Everybody Loves Large Chests

Knowledge Is Power 11

Power creep? repeated Nao. Hmm, the phrase does ring a bell. Im sure Ive heard of it before somewhere, but I cant put my finger on it.

I think she means that PMS thing, bro, called out Kuro from the side.

Oh! Right, of course! exclaimed the Hero of Magic with a clap.

I see, I see, so thats how it was, said the catgirl with a smile and a nod as she casually unsheathed the mithril dagger at her waist. So you two want to get cut after all, dont you?

What?! No! C-c-calm down Keira! Kuro was just kidding! Lets put the shiny knife away and talk about this!

Even if Boxxy knew it was a joke, the terrible timing involved triggered a fit of anger which it failed to contain completely. Suggesting that its health issues were somehow caused by Keiras menstrual cycle was ludicrous to say the least. Under normal circumstances the shapeshifter wouldve just laughed it off, but Kuros talent for pushing its buttons was already at VIP level.

Sorry, that joke was a bit overboard, apologized Keira almost immediately. Ive just had it with that guys attitude.

In my defense, that one wasnt on purpose, claimed the culprit. Its just that this guy here isnt all that familiar with adventurer jargon.

Yeah, I usually let Kuro handle the talking with strangers.

Okay, fair enough. Wait, then how come he wasnt around when you visited my house?

I was, actually, but, uh, I got a bit lost, he admitted reluctantly.

Lost?

Okay, listen, I dont want you to go all knifey-wifey on me again, but I was trying to hit on your girlfriend. I didnt know she was taken back then. So, I escorted her on her shopping trip, but she was having none of it. Then when the Clash warning popped up she disappeared in a huff and left me in the middle of a crowd with no idea how to get back to your place.

You lost her? asked Keira with an incredulous look on her face. But youre a Berserker and shes just an Alchemist! How do you lose someone like that?!

Shes a local! She knows all the shortcuts and back alleys! Not to mention the timing to those funky flying platforms you people have around here!

Wow. I am almost speechless, remarked the catkin as she shook her head. You are like, the worst bodyguard ever!

To be fair, butted in Nao, I was the one who agreed to him leaving. The city seemed peaceful enough and I thought Id be perfectly fine in that out-of-the-way house. Plus my visit was pretty low profile, so very few people knew I was even here. Then you showed up with that impeccable timing that only a Hero of Chaos can pull off. And once the misunderstanding was cleared up I sent him a Message to stay away lest he complicate things even further.

Oh. Yeah, alright, I guess that makes sense, conceded Keira. Wait, when did you manage to send a message? I didnt see a Comm-crystal or anything.

No, no, a Message, as in the Psionic Spell. Instant long-range telepathic communication. Picked it up about a year ago when I was visiting the southern continent. More importantly though, Im surprised youre asking about Milton-Presley Syndrome.

Who-the-what-now? asked the confused catgirl.

Milton-Presley Syndrome, repeated Nao, or MPS for short. Not PMS. Thats something else entirely. Point is, it should be far too early for you to worry about it.

Maybe, but I want to be prepared for when the time comes. Unfortunately, Ive only heard of it in passing, so Im not sure what its actually about.

That was more or less the truth. Boxxy knew that power creep was something bad that happened if an adventurer that got too many Levels too quickly, but that was the extent of its knowledge. The monster never had any problems with its explosive growth, however, so it had never worried about it before. Something that the benefit of hindsight showed had been an error.

I suppose someone with four Jobs is more susceptible to it than not, admitted Nao while scratching his cheek. Well, Im sorry to say, but Im a bit sketchy on some of the details myself. Its been a long time since I looked it up, so I dont trust my memory too much.

Oh. Thats okay. Ill just look it up in the library or something.

Theres no need for that. I have one on hand, actually. Stand back a bit, if you dont mind.

Concentric rings of light shot out of the Hero of Magic, and Boxxy immediately recognized the pattern as the Summon Familiar Skill. Seeing this happen second-hand for once left the Mimic a bit stunned, as it wasnt sure how to react, but it managed to keep its cool this time around. Keira had been in the company of other peoples familiars before, so it would likely be fine. Even if the Boxxy Show was popular over on the other side, Hamilton had forbidden any denizens of the Beyond from divulging anything they might have seen in it to mortals. Its secret was probably not in any direct danger, but it still undid the MLG hidden in Keiras torso. It was a precaution just in case the one called out was a beholder that might be asked to scan the room for anomalies.

This proved to have been a wise decision, as the demon that popped out of thin air did indeed look like one. He had marble white skin, a single giant eye with a triangular blue iris, and a total of six eye stalks growing out of its floating head of a body, which was about one and a half meters in diameter. He didnt seem all that impressive at first glance, but Boxxy knew from its Demonology Skill that the peculiar shape of that eye was something no common demon would have. A triangular iris was the sign of a beholder that had Ranked Up into a gazer, and this revelation immediately put the Mimic on edge. This was the first time it had seen another Warlock with a ranker under their command, so there was no way it wouldnt grow more wary of Nao.

The Hero of Magic, it would seem, was potentially dangerous in more than one ways.

As for the demon, he took a brief look at his summoner and barely even glanced at Kuro, but his stare then lingered on Keira and her forced smile for several seconds.

Hah. Hahahaha! AAAAAHAHAHAHAHAA!

At which point he began laughing in a deep, booming voice.

What is it this time, Ogbolg? asked Nao, clearly miffed at this disrespectful behavior.

Aaaah, its nothing, master, said the gazer with a toothy grin. I was just thinking it would be amusing to watch you and that pretty face of yours get ripped apart by a vicious monster in a dark cave somewhere. A creature that is like nightmares made real - a merciless whirlwind of steel, teeth, and death.

This guy, is he trying to expose me?! panicked Boxxy inside its head.

Tch, that guys still quite the charmer, aint he? said Kuro from the side.

He does this every time? asked Keira.

Pretty much, confirmed Nao. Ogbolg here doesnt like it that I only use him to remember stuff in my stead. He talks big, but I keep him on a tight leash, so hes harmless.

Foolish mortal! Well see who is harmless when the unspeakable horrors of the Beyond pour through the gates of this reality, eager to tear into your magic-rich blood and devour your very-!

Yes, yes, Im sure Ill suffer greatly, he said dismissively. Now shut up about that and tell us everything you know about Milton-Presley Syndrome.

The phenomenon formally referred to as Milton-Presley Syndrome and is informally popularized to as power creep or leveling fatigue is the anomalous occurrence whereby an overabundance of amplification sources begins to overextend the legitimate and essential characteristics of a physical vessel, both of biological and inorganic composites. Research into the condition was spearheaded by the humans Ashor Milton and Jennifer Presley, for which it was ultimately and officially named after, despite being widely known as power creep or leveling fatigue within the various non-scholastic circles and communities for centuries prior.

Have a seat, whispered Nao to Keira. This will take a while.

The two of them sat on a nearby bench as the demon continued divulging the requested information. However, his dull and drawn-out tone of voice combined with the needlessly pretentious wording and tautologies threatened to put his listeners to sleep. Kuro failed to resist and dozed off in his chair off, but the other two were not so easily swayed. The Hero of Magic was actively taking notes while Boxxy listened attentively to every syllable. The doppelganger was eager to get the full scoop, as it had only heard of the term in passing and as such only knew that the idea behind it was that too many Levels too quickly can be bad.

As it turned out, that wasnt entirely accurate. According to the lecture, MPS manifested itself whenever an adventurer gained too many permanent Attribute bonuses, be it from Jobs, Skills, Perks, or special actions. Attributes dwelled within the body and amplified certain mental, physical, and, in the case of Natural Affinity (AFF) and Faith (FTH), spiritual traits. However, such supernatural luxuries were not without their burdens. There was only so much boosting a living being could take before the cumulative stress upon the body caused side-effects to manifest.

Unfortunately, that was all Boxxy was able to gather before it lost track of the presentation. The deluge of words pouring out of Ogbolgs mouth made it extremely difficult to follow along and understand him. Terms like fait accompli, arcanophilogical or ventral superluminal resistance in particular made it seem like the demon was speaking in a foreign language altogether. The whole thing was likely the gazers way of exerting his right to malicious compliance. He was technically fulfilling his masters orders, but was trying to do it in a way that rendered the exercise largely pointless.

Yet Nao didnt seem to mind in the slightest as he continued scribbling in his notebook without being perturbed by Ogbolgs verbal diarrhea. Whether it was because he understood all the technical mumbo jumbo or because he was used to such shenanigans was unclear, but Boxxy couldnt help but be impressed. The Hero of Magic didnt even wait for the gazer demon to finish his lecture before he cut him off, tore out a page from his booklet and handed it to a thoroughly confused-looking Keira.

Here.

Uh, what?

This guy likes to throw big words around for no reason, so I took the liberty of jotting down the important bits without all the filler, he explained.

Oh, you did all that for me? Lemme see!

The catgirl took the piece of paper and eagerly gave it a once over.

Boxxy greedily soaked in all the concisely written information and began processing it. It wasnt sure how much it could trust it though, as this data had been gathered with people in mind. It obviously wouldnt apply to a monster directly. Especially one that had Ranked Up three times and even changed species once.

However, the shapeshifter could not deny that its current abnormal condition could easily be attributed to the early onset of power creep. Not to mention that its combined Attribute scores clocked in at around a staggering 7,300. This was two-to-three times higher than the average limit for baseline enlightened beings, which surely should not be ignored. Then there was the fact that it had gained over five hundred Attributes during the latter half of its last trip, so the timing was definitely a fit.

With the diagnosis out of the way, the next question was an obvious one - how could it address this? Aside from the obvious desire not to make this MPS thing worse, it also hated being temperamental and constantly feeling tired. It wanted to be rid of it post-haste, yet none of the treatment options listed here were especially tasty. That was okay though, as the Mimic had already came up with a fifth one that should work in theory.

However, that was something it would test later tonight. Right now it still had a Heros favor to curry.

Oh my God! exclaimed Keira. You managed to get all of this from that?! And in such clean, beautiful handwriting, too! Nao, youre amazing!

Ehehehe, he laughed awkwardly at the sincere compliment. W-well, I knew a good deal of that already. Just had to double-check my facts, is all.

Still, you went out of your way to arrange this, even after I shut you down earlier. I really dont know what to say, other than thank you! Youre the best!

The catgirl then leaned over and gave the beastkin sitting next to her a quick peck on the cheek.

Youre gonna make some woman very happy one day, she added with a brilliant smile.

Sure it can be you? asked the blushing wolf-boy.

Im pretty certain Id have noticed if Id have developed a craving for men over the last two hours, she said while rolling her eyes. But if that happens in the future, youd be the first to know.

Uh, thanks? I guess?

Pfaaahahahaha!

The gazer demon abruptly burst out laughing at that exchange, clearly aware of the literal man-eater hidden behind Keiras cheerful facade. The sudden loud noise made Kuro stir from his drivel-induced coma. The Berserker mumbled something about five more minutes, then continued napping.

Your pain shall be legendary, whelp! it taunted in-between fits of guffawing. I shall forever treasure your inevitable demise!

Alright, thats enough out of you, declared the demons master. Away you go!

And with that, the security risk in the room had been forcibly dismissed and sent back whence he came from, much to Boxxys relief.

Again, sorry about that, said Nao to Keira. I always struggle to keep that guys bad attitude in check. Id tell him to shut up, but that would defeat the purpose of using him as a portable personal library.

You dont have to apologize. I already know all demons are jerks. Frankly speaking, Im surprised you even have a familiar. You didnt mention you were also a Warlock before.

Because I dont consider myself one. The Jobs only at Level 16 since I was curious about the Demonology Skill and the knowledge it offered, but I had to also get Summon Familiar since its a prerequisite. It wasnt like I went out of my way to make a contract possible. I havent even hired anyone besides Ogbolg, though Im rather ashamed that I have to rely on that asshole in the first place.

You dont need to explain yourself to me, Nao. I trust you know what youre doing when it comes to this sort of stuff. Besides, even if theyre insensitive pricks, Ive seen first-hand how scarily effective demons can be in a pinch, so I try not to judge.

Yeah, I had a feeling youd say that. I just wish everyone else was as understanding as you, he added while furrowing his brows. People who catch wind of me having Summon Familiar take one look at my boyish face and instantly assume Im a hormonal teenager who wanted a succubus for immoral purposes. It can be quite frustrating trying to explain I only have Ogbolg.

Sounds troublesome. How come you dont have more demons, though? Seems odd to have the potential yet not use it.

Im afraid of what would happen if I have to keep tabs on more than one of them. Im not very perceptive. Or attentive. Or confident. Or strong-willed, for that matter.

Okay, okay, I get it, grumbled the catgirl, interrupting the one-man pity parade. But even if its one at a time, having more options couldnt hurt, right? I mean, no offense to Kuro, but look at him.

The bodyguard in question was still quietly snoring while laying back in his chair.

Oh, that? Dont worry about him. Looking after me can be a bit demanding, so he needs to get all the sleep he can, deflected Nao. Youre actually to blame for that, you know. We were supposed to remain incognito as much as possible, but our meeting kind of blew it.

Th-that was then, this is now, insisted the catgirl. And what that guy is doing right now hardly seems proper behavior of a protector.

I trust him to know his limits, insisted the younger wolfkin. He has a good nose for danger, so hell wake up the instant he feels a threat is near. Not that I expect anyone with malicious intents can get to us down here, in the Consortiums basement. Unless it was someone who could barge past the collective security forces of several adventurer guilds, but Kuro wouldnt be able to stand up to that sort of absurd being anyway

But a fiend might, was Keiras counter argument. Theyre stupidly strong and tough, after all. Or one of those spider-things could catch them unawares. Or maybe that Oldblob or whatever his name was could see the threat coming before it gets here, giving you time to escape. What Im getting at is that even if its only one at a time, demons can still be made to keep watch. They dont need food or sleep or anything either, so theyre perfect for the job!

Nao opened his mouth and raised a finger as if to protest, but stopped himself in the next moment as he realized that was a very valid point. Using demons as sentries was by no means a strange concept. Just like Keira said, they were uniquely well-suited to such duties. It was also possible that, should his gazer be given something more to do in the physical realm than just holding onto information, then he might actually mellow out a bit. The Sandman himself had supposedly earned genuine loyalty from his familiars, and he was by no means the first one to accomplish such a feat.

Granted, one usually needed to be an unbelievably scummy piece of shit to be liked by the denizens of the Beyond, so Nao always took such suggestions with a pinch of salt. However, Keiras words had far more weight behind them than he expected. Heroes often led turbulent lives and had to be ready for anything, but none embodied this more than the Hero of Chaos. Unforeseen consequences and extreme circumstances were more than just an eventual possibility for the spunky redhead in front of him. They were a way of life. He had seen for himself how unsettling and upsetting the random occurrences of Chaotic Disposition could be, yet she still handled them with grace. Aside from the rare fit of strangely creative swearing, at least.

Bottom line was that Nao would be a fool if he dismissed her sincere advice regarding his personal safety without at least giving it proper consideration.

Yeah, you may have a point, he said after mulling things over. Ill think about it.

Oh, crap.

It would appear that Keiras gentle nudge had set in motion a chain of events that, given the context, would probably end up affecting the Hero of Magic in a major way. This entire conversation was supposed to be Boxxy offering some helpful hints free of charge, as it seriously wanted Nao kept alive. He had been such a wonderful source of information that it would honestly be a shame if he were to bite the big one, especially after all the effort it put into him. The Mimic wasnt going to risk its life for the guy or anything, but it wouldnt mind stopping an assassination plot or two if it happened to stumble upon them. But if the flows of chaos were going to have their way with him, then a coward like Nao was unlikely to escape from them unscathed.

What is it Keira? Did something happen?

Meaning that this was probably the right time to tell the Hero of Magic he was in for a wild ride. While the outcome of Agent of Chaos was largely unpredictable, the existence of free will meant that it wasnt necessarily set in stone. It was possible it could be steered towards a relatively favorable direction, so long as one knew that something was coming. Of course, the mere act of notifying the man might backfire and make things worse, but it would probably be better if he was on high alert for the time being.

Remember the Agent of Chaos thing I mentioned? It just popped up in my head, so I think you need to be extremely careful how you handle those demons of yours.

Oh.

The two stared at each other in total silence, but it wasnt the contemplating how to handle things silence. It was more of the nice day, isnt it? sort of atmosphere.

So? asked the catgirl.

Hmm? So what?

What are you going to do about it?

About what?

About the Agent of Chaos!

Did something happen?

Yeah, it just activated.

What did?

The Agent of Chaos Skill! It just became active!

I dont follow.

Argh! Listen to me! she screamed while shaking him by the collar. Im telling you some weird shit is about to go down!

Hey, hey, hey! Put him down! shouted the freshly woken up Kuro as he broke the two of them up. Whats this all about?!

Its about that dense guy over there! she insisted. Im trying to warn him something extreme is going to happen to him in the near future!

Him being a bit slow is hardly cause for you to accost him like that, he said sternly. You already know he cant deal with violent girls! You should be helping him overcome that, not making it worse!

Thats not the point!

Then what is it, ya psycho?

But no matter how much she tried to tell them that something big was about to happen, the message simply failed to sink in. It was as if her words didnt even reach them, or at the very least like they were literally going in one ear and out the other. The crafty catgirl tried writing down her warning instead, but that also failed no matter how many times she tried. Either the quill would snap, the page would tear, or Kuro would sneeze into the paper and his snot would make the writing illegible. Not even roundabout explanations or awkward flailing that may or may not have been interpreted as language were getting through to either of the beastkin.

It had become readily apparent that this was Cornelias meddling, and that no amount of effort on Boxxys part would allow it to overcome her divine influence. After it had a chance to think about it why this was happening, it remembered the Goddess of Gambling once said something about hating spoilers. It would therefore make sense that some sort of divine censorship would keep the secret from spilling out and possibly affecting the outcome. That was the only reasonable explanation why the only thing Keira had to show after five minutes of trying to warm someone that some funky shit is about to go down was a pair of confused-looking wolfkin.

Whats this really about, Keira? demanded Nao. I know weve not known each other for very long, but this sort of cryptic attitude doesnt seem like you.

No. Im being extremely direct with you right now, retorted Boxxy inside its head. Im being so honest that it actually hurts a little.

But, with no other options on the table, the Mimic had to give up on that, and so decided to move on another topic.

Okay, Ill stop beating around the bush and say it. I want to find out what happens if we fully charge and set off the maybe-Divine item I showed you when we first met.

No amount of examination from the Hero of Magic was able to reveal a single thing about what that blasted pink gems main function. He therefore determined that the only certain way to figure out what would happen if it was activated was to, well, activate it.

Ah, I see. Hmm, responded the younger sibling while rubbing his chin in thought. I must admit, even if its dangerous, Im itching to find out what it really does.

Here we go again, groaned the older one while rolling his eyes. You and that mystery fetish of yours are gonna be the death of one or both of us. And this one smells especially fishy. You know what they say about curiosity and cats, right?

Careful Kuro, youre starting to sound like Ogbolg, cautioned Nao while still lost in thought. Alright Keira, tell you what. I dont feel confident about setting that thing off by ourselves, but it should be fine if we ask lady Imiryl for assistance. She was once my teacher, so she should understand my concerns regarding safety and secrecy.

Great! Lets do that! suggested Keira.

Unfortunately, he continued, shes currently away on some business for her guild, the Broken Mirror, and wont be back until a day or two after the new year celebration.

More like shes off to booze it up where her drunken self will cause the least amount of collateral damage, mumbled Kuro while shuddering slightly. The last time I saw her party it up unsupervised she turned the Seven Spires of Solitude into the Seven Piles of Rubble. We spent the next five weeks cleaning that up.

Nao? Is that why you were saying something about putting mountains back together? asked Keira.

W-w-well, that doesnt really matter right now, he claimed dismissively. The important part is that I- uh, we should wait for her to return so she can lend us her expertise.

He also mumbled something about if shes sober under his breath, but Boxxy pretended not to hear. It had a more pressing question in mind.

But thats going to be after the next year rolls around, right? Will you still be here when she comes back?

Where else would I be?

I thought you had to leave in, like, four days from now.

You do realize the new year starts the day after tomorrow, right?

Keiras eyes opened up so much that one would think they were trying to escape the confines of her face.

I completely forgot! she shrieked.

With all the magic lessons, fruitless Foundation baiting and power creep business going on, Boxxy had completely forgotten about that affair. It wasnt like the turn of the year held any special significance to the monster though. It was just another day in the calendar as far as it was concerned. However, it was a very special day for Keira. More specifically, for Rowana and her family, who she was supposed to celebrate it with.

I need to buy presents for Rowie and her folks! I should also get something for Lia and the others! I also have to get a new dress! And shoes! Oh no, I even promised Id get my hair done for once, but I havent made an appointment! I cant be wasting my time here!

The hyperactive catgirl paced around in a circle as she listed off all the things she neglected to arrange, then abruptly turned on her heel and ran towards the exit. She was already one foot out the door before Nao realized what was going on.

Wait, hold up! he called out to Keira, stopping her in her tracks.

What?! Oh, sorry about this, but I really need to get going!

Can I borrow that mithril dagger you, uh, showed me earlier?

The catgirl cocked an eyebrow, then unsheathed the weapon from her belt and held it up so everyone could see it.

You mean this?

Yeah.

Why?

I want to run some experiments on it.

What kind of experiments?

Oh, nothing special. Just some minor things to satisfy my curiosity.

Can you swear my shin- my treasure will survive your curiosity? I only just got it on my last adventure, you know.

Keiras Boxxy-ness very nearly spilled out in the middle there, but she managed to keep her act together. Despite what its Facade had stated, that weapon had been the shapeshifters constant companion for almost as long as Snack and Arms. It wasnt like the blade held any particularly special meaning or sentimental value, but it getting ruined in some magical malfunction would not be tasty at all.

Ill give it back better than new, promised Nao. Even if I somehow break it, Ill make sure to replace it.

Ill hold you to that, then. Hey, Kuro-!

Keira flipped the weapon in her hand and grabbed it by the blade with three fingers.

-Catch!

She then abruptly threw it at the towering Berserker a bit faster than she should have.

Hey, watch it! he exclaimed as he just barely managed to catch it by the handle. If I didnt know any better Id think you were trying to- Aaaaaand shes gone.

The frantic catgirl had already shut the door on her way out, long before he could finish voicing his complaint.

Must be nice, lamented Nao.

What is? responded Kuro while handing him the borrowed blade.

Having so many people to give gifts to.

Meh. Seems like just a waste of time, energy and money if you ask me. I dont need some fancy holiday to go get pissed with my buddies, you know?

The younger wolfkin ignored the snide comments as he looked at the old yet tenderly cared for weapon in his hand with a soft smile. He wasnt initially sure why his patron insisted coming all the way here would be a learning experience, but now he understood. One could study arcane sigils, ancient artifacts and peculiar pink gems all they wanted, but it was people who remained the biggest mystery of them all.

And Keira? She was definitely one of the major ones. He wouldnt go so far as to say meeting her had changed his life, but gaining her friendship had certainly been enlightening. Just like a book that always had another page, he couldnt help but feel there was always more to her than one would think. That enigmatic personality was what initially intrigued him about her, though the pretty face, nice figure, flawless skin and cheerful demeanor certainly helped draw him in further. It was a shame their relationship didnt pan out like he was hoping, but it couldnt be helped. Nor would his failed attempt at romance dissuade him from giving his new friend the type of gift only someone in his position could give someone like her.

Come on, Kuro. Im eager to find out how much mana this thing can hold!

An enchantment that only a truly inspired Hero of Magic could produce.

Just take it easy with this one, okay? My back still hurts from the last time you had that inspired look in your eye.

Oh, nonsense! We got all the shrapnel out, didnt we? Besides, that axe was steel, not mithril, so itll go much better this time around. In theory.

Provided the weapon survived the treatment, of course.