Chapter 15

Henry

Unranked Exorcist

Strike Team- Unassigned

Resonation Tier Potential- SSS

Current Resonation- C+

Max D.E.D. Points- 400

Current D.E.D. Points in use- 32

Henry glanced at his character information on the app, as he eyed his Bladed Drakeling. The lizard like creature definitely exuded a more powerful aura around itself than the Evil Eye did. The Drakeling was a creature meant for combat. Its scales looked tough, and it had sharp claws and teeth. Additionally, it had that scorpion like tail that ended in a sharp blade. Which also seemed to justify why, when he’d summoned it, his D.E.D. points in use had tripled. His level 1 Evil Eye took him only 10 points currently. The level 2 Bladed Drakeling, took 22.

“Tell me about yourself.” Henry said to the Drakeling as he switched the information from his character profile, back to the Drakeling’s. Stat wise, it was superior to the Evil Eye in every aspect, save for intelligence. In that, the Evil Eye reigned supreme. Which, made sense for a magic based support type.

What would you wish to know? The voice asked, as its eyes narrowed. I’m not as giving as your floating pinata there. The creature chuckled, even as its eyes narrowed towards the Evil Eye. While I’ve made an agreement to pact with you, I am still very much so, my own being.

Drakelings are notoriously proud. The Evil Eye chimed in.

And rightly so. The Bladed Drakeling responded. Apparently…they could hear each other as they spoke to Henry. Was that because they were all bonded together? Or could they always hear the other D.E.D speaking? After all, Drakelings are descended from some of the strongest D.E.D. to ever exist.

Drakelings consider themselves dragonkin. Yet, they’ll never equate to those creatures of myth. The Evil Eye said coldly to Henry. Apparently, the Drakeling’s comment referring to the Evil Eye as a pinata had gotten under its skin. Henry couldn’t help but be fascinated by the interactions between the two. Before his Evil Eye had been so proper, so professional. And yet now, it was throwing snide insults to the Drakeling that Henry had summoned.

And yet, the Drakeling’s tail swished dangerously, even at my weakest, I’ll still be stronger than you ever could fathom. Now then, the Drakeling turned its focus back to Henry. I did not come here to argue with this flying decoration. What questions do you have for me? Ask now, so we might further plan out our path towards power.

Henry cleared his throat, trying to ignore the negative energy that had filled the room between the two D.E.D. Was this another reason why he’d not seen many Exorcists walking about with multiple D.E.D. out? Were they always like this? Or was it more so because they tried to keep their D.E.D. collections secret? The other option, which Henry had been considering, was simply alternating the D.E.D. that was summoned, in order to make sure they passively leveled accordingly. After all, the D.E.D. summoned by an Exorcist apparently gained passive experience by gathering ambient energy from around the individual. Meaning if you rotated which D.E.D. you’d summoned, you could ensure they leveled at roughly the same pace.

“Why did you come through the rift?” Was the first question Henry had. Though the moment he spoke, he felt foolish. The answer, was obvious.

To come to this world, in order to gain power. The Drakeling responded, predictably.

“And why did you decided to bond with me?”

Because at the time, you seemed to be level-headed, and capable. If I didn’t, there was a chance I would die. Joining an Awakened One who is capable though, means I could quickly reach my goals of becoming a greater Drake.

That was the evolution aspect of D.E.D. that had been explained to Henry. Different types of D.E.D. could evolve on their own as they leveled up, as long as the requirements were met. The app actually had a detailed list of known D.E.D. and their evolution requirements. Henry just hadn’t had the time to check them out yet.

“What happens when you reach your goal?” Henry didn’t know, just yet, how long it would take for the Bladed Drakeling to become a Greater Drake. He didn’t know a lot of things yet. But this was still his first day, so he figured that was a given.

As long as you prove yourself worthy, I will continue by your side. The Drakeling’s eyes narrowed, but if you give me reason enough to lose faith in you…well, some taboos are worth invoking.

The deadly calm way the Drakeling said those words, sent chills down Henry’s spine. He didn’t know what Taboo the creature may be speaking of, but he could imagine. No one had mentioned the ability of D.E.D. to turn on those they’d pacted with, but Henry also wasn’t naïve enough to think there weren’t ways for bonds to be broken. After all, nothing in the world was ever absolute. He felt that even more so now, considering everything he knew about the world had rapidly been changing. After all, before he’d downloaded the game, he’d been pretty magic didn’t exist. And yet…talking demons were hanging out in his home with him.

You wouldn’t dare. His Evil Eye hissed towards the Drakeling. Winds began to flow around the Evil Eye, as if it were preparing to launch an attack then and there. The Drakeling, simply laughed.

Our most ancient code is survival of the fittest. There is no honor to be held if one is dead. That, is the simple truth of the world. Power decides right and wrong. It’s eyes flashed colors as its tail shifted dangerously towards the Evil Eye, remember that well. You cannot ridicule, question, or damn me if you’re dead.

Henry cleared his throat, getting the attention of both D.E.D. in the room. Things were getting out of hand, and he was tired. At the same time, he knew he needed to lay out some ground rules for the D.E.D. before he fell asleep. Otherwise…he was afraid he might wake up to an all-out fight. And even though his Evil Eye had the elemental advantage over the Bladed Drakeling, the Drakeling was a higher level, and an actual combat type, not a support type.

“If either of you tries to start a fight with the other, I will unsummon you.” Henry said, trying his best to sound firm. He knew that was something he could do. Unsummoning them would cause their forms to dissipate back into a simple essence, and in that form, they couldn’t harm anyone, or interact with anything. In that form, they also couldn’t gather ambient energy, and passively level up. Meaning whoever he unsummoned, would instantly begin missing out on the chance to level up.

My apologies Awakened One. The winds around the Evil Eye stopped, and it bowed towards him.

If you say so. The Bladed Drakeling Scoffed. I’d not gain much from killing that thing, anyways.

Henry rubbed his temple, feeling a headache growing quickly. These two were going to drive him insane. And like, actually insane, not appearing to talk to nothingness insane. Because sure, if anyone who didn’t have a resonation had been observing, he’d been talking to himself for close to an hour, and was already insane looking. But…that wasn’t the point.

“I’m keen to get stronger, that much is clear.” Henry said slowly. “Obviously, I’d rather not die any time soon.” He’d rather not die at all, at least, not for another 30 plus year. There was a lot of life to live, after all. “But I’m also not going to allow you guys to do whatever you want on a whim. We will get stronger together, but it will be on my terms.” He tried to make himself sound more confident, and in control, than he actually felt. “Is that understood?”

The two D.E.D. gave him nods, but remained silent.

“Very well then, here’s the plan for tonight.”