Blade’s P.O.V

It’s been a full week, but I’ve only managed to gain 8 levels, and only about 925 Gacha Coins. It’s seems that I’ve out grown this area already....

I open up the Statistics App,

STATISTICS APPName:BladeRace:DemonLevel:21Alignment:EvilSTR:43AGI:30INT:40END:30WIS:27LIB:50Status Points0

“You know you’re leveling up at an absurdly fast rate, your level 21. Most people would only be level 8-9 by now, maybe if they were lucky around 10. ”

Oh really? They're rather slow.

"You're just too fast..." (Giri)

But it’s still not fast enough, I won't be able to easily catch up to those Otherworlders that have come before me if I'm only this fast. They probably have quite a large lead with all the time that's probably gone by. They're going to have the advantage in levels, equipment, connections, allies, money, and skills. I’m going to have to become a lot stronger a lot faster otherwise it might be the end of me,

“You're being paranoid" (Giri)

I'm being cautious

"Whatever, you know you could always head deeper into the forest. There should be more dangerous monsters the further you go in. Though the further you go the harder it will become to navigate your way around the thick forests filled with all the these trees and vegetation.” (Giri)

I was thinking of that, but that has risks of it's own. I don't want to run into another Dryad, I doubt I'll be able to kill one with my current level. And I've been warned once not too go too deep into the forest anyway. For now we'll stick with the plan, I'll just have to make do with these weaker monsters. If I kill enough of them the EXP will pile up and I'll be able to level up eventually.

I check my surroundings using my minimap, and memorize the general location of the monsters within a 100 meters of my location. Let's see I still have some time until I rendezvous with Stella, and I'm still a little ways away from the cave.

I move the minimap to the corner, and quickly charge through the forest quickly navigating through the trees with machete in hand. And as I head to my current destination, an especially large Goblin Cave that I believe houses a Goblin Lord, I swing my machete killing everything I come across.

If I were to just run to the cave directly it probably wouldn't take that long to get there, but since I'm running in a sort of zigzag pattern killing as many monsters and beasts as possible it's taking a bit off time. Especially since I miss a few corpses, and I have to stop for a bit too pick them up and throw them into my inventory where the rest of the corpses have been steadily stacking up.

“You know if you keep killing monsters and beasts like this they’re gonna go extinct.” (Giri)

Extinct? I doubt it, at most they'll just end up becoming endangered . And if that happens natural will naturally balance itself out.

If I kill too many wolves it’s prey will have fewer predators. If there are fewer predators the prey that the wolves previously ate will start thriving and start rapidly consuming the vegetation. If that happens the vegetation will grow thinner and thinner until it can no longer handle the population of herbivores. And then that will cause a number of beasts to start starving, and all sorts of beasts will start weakening allowing the wolves to replenish their population.

“Eh? Is that how it works?” (Giri)

Why am I giving you a Biology Lesson?

“I'm surprised you even know Biology, weren't you a Human Experiment." (Giri)

Knowledge is power, and I acquired a large amount of knowledge on Earth, Though most if it was related too killing. But you know I'm surprised you don't know this stuff, aren't you an A.I?

"Technically you’re one too, I just so happen to know who created me.” (Giri)

Don’t you have a database for things like this?

“Well I do have a large database, but that doesn't mean I’ve gone through the entirety of it. And besides I only have access to the part of the Database related to Otherworlders like you. I can access other parts of the database to answer your questions, but I have to pass it through the Gacha System first. So despite being designed as an A.I to assist you, I’m not too knowledgeable on quite a few subjects.” (Giri)

Is that why you’ve been asking all these questions?

“Mhmm, and besides I’m no different from those Devils you summon, I've been developing what you Humans refer to as Curiosity. You see, Mentality I’m almost identical to you Humans. I can think, feel, and act as I wish as long as I fulfill my directive. And I even have a Pseudo-Soul.” (Giri)

Feel?

“Yeah, even if I wasn’t initially designed to have emotions ,I’ve been created so well that I'm almost indistinguishable from all other self-aware sentient races on the planet that over time I’d eventually find that I jut had emotions one day. I mean you Humans were like that too, originally.” (Giri)

Oooh?

“At first Humans, Beastmen, Demihumans, Elves, Demons, and all other sentient races were kind of like Golems, Dolls. All of you were for the most part like empty husks, with a simple directive, "Survive and Reproduce". But you see over time all of you suddenly developed self-awareness, and a sense of self. And from that all sorts of inexplicable things popped up like emotions, and a sense of morality”

Golems huh? Aren't Golems still like dolls? How come they haven't changed?

“Well Golems are a little different from most other races, because Golems don't exactly reproduce. They're like spirits that are birthed by the world, or at times created by other races. And due to this Golems could never really reproduce or die, so instead their God bound them to several Golden Rules." (Giri)

The Three Laws of Robotics?

"What's that?" (Giri)

A robot cannot harm a Human, a robot must follow a Humans orders, and a robot must protect it's own existence. Or something along those lines.

Though those rules were often broken quite a bit, there were Robots that ran amok killing Humans, and some that completely ignored Human orders.

"Is that so? Well it's something close to that, we don't know exactly what rules were handed out to the Golems, but we do know this. Golems are forbidden to speak of it, Golems are allow only to retaliate not instigate, and Golems must fulfill the duty that they are born with." (Giri)

A duty they're born with?

"Yes, each Golem is given some duty or role to fulfill, and they live out their entire lives fulfilling them. For example in some Forests there are times when a Golem would be born and it's goal would be to eternally protect that forest. Anyways I digressed, Golems just aren't given the sort of Freedom other races are by their Gods. The only way a Golem can over come the Golden Rules set by their God is if their Master allows it. And Golems that do happen to develop emotions or self-awareness are ones that have had Masters who've enabled them a great deal of freedom. It's only then do they seem to truly resemble the other races, and only then do they develop emotions" (Giri)

Is that so? Emotions huh....

I wonder if I still have such a thing......

Nothing seems to be hindering my judgement or state of mind so it should be fine if I leave it for now. Anyways, you sure are getting more talkative Giri

“Would you like me to stop?” (Giri)

No, it’s fine. It’s a decent way to pass the time, this is quite boring.

“I think you’re too relaxed when it comes to killing…..” (Giri)

Is that so?

I turn my head, and look at the pile of corpses that have collected on the ground over the course of my little conversation. I’ve killed a total of 9 wolves, 13 horned rabbits, 3 vines snakes, 7 snakes, 2 giant spiders, and several different birds.

I stuffed them all into my inventory, and began heading towards the goblin cave once more. And after about a half an hour of slaughter, and killing I finally managed to reach the cave.

I slowly approach the entrance, with Camouflage activated. From the bushes I can see a few Goblins standing guard in front of the Cave's entrance.

They don't look like they've seen me yet. I take the opportunity to climb a tree to my right and gain a vantage point on top of the branches, hidden by the leaves. And from the tree I managed to spot a few well hidden Archers hiding among the trees, it seems they're using them as makeshift watch towers of.

I checked my minimap and at the very least 80 or so red dots in the caves general direction. I'm assuming some of the Goblins have gone out, but even then this is still rather dangerous. If I were to charge in there right now there's a good chance I won't be able to make it out alive even with my level advantage. Of course I could always kite the goblins out of the cave where I could slowly, but surely whittle them down. But that would lead to a long and drawn out battle that just wasn't worth the cost. And besides I doubt their dumb enough to just let me pick them off.

Well they’re necessary for the plan anyways, so I'll leave them alive. After waiting for about a half a hour, a blue dot popped up on my minimap signifying that Stella was within a 100 meters of my current location. I quietly jumped off the branch I was on, and silently made my way in her general direction.

“Master the mission is complete.” (Stella)

“And the other three?” (Blade)

“They’ve gone on another mission on their own.” (Stella)

“I see, that’s fine. For now switch to Marilyn.” (Blade)

I pulled out a pile of skin from my inventory, and Stella quickly transformed back into her true form before turning into a pile goo that infiltrated that plunged itself into the pile of skin that I tossed onto the floor. And as usual the pile of flesh quickly contorted, and a seemingly ordinary, butt naked Human stood before me in a matter of seconds.

I took out another pile of skin, this pile of skin is from the Archer Tilleth a C Rank Adventurer I once partied with and had the Flesh Devil consume. Her skin was equipped with just some thin leather armor that seemed to be completely attached to the skin.

“Hurry up now” (Blade)

The Flesh Devil’s liquefied body shot out of Marilyn’s body and then into Tilleth’s skin on the ground. And soon enough the pile of flesh began to form the body of Tilleth.

This is an ability that the Flesh Devil unlocked after reaching level 20 called [Possession]. It's similar to her previous ability in that it can perfectly mimic the person she's controlling, but it has the added benefit of being remote controlled. There doesn't seem to be a limit to it's range which is handy, but the body that is possessed can barely exhibit any of their former abilities.

It's more of an ability designed to allow the Flesh Devil to more rapidly consume people, and for show. And since the Flesh Devil can only posses one person there's a limit to how much we can do. But I can still put this ability to use.

Though if I can keep the Flesh Devil alive long enough, she should be able to strengthen this ability, and unlock some more later on.

Anyways, I pull out the Ritual Dagger and I cut a star onto the back of my hand. And then I stab the dagger straight through my hand.

Demonic Ritual Commencing

Please State Your Ritual

The Binding of Flesh and Blood, Ritual of Connecting Souls

Ritual Confirmed Offerings have been received, Ritual of Connecting Souls ready

I pull the bloody dagger out of my hand, and the wounds rapidly heal, and it appeared like I didn't cut myself in the first place. Even my health is completely full.

Anyways, the Ritual is currently sealed in this Ritual Dagger. I was reading through the Book of Demonic Rituals and I found this rather handy spell. Basically by using your own blood and flesh you can establish what is known as a Spiritual Link.

This is something usually only Summoners have, but by performing this Ritual it's possible to form that same link with a Devil. It basically allows us to use telepathy within 500 meters of each other, and allows me too know her general location regardless of the distance between us.

It's quite handy, and if it weren't for the second half of the ritual I bet it would be used a lot more often. You see the reason why this ritual only really works for Devils is because you have to do this.

I walk up to Tilleth, and quickly stab the Ritual Dagger straight into her heart. The Ritual Dagger shines brightly, and I feel a sudden burning sensation in my Heart.

I close my eyes, and send a message through the connection, "So how is it?" (Blade)

And she responded telepathically "Painful" (Tilleth)

I pull the Ritual Dagger out of her heart, and place it back into my Inventory. And while I'm at it I take the oppurtunity to pull out a bow, some arrows, a robe, and a few vials of poison.

This insurance in case this goes down south. I look over to Marilyn and ask, “So how’s the connection?” (Blade)

““Perfect””(Tilleth and Marilyn)

Marilyn has been moving around behind me the entire time trying to get used to controlling two bodies at once.

“Good, wear this and follow me.” (Blade)

I hand the naked Marilyn the Robe of the Acolyte I took out earlier. I have her put on her hood, and completely hide her body as I slowly guide her towards the Goblin's Cave. And right before I enter the line of sight I make sure to activate Monstra-Translate.

And as I approach the cave, entering the goblins line of sight the grunts and archers notice me. It looked as if they were about to blow a horn so I used Mind-Control to stop them.

I easily make it through the entrance without a hitch, and I enter the cave. The cave is quite large, easily 10 times as large as the cave of the previous Goblins I’ve killed.

I could hear loud chatter, and noises of Goblins talking, hammers hitting steal, and swords striking each other. As I turned around the corner there were Goblins of every shape and size eating, sparring, or taking an afternoon nap.

“GOBLIN LORD!” (Blade)

I yell at the top of my lungs, and the sound echoes through out the large cave waking the napping Goblins, and bringing the attention of all the other Goblins.

“It’s a Human!” (Goblin)

“Kill the Human!” (Goblin 2)

“Kill!” (Goblin)

Several grunts charge at me as soon as they see me. I check their levels and they’re only level 7s. I lightly kick them, making sure to hold back but I ended up sending them flying. “Calm down, I’m here to talk to your Lord. Now get him out here!” (Blade)

“Keeee! Human can speak Gob!” (Goblin 2)

“Human speak Gob!? Is the Human, Human?” (Goblin 3)

“I’m Human, and I’m here to talk to your-” (Blade)

“Lord, yeah I heard you.” (Goblin Lord)

A tall red-hobgoblin walked out from the depths of the caved followed by several other Hobgoblins and goblins.. He’s rather tall, roughly seven feet with a rather large build. He had a single horn on his head, and for some reason there were spikes on his knees and elbows.

As for his equipment, he has some iron gauntlets, and some armor made out of bones and monster leather. While his weapon of choice seemed to be a large axe that resembled a saw. It looked like it was constructed out of bones and teeth.

I activated Analyze.

Goblin LordLevel 25A Hobgoblin Variant who has managed to unite enough Goblins to earn himself a title of lord. As the leader of such a large group he has a great amount leadership, and strength, but his variation has caused him to receive an unusual amount of strength, and intelligence.

Oh, he’s a lot stronger than I anticipated, and he’s a Variant what’s that mean?

“Well you should know that like all other races Monsters, Demi Humans, and Beasts all have levels right? Well when they reach a certain level of strength or level in general, the mana in their body transforms them and this is referred to as a Rank-Up. The Vine Snakes originated from normal snakes who grew strong enough to warrant a Rank-Up. And Variants are well variations in the Rank-Up that usually change the Monster in someway.” (Giri)

I see….

“It’s nice too meet you Goblin Lord” (Blade)

“Enough with the pleasantries Human, give me one good reason not to kill you right now!” (Goblin Lord)

“Because you’d miss out on a wonderful deal.” (Blade)

“And what deal is this? “ (Goblin Lord)

“Well first, why don’t we talk somewhere private.” (Blade)

“Fine, but if you try anything I won’t hesitate to kill you.” (Goblin Lord)

“Likewise” (Blade)

I follow the Goblin Lord along with his subordinates deeper into the cave, and he eventually leads me to a stone room, with a table and a few chairs. He sat down, and his subordinate offered me a seat.

“Now we’re only with my captains, and commanders and my trusted subordinates. Now Human, how exactly can you speak our language?” (Goblin Lord)

“Does it matter? For now the deal.” (Blade)

“Very well go on.” (Goblin Lord)

“Do you know what’s going to happen a week from now?” (Blade)

“What?” (Goblin Lord)

“The Harvest Festival. The harvest itself happened a while ago, but the Harvest Festival is going to happen in a week.” (Blade)

“And?” (Goblin Lord)

“I’ll give you the opportunity to raid the Boean Village, what do you say?” (Blade)

“Raid the village!?” (Goblin Lord)

“You’ve been eyeing the village haven’t you? I tracked down one of the Goblins you’ve had spying on the village to find you after all.” (Blade)

“Then do you know why we haven’t raided the village yet?” (Goblin Lord)

“Simple, because you’re weak, you lack the equipment, the personnel, and the information.” (Blade)

“Why you filthy Human!” (Female Hobgoblin)

The Goblin Lord held the Female Hobgoblin back, “Don’t” (Goblin Lord)

“It might hurt, but it’s true. The village has over 200 villagers, and even if all of them can’t fight, you only have around a hundred goblins. And then there’s the Guild, you might not understand what the Guild is, but you should have understood that there are powerful people in the village. You simply can't match them in, well anything.” (Blade)

The Goblin Lord glared at me silently

“But if I were to work from inside and weaken them, I could help you guys pull off a raid. You could get equipment, women, food, supplies. It’s a pretty good deal if you asked me.” (Blade)

“And what do you have to gain from this….” (Goblin Lord)

“Me? I get to kill people, and I get too loot people. What more could I ask for.” (Blade)

“And you expect me to trust someone like you? You’re saying you’re willing to betray your own kind! How can I trust a Human trying to betray Humans!” (Goblin Lord)

“And If I'm not Human?” (Blade)

“What!?” (Goblin Lord)

I deactivate Humanification revealing my Demon Form.

“You’re-” (Goblin Lord)

“A Demon, yes. So do you trust me now?” (Blade)

“Well….” (Goblin Lord)

“How about this, Marilyn.” (Blade)

“Yes, Master.” (Marilyn)

“Strip” (Blade)

Marilyn quickly took off the Robe of Acolyte and stood before the crowd bare naked. And all the Goblins in the room stared at her speechless.

“If you accept my deal, I’ll give Marilyn here over to you as collateral. You can do as you please with her, I don’t care. She’s my slave anyway. If not I can always find another Goblin Lord, or maybe I can even turn to the Goblin King.” (Blade)

The Goblin Lord took a large gulp of saliva, and turned to look at his subordinates before turning back to me.

“Very well Demon, we accept.” (Goblin Lord)

“Good, I’ll arrange a few things first. I’ll be back in a few days, just get your men ready for a raid.” (Blade)

“Very well” (Goblin Lord)

“Then, I’ll be taking my leave.” (Blade)

I walk out of the stone room leaving behind Marilyn, and I leave the cave completely unperturbed.

As I walk out I signal Tilleth that everything went according to plan, and we regroup. I hand her Stella’s skin and she switches back.

“Mmm” (Stella)

Stella turns a little red, and her legs seem to shake a little.

“What’s wrong” (Blade)

“Well Master, that Hobgoblin’s variation didn’t just give him an increased physical strength, and intelligence but an increase that as well.” (Stella)

“Is that so? Well don’t kill anyone.” (Blade)

We quickly head on back to the village.

Authors Note

Hey guys I was gonna do a double release today, but things happened and I could only do this chapter. Anyways onto announcements. I'm now going to be doing scheduled releases for Gotta Gacha now. The release schedule is Biweekly release every Saturday or Sunday. Though you could technically call it a rotating weekly schedule where I upload Gotta Gacha and the Forgotten Soul alternatively.

Oh and guys check out A Tale of Casual OPness it's a more light hearted take on what I was gonna do with this series before you know I killed everything.