"How's the training going?" Dracula asked.

I turned towards him, breaking off from what I was doing beforehand. "Well, it's working. I'm making progress."

"You think you'll be able to take down the Diabolos soon?" Dracula sighed.

"I don't know." I replied. "I don't know how strong they are. Or what I'm supposed to do, really."

"You need to prove your innocence." Dracula stated, crossing his arms. "And you need to get off your ass and do it quick."

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Just the usual. Threats of invading and overtaking the Dark Kingdom if we don't hand you over, yadda yadda." Dracula waved his hands dismissively.

"Isn't that...bad?" I wondered, raising an eyebrow.

"If they're being serious enough." Dracula replied. "Which they probably are, since they think you killed a noble's son and Madam Webb. Mostly because of the Madam Webb part."

"Then how will I know I'm ready?" I asked. "So that I don't fail?"

"You don't." Dracula replied. "Now don't stay in here all day, I'm getting tired of the girls asking me where you are."

Dracula briskly left, leaving me to sweatdrop.

You're the one who told me to use all my time to train...

Well, after about another week of work of attempting to train everything I have here, I have made some good progress.

[Profile]

Name: Jackson Walker Race: Nephilim (Angel/Devil) AP: 1110 Level: 8 Charm: Level 5 Strength: Level 9 Wisdom: Level 6 Agility: Level 8

[Danger Sense] Level 28 - A warning of incoming danger and which direction it is from can be felt.

[Hollow Wanderer] Level 7 - You can access the mysterious Hollow Realm through special portals.

[Chains of Holy Fire] Level 27 - You can summon and control chains infused with Holy Fire.

[Eagle Eye] Level 27 - You can see farther and clearer.

[Demon Arm Beelzebub] Level 15 - A Demonic Arm that overtakes your own upon use. Holds the mysterious powers of the old Lord of Flies. * [Gluttony] The full potential of the Demon Arm. Absorbs magical energy to make the arm stronger.

[Fire Resistance] Level 15 - Any fire attacks dealt upon you deal less damage and don't hurt as much.

[Boo] Level 4 - A familiar of Jackson Walker. A Slime King, a monster which is impervious to physical attacks and can absorb things to become stronger.

[B3r739k] Level 5 - x&;&: 'dndjd 8273!- 9384!;h daondnf 8273;! &/$38:& zhakdne &:3

For the most part, everything was able to get a few levels (except for the strange corrupted skill) and I was able to go up to Level 8.

I've also leveled up the items in my inventory some more as well,

[Inventory]

[Deathbane Bow] Level 29 - A Bow made from the bones of a Grim Reaper.

[Frozen Iron Sword] Level 35 - An medieval European styled common sword made from iron, enhanced with the icy powers of a Yuki-Onna. * [Heart of The Cold] The sword can only be wielded by Jackson Walker, and through it the elemental of ice can be commanded.

[Combat Outfit] Level 1 - An outfit gifted from Madam Webb.

[Firebolt X] Level MAX [Ascension?] - The newest motorcycle from the Firebolt line, known for their flaming wheels and intense speeds.

My Firebolt is still at the max level, but I need a catalyst in order to ascend it. So for now, I'll keep that one on the back burner.

Looking into the [Shop] and going to the [Buy] section, there are now some new options since I've hit Level 8.

[Buy]

Level 1 - Strength Boost 1 Hour - 50 AP EXP Boost 1 Hour - 50 AP Wisdom Boost 1 Hour - 50 AP

Level 2 - Iron Sword - 30 AP Fire Boost 1 Hour - 60 AP Fire Resistance Uncommon Skill - [Sold Out]

Level 3 - EXP Boost 2 Hour - 80 AP Charm Boost 2 Hour - 60 AP Party EXP Boost 1 Hour - 70 AP

Level 4 - EXP Boost 5 Hour - 150 AP Party EXP Boost 2 Hour - 120 AP Explosive Rubber Duck - 10 AP

Level 5 - Cold Resistance Uncommon Skill - 150 AP Fire Sword - 100 AP Party EXP Boost 5 Hour - 200 AP

Level 6 - EXP Boost 10 Hour - 250 AP Tracking Boomerang - 20 AP Speed Burst Rare Skill - 250 AP

Level 7 - Steel Skin Rare Skill - 250 AP EXP Boost 24 Hour - 500 AP Shoes of Swiftness - 300 AP

Level 8 - Party EXP Boost 10 Hour - 350 AP Common Catalyst Ticket - 400 AP Ice Resistance Uncommon Skill - 150 AP

That Ice Resistance could possibly come in handy if I ever have to face off against someone who uses ice. For now, I'll let it sit here.

That Common Catalyst ticket though...

Is it maybe like a ticket from a gacha game? Those would give you summons. So the common catalyst ticket will give me one random common catalyst?

That could be useful. I could use that to ascend my Firebolt X. But if I did that, then would it go away? I know for the skills that they're an one time buy (obviously) but I don't know whether or not the other items like the EXP boosts are one time or infinite.

Ok, let's do a little test. I bought an explosive rubber duck due to its low cost of 10 AP, and instead of saying sold out, it looked the same in the [Shop], except there was now an [Explosive Rubber Duck] in my inventory.

[Explosive Rubber Duck] - 1 - An one-time use low-damage but very unsuspecting explosive devise. Explodes shortly after thrown.

Since that works, I at least know not everything is an one-time buy. So if I do buy the catalyst ticket, there's a chance that I have the possibility of getting more in the future.

It has a high AP cost...should I do it?

It's time like these I wish that Sally would come out from wherever she's hiding and talk to me. I have no idea if she's ignoring me because she hates me, is gone, or just...died.

No, that can't be possible. Don't think like that.

I don't want to lose another-

It's fine. She's just disgusted with me. That's all.

That's all.

I shook the thoughts out of my head as I exited the training room I have been in for the past two weeks or so. I'd rather not get on the bad side of the person who's letting me stay here despite the risk I hold, so I'll just do as Dracula suggests.

Besides, I'd like to get some opinions about the catalyst ticket.

As I left to leave the room I was suddenly hit with a striking pain in my chest. I stumbled to the side, catching myself on the wall as it felt like all the air had left my lungs.

The pain burned inside of me in indescribable ways, like it was burrowing under my skin and roasting me alive. I let out heaving coughs, leaving blood splattered on the sleeve of my shirt as I tried to block it.

Eventually the pain went away, and I shakily stood back onto my own two feet. I shuddered with a deep breath, looking at the sleeve of my shirt. Luckily since it's darker, I should be able to hide most of the blood.

I need to get this situation figured out before this gets worse. If I do go...I can't leave with them running away for something I was framed for.

I found myself in the dining room, where everybody was sitting at the table. They all turned to me, the girls jumping up and rushing me.

"Why have you taken so long?" Anna demanded.

"I was lonely." Krystal pouted.

"I have been training hard!" Angela proudly puffed out her chest.

"Has Dad said anything rude to you?" Dawn wondered with narrowed eyes.

"I missed you!" Lilia whined.

"You've been locked in there for a while. You alright?" Sapphire asked.

"I'm fine." I smiled, trying to hide the pain I just experienced on the way here. "Sorry. I was just really training. I want to solve this situation as soon as possible."

""You still need to take breaks." Anna crossed her arms with a demanding nature. "So sit down and eat."

"Why is everyone eating?" I asked.

"Cause it's lunchtime. Duh." I heard John say from where he was sitting. "Listen to my sister and come sit down with Brutus and I. God knows when you've been eating."

I shrugged, sitting down with John on my right and Brutus on my left. Anna narrowed her eyes at John, who only replied with a cheeky smile as everybody sat back into their seats.

"Good to see you've returned, and have been working hard." Camilla smiled. "You don't need to worry about us. We can fend off Hell for as long as you need."

"Thank you." I replied with a short bow. "I really do appreciate it."

"Only the best for my daughter's chosen." Camilla grinned. "I need my grandbabies."

"Mom!" Dawn shouted, slamming the table with a steaming red face.

I felt myself laugh for the first time in a while. Sitting here, being surrounded by them. That is why I will fight. To protect these people.

The ones I love.

After dinner I was able to get the opinions of the other members of the party, Anna, Angela, Dawn, and Krystal, all separately and without suspicion.

Anna said to try it. Angela said to do it to become stronger. Krystal said to go for it. And Dawn said since I have plenty of AP it's worth a shot.

So as it's becoming later in the day, I'm now sitting on my bed and looking back at the [Shop]. Slowly I pressed the button to buy the [Common Catalyst Ticket], cringing in pain as I felt the 400 AP drain away.

[Would you like to use Common Catalyst Ticket?]

[Y/N]

I clicked onto yes, and a roulette popped up in front of me. It was kind of funny, because each segment of the roulette was colored gray, so it looked like I was going to get the same thing no matter what.

Finally the spin ended, landing on a gray segment of course.

[Congratulations]

[Common Catalyst Obtained]

I checked my inventory, now seeing the new item that laid within it.

[Fire Salamander's Tail] - The tail of an unique species of salamander with special properties to fire. Often cooked with other ingredients to make spicy food.

As good as that sounds, I'm not quite the spicy food guy. And just as I hoped, the ticket has stayed in the shop! Perfect.

I'm now down to 700 AP though...

Well, that's still a good amount.

Anyways, here we go. Finally time to ascend the bike. Then it can start leveling up again as I ride it.

I maneuvered to my [Inventory]. I clicked on the [Ascension?] next to the [Firebolt X].

Clicking on the [Catalyst Needed] button, it presented me a list of Catalysts, with the only option being [Fire Salamander's Tail].

I clicked on it, as a new screen popped up. It asked for confirmation, and I accepted. A mini version of the [Firebolt X] appeared in front of me, before the [Fire Salamander's Tail] followed afterwards.

They drifted towards each other, fusing together in a bright light. I shielded my eyes just like last time, and then opened them to see the full sized motorcycle in front of me.

Huh, it looks the same.

Well, it should've at least changed somewhat in the [Inventory].

[Modified Firebolt X] Level 20 - The newest motorcycle from the Firebolt line, known for their flaming wheels and intense speeds. * [Fire Boost] All effects of fire from any skill or item utilized by Jackson Walker are boosted by 25%.

It no longer says it's at max level, and it's now called the [Modified Firebolt X]! And not only that, but I even got an extra skill! A boost to fire effects by 25%? So fire will do more damage I assume.

Oh! Does that include the bike as well then? It has flaming wheels, does it make the [Modified Firebolt X] go faster?

Well, that's a cool bonus. I stashed the [Modified Firebolt X] back into my [Inventory] and stretched my back. It should be about dinner sometime, and it'd be nice to have a dinner with everyone else instead of my late night quick excursions I've been doing.

And I feel like it's well deserved after my progress today-

What is that?

My senses were going haywire. No, to be more specific, my [Danger Sense] was going haywire. I stepped out of my room and walked towards the dining room of the castle, my senses only getting more and more erratic as I felt danger from all around.

"Jackson? Is everything alright?" Camilla's muffled voice asked as I stood in the middle of the dining room, looking all around.

"How often do guards change positions?" I suddenly asked, looking at all the guards which stood at the doorways.

"They keep the same position all day, but work different days." Camilla answered. "Why?"

That guard is different from before. I only noticed due to how high my [Eagle Eye] skill is becoming.

That's what I wanted to say at least, before suddenly an explosion rocked the castle's dining room windows and [Danger Sense] went ballistic.