"Wait, are you serious? Why didn't you say that before?" I said forcefully to the system for not warning me about something like this before.
[The host didn't let me finish]
"Okay, yes, sorry, you can continue then," I said to the system after calming down, understanding that it was telling the truth. I got lost in my thoughts about the dark future that awaited me. Let's see what else the system has for me then.
[Very well, as the system was saying, you were granted several rewards since this is your first world. The Bakugan the host currently has are special since they are the strongest Bakugan of their respective species. Additionally, your cards are also special thanks to being stronger than the ones usually used.]
"Okay, I can understand that, I realized." Just by the power levels of these Bakugan, I can see why they would be considered the strongest of their species.
As for the cards, I didn't realize it, but as I started picking them up and looking at some of them, I realized he was telling the truth. There were unique cards for each Bakugan, some pretty interesting traps I hadn't heard of, and some Command Cards, as they're called here, that could turn even a 3-on-1 battle around. They were absurd. I don't know if they existed in the game or not or if they were invented later. Although I watched the Bakugan anime and played some games, I wasn't really into that world, so I don't know all the cards.
Whether they're real or not, the important thing is that, depending on the system, they work in this world. Looking at the cards, I certainly felt like Yugi felt when he played with the three Egyptian god cards in his deck. I mean, literally, he was cheating. Some of these cards definitely surprised me quite a bit.
I had the unique cards for each Bakugan, for each of the ones I own, both Gate Cards and Power Cards. They basically double the power of the Bakugan written on the card, which is definitely surprising. I also had some cards that automatically defeat Bakugan depending on how many are on the card, from 2 to 4. They function as hidden mines that activate with a certain weight, or in this case, a specific number of Bakugan.
There were some cards that allowed me to move Bakugan from one card to another or attack a Bakugan on another card, which is very important since this way I can attack opponents from my zone without risking a trap from my opponent.
Some other Darkus cards in general were also surprising.
- Darkus Boost (Fear Ripper): Increases the attack power by 100 g for each Bakugan in battle and allows them to attack multiple times.
-Dark World (Darkus): Covers the field in a dark mist that increases the power of allied Darkus Bakugan and prevents the activation of Power and Trap cards. It also nullifies already active cards.
-Fearsome Strike: Increases the power of a Darkus Bakugan and reduces the power of an opposing Bakugan by the same amount.
And those were arguably the most normal ones. There were others that had more absurd effects. "Well, surely if you have these cards and Bakugan and you're not the top 1, then you're doing something wrong," I thought with some surprise.
Although I was supposed to know about these cards since I received all the memories from 15 years I wasn't in control of, I actually didn't know for a simple reason. It was still me acting on autopilot. That's why I only used more normal cards and didn't draw any of the strongest cards because I was aware of what was coming next, so I knew it was best for them to know as little as possible about my cards. I thank my past self for thinking that.
The most terrifying enemy isn't a strong one, but one with an unknown force. With this, I now have the advantage over my opponents, as I still have the element of surprise, while I know almost everything about the cards they use. Knowledge is power, or so they say.
[The host finally finished his monologue.] The system said this in a tone that, although flat, I'm sure denoted impatience.
I replied, somewhat embarrassed for having missed so much, "Yes, sorry, you can continue." I'd have time later to properly review my cards.
[Since the host has stopped interrupting, the rest of the rewards will now be distributed]
[First World Rewards:
- Harem Halo
- Immaculate Body
- Leonidas and Unique Card Set]
[Host has any questions]
"Any?! I have several. First, tell me about the first two. What do they have to do with this and what are they exactly?" I asked, bewildered and completely shocked, especially about the third reward, but let's take it one step at a time.
[To explain the first two rewards to the host, you must first explain your objectives in each world. The system doesn't grant quests to the host directly, since they are completed with certain actions.]
"Okay, so basically, it's like they're just like hidden missions" I replied with a curious look on my face.
[The host can see it like this.]
"Okay, so what are those actions I must perform and what can I obtain by completing them?"
[The actions the host must complete upon entering a world to obtain rewards are to make changes to key moments in the original story, so we invite the host to actively involve themselves in the story's events. The other way to obtain rewards is to romance named female characters from the world in question and begin romantic relationships with them.]
I remained silent for a second, processing what I just heard and only let out a "Huh?"
I reacted quickly and composed myself to process what I just heard and spoke to the system again.
"Well, getting involved in the story is good. In the end, it prevents me from standing back and just watching how everything happens." Although I had already planned to do that, I mean, what's the point of going to a world that you only saw through the screen before, just to do nothing and follow the Canon exactly the same, in that case it would be better to continue watching it through the screen.
"And now the first reward is what I think it is. I guess now I understand the second way to get rewards." There are certainly a lot of cute girls here in Bakugan, and many of them remain single or in relationships that don't seem to go anywhere, like Dan and Runo. I mean, they're supposed to be a couple at the end of the first season, but in later seasons, you don't see that relationship; there's no more interaction between them. Even in the second season, there was more sexual tension between Mira and Dan.
[The host is correct, the descriptions for the first two rewards are as follows:
-Harem Halo: Women who are romantically interested in you will be more likely to share you with other women more easily. They have to be in love with you for it to work, and the skill only helps increase your chance of successfully forming a harem. The host still has to do their part to get them to accept it.]
I breathed a small sigh of relief at that. "Okay, I can accept that." I mean, the harem thing is probably a dream for many men, but I certainly don't want something to brainwash girls into. If I wanted a relationship with a doll that wouldn't upset me, I could just go somewhere and drop how much money I have right now. That would have a line of girls eager to get into my bed.
This ability at least forces me to realize that if I want to do something, I first have to make them fall in love with me. After that, I still need to put in some effort to get them to accept the harem. The ability certainly makes things much easier, especially in a modern world like this where polygamy isn't legal, but I still need to make my own way.
At least I've already gotten a head start with Runo and Julie. Being a childhood friend of both of them is certainly good, although I'm not entirely sure if they're already in love with me. Based on my memories, the probability is high, seeing as we actually get along quite well. Aside from group conversations, I usually talk to both of them via phone calls or personal messages from time to time.
"Fine, I'll have to work if I want to pursue the others, although it would be best to focus on Runo and Julie first." I've learned never to take anything for granted. I can't go around seducing other girls when I already have two who, if not in love with me, are almost there.
"What about the second system ability?" I said to the system, remembering the second ability. I'd heard about it in different stories, though it usually has different effects, so I'm not sure what it does.
[Responding to the host.
Immaculate Body (Upgradeable): Your body is the pinnacle of humanity, with increased charm, increased charisma, enhanced strength, and increased endurance.
-Immune to human diseases and status ailments.
-Infinite stamina in bed.
-Increased pleasure for your female partners]
I blinked and composed myself when I understood what he meant. "I see. Now I understand why I feel so good and why my body looks so good. It also seems to be a female-centric skill."
[Correct, host. You can't have a harem if you don't have the skills to keep them satisfied.]
"If that makes sense." I've seen harem stories where the protagonist doesn't seem to have any skills to satisfy the girls, and that's usually why the women determine the number of lovers. I'm not complaining about women having decisions in a relationship, especially in a harem relationship. But this skill certainly helps me. It's even possible for them to help me with other girls. I've also seen that often happen when the man is the most prominent in the bedroom.
Also, while it's focused on that, it's not just for that. The increase in strength, stamina, and charm are a nice addition, considering that infinite stamina seems to only work for sexual activities.
But there's also something I had to ask: "What about the upgradeable system next to the skill?"
[Just as the host says, the skill can be upgraded. Right now, your skill only works up to peak humanity, but if you change races or become stronger, the skill will improve to adapt, providing greater defenses and immunities to more powerful diseases and poisons.]
"Okay, I think I understand." Basically, right now, you could say I'm at peak humanity, at least in terms of stamina. But of course, if they attack me with something like a poison to kill dragons, demons, or gods, they'll wipe me out unless I upgrade my body to improve my immunity and defenses. It's certainly like the cultivator bodies you often see in certain novels.
"How can the system be upgraded?" This was definitely an important question.
[There are several ways. If you receive a bloodline from another species, your body will automatically upgrade to that species' peak, which will also improve your sexual abilities. It can also be slightly upgraded when you complete milestones in the worlds. For example, in the Bakugan World, defeating Naga is considered a milestone.]
"I see. So, it's basically like a game, and defeating bosses gives better rewards than normal. But what do you mean by bedroom skills? Am I not supposed to have infinite stamina?" I was curious.
[That's right, host, but that's only for humans or similar beings, such as Vestals, Gundalians, or Neathians, in this case. However, if you were to sleep with a succubus, a demon, or a dragon, or a species stronger than humans, you wouldn't be able to satisfy them due to their greater power, and your pleasure-enhancing abilities wouldn't be of any use either. Plus, you have infinite stamina, not infinite strength.]
"Okay, I get it. I'll basically be reduced to a sex doll at best unless I'm stronger enough to dominate them and drive them crazy. In the end, they'll be the ones driving me crazy. Well, that makes sense." So, I have to focus on leveling up my body. At least I don't have to isolate myself for thousands of years, bathing in treasure or some of that cultivator garbage, which is a relief.
"Okay, I get everything. Now, let's get to the point. The Leonidas system is who I think it is." I was quite excited when I said that, because if it's him, then it really will be a solution to all my problems.
[Affirmative host, here's his description:
-Leonidas: An extremely powerful Bakugan capable of being the user's attribute (current attribute, Darkus). Born in the Doom Dimension, he is the only known Bakugan capable of surviving there. He has a calm personality most of the time, but during battle, he can have a wilder attitude.]
And at that moment, I simply lost it.
"Oh yeah, come on, it's really him!" My neighbors probably heard me, but I couldn't help but get excited. It's Leonidas. Anyone who's played the PS2 Bakugan game knows him. You could say he's a unique Bakugan created for that game. He didn't appear anywhere else, and I always thought his potential was wasted.
According to what I read, the reason the naga wanted Leonidas to be quite determined to get rid of him was because, according to him, he was someone capable of being equal to or stronger than him. This was said by a naga who was already almost fused with the core of silence. So you can see how strong Leonidas is. He will undoubtedly be enough to solve even future problems. Although he only evolves once, I'm certainly sure he won't be weaker than even Drago with infinite evolutions. But I also realized something.
"System where is Leonidas?" I received the two previous abilities, but I don't see Leonidas or his cards either, so I was confused.
[The host has to look for him himself in the place where he originally appeared]
Hearing that, I started to think with a frown on my face, "Where he originally appeared, wait of course." In the game, Leonidas appeared in the park with the fountain where the series also started. And in fact, I know where he is. Although I'm not close, it certainly won't take long to get there by bike or car. Although I can't drive, my parents left me the number of a personal driver I can call if I want to travel in a vehicle. From what I saw, there's even some kind of airplane here. Asking to be the heir to a millionaire family was definitely the best option, but there's still something that worries me.
"System, how can I know when Leonidas appears?" In the game, he appears in what would be the middle of the series. If I have to wait that long to get him, I'll be left behind.
[The host doesn't have to worry, the system already took care of that. You're forgetting that I'm the reality shifting system. When the host arrives at the park, Leonidas will automatically appear before the host.]
I don't need to say anything else. I quickly took a shower and changed my clothes to head out to the park. I remember that, according to what I wrote, he was going to appear at the beginning of the canon. So, the Naga problem that will cause the Bakugan to start being able to talk will just happen. It will also just be the moment when Masquerade will appear, as will Drago. If I get Leonidas, I can teach Masquerade a lesson when he appears in front of me, so I must go quickly.
I quickly left with new casual clothes ready to go out. I put on some loose-fitting jeans and a black sleeveless shirt with a white button-down shirt over it. I always wondered about this character's habit of basically wearing clothes related to their attribute. I'd say the one I've seen who didn't do it was Masquerade, since he was wearing a white coat and didn't have any black on. But for now, the important thing was to get my Bakugan.
I grabbed a bike and headed to where I remember the park was. I didn't call the private driver, mostly out of impatience. He doesn't live here, so he has to come and it might take a while, and I wanted to get Leonidas as soon as possible.
Time Skip
Here I was after a while. It was definitely nostalgic to see a place I'd only seen on screen in person. There was the small park where it all began, with the fountain in the center. I leaned my bike against a tree and walked toward the fountain. I stood right in front of it and spoke to the system while looking around. I didn't see Dan, Suji, or Akira. I guess they've already left; it's pretty late.
"System, where is Leonidas?" I said impatiently. I was feeling quite nervous, especially about finally meeting him.
[Please wait a minute, host]
I listened to the system and a moment later I saw a blinding light. I put my hand over my eyes to protect them. It only lasted for a moment, but when it ended, I saw it. On the ground in front of me was a small black sphere. With some excitement and nervousness, I picked it up and held it level with my face with my open palm.
I was about to speak, but he spoke first.
"What is this place, where am I? Who are you?" The sphere opened, and I could see its small dragon form. He asked in a curious yet calm tone.
"Hello, how are you? Um, well, you're on Earth, welcome, I suppose. Hehe. My name is Ryuzaki Himura. Nice to meet you. Who are you?" I already knew, but I had to ask him anyway to get his help. Although it's part of the system, in the end, it's a living being with its own My own thoughts, so I need to earn their trust.
"I see, so this isn't Vestroia. It's also nice to meet you, human Ryuzaki. My name is Leonidas."
This meeting is where my adventure in this incredible world truly began.