"Yeah. That's the gist of it.", I said to everyone. "To show how it's done, I'll go first."
Just thinking of the action, I willed my Status Window to appear. Granted, I wasn't going to show them the full thing, as it is quite long at this point. Instead, I let the Gamer System do some changes. A 'Stat Preview', if you will. That way, it condenses everything, and it only needs to to show what it needs to show. I know everything by heart. I considered what to do for this matter when presenting this information to others when they join the Party. And as expected, it showed my temporary Status while it was Level 100. I was left as shocked as the rest of them were.
[Gamer Naoto - Lv100 (Temporary)]
HP: 26,700/26,700
EP: 14,150/14,150
Attack Damage: 2,220
Resistance: 835
Arts Damage: 1640
Arts Resistance: 835
Combat Orbment: Unequipped
Weapon: Unequipped
Armor: Unequipped
Boots: Unequipped
Accessory 1: Unequipped
Accessory 2: Unequipped
'Now this is more like it.', I inwardly smiled, seeing such a condensed view. Straight to the point. I'm not even going to include substats like Speed. This isn't a game, even though it turns my surroundings into one. While it may have its own laws and rules to follow like I said to everyone, I do not think it will go as far as adjusting real life to the point of it making it a fully turned-based battle. Actions move fluidly without waiting for someone to wait for you. There is no AT System. Enemies will not wait around for you to attack them. If they see an opening they'll take it.
And adding to that, it truly is a shame I couldn't play the next game that was lined up, Daybreak, before I crossed over into Zemuria. The company was going to adopt an action-turn based hybrid battle system, and I missed out on that!
Then again, I do not know how Speed factors into this when it applies to real-life combat over turn-based. If it does actually impact certain combat mechanics outside of being flavor text, I'll consider including it in the future, but I'm quite satisfied with how that condensed window looks.
It is much more pleasing to the eyes. One thing to point out is my Equipment and Combat Orbment. I am currently wearing these, but the Gamer System did not prompt a [Yes/No] to "Equip" them, if you know what I mean. I can just use the Gamer System to turn these options on and off, and the Stats will be adjusted accordingly, regardless of whether I have them equipped on my body or not. Pretty cool, right? That's why they're currently in an "Unequipped" status. What you see right now are just my raw stats alone with the Title and Blessings affecting them!
I can't wait to see what my final Status looks like after everything is on!
One by one, seeing me bring out my Status Window, everyone struggled to open theirs at first. Thankfully, it didn't take long to see everyone's Status. Unlike mine, everyone else actually showed their Equipment. I was left astonished while going through each one.
"All of you are monsters.", I said, chuckling.
"Haha! We've all had our fair share of training at this point, no? I am quite astonished myself to see that this ability of yours can translate what I know into what we currently see. Such a unique ability. As long as we're in a Party like this, you can turn this off and on at will?", Prince Olivert questioned. I didn't see a reason to hide anything seeing how much I've explained at this point. If we're all on the same page, it will make this battle go much smoother.
"Yeah. Plus I can choose who comes and doesn't come into the Party. I chose you five because of your strengths and availability~", I replied, grinning.
"So if we weren't in that room, this wouldn't have happened?", Ein asked, also grinning back at me.
"Exactly.", I said, still smiling.
"Well that's fine and all, but you don't seem ready to do this fight yet. Our strengths might be displayed, but yours looks unfinished.", Mueller said while looking at my Status. I nodded my head at his doubt.
"That's actually what I wanted to bring up with you all. Why don't we bring out all of our weapons? From there, we can devise a strategy to take those Magic Knights down.", I suggested.
"Umu. You make a fair point, Naoto. I do not see a problem with that.", Roselia said.
"With that being said, some of you have already seen mine, but I'll bring it out regardless.", I said, only to bring out Glistening Moonlight from my side. It was still inside its scabbard.
Glistening Moonlight's width was about an inch wide. For its length, it was about three-and-a-half feet long. If I had entered a stance myself, I'd hold the Rapier vertically. Just like how the son of Marquis Hyarms, Patrick Hyarms, holds his Rapier when you see him fight alongside other Nobles during the October War in Cold Steel. Many Nobles adopt that form, and I am no less to that, even though my training hasn't started yet.
"I can attack safely from mid-range. I do have a personalized Combat Orbment as well, but sadly, it is not ready. I just have one requirement for you all. I need to deliver the final blow on these Magic Knights. Otherwise, the Trial will not be counted as completed, and we very well could be stuck here.", I said, showing a serious look.
"Well that's no good. If that truly is the condition to leave this place and have the Plaza return to normal, then we'll devise our strategy around that. And as for my weapon of choice, it's this beauty.", Ein said, nodding her head. As she said that, she took out her weapon. Sure enough, Trails magic is doing its thing right now. People are pulling out their weapons from god-knows-where!
Ein brought out a gigantic spear that was even taller than her own body, causing us to raise our eyes. I know she's still young, around fifteen years old now. Despite that, she's already leading the Gralsritter, and is quite capable at that. She's moving this gigantic spear around so easily. It has range, and is much larger than her own body. It wasn't your typical spear either. It's a cross-shaped spear. It could allow Ein to jab enemies at their side if she happens to miss, allowing Ein to hit a much larger radius than a normal spear could. Quite deadly.
"A spear eh? A bit too much for my taste. All men hailing from Erebonia should know how to use a pistol, so an orbal pistol is what I have opted with~", Prince Olivert said, pulling out his custom-built orbal pistol from his side. He held it with ease, and was very comfortable using it. He'll likely support us from the rear.
"Mine is quite simple. A one-handed blade.", Mueller said, pulling his large blade out from his side, as effortlessly as Ein did with her cross-bladed spear.
"A one-handed blade you say? It's almost covering your entire body. But I have you beat in that regard, hehe.", Aurelia said, puffing her chest out in pride once more. All of us were drawn to what she did next. Almost twice as big, she pulled out a gigantic blade. It was very sleek with white edges. A crimson red pattern streaked across the middle of the blade. If Mueller's was a large one-handed blade, then Aurelia's was a broadsword. Like, it was HUGE.
And Aurelia did a couple swings of her blade so effortlessly, as if taunting the rest of us while she showcased her skill.
"You're a demon.", I retorted, seeing Aurelia's strength firsthand.
"Hehe, I get that a lot back at school. It's a name I've adopted as my own.", Aurelia said, tone full of pride. I mean, I don't doubt her. She likely reeled in the entire school under her grasp at this point. She's the Demon of Thors for a reason.
But what she said next surprised me.
"And you're looking to enroll in Thors yourself in the coming decade or so, right Naoto? You know given enough time, I would not mind having a bout with you to determine who is stronger. We've the same Master now.", Aurelia suggested, causing me to pause.
A duel with Aurelia, eh? I don't know about that. She's a powerhouse, but at the same time, Aurelia could pose very nicely as a future rival. So who knows at this point? Yet little did I know at the time that this little duel Aurelia suggested we do would spiral into something further...
"It's still too early to tell for sure. Let alone dueling, I haven't even had a proper battle, unlike you. But I think this Trial will serve me well.", I replied, nodding my head. As if responding to my determination, we heard Roselia speak. At the same time, she did a motion of her hand, and her Crimson Staff willed into existence.
"Umu. I shall assist you all from the rear with the prince here.", Roselia said, brandishing her staff. Instead of shock, they were rather interested.
"Is that an orbal staff? Last I heard, the Epstein Foundation was just beginning to look into such technology, and you seem to have a completed model already.", Ein mused, observing the large crimson staff now in Roselia's hands.
"Think of it as you will. This staff did not come from some petty foundation. Unless you want to return with me to my village and learn, I will not be privy to its details. Just think of me being able to cast a wide variety of Arts. I prefer you call something out to go along with the flow of battle. After all, I am merely here as your guide, Naoto. It is up to you to do the job.", Roselia said, only to look back at me this time.
I nodded my head at Roselia's words.
"Yeah. I'm the one who needs to deliver the last blow, after all. I'll lead the charge, then we can create our formation from there. Does that work with everyone?", I decided to ask.
No one was in disagreement when I asked that, causing me to smile.
But now, I just had one more thing to look at. For this battle, I only plan to equip my Weapon and Armor. No Boots, Accessories, or Combat Orbment. I don't think I need that, seeing as I have five very strong and reliable allies with me.
I willed the Gamer System with my new intention.
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has equipped Glistening Moonlight. Its details are now available for viewing.]
[Ding! Gamer Naoto has equipped Phoenix Robe. Its details are now available for viewing.]
[Ding! Gamer Naoto's Stat Preview has been adjusted. Would you like to view it?]
'Not yet. I want to review my equipment first.', I thought, not deciding right away. Sure enough, once I started reviewing the stats of these two pieces of Equipment, I was left shocked...