Oooph... What a night...

"Howdy, stranger. Mind passing the butter?" - Filyn

"Do you even know where that butter came from?" - Garami

"No, and I don't care." - Filyn

After the..."extreme" night yesterday, I woke up feeling more exhausted than ever before in my life. And I do count the time when I was chased by Glavras' abandoned body throughout the 9th floor of the Water-Knot. Last night was just...extreme...

NO! Bad demon! Snap out of it, me! Do NOT be misled by her sexy demeanor or techniques! Don't!! *Slap, slap, slap, slap!!*

"Why're you hitting yourself? And here I thought you were on the S-side instead of the M-side. Huh, guess I should reevaluate my evaluation abilities." - Filyn

Filyn was sitting at the breakfast table. She's dressed in the same uniform she was wearing before, just a few sizes bigger..., and a few sizes too small for her, I think. Or maybe her mature look is making me think that. Are those buttons gonna be alright? She's only using half of them, probably because that's the very limit of how much she can keep it closed...

"Could you stop talking about R-18 stuff at the breakfast table?" - Garami

"Garami, we are demons." - Filyn

......Normally, I would have given a comeback here, but something in me is agreeing with her. Is this the conflict a former human that's currently a demon has to deal with? ...I can live with that. The demons get all the chicks.

"Anywho, you mentioned something about some explanations before the **** event yesterday?" - Garami

"Right. Hold this and pour some mana into it," said Filyn as she threw a crystal ball at me. Wait, this is a sphere! As in a crystal sphere, the kind fortune tellers use!

"Filyn, I only have the Seer class. Fortune telling isn't my cup of tea." - Garami

"Coffee then? The mug's over there." - Filyn

"...No, I'll take the tea. I meant I can't-, whoa!?" - Garami

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Charm] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Succubus' Poison Lv.1].

Okay, that was weird. But not weirder than the stuff I've experienced for the past few days. When I poured some mana into the crystal sphere, something shocked me and this message came up..., wait a minute...

"So, what did you get?" - Filyn

"Mind explaining before demanding my personal information?" - Garami

"Hmm? You don't know about Skill Orbs?" - Filyn

"I know Scrolls. Like the ones that the Union gives away to allow people to learn the [Party] skill. But 'orbs' is a new concept. Give me a sec." - Garami

I started looking through the Kigal-Note for info about them. It seems these Orbs are a superior variant to the Skill Scrolls. A single Orb can be used multiple times, but a single individual can only get 1 skill from each Orb. It's more of a thing for parties than solo players, so to speak.

A downside with these things is that you don't know what skill you will obtain. Each Orb has its own "category", and the skill obtained will be randomly chosen based on said category and the user's powers. You can't even guess what skill you'll obtain, as even the category is kept hidden even with the greatest [Identification]-related skill. Only after using it at least once will you know what potential skills each Orb can provide.

Speaking of random skills...

Skill: Succubus' Poison Skill Type: Monster Skill Tier: 2 Attribute: Heretic, Poison Effect: Slight chance to inflict Poison-based [Charm] ailments when inflicting Poison-based [Poison] ailments. The ailment stack value for [Charm] will be the same as the recently-inflicted [Poison] ailment's stack value. Higher skill levels will improve the probability of this skill to activate.

...Yeah..., I can't use this. Why would I want to make the people I poison hot and bothered? This feels like a big miss...

And no, the fact that this skill is of the 2nd tier is not helping. Even if it helps prove that Skill Orbs aren't limited to only T1 skills.

"And I'm writing a blank here. Why did you give me this thing?" - Garami

"Because it would be funny leading you onto the path of the Succubi?" - Filyn

WHY THIS LITTLE-!! I have already decided on my evolution course!!

"Wh-whoa! I get it, I get it, chill out! I was just joking! Partly! Geez, I've never seen anyone capable of sending so much information across with just one death glare since Blot. And that's from someone wearing a blindfold!" - Filyn

"What can I say? I've got the talent for threats. So, what's the real reason?" - Garami

"I want to use up these balls, but there is nobody around that can do it for me. I don't want a potential enemy to get their pawns on new skills they can use against me." - Filyn

That's logical, I guess? Skill Orbs are Ex-rarity items, meaning they can't be destroyed by brute force. You have to spend all their "charges" and have them self-destruct when they've granted their last skill. The number of skills each Orb can grant is random between each unit...

"Hey, wait a minute! Why did you give it to me then? Sure, I don't wanna start any fights, but...isn't this a little early to be trusting us with these things?" - Garami

"Not at all! Even if you guys did betray us, that would just give me more members of my slave harem~." - Filyn

.........Note to self: pledge eternal servitude to this fiend. ...HEY! How's that any different from defying her than getting forced to wear the skimpy harem outfit?! Let's just ignore that comment and move on. I think I've figured out the reason why she's showing me this.

"Let's move past that. So, am I safe to assume that you're giving us this Orb as a reward for allowing you to hitchhike on our attempt to get to the undead castle in the northern district?" - Garami

"Co~rrect~. Except for one part. It's not 'the Orb' as in singular." - Filyn

With that, Filyn started to take out more Orbs similar to the one I already had in my hand. I know you're using a Storage-type skill of some kind, so why're you making such a big deal about taking them out of your cleavage? Are you boasting? Or trying to emphasize that your bust is bigger than these spheres?

A total of 5 Orbs were thrown to me, giving us 6 in full along with the Charm-sphere.

"This many?" - Garami

"What can I say? It was about damn time to do some spring cleaning." - Filyn

Yeah, right.

"And why is it that there are no written explanations on these orbs to separate them from anyone else?" - Garami

"It is more fun not knowing what they do~. It's like pulling at the lottery~." - Filyn

"........." - Garami

"Calm down. In what world does a hired sword glare at their employee in such a manner?" - Filyn

"This world. And I'm a hired scythe if anything." - Garami

"Scary. I like it~. But as for the other Orbs, I have no clue. Blot sends the ones that have been used a fair amount to me without specifying their contents. Mostly because I like the challenge of seeing what they contain. I love lotteries, you see~." - Filyn

"You gacha freak." - Garami

"Ga...sha? What's that?" - Filyn

"Something neither you nor Mira should know about." - Garami

"Tch, you killjoy~. Speaking of which, where is Mira?" - Filyn

"Still in the showers." - Garami

"Hmm~. Maybe I should-." - Filyn

"No." - Garami

Filyn pouted at me as I denied her entry to our hotel room, but I don't have the time to humor her. Let's test out these Orbs. If their source is from Blot, unlike probably that stupid Charm Orb, then these guys should contain at least some decent skills...I hope.

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Bondage] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Gloom Hell Prison].

THERE ARE NO HOPE OR DREAMS IN THIS WORLD!!!!

*Sniff*, I can at least see what it does...

Skill: Gloom Hell Prison Skill Type: Passive Skill Tier: 3 Attribute: Gloom-type attributes Effect: Doubles the duration of disruption/trapping moves on targets other than oneself. Targets affected by this effect will have their status values drop for a certain amount of time. Increases the effects of disruption/trapping moves depending on how higher the Karma Value of the target is compared to the skill user. Grants new options to trapping/disruption-type skills.

...HOLY ****!? This is honestly amazing! And it is a skill of the third tier! [Spatial Storage] is the same, so I know this skill will be great!

To test it out, I accessed my [Create Trap] skill. It has the highest probability of being included in these "disruption/trapping" skills...

"****..." - Garami

"What's wrong? Round 2?" - Filyn

"No... And that will never happen." - Garami

"You goddamn cheapskate!!" - Filyn

Succubi... They're impossible...

Ignore the deviant, Garami. You have more important things to do. Such as looking into these traps. A shitton has been added to my feeble [Create Trap Lv.8]. Chains that lower the target's stats, trapdoors from the shadows, and more stuff are listed here. In what sick world can this be considered simple "bondage"...? Wait, I found it. "Torture Bondage Wire Traps". Devious.

"Maybe Alf would like this Orb..." I muttered to myself as I added the number "2" to the Orb after the "charm bomb" got the number 1. I'm not gonna tell Filyn what category our new skills are from.

"HAH!? I never agreed on letting a man use my Orbs! Nu-uh! I'm going to enjoy you girls' new abilities in bed whether it's through friendship or as my harem!!" - Filyn

"That will never happen, so be satisfied that I'll at least follow that 'no-men' request of yours." - Garami

Filyn started to pout again, but whatever. That leaves Alf incapable of using these Orbs. Poor guy. But it's better than getting targeted by a gender-bender potion-wielding Filyn. And hey, nobody's saying we have to use the Orbs right away. We can save them for future (female) members.

"Fine! I'll be waiting for you two outside. I want a flower in each hand for my necropolis date!" - Filyn

And with that, Filyn went out of the hotel. "Necropolis date", is she serious? Why can't she wait for the rein..., ah. She doesn't want to share the spoils.

As for Orb 3...

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Treasure] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Treasure Radar Lv.1].

Skill: [Detect Treasure Lv.4] has been integrated into skill: [Treasure Radar Lv.1]

...Did I just waste 3 AP? I bought that [Detect Treasure] skill yesterday, and it's already being replaced!

For now, the new skill...

Skill: Treasure Radar Skill Type: Perception Skill Tier: 2 Attribute: --- Effect: Allows one to detect treasure-type items or other items of high value. Mapping-type skills can now show hidden treasure-type items.

Well, it's more substantial...but I'll never see those 3 AP ever again...

The mapping effect may be something that all the "Radar" skills have. Quite handy, especially if you can share any maps from skills with others. I need to look into that. But for now, the next Orb.

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Royalty] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Evil Royalty Lv.1].

Huh? Is this for real?

Skill: Evil Royalty Skill Type: Leadership Skill Tier: 3 Attribute: --- Effect: Grants a [0.1 * skill level]% positive correction to status values of Evil-type creatures that are being led by the skill user. Reduces the LP cost for recruiting Evil-type creatures by [1 * (skill level/5)] points. Reduces damage taken from Evil-type creatures by [0.1 * skill level]%.

Okay, it's real. Wow... Did Blot anticipate Filyn would use these Orbs as a bargaining chip on us when he handed them over to her? I need to ask him the next time I see him...and potentially thank him. Still...what are "evil creatures" classified as? Eh, I'll take it as I go.

Four Orbs down, three more to go. I'm starting to understand Filyn's gacha addiction to these things~.

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Armor] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Armor Proficiency Lv.1].

Aaaand we're back to normal. Rather, this may be the worst result yet! [Armor Proficiency] is a passive skill similar to [Dagger Proficiency] or [Sword Proficiency], a skill that allows you to make the most out of equipped armor items.

Skill: Armor Proficiency Skill Type: Passive Skill Tier: 1 Attribute: --- Effect: Grants a positive correction to the effect of armor-type items based on this skill's level.

The difference between this skill and those "weapon proficiency" skills is that [Armor Proficiency] works on any type of armor before evolving into a skill that only supports one type of armor. That...will be a difficult decision. My Nightmare Demon items are said to be able to change their appearance and item type, so I'm gonna be troubled when I have to evolve this skill.

Please let Orb #6 be something easier to plan with...

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Outer One] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Grimoire Catalyst Lv.1].

*Crack!*

GAAAH!! It finally happened! A Skill Orb broke! So long, #6...

But it may have been for the greater good. I mean, "Outer Ones", aren't they those Lovecraftian-related species!? Why did [Grimoire Catalyst] come from it? Are there any scary books related to the Chuthuly mythos? I mean, except for the stories related to it~. Grimoires, grimoires..., the Necronomicon?

*Brr*, yeah, that sounds like a strong candidate. Maybe I should try to aim for that route when it comes to Magic Catalysts. [Grimoire Catalyst] evolved from the eponymous skill for handling those Catalysts.

Skill: Magic Catalyst Skill Type: Passive Skill Tier: 1 Attribute: --- Effect: Allows the usage of Magic Catalysts to ignore the chanting required for casting magic spells. Skill: Grimoire Catalyst Skill Type: Passive Skill Tier: 2 Attribute: --- Effect: Allows the usage of Magic Catalysts to ignore the chanting required for casting magic spells. Grants a positive correction for using grimoire-type Magic Catalysts. Includes a bonus to both magic enhancement and chant shortening.

Just as I remembered. Having the Kigal-Note makes looking into things like this so much easier. ...Was it because I own the Kigal-Note that I obtained this skill from the Orb? It does seem to be a connection there. Not that the Note can help with casting magic.

I had Karion the Union Master help me with fixing my magic skills before we left for Tree Sea Isle, so looking for a decent Catalyst isn't a waste of time now. Hopefully, one that also helps with the magic parts of Necromancy.

That leaves us with just 1 Orb left. Since the previous #6 died, you will be the current #6. Now, new troubleshooter, show me what you got!

SYSTEM MESSAGE:

[Skill Orb: Charm] activated.

You have acquired the skill: [Golden Ratio Lv.1].

Skill: [Dreamlike Form Lv.27] has been integrated into skill: [Golden Ratio Lv.1].

Nice~. No cracks~. BUT WHY IS THERE A SECOND CHARM ORB HERE!? That ****ing Filyn, she tricked me!!

Skill: Golden Ratio Skill Type: Monster Skill Tier: 2 Attribute: --- Effect: Prevents disfigurement of the user's bodily shape. Prevents the user from growing fat, loss of muscles, unclean skin, and more. Higher skill levels grant more protection against these kinds of stagnation. Positive correction to one's body's natural growth. Positive correction to [Charm]-related effects.

Uhh... I guess it's not that bad. It's just [Dreamlike Form] spruced up to a higher level. The Charm part is annoying me, but not enough to reject the skill either. And it seems I'll grow prettier from now on. That's handy, I guess.

That's all (the remaining) 6 Orbs. I'd say they're a fair price for escorting Filyn throughout this place. The most we must do is unlock that castle wall for her, then we can flee this place. Maybe pick up a few treasures here and there. In fact...

"*Yaawn*, it felt like I had returned to Solomar last night. Hmm? Garami, what are those spheres for? Did you decide to change your job from demonic overlord to a simple fortune teller?" - Mira

"I'd like to ask what the **** you mean about that 'overlord'-stuff, but before that...mind using some MP on these Orbs? Just do them in either an ascending or descending order." - Garami

Either way will be a win for me after all~.

---

???'s PoV:

"Yes, this Filyn person is planning on attacking the North Castle." - Receptionist Ghoul

"..." - ???

"Very well. We will respect your district's decision." - Receptionist Ghoul

......

*Sound of metallic footsteps*...