The Anime Trope System: Stone vs. Viper, #7 a LitRPG (ATS)

by Alvin Atwater

  “The fallen angel’s here,” he whispered. “And apparently she and Undine are old rivals or something. They’re about to have a drink.”

  Kitome’s eyes widened then darkened.

  “The fuck?”

  “That’s my line,” Yusuke said. “So what should we do?”

  “It’s your fault for keeping her here,” Kitome hissed.

  “How is it my fault?” Yusuke said. “She lived here before any of us. Look, we don’t have time to point fingers. Should we call the others?”

  “Wait, she’s just here to drink, right? Maybe she’ll leave. It’s not like we matter,” Kitome said. “We’ll have to trust in your stupid reaperess girlfriend.”

  “You should stop the hate,” Yusuke said. “She’s the only powerhouse we—”

  Kitome closed her door in his face.

  “Fuck out of here,” she said. “I’ll relay this to the others just in case.”

  “Maybe I should’ve taken Natalia’s advice and go all anime on you,” he said. “Start calling you Onee-chan.”

  “And I will rip out your tongue and shove it—”

  “HEY! Hurry up with that booze,” the fallen angel yelled. “And you call yourself a man, keeping a lady waiting.”

  Yusuke snarled.

  “I’m not a goddamn butler, bird brain!”

  “I’ll turn you into ashes, mortal,” she snapped.

  “You’re a terrible house guest,” Yusuke shouted while on his way to the kitchen.

  “Why you—”

  Undine laughed.

  “Sit, Matsuko,” she said. “And maybe you can tell me how you ended up tainted, bound to a dark god, and here of all places.”

  Yusuke reemerged just in time to see the fallen angel’s widened eyes. They were sitting at the table in the front room.

  “Just give me the damn drink,” she said with defeat in her voice. “I’m pretty sure you don’t want to talk about how you ended up bound to this place. Let’s drink away those memories and catch up.”

  Yusuke poured them the non-ordinary, super sake. The duo took the first drink and sighed.

  “You could say that I have the worst luck, ever,” Matsuko said. “And I’m here on a job to hunt down a brat. I think I’ll be dealing with her tomorrow.”

  Yusuke shook his head, but said nothing. He didn’t want to risk her finding out that he knew Melody.

  Tomorrow was going to be a longggg fucking day. And here he thought he could just enjoy a normal school day, go to his favorite store, maybe beat up a few idiots that attempted to “claim” his territory, and pick up a few new light novels. Ruri still hung out with him on occasion, with her hellhound companion, but only if Undine was busy. Sometimes Seth tagged along.

  If only things could be normal for once.

  Episode 39 (Part 3)

  Clyde’s house…

  Wednesday. Week 2. Month 2. Year 1. Season: Autumn.

  [School: active day. Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.]

  Clyde read and reread Kitome’s text, then called. Fortunately, she, her brother, and the reaperess were fine. The fallen angel even left.

  “Old friends, huh,” Clyde said after hanging up. Chika yawned, turning to the side. He watched her for a few more seconds, knowing that one touch could spiral into an epic start for the morning. He turned only to see Alice and Yuki glaring at him, arms folded. He stretched. “Get up Chika, we’ve got class.” He almost made it to the bathroom, but the demoness grabbed the back of his shirt in time.

  Holding him perhaps too tightly, expressionless, Yuki asked, “So what do you think about Kitome’s text? Should we make a move now or watch people sleep with the desire to do perverted things right in front of everyone?”

  “Ow, ow, too much—we’ll have a meeting after classes tomorrow,” Clyde said. Yuki let him go, his face falling into her chest. Soft pillows of wonder , the young man thought.

  “What’s with the commotion so early in the morning?” Chika said tiredly, then sat up. She yawned. Alice poked one of Yuki’s boobs.

  “Cow.” She folded her arms, harrumphing anime girl style. Or tsundere style, his new name for the gesture. It even fit with the twin-tails.

  After early morning activities—he couldn’t get away with swiping Alice’s toothpaste this time—Natalia, Tear, and Saki popped over. Saki, the dark priest succubus stood by Tear’s side in a maid outfit, awaiting orders. The genie anime-dove into Clyde, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  “I wanna go,” she whined. “Don’t abandon meeee—”

  Alice whacked her with a paper fan.

  “Who’s making these?” she said. “Never mind. Anyway, you can’t just show up at the college—you’re not a student.” Kanako raised a finger to protest, but Alice continued right over her. “And no, you can’t be a student. Not that it’d make any sense, since you’re gone after three wishes.” The genie gave her a teary-eyed look and after a few seconds, the half-demoness folded her arms. “Don’t give me that look. We can’t have them calling security for unauthorized entry.”

  “She’s got a point, Kanako,” Clyde said.

  “But I’ll be lonely,” she said.

  “You could either hang out with Yuki or Natalia,” he said.

  “Wha—what, I’ve got things to do, pervy-nii,” Natalia said, flustered.

  “Like what,” Clyde said, stare blank.

  “First off, I’ve got two mangas to catch up on,” she said, raising a finger, giving the young man a smug look. “And the Loli saga special edition should be coming in the mail today.”

  Alice, Tear, Harumi, and Melody all had blank stares.

  “Is that why you’re even here?” Chika said.

  Natalia harrumphed.

  “I came to visit of course. It’s not like I enjoy being here, baka!”

  “Don’t suddenly go all tsundere,” Clyde said, delivering the paper fan of justice. “Anyway, I’ve got a meeting with the military guys this afternoon. We’ll have the team meet afterwards. And Natalia, share some of your annoying light novels with Kanako.”

  “Never!” Natalia said. “I told you I’m busy.”

  “It’s fine, I don’t want to babysit some child anyway,” Kanako said, walking over to Yuki.

  “Why you—”

  “You could always explore the city,” Harumi said, interrupting Natalia.

  “I…don’t have any money,” Kanako said, sagging.

  “Why didn’t you just ask?” Melody said.

  “I’m already freeloading,” she said, eyes teary.

  Clyde sighed.

  “You’re my genie,” he said. “And you're a part of Team Stone. Your job is to grant my…” He looked at Toru, idea blazing. “Kanako… bring Fumi back to life. That’s my first wish.”

  Toru’s eyes widened.

  “Toru’s lover,” Clyde continued.

  “I can’t,” Kanako said softly, then sagged onto the couch. “I’m…sorry for being useless. Forbidden magic like that is monitored by Celestial. An angelic being could probably get away with it once, if lucky , but…not only would the spell be blocked, but I may even bring down the punishment squad.” Tears streamed. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” Toru said. “And Clyde, I appreciate the thought, but please don’t bring up resurrection. I…Fumi would want me to accept what’s in front of me. And while I’d give anything to bring her back, sell my soul, we both know there will be always some form of consequence standing in the way.”

  “But she didn’t deserve it,” Alice said. “Maybe Kanako could give Clyde the same magic Mother used—”

  “No,” Toru said. “We don’t know what a punishment squad is, and I’d rather not have them focused on this city. Or us.” He started out the door. “I’ll be waiting outside for the Jump.”

  Ruri and Matsume’s ears sagged.

  “There has to be a way to bring her back,” Ruri said. “There just has to be…And I…I don’t smell any trace of happiness on him anymore…”<
br />
  Alice pet her friend, then pulled her close. Clyde would punch the shit out of anyone that stated demons didn’t care. Well, Team Stone’s demons were different.

  “I’m…sorry,” Kanako said.

  “ Don’t be ,” Clyde said, placing his hand on her shoulder. “ It’s not your fault. And no one saw this coming. There is only one man who will take responsibility for this. Fuck with mine and I’ll rip their soul into pieces and send it to hell .” The young man took a breath and let it out. “Everyone, be strong for him. I ask this as your less than perfect, team leader.”

  Harumi grabbed his hand and squeezed, causing the tension to fade away like magic.

  The students stepped outside to see their friend, arms folded, staring at the empty streets. Clyde patted his shoulder. “We’ve got your back.” He initiated the Jump.

  That afternoon, Clyde met with Hiroshi and his group at the ramen shop as planned. He took Ashard, an insistent genie, and a reluctant Toru with him. Apparently, the fairy boy could detect lies. He wasn’t sure how he felt about his scouting abilities—the moment the young man flew off, the enemy attacked. Toru was Toru, although out of it. Clyde wanted more ears but Alice and Ruri went shopping, Tear and Natalia were busy at the palace working on the supposed next big project, Yuki couldn’t do so, supervising Maki and Sophia, Melody and Ming were surprisingly hanging out, and Seth was apparently on a date. Everyone promised to be ready for the team meeting. He sighed. If he called an emergency meeting, would they come?

  Kanako and Ayu carried on a side conversation, filled with giggles, blushes, and whispering while looking at people. Hiroshi gave up on the head-whacking.

  “Let’s just cut past the niceties and you tell us this threat,” Ashard said. “The human military’s presence across the Nation’s cities seemed to be minimum or dwindling. What could you possibly be fighting?”

  “The Supreme demon lord’s hidden forces for a start,” Maho said. “Our section leader did regular military things before the barrier shattered. Everyone had to be brought up to date about the true threats. If the Supreme demon lord takes over, we will all be forced to acknowledge her as empress. We may even be bound to a magical contract and the world will never be the same again. Monster girls will feast. While the human race isn’t vanishing, the males of others are, which is a concern for balance and nature. Men might become hunted, wars might sprout, the works.” Maho folded her arms, shuddering. “Some monster girls don’t have a wick of real intellect—they’re fine with raping any man on sight. But if the monsters believe they’re just going to stomp over the human race, they have another thing coming.”

  Clyde almost hummed the song, but held it at bay.

  “So, you’re fighting the Supreme demon lord,” Clyde said then nodded. “This is the first time I heard something that made sense with the human side of things. Any other threats?”

  Maho looked at Hiroshi for permission. He nodded.

  “Sea threats are ours. Some water-type monsters get big in their heads, develop a superiority complex,” Maho continued.

  “And we beat them away,” Ayu interjected.

  Maho cleared her throat before continuing.

  “Then of course are the demons and devils that want to take over some areas and expand their territories, many of them from other realms, many believe themselves to be above the Supreme demon lord.” She shrugged, eyes hard. “This is probably the only thing we have in common with the crusaders. The need to keep the takeovers from happening. Normally adventurers handled these threats but an unknown phenomenon had set them on the decline.”

  “With all of that being said,” Rodger said. “We could truly use your team’s help. The more gifted we can enlist, the better.”

  “As the Stone, I cannot,” Clyde said. Maho and Ayu’s eyes were the only ones wide. So they heard of the Stone. “The gifted may be on the decline too, due to the demon lords taking over cities. I plan to liberate as many as possible, while gaining intel on this Supreme demon lord.”

  “Can you believe it’s a girl,” Ayu said.

  “Considering the amount of monster girls. Never mind,” Hiroshi said, “not the point.” He offered a hand to Clyde and his party, which they shook. “I’d like to thank you for meeting with us. I’ll do my research on…whatever a Stone’s supposed to be. In the meantime, we’ll probably take off in a day or two, back to the base.”

  Clyde nodded.

  “It’s been a pleasure, especially meeting a human as tough as nails.”

  Hiroshi sighed.

  “More like an alcoholic,” Ayu laughed, earning herself a whack on the head. “So mean.”

  Episode 39 (Part 4)

  Mall and Shopping Center…

  Ruri took in the plethora of smells as she walked the aisles with Alice, Matsume walking ahead, always guarding her. Yuki wasn’t the only person who took care of the supplies such as shower gels and soaps, shampoos and conditioners, cleaning products and laundry detergent, so on. As if they’d heartlessly give all of that responsibility to the cool demoness. Even if she wanted it and did things at impossible speeds—Ruri and the other women delegated responsibilities without Clyde even knowing. That was a topic of the first all-girls meeting.

  Ruri…had no choice but to be thankful to her mother for putting her through the reform after all. Sure, Clyde made controlling the urges a challenge, but she managed to keep things together. Eventually overtime, she fully befriended the others—but nothing could stop Alice from being her favorite. That is until Clyde’s natural gift of comforting a hound took over.

  Ruri looked at Matsume. She loved her friend and servant, but hated the babysitting. Ruri was a hellhound, a feared and fierce race. They didn’t need bodyguards, but the brown-haired woman always insisted. Princess this, princess that. How long did it take for Alice to get Natalia to stop guarding her?

  Abruptly, a familiar scent of deliciousness flowed through the hellhound princess’s nose. Her mouth watered, but she maintained her dignity. There was a time where her race had no cares in the world and would openly drool over food and men, tongues sometimes lolling out. But now, she…caused a division among her people. Those who prefer the old way and Ruri’s supporters. Among the women that were forced to accompany her just to visit Alice, Matsume was her sole true supporter. A big sister in a way.

  Ruri wondered how long she could enjoy these happy times before her people revolted. Her mother kept power by being the strongest, but also a neutral figure among all hellhound clans. If she sent someone to force her back to the main clan house…Or worse, replaced Matsume with one of the old way—Team Stone, her team, would not hesitate to smash that hellhound’s face in. But Ruri didn’t wish any ill will on the others. The Supreme’s influence, succubus magic, is the only reason why they had the urges.

  Ruri…went through hell to learn to somewhat control them, but they couldn’t be ignored. Most of the reformed would have found mates by now…but…She wasn’t sure if Clyde wanted anything to do with her. The imprinting on him…She still didn’t understand how and why it happened, other than compatibility. Compatibility with someone else’s life mate. She sighed. Madness.

  The trio stopped into a Ridout Enterprises store to get Harumi some replacement running shoes. Out of the corner of her eye, Ruri noticed Matsume eyeing a nice frisbee. She almost spawned her tail, eager to wag, but forced herself to be composed. The human world was just, so frustrating! She pictured Clyde tossing the disc and she, catching it with her mouth, maybe after doing a few flips to show off her skills. He’d pet her…Ruri shook away the annoying daydreams. She wasn’t the strawberry head.

  “I’m ready,” Alice said, holding the bag that contained the boxed shoes.

  “Why didn’t we shop at one of the stores Toru’s family owned?” Ruri asked. “His father’s the CEO of several sporting goods stores, right?”

  “Harumi had specific tastes and the last time I checked, Toru’s store doesn’t have them,” Alice said. “And besides
, it’s way on the other end of the mall.”

  “Well, now that we’re done with the shopping, let’s go get meat,” Matsume said. Ruri almost lolled her tongue out, ready to hoot, but caught herself at the last second.

  “Fine, but make it snappy,” Alice said. “And suck in your aura, Ruri. You’re blasting too much.”

  Ruri, blinked, just now realizing that she released enough aura to probably cover the city.

  “Sorry,” she said, smiling sheepishly. “Old habit. Restraint isn’t a thing for us.”

  “I know,” Alice said, giving her a blank stare. “I haven’t forgotten about our childhood.”

  Ruri blushed, laughing.

  It came as a surprise when Matsume pushed Ruri to the ground in order to take a bullet in the chest. And judging by the scent, silver. The protector of Princess Ruri fell into a pool of her own blood.

  **

  Office somewhere in Lot City…

  The Oyabun gave his minion a look of skepticism then sighed.

  “Women.”

  “Sir, I think she plans to kill off his friends.”

  “What?” the Oyabun snapped. “Those are not my orders. I told her not to harm them, just watch. I want information. Who are they, how’d they get the people to their side, and if I can get them to work for me. Do you buffoons not get it? Team Stone alive will is a gold mine of money.” He smashed his fists against the table. “And there’s no doubt, she’ll get it done. The crazy woman carries around silver bullets, believing them to be problem solvers to everything. Call her now, tell her to follow orders.” The minion rushed off, dialing. The Oyabun sighed. “She may be my elite, but thinking with her gun first before her head is going to cost me a lot of money, partnerships, and reputation. I need to marry her off quickly.” He glanced at a picture of his darling daughter Misaka as a child, holding the hand of her mother. He wondered what his wife made for dinner.

  His wife who wasn’t fully human, not that he gave a fuck. She was a perfect woman and arguably too good for him. While pushing very late forties, forcing himself to stay in shape, his wife still looked to be in her late twenties, early thirties. Aging half the speed…must be nice. He chuckled.