Alistair willed the scales to recede. His skin returned to normal, appearing even smoother and softer than before—the pores were almost invisible.
Takai had advised him not to rush his Transcendent awakening. He suggested Alistair find as many "Mystery" items as possible first to maximize his "Devouring" trait. Once he hit the next stage, that growth potential might lock in.
Takai had seen people with "Devouring" traits before, but none like Alistair. Most people capped out at two or three abilities before their souls became unstable. Alistair, however, seemed to have no upper limit. Takai had even sensed a hint of "Divinity" in Alistair—a trait associated with the legendary Demi-Gods who once ruled the continent.
Takai shared stories of the fifteen Demi-Gods created by an ancient empire to fight the Abyss. When the Abyss was repelled, those Demi-Gods fell to corruption and were sealed into artifacts—shields, scythes, and bows.
Alistair realized he had already met some of these "fallen" girls. They weren't necessarily evil, just volatile and corrupted by the Abyss's hungry magic.
Joelle, the spirit in his ring, had mentioned her youngest sister was the most dangerous. She had lost her mind and "absorbed" her other sisters.
If you find her, destroy her or exile her to the void, Joelle had warned.
Alistair and Takai got along well, though Takai remained tight-lipped about Alistair's grandfather. It seemed the old man was currently in the "Fantasy World" rather than this tech-based one. That explained why his texts were so sporadic and weird.
When I get back, I need to take Joelle to see the Sakuramiya sisters. That girl with the longbow is definitely another sister.
Alistair walked back to his room and noticed the door was slightly ajar. I thought I closed that.
He checked his cabinet. His Recording Crystal and the "Chili Oil" were still there, but the cabinet door was unlatched. Did Chitose come in here? Why?
He shook his head. He was too tired to investigate. He closed the cabinet and climbed into bed.