Kharie's version of events had been hard to listen to for everyone present, let alone her brothers and Delphia. Delphia's hand had found its way to Kharie's as the blonde fox woman told us everything from start to finish. I wouldn't lie as despite it being dangerous, her story against the weird wolves as well as the spider creatures sounded pretty badass all things considered. She didn't just sound like a hunter, she sounded like a predator when she was fighting, and I truly found that alluring.
It was when she got to the part when the Queen showed up, and then chased her down and cornered her was when things really got rough for everyone. She truly did give it her all, and despite not having a combat related class, she had fought with everything she had, and I saw the results of how she had fucked many of them up. Despite being outnumbered and outclassed, it was clear she had a strong fighting spirit, and I respected that a lot about her. Beautiful and deadly, a combination I found I really appreciated.
There were many gasps, Vikoss pumped his fist a few times when she described many of her kills, and the way she talked about it made it seem like she danced through her enemies with precise and deadly strikes. I was very intrigued at the arrows she mentioned too, which she said she had enchanted with various different elemental and magical effects. The enthusiasm died down when it got to her fight against the Elites, namely when she had gotten her arm sliced off, as well as her leg eaten away by the creature's odd saliva. It had both ate away at the flesh, and left it dead.
Delphia was now holding onto Kharie tighter, her eyes scanning meticulously over her arm before shifting to her leg. The whole time Kharie kept talking, and soon the room got very quiet as she got to the parts that involved me.
"It was unbelievable... one moment, the creature was poised to kill me, the next... everything changed. It sounded like an explosion went off, and then... there he was." Kharie said, her eyes now firmly locked on mine with an intensity that would have undoubtedly looked better in a different setting, "At first I didn't know who it was or what was happening. I barely knew up from down at that point, but I could never forget the sight. These black... tendrils?" She said, although the word was questioning as she looked over at me, and I had to hold back a snort as I nodded at her, "Yes. Tendrils. They wrapped around the creature, and yanked it into the sky. The two collided, and the sky erupted with these odd flames. Black and white, and hauntingly beautiful."
No one spoke, but every eye was now locked uncomfortably on me. Cici just giggled softly, her hand patting the side of my thigh reassuringly. The other two women squeezed me from the sides as well, Clarissa's touch more affectionate and familiar. Sheila was comforting to have by my side too, but her touches were still more reserved, the dynamic still new to all of us. I liked this side of her, but part of me also missed the flirtatious woman I had grown to know since I had met her.
"A question for later." I thought, while also focusing back on the conversation taking place.
Kharie had gotten past the part where I had healed her and regrew her limbs, which had gotten me more disbelieving stares. Delphia wasn't as surprised by that, as she had already seen my skills first hand when it came to healing. Even so, the most I had done was heal Alina's ear and her leg that had healed wrong.
Everyone listened intently to her recounting of my fight, and I just stayed quiet, only answering a question here and there when asked. It was an interesting experience to hear someone recount something I had done, as they made it seem far more dramatic and impressive than it had felt for me. Honestly the only thing that mattered to me about the whole thing was Kharie being safe.
Silence hung in the air for many heartbeats once Kharie's recounting ended, everyone staring at me with unblinking eyes.
"Elias... dearie..." Delphia said, her voice uncertain as she tried to find the right words, "I know you are strong. We all saw how strong you are. I just knew you would find Kharie, and I had no doubts that you'd bring her back. All that said... I find myself growing more and more curious as I learn more about you."
"Curious is an understatement." Vikoss said, his voice steady as he looked at me, "Kharie said those "Elites" were S- Rank, and that the "Queen" was S Ranked. That's a lot of high ranked monsters at one time, and you seemingly killed them all with one attack. Not all ranks are created equal, and juat because someone might be... say... S+ ranked, an S ranked creature is still an S ranked creature. It shouldn't be that easy. I don't know how strong you are... but I assumed you had to be S rank with how strong your aura was. Still, how you immobilized Garreth and myself... that had me questioning things. And now this? Are you... S+ rank, Elias?"
Rory, who I truly believed was the most analytical and intelligent of the family, was deep in thought. None of them were stupid by any means, but this guy would be the equivalent to what I'd call a "nerd" back on Earth.
"It's not just that." Rory said, letting his brother finish speaking before he spoke next, "A lot of these feats are beyond impressive, but no one has really considered why."
I thought about just saying fuck it and showing them right here and now, but I had to admit that a part of me was enjoying listening to them trying to piece it together themselves. Plus I was curious to hear Rory's thoughts about all of this. The dude was more reserved than I was, granted I had gotten a lot better about it since coming here. I think Cici and all of the female attention I was getting helped.
"This would all be impressive from someone with a specific Class." He said, his eyes moving to me, "So far, I have seen you fly. You did... whatever you did to Garreth and my brother, and they couldn't move. Isn't that right?" He asked, directing that question to his brother.
"Yeah... couldn't do a damn thing." He said, although he looked far less angry about it than he would have a day ago, "It felt like something heavy wrapped around my entire body. No matter what I did, I couldn't move a muscle."
Rory nodded, gulping once as some of that previous fear entered his eyes again. I almost sighed, but I didn't say anything or really do anything else about it. He would get over it in time. At least, I hoped so.
"Thank you, brother. Take just those into account, and I'm having trouble placing anything that would include both wings for flight, bodily control, and your strange storage skill, even when factoring in unique class evolutions. Vikoss has always been someone who shapes materials into various weapons, armor, and other implements. I have always been a crafter in the alchemical sense, and my unique class only enhanced that. Kharie, while able to craft and place various enchantments, has always remained an enchanter."
I couldn't help the amused smile on my face. He definitely was a smart dude, and he thought about this a lot more than I would have, and I'm the one with the insane intelligence. It didn't really work in that way for me, or at least, I didn't use it fully. I didn't just know everything, but I was able to figure out things I knew pretty fast, and was able to deduce things based on what I knew fairly quickly. At heart, I felt like I was more of an instinctual person. I lived fully in the moment rather than spending time thinking over every little thing. Given how my life was going so far, I wasn't looking to change that anytime soon.
"Given all of that," Rory said, continuing after a small pause, "We now have heard use of these odd flames, incredible strength, potent healing capabilities, and... what was it? Black tendrils? Your skills and abilities sound incredibly varied, yet also powerful in their own right. Almost like a jack of all trades, yet none of them are lacking in any capacity from what it sounds like. S+... as weird as this might sound, doesn't sound right either. I am... at a loss for once. Even factoring in Class evolutions, I don't see how one would change to the degree of allowing you to do so much."
"You're a smart guy, you know that right?" I said, and I genuinely meant it, "You went about trying to figure this out a lot differently than others have. Most people just assume I'm strong but don't put that much thought into it beyond that. Also... you have been the closest so far."
My words actually caused the man to blush, which I found funny as hell. I only chuckled for a few seconds before I turned my head. I looked at Kharie, met her eyes, and gave her my warmest smile.
"You were right." I said with a small laugh, "They all wanna know. The way things have been going, I don't really see any issues with showing everyone. I will admit I had a little bit of fun listening to you all guess and try to figure it out on your own."
Kharie actually gave me a small pout, and goddamn if it wasn't one of the cutest things I've seen today. I felt my women's amusement at the sight through the bond as well. All of them seemed content to just stay next to me, pressing their bodies against me as everyone spoke. I kept my smile in place, and watched as Kharie's features slowly softened, her warm brown eyes making my chest feel as fuzzy as the ears on her head. I would show them more if they asked, but for now, I just opened my Information screen, and willed it to be seen by everyone.
"Time for the fun part." Cici said, her voice tinged with amusement.
"It's a good thing everyone is already sitting down." Clarissa added, making the rest of us snort.
"You truly don't mind sharing this with people? We haven't known them long." Sheila asked, and I just smiled and shook my head as I rubbed between her ears.
"Not really. It's weird to explain, but basically, I'm cheating. I've told you before, but I can see more than what most people can. Their souls, and what kinda person they are. It makes it really easy for me to tell who I can trust, and who is a piece of shit."
Sheila let out a small giggle at that, resting her cheek against my shoulder as I continued to pet her ears.
"I like how you make absurd stuff sound so simple." She said, making me chuckle.
I turned my head back to everyone else, as I had expected someome to shout, curse, or even shit their pants or something by now, but the sight before me was admittedly just as amusing. Everyone just stared at the screens in front of them, eyes wide and mouths agape.
Delphia and Kharie both were staring at me, their eyes full of shock, wonder, and a level of disbelief I was growing familiar with. Vikoss meanwhile looked like he was between having a heart attack, and grinding his chair into dust with how much he was vibrating. Rory meanwhile suddenly looked like he hadn't had a drop of water in days, his mouth looking incredibly dry. They all had that look I'd seen many times already. What they were looking at, to them, was impossible, yet they were made to believe just like so many before them.
"This... can't be real." Vikoss said, the first one to break the silence.
"Oh it most definitely is." Cici said with proud smile, her tail swishing happily as it batted against my thigh.
"You said I came the closest to figuring it out, yet I still feel so very wrong." Rory said, his voice breathless as he spoke.
"No wonder... you made it look so easy." Kharie said, her voice barely above a whisper, "Divine Primordial. Things people have heard stories about but have never seen... and yet here you are. Sitting on my couch. SSS+ ranked... how is this possible?"
Delphia's reaction eventually went to something I didn't expect to see. Her mouth ever so slightly curved upwards, even if the trembling from my reveal didn't cease.
"I can't say I'm not shocked. I'm surprised I haven't fainted yet. This is incredible... even terrifying." Delphia said, her eyes shifting to mine wirh surprising warmth given her words, "But it still doesn't change what I see when I look at you, even now. The man who protected my babies, who brought them back to me, who saved my home from an awful fate, and who keeps helping people and showing kindness and respect simply because that's who you are. This will take a lot of time to process... but the man who I know you to be will never change."
I blinked rapidly at her words, sudden wetness entering my eyes. I was able to blink it away just as quickly, but Delphia saw it either way, and again, she just smiled at me with that warm and tender care I'd grown used to seeing since our first meeting. I didn't expect her words to hit me like that, but they did.
"A big and sweet softie." Delphia said, and her words seemed to help the others out of their stunned stupor. I only blushed a tiny bit.
"Nothing is supposed to exist after S+, yet he's far above that. How?" Rory muttered, although he was far too loud for it to be just to himself.
Correction. I'd say the trance was broken, but Vikoss just went from staring at the screen I sent him, to staring at me.
"You gotta be fucking me..." He muttered in disbelief, although I could tell it was more for himself than him actually believing that.
"I'd rather not. I prefer these lovely ladies." I said, smirking at him as I held my women closer, and even sent a meaningful glance towards Kharie. Unfortunately my meaning was lost on her at the moment as she tried to process what she was seeing.
Vikoss actually barked out a sharp laugh, a bit of madness behind the sound as he ran his hand through his hair.
"Of course this happens. I was a complete asshole to you when we first met... but I am still alive." He said with a shakey voice, another chuckle bubbling from his lips, "No wonder I felt like a bug. I am one compared to you."
"I don't see it that way. Just because I can potentially do something doesn't mean I will. You aren't a bad guy, you just seem to let your emotions cloud your judgment sometimes. I can't say I don't get that way too sometimes." I said with a reassuring smile.
"I should be upset at that... but you're not wrong, and right now, I'm pretty inclined to agree with you." He said, then went back to looking my screens, "SSS+... a divine and a primordial... and..." He said, but Kharie finally decided to weigh in finally, her eyes locked firmly on me.
"Abyssal Flame... that's what I saw, wasn't it?" She asked, her brother going quiet as she spoke, and I nodded.
"Yes. My Class revolves around... well, whatever the Abyss is. I don't actually know that much about it, other than what I know I can do instinctively, some Framework assistance, and the things I am learning. Shit, the Framework isn't even able to help me with everything." I said, and she looked tentative, almost afraid to ask her next question, so I made my voice softer, "What do you want to ask me, Kharie? I won't bite."
"Oh, he might if you ask him to." Cici interjected with a low rumbling purr, the vibration traveling through my body from hers.
"Cici..." I said with a small sigh, although my faint smile gave away what I truly thought about her words. Plus... my lovely kitten wasn't exactly wrong. I wouldn't bite very hard, at any rate.
"That's... good to know." Sheila said softly, showing a hint of the confident woman I knew her to truly be.
Clarissa said nothing, but the pink coloring her cheeks told me what she thought of what was said.
"I... well... you see..." Kharie said, the revelations of my power being overridden by a sudden flush of embarrassment at Cici's words, before she composed herself more, and continued, "May I... see more?"
Her request was simple enough, and I just gave her a small smile, nodded, and sent the rest of my screens to her. At the curious stares from the others, and the way Rory vibrated in his seat, all I could do was laugh as I brought up the rest of my stats and skills, and sent those to them as well. I made it a point to leave out my bond skill this time, as I didn't feel like answering questions about my penis today, especially not in front of Delphia.
As expected, the results were mixed. And by mixed, I mean shocked and awed, and shaking with a combination of incredulity, fear, and more awe than I've seen on someone's face.
"This explains so much..." Rory said, looking over everything again and again, "You're a monster." He said, then coughed and lowered his head to me, "I meant no disrespect."
I chuckled again, the sound low and genuine.
"No offense taken. I've kinda accepted it, but in a different way. I am the monster that I need to be." I said, the words making me cringe as they left my lips, but what was said was said.
"It's good to know you could have flattened me with your pinky finger..." Vikoss said in a low tone, his eyes wide as he scanned through everything, "Stats are all the same... skills are insanely powerful... this is... unreal."
"You have all this power... and you came to save me." Kharie said, her voice almost disbelieving.
"Of course I did. Why wouldn't I?" I asked, giving her a raised eyebrow.
"I..." She said, before letting out a slow breath and recomposing herself, "So many people in this world seem to lose their morality the more power they gain. You are more powerful than anyone I've ever met... and yet you are nothing like anyone else. You are... kind, and surprisingly easy to get along with. I need time to process all of this, but I think knowing who you are is preventing me from passing out."
I just smiled as I snorted.
"Passing out would be good for you. You could use some rest after the day you had." I said, which earned me a beautiful smile from the blonde fox woman.
While everyone sat there digesting what they were reading, I thought about how much my life had changed in only a few days.
I had gained more friends and allies than I ever thought I'd have in my whole life. I had killed two very narcissistic assholes and helped countless people in the process. I had rapidly fallen for and secured the heart of my wonderful Clarissa, bonding her to me, and securing the safety of my little ice powered cutie. And now?
I glanced to Sheila, her head resting against my shoulder with a satisfied little smile on her face that showed those cute little fangs of hers. Something had shifted in me when Cici had talked to me about her earlier, but it had begun to shift far eariler than that.
From saving Cici when I first arrived in this world, rescuing Valerie from Delvin, saving all of the wonderful people from the Redwood Village from Raizen, and now more recently, saving Kharie from certain death. This world, for all of the wonderful things it had given me, was dangerous and cruel. I cared about far too many people, and had too much to lose now to ignore that. What if we wanted children one day? Given many of the women by my side, and those I planned on making mine, I can only imagine the things that they would have to see and hear if nothing changed.
I could be that change... and after seeing what I had in my short time being here... I wanted to. It not for any future children I would have, then for the countless people suffering right now. But first and foremost, I wanted to keep those I loved and cared about safe, and after today, that number just went up.
I looked over at Kharie again, watching as she kept intently scanning over the Framework screens I had sent her, and felt something settle in my chest. It was a feeling I had felt many times already when I looked at the other women in my life who had captured my attention. I couldn't deny the attraction I felt, nor could I deny my interest in who she was.
She was beautiful, there was no doubt about that. Her soft golden blonde hair and fur were mesmerizing, and that singular black bang on the left side of her face added something unique to her appearance. The chest that had a bit bigger swell to them than Clarissa's were nice to look at, but what drew my attention more than that seemed to be a trait of fox beastkin, given what I had seen from Serena already, and another I refuse to mention. Fox woman asses were very impressive.
The physical attraction aside, she was also kind, considerate, smart, and strong. Despite not having a combat class, the term badass fit her perfectly. Through all of my thoughts though, I also realized that I didn't feel bad, nor did I feel guilty about them. I had 2 women I loved, one that I pretty much just made my newest girlfriend, with 2 more beautiful ladies that I felt were only a matter of time. I had all of this and yet, I kept looking. Kept staring.
"I know what you are thinking, my darling." Cici said, her voice sweet in my head, filling me with warm affection, "You may be able to see it with more than just your eyes, but that doesn't mean I can't, even without your unique senses. It's not wrong to feel the way you do. I like her too, and I can see just as much as you can how well she would fit in with what we are building."
I almost snorted outloud, but I kept it inside.
"You know me so well." I said, kissing one of her ears lightly, which made her shiver, "It doesn't feel wrong to me anymore, not really. It's just... theres so much going on. I have you, Clarissa, now Sheila... plus there's Val and Serena I can't stop thinking about. My plate is quite literally full. And now, it's really looking as if I'm going to have to murder half of the world to keep everyone I care about safe. Should I really be thinking about... you know? Even more women?"
Cici's response was to tilt her head back into my neck, and let out a happy little contented sigh.
"I think that you should do whatever your heart desires, my darling. You already know my thoughts. I have always wanted a big family like what we are building, and that is more so now than ever because it's with you. I love you more than anything in this world, my darling Eli, and the thought of more wonderful ladies loving you too? It makes me happy. I love our Clarissa, darling. I love how much she loves you. How much you love her. You are my rock, and my pride Eli, and I believe you deserve as much love as I can get you to accept."
I buried my face into her hair and inhaled her scent. I definitely was not hiding sudden tears that her words brought to my eyes. That would be silly. So, while everyone sat there, staring at or discussing the "ridiculous shit," as Vikoss said, I simply sat there and let my heart melt with the love and affection I always felt when my Cici was against me. Only now, as I felt my Clarissa and Sheila next to me as well, I had more of that to go around than I ever thought I'd have. I was more than okay with all of it.