. We can only give it my best."

Following the exchange session, besides training, everyone did their own things the following few days:

◆ Drake liked playing Japanese Gal Games (Under 14?), so he exchanged a computer from God. The NPCs in the games all had artificial intelligence and they could interact like real humans. Drake was having the time of his life... till his girlfriend saw him playing those games and kicked him out of their room for a few days.

◆ Sachi loved to experiment with new medicines and new poisons in her room with a set of medical tools. Then under well crafted lies she would invite the other to test her products... and they would then run screaming from her room.

◆ Aqua had a manly hobby of working out by weight lifting. Due to her own body type and enhancements she would never grow too muscular, so she would go at it without restraint. She would also go swimming in the pool in her basement space... and had to chase out Shin would wait by the side watch her. Shin was prescient and kept coming back, so in the end Aqua allowed him to swim and train together... and especially enjoyed it as she best Shin in every contest of strength and the look of shame on his face.

◆ Jin was using his down time multitasking. He was playing strategy games in one hand and playing around with the output of magic. He was both trying to improve his tactics in battles and own magic abilities. He would also go over a stack of papers on tools and powers Team Japan would need in the future. This was his ides of fun, so no one told him to stop. He also took time to repair the helicopter he "Confiscated" from the deceased Mayor of Tokonosu City. He was assisted by his human creation maid and Aqua's long forgotten butler... which was a odd sight to see. In the end he successfully repaired the helicopter for Team Japan's future use alongside the two modified Humvees they acquired from Kohta... but he was still disappointed. Compared to sci-fi weapons the modern helicopter wasn't stylish enough and regretted that each member of the team didn't have extra rank rewards to all get the transportation devices they talked about early in H.O.T.D like the Sky Sticks or even the Hover Boards.

◆ Hikari worked on learning how to use programing tools of her new B tier hacking tool which had the shape of a suit case computer. Everything found within the programing tools went over her head since it was a higher tier sci-fi tool, but it just brought out her inner nerd wanting to understand and master this new information. Hikari would also, in an attempt to look like a real couple and not just one of many women in a harem, go out on dates with Shin. Shin was actually considerate at these times... but hearing that he learned to date from video games and Anime made her give him minus points... and plus points for just how good he was at dating (The power of gal games is not to be looked down on!)

◆ Connor kept to himself for the post part and just practiced his sniping and other gun skills. During his breaks and in the name of studying, he would watch the World Trigger Anime, and other shows with protagonist with demon powers. He never noticed how his young eyes that had grown too use to seeing dead bodies of friends and enemies alike would glow during these times.

◆ Kisara spent her timing sharpening her sword skills. She tripled her efforts to improve her mastery of her new Sephiroth Boots, but more importantly Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu. Kisara had come to learn that with a few exceptions the skills of the man killing art her father had taught her proved ineffective against the monster and powerful warrirors who appeared during the missions, so she was now adapting the fundamentals of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu into a more free, yet all the same fierce sword style. She had yet to realize it yet, but what she wad doing now was rediscovering the true form of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu from the ancient past by the founder of the school, sealed away due to the high demands on the body impossible for normal human to endure. Kisara also used this free time to spar with Shin. She was by far the better swordsman of the two, but yet seeing the man she loved and respected overcome her attacks and grow at a startling pace made her feel proud, but more so frustrated. These feeling fueled Kisara to further improve herself, yet for Shin her sparing partner he just kept wondering what he did to upset her as her katana kept flying towards his neck and other vitals.

◆ Shin, after spending 50 points to turn his room into a much larger space which could replicate any environment on earth, he went on walks with Komaru in a prairie everyday. During these walks he felt most at peace, but he felt Komaru had something to say to him, but when ever he asked she would just change the subject. Shin couldn't understand what was going on with Komaru, but seeing her still have fun taking walks with him and drawing Manga on the grass with a smile filled him with endless peace of mind.

Then he spent most of his time training to the point of exhausting himself everyday. He needed to be strong for the upcoming battle after all. The others could slack a bit but as a leader, he had to be responsible for himself and for the team. He was possibly the strongest member of Team Japan and he also wanted to redeem himself for the battle against Badru.

Shin didn't have especially bad feeling towards Team Kenya's leader even if he took Shuai's life. For Shin, Badru was a enemy he would have to defeat one day, rather than say a hated mortal enemy. Shin felt odd by this strange opinion of Badru. A normal person would hate the person who killed their friend or loved one, yet it could just be because Badru fought him and his team as an warrior seeking exciting battles rather than a cruel villain who was only out for blood like how Abigail and Team Germany were. Shin then began to wonder what if someone killed Hikari, Aqua, Kisara, or Komaru. When he did he realized he would hate the person to death. More likely lose himself to rage to kill the person responsible, but at the same time he didn't feel like he would stay that way forever. He would certainly kill the person responsible no matter how long it took him, but he wouldn't forever lose himself for years like an avenger like Sasuke Uchiha. And realizing that... he didn't feel especially proud for not living the life of a avenger.

It was a scary thought Shin now tired to expel from his mind, but he now knew deep down he was prepared for everyone's death on some level. Shin couldn't kid himself about the possibility that they all wouldn't die after losing so many comrades, but maybe this was normal. Protagonist who have never lost a comrade would never think this way, but protagonist who have lost a comrade or comrades couldn't discard the possibility. They would say it would still hurt no matter how many times it happens, but underneath the surface they learned that it wasn't the end of the world and that they could keep going.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Day 10.

On that final day, everyone stood in the platform waiting for the beams quietly. 20 beams were shot down and the eight members of team Japan stepped into the beams without hesitation. They did everything they could to prepare, so all that was left was step forward.

- Enter the beam within thirty seconds. Target locked. "Brynhildr in the Darkness". Beginning transportation!

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Authors Note:

Rate/Follow/Favorite/Comment.

I pulled everyone's rewards and points except Shin's, so don't be iffy about the rewards and points used. There were 9000 or so points left for the team excluding Shin's, so I used those to further increase stats. I then used 3399 points to Grim Ash, and 1000 to improve Komaru as an apology for forgetting to enhance her for the dangerous mission. Warning, If you get sucked into God's Dimension, don't start a harem. They'll bleed you dry for points, so don't do it... unless your Shin who has the good fortune of a protagonist.

As for why I made so much preparations for the main mission... They alll just had too many points. Like I said earlier the points were too much and I couldn't think of so many enhancements. It was a fun experiment, but I will never do that again.

For the heck of it I thought I'll show you the God's Blessing item, and I'll see you in the next arc! Have a good 2017 everyone!

God's Blessings -

Rating 300.

A magic defensive ring that creates a veil of pure white light around the user when activated which can nullify all damge; from the explosion of a collapsing star to even the wrath of Gods, for ten seconds once every day. Damge, shock, temperature, gravity, lack of air, all ailments, magic, supernatural effects, curses, and all negative environmental factors are negatived when the barrier is active. During the ten second activation period all wounds are healed and users energies are restored to full as well. Can revive the holder if killed, but ring will go into a inactive state for 1000 days. Indestructible attribute. Soul Bound Equipment. Will always return to its owner even if across dimensional and barrier when called upon. Requires 50,000 Points and S rank reward.