"Still, I really have missed this warmth.", Sherryl suddenly said after I regained my composure. We had to do so out of necessity back when we were inside the DG Cult, but now, the circumstances are entirely different. Sherryl is here because she wants to be here. She leaned her head against my shoulder, and happily smiled at me.
"Almost makes me want to switch spots with you, heehee~", Princess Alfin giggled.
"You snooze, you lose. I do not care, even if you are Erebonia's Treasure.", Sherryl said with a playful smirk. She's just bursting with energy now, isn't she?
If I recall correctly...What took place inside that gacha game, the fiancé of Sherryl's big sister would end up finding Sherryl's mutilated body once they head into the Sun Fort to do their own investigation of it. That picture alone is quite gruesome and brutal, compared to the other test subjects the DG Cult managed to kidnap. Thankfully, that did not happen. By the time Joachim hired the Red Constellation to raid the Osborne Villa and take me in, it was then I encountered Sherryl. She was still alive, so meeting her was a little unexpected twist, but I included her in the rescue plans.
It was good that Sherryl's will still held out strong. It was enough to allow the few of us to escape that place. And like the rest, Sherryl was injected with Gnosis. As I brought it up already, Gnosis now allows Sherryl to freely manipulate the flow of her blood. Renne received Enhanced Cognition, allowing her brain waves to fluctuate on levels that exceed human potential. Equivalent to that of a super-computer. On the downside, Renne was quick to let her emotions cloud her judgement. Eventually, that is where Estelle and Joshua step in. I do not know how Renne will end up now, as she might consider me part of her family. Will she still end up joining the Bright House? I'm not sure.
Then you have Tio. She received Enhanced Senses from Gnosis. This allows Tio to perceive the outside world in ways a normal human can't. She can see the flow of Septian Veins. She can see the flow of Mana. If she didn't already express interest in becoming an engineer at the Epstein Foundation, I very well could have taken Eryn Village to become a Witch and learn alongside Emma. Sadly, that did not happen. Instead, Tio went to the Epstein Foundation just like how it happened in the games. But this time around, it happened far earlier than it did in the games, a couple years earlier. Tio would be the first person amongst your Party to detect any changes in the atmosphere. Including the presence of the Three Higher Elements! The downside is, Tio can no longer feel much emotion. Her normal expression is a deadpan look.
Thankfully, I've seen Tio on occasion since she has joined up with the Epstein Foundation. That alone seems to be healing her, and can even smile at occasion. I can't wait to see when Tio will be back in Grancel. She was there helping Professor Schmidt to develop the Enigma II, but soon left thereafter.
As for Ennea, I am not sure the entire scope of what happened to her regarding Gnosis, but if I had to put it into words, likely Enhanced Eyesight. She hasn't explicitly told me yet as to what she can do, but I wouldn't be surprised if she has the eyes of a hawk now. Ennea is one of few archers who attacks with a bow in the games. Alisa being another such person. Even with my Divergent Bow, I still lack the Skill to use it, compared to Ennea. It is much more natural for her. We have not compared our combat skills against each other in quite a while, apart from seeing how Ennea did in the raid against the One of Swords. Perhaps it would be good to see how far she's come as well, on top of Sherryl.
Going back to Sherryl, it is hard to put what she obtained into words, but if I had to describe it, it would be Enhanced Vitality. Enhanced Cognition, Enhanced Eyesight, Enhanced Vitality, and then you have me with Enhanced Endurance. I can withstand attacks much easier compared to what a normal person could take. I had a quick look at its effect from the Gamer System, and sure enough I saw its effect clear as day.
[Enhanced Endurance]
You have taken in Gnosis, and successfully withstood its effects. The Gamer System has filtered Gnosis out of your body, and in return, it has been strengthened by a certain degree that a normal person cannot withstand. In return, you can now withstand several attacks.
Name: Enhanced Endurance
Special Effect 1: Reduces damage taken by 30%.
Seeing this, I inwardly smiled. This is going to come into play if I fight against future powerhouses. Let's say, the Thunder God. I have fought his current wife, the Stormwatcher to a standstill. He is next on deck, considering that I will be learning at the Vander Dojo. Or perhaps Mueller will be? It is too early to tell. I'm pretty sure Enhanced Endurance came into effect against the One of Swords too. I also lucked out, and got Regeneration out of that. Things are looking brighter already!
While I know what happened to Sherryl, Renne, Tio, and Ennea, Van's circumstances are still a complete mystery to me. It sounds like he was granted a special body, much like how they were trying to convert mine to be a perfect container to absorb KeA, and ascend to Godhood, becoming the false deity that denies the existence of Aidios. Well, yeah, that didn't happen. This is my body, I'll do whatever I want to it, thank you very much. All Van told me was something about a Demon Core. I'll need to look into this, as it could be a key point to what happens in Daybreak. And along those lines, I do not know much about Quatre's circumstances either. But what happened to him went as it did in the games.
It allowed me to have a brief interaction with the third and last of Professor Epstein's disciples. Professor Hamilton. She was polite and kind and we didn't exchange a lot of words, but it was enough where she took in Quatre, bringing him to stay with her in Calvard. He's been staying there ever since. For some reason Professor Hamilton's eyes rested on me. It became a little uncomfortable, but seeing that she didn't tread upon the subject, I just let her be, and we parted ways after that. That was when we rode the Glorious back toward Grancel. Professor Hamilton seemed suspicious during that, I may need to look into her further, on top of Van.
I just didn't know if those cultists wanted Van's body, on top of mine. At the time, I didn't know that there was a guy named Gerard Dantes who intended to do such a thing, but I had thwarted his plans to nab Van for himself, without me knowing that happened. As to what the Demon Core is, it might be best to reach out to a certain, fiery blue-haired man that I have come across a couple times. McBurn. He is essentially a demon from another plane, and this is the Demon Core, so the two could have something in common. All I know is that those cultists failed to retrieve the Demon Core from Van's body.
Right now, I plan to study at Jenis from S1201-S1202, then at Aramis High School from S1202-S1203, then Thors Military Academy from S1203-S1205. This should allow me to meet with Van then. But that is still two years out. From the looks of it, his studies are going well, so I will not disturb him until then. I've been able to keep in touch, all thanks to Sieg.
Seeing me deep in thought, a good moment passed by in silence as Sherryl and I enjoyed some cuddling.
"You've been in pretty deep thought for a moment, Naoto. Has something caught your fancy?", Sherryl asked me. "Does it have something to do with the ability to see into the future with those Vermillion Eyes of yours?"
"Nah. I've put that matter aside for the time being.", I said, shaking my head. "I've been going over what we've experienced these last couple of years. We've made some friends along the way, and it is as you've said, Sherryl. I can't believe how much time has passed since then. I'm already looking to start school soon. You've already started yours."
"Reminiscing, huh?", Sherryl uttered. "It truly has, hasn't it? I am quite looking forward to my eventual return. I've been able to catch up with Renne now that I'm at St. Astraia, but I am curious as to how the rest is doing. Of them though, I've actually been in contact with Van. We passed through Calvard, and we were able to hang out on occasion while I stayed inside the capital. He has a group of friends who have been treating him well. Didn't think you'd give Van such a pointer through those letters."
"So you wandered through Calvard as a part of your travels, eh? Kind of makes me jealous. I haven't personally paid Calvard a visit since we left that resort island.", I said. "Instead, I've been studying and managing my princely duties back in Grancel Castle since my return. It is nice that you wound up here of all places. It looks like your training has been fortuitous, to say the least."
And knowing that it was Zin the Immovable who was the one who taught her while they travelled the continent I knew Sherryl was in good hands.
"Yeah. I guess we have our own experiences to look back on. And no matter how many times I need to say it, I will stand by your side. With the Goddess as my witness.", Sherryl said, smiling at me. She showed me her determination last night while she cried over my shoulder, but that same resolve could still be seen in her eyes. Seeing that prompted me to nod my head. How could you deter such determination? Simple. You don't.
"You really have thought this out, haven't you, Sherryl?", Princess Alfin said, smiling at her. She was genuinely happy to see Sherryl's path forward. We just had to look back as to what we did to make it here.
"Uh-huh.", Sherryl said, and decided to grin. "It will depend on you if you want to be part of that, Alfin. You'll need to put in a lot of effort to stay beside Naoto~"
"Teehee. Oh I plan to do just that. Just you wait and see~", Princess Alfin said, giggling.
"You two...", I said, shaking my head again. I just let them do their thing. "But beside that, once we are back at Grancel Castle, apart from the couple of girls you will eventually meet, there is one more...unique character. I am not sure how to describe her. She recently came along, and the two of you might share duties together."
"So it is another girl...", Sherryl retorted, but didn't deny what I said. She just looked at me.
"Heh. That's the first thing that comes to your mind? Well you are not wrong. She is quite older, and is breathtakingly beautiful. She used to work with the Northern Jaegers, but to ease your worries, I do not have any plans to bring her into the Royal Harem. Not unless she presses it.", I said, and ruffled Sherryl's hair again.
"Heehee.", Sherryl giggled. "I am not surprised. Teacher told me all about this Royal Harem of yours. Alfin may not know, but you're engaged to that princess back in Grancel too, right? Such a lucky guy.", Sherryl continued, and grinned at me.
"T-That is just a formality...", I said, squinting my eyes at her.
"Oh my. Now this is something I would love to learn more about", Princess Alfin teased. "I know we met before when you toured me around Grancel, but I cannot wait to meet my sister-in-arms"
"Alfin...", I said, and shrugged my head again. Princess Alfin really is such a tease, isn't she? It must be Musse who is influencing her. Or is this her own personality? I'm afraid to find out. "Regardless, I will definitely have to formally introduce you to Kloe at some point. Our group is a tad...special to say the least. You've met Renne and Sherryl here already. All that is left is to meet Ennea, Tio, Van and Quatre."
"I concur.", Sherryl said, returning to her usual demeanor. "I think out of our group, Van might have the most trouble coming to Liberl or Erebonia. But at some point, we ought to have a reunion!", Sherryl continued. "I miss everyone dearly. We should try to meet some time before you begin your studies. One last hurrah to look forward to the future!"
"A reunion between the seven of us...Honestly, that doesn't sound half-bad. Since you're the one proposing idea, no pun intended, could I leave the details of this reunion to you, Sherryl? Consider it your first task, as I am sure by then, you will be my Head Maid."
Hearing that, Sherryl's eyes immediately lit up.
"That I can do!", Sherryl excitedly said.
"Oh how nice it is to have friends. That is the power of youth!", Princess Alfin said, and smiled at us. "Nonetheless, it is morning now. I will have to take you to your own private quarters later, unless you prefer staying here?"
"I mean, if you're the one asking...", I retorted, only to see Sherryl's expression suddenly change to that of a deadpan look.
"Guilty.", Sherryl retorted back.
"Heehee.", Princess Alfin giggled. "I am merely jesting. Dearest Mother would definitely throw a fit if I had you continue resting in my room. One of our service maids already informed me that Father arranged your room shortly after the dance ended. Please do forgive me."
"...Since when were you notified?", I responded, and sighed. Guess that must have happened after Princess Alfin dashed off out of Esmelas Garden after hugging me back then.
"Don't sweat the small details. The important thing is, your room is already decided!", Princess Alfin said. "Instead, why don't we all freshen up first before we head into the banquet hall? We can bother the service maids to prepare us a nice breakfast. I'm sure Olivert will be around too. His hangover medicine must be kicking in right about now~"
"That does sound nice. I'll pretend I didn't hear the last part, haha!", I laughed.
"A breakfast to enjoy a lazy morning? I'm fine with that.", Sherryl said. "And just so we're clear, I'll be taking Alfin to head onto the bathroom first to freshen up. I'll smack you straight into Gehenna if you dare take a step inside while we're cleaning up."
"Loud and clear.", I said, nodding seriously. I had zero intention of doing that.
After that was said, Princess Alfin and Sherryl looked at each other, before they stepped out of the circular bed. The two wandered into the bathroom that was connected to Princess Alfin's private quarters. Along the way, Princess Alfin called for a service maid, and the three went inside. I knew not to intrude on them. Instead, I wandered toward the opposite side of the room.
Dreichel's Plaza soon came into full view. Within the vermillion splendor of the capital now had a thin layer of snow that was on the cusp of melting. Several people were setting up shop, going about their daily lives, letting the dance become just another event in the history books to them.
But to me, it was a memory I would hold special in my heart for the times to come. It was time to look forward to the future!