Chapter 16

The plan for the night had been simple. While Henry intended to keep only a single D.E.D. summoned during the daytime, when he was prone to come across other Exorcists, and upon obviously his return to the branch headquarters, the situation at his house was different. He was keen to ensure he didn’t give away too much, and wanted to follow Loki’s advice, but he also wanted to level up his D.E.D. as fast as possible. That meant giving them as much time in their physical forms as possible.

Which meant for that night, considering he’d planned on just going to bed and getting a decent night of rest, he let both his D.E.D. remain summoned. He…wasn’t really sure if that was normal, or even if that was actually a good or bad choice, but he didn’t care in his sleep addled state. After all, Loki had said having a D.E.D. out and around him was important for his protection, so he figured keeping them summoned while he slept was ideal. Of course, he did wonder as he fell asleep if he was going to wake up being attacked by them. But, they both assured him they wouldn’t, and he figured he should at least trust the ones that had made a bond with him.

Thankfully, that assumption had been correct, as when he woke the next morning, he found he had not been harmed in any way. Even better, both the D.E.D. were still in his room, just hanging out. While reassuring, that part was a little creepy as well. Had they just sat there, watching him sleep, all night? That seemed eerie.

Henry chased that from his mind though as he grabbed his phone, noticing a little icon indicating he had a few notifications in his D.E.D. app. Opening it up, he was thrilled to see that, first and foremost, his Evil Eye had leveled up while he slept. Henry still wasn’t sure how experience and such worked with the D.E.D., considering there wasn’t an actual experience gauge for his D.E.D. to show exact numbers, but whatever the passive rate of gain was out and about, his Evil Eye had hit that threshold. He held off on looking at the other notifications, in order to look at the new stats on his Evil Eye.

Evil Eye (Common)

Wind Type

Level 2

22/22 HP

16/16 MP

Skills:

Tackle

Wind Shield

Air Burst

It went without saying that Henry was less than impressed with the basic stat increases on the Evil Eye. Even though it was the same level as the Bladed Drakeling now, it had 13 less HP, and 4 less MP. Which, just went to show the difference in a support type D.E.D., and one made for actual combat. He also wondered if the rarity of the D.E.D. actually played that much into the overall power of the creature. If that was the case, he couldn’t help but marvel at how game-like this entire situation felt. It was no wonder the D.E.D. Exorcists had managed to turn the entire situation into an extremely popular game. Granted…if people realized what was truly at stake, they may be a little less inclined to fully take part in it. After all, people generally tried to avoid potential bodily harm, and the end of the world seemed like something everyone would be less than inclined to take part in.

He pushed those thoughts from his mind. It was too early for doom and gloom. And maybe he was still a bit in shock from everything that had been going on. After all, it had been less than 24 hours since he’d learned he was living in a world of lies.

With a quick glance to the two D.E.D., who were patiently just observing him, completely silent, he looked at the other notifications on his phone.

Initiate Training Timeline

Was the title of a message showing up in his inbox, and he selected it, knowing briefly what it was going to include. The Branch Director had at least given him a heads up on what was to come.

Greetings Initiate. Please report to your Branch Location by noon today to begin your official training. Today’s training will involve a mock battle, as well as a practical application regarding different interactions with D.E.D. in the world. Completion of this training, as well as a chaperoned mission, will conclude your basic initiation training, and will result in your Strike Team assignment. Failure to arrive at a timely manner for your initiation will result in grave consequences.

The training was obviously important, and would have been really helpful prior to his interaction last night with the rift opening at the top of the incline. Still, even though he’d managed that situation pretty well, all things considered, and snagged an uncommon D.E.D., Henry knew better than to assume he knew everything. He’d played enough games to know you didn’t want to completely skip a tutorial, and this initiation felt very much like that.

“Looks like we’re going to have an eventful day.” Henry said to his two D.E.D. The clock on his phone showed he’d slept in till almost 10. And even though he now had a variety of the entrances to headquarters pinpointed in his phone, he knew it was still going to be a 30 to 40minute process to actually get there. Which meant he needed to hurry up and get showered and changed. After all, he’d worked up quite the sweat running the incline, and felt like it would behoove him to make somewhat of a good impression with the group. Plus, he didn’t know who all he would encounter today, and figured it would be best to do so in as…functional a situation as possible. Meaning not smelly and in slept in clothes.

Eventful for you. The Bladed Drakeling scoffed. All of this feels rather tedious to me.

I look forward to working alongside you, Awakened One. The Evil Eye commented. Their personalities couldn’t be more different.

“Appreciate that.” Henry responded even as he made his way to the shower. “And while I’m not playing favorites,” he paused to look at the two, “you may want to work on your attitude if you want more time out and about.” Henry said to the Bladed Drakeling. He’d already made the decision to keep the Bladed Drakeling hidden for now, considering what Loki had told him. However, considering the Evil Eye seemed somewhat pleasant, and eager to please, it also felt like the appropriate choice to keep it out and about. Even though from a power standpoint…it was painfully obvious the difference in the strength of those two D.E.D.

Your wet noodle of a pet won’t do you much good in fights. The Bladed Drakeling feigned a yawn I’ll get plenty of essence from killing those who stand in our way. Though, the Drakeling leveled its gaze at Henry, it’s voice hardening, logically, it would be in your best interest to get me as strong as possible. Would be a shame if you were to lose your pet Eye all because I haven’t been given ample time out and about to grow stronger.

Henry didn’t reply to the Drakeling as he headed into the shower. He didn’t have to. They both knew the lizard-like creature had made an obvious, painfully true point. The Bladed Drakeling, not the Evil Eye, was the D.E.D. that would do most of the fighting, and would keep them safe. Logically, that meant the Bladed Drakeling was who Henry should focus on leveling. No matter what.