( Yuuki's POV )
The day after the Loki family girls moved into our mansion, they and I were in the mansion courtyard early in the morning.
They were armed and ready for a training session, but I was a bit more casual. I activated my Touki to increase my speed and reflexes, then I closed my eyes.
Yuuki: Come at me, and do not hold back.
The girls hesitated to attack me, but it was clear to them that I wasn't normal, and soon they started attacking, even with my impaired vision, I could perceive the attacks and the girls' positions; they were helping me increase my mastery of this technique and at the same time that I was dodging, I was scattering drops of water in the air to shoot at the girls from their sides and backs, to teach them the basics of the technique.
The point of the training was to eliminate the opponent by touching their hands and legs, torso and head, simple but although the girls had the numerical advantage they only lasted minutes.
We repeated the exercise several times and with each attempt Ais got closer and closer to me; the girl Tiona was also making improvements but that was barely noticeable, but she hadn't gone through the same process as Ais, so it was to be expected.
After a while, another woman from the Loki family appeared at our door; she was the elf with hair as green as the forest, her name was Riveria.
I finished our training and we moved to the castle's hall; she had brought me a collection of magic stones which I transmuted into magic lenses.
Riveria: I have a question: will we need a magic stone every time we update our stats?.
Yuuki: No, only one per person is necessary; using another stone will overwrite the effects of the previous one, but if they are compatible, it is possible to stack the effects of both, I can check that for you so keep collecting and experimenting, here's how to use this for normal stat updates.
I handed Riveria a neutral lens to use with the device I had given them, but that didn't seem to be all the elf's business because she remained seated on the couch.
Riveria: How do you know so much about this? This kind of knowledge could make you richest family in town, so why give it away for free?
Yuuki: I have done many experiments in my pursuit of power, this is just a byproduct of that.
Riveria: What is your reason for seeking so much power? One doesn't go to such lengths without a strong reason.
Yuuki: I just want to protect my family; that's very big and keeps growing, and that's how I ended up the way I am.
The elf maintained a serious expression, but I could see that she was still curious. It seemed that she was going to leave for the moment, but when she was about to get up, she remembered something.
Riveria: I almost forgot, those potions you used on Finn and Bete, do you have more of those? I don't expect you to give them to us for free.
I raised an eyebrow at the girl's request and then I placed five phoenix tears on the table in front of me.
Yuuki: I can only give you this much; this isn't exactly easy to produce.
Riveria: That's more than enough. How much do you want for them?
Yuuki: I don't want money, just your cooperation when the enemy appears, to your goddess about it.
Riveria took the potions with some caution, and at that moment Shea appeared somewhat hurriedly. She approached and whispered something in his ear; it was news about Hydra that she had seen in a vision.
Yuuki: It seems I'll have to collect on this favor soon, Riveria, send this message to your goddess.
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After Riviera's visit, I left the mansion to accompany Ryuu to her work. I was there to protect her, but I didn't miss the opportunity to order a small feast.
Ryuu: ... Thanks for the repeat business.
Yuuki: I feel like I should at least do this, after all, I steal the attention of the most popular waitress every time I come here.
Ryuu: I'm nothing like that.
Yuuki: Are you sure? Maybe we should do a poll.
Ryuu: *sigh* Should you be so relaxed?
Yuuki: It's best to act as if you're unaware of what's happening.
Ryuu: I guess that's like you.
When night fell on the city and Ryuu's shift ended, we made our way home, but as we left the fertility inn, I received a mental message from Byakko.
Byakko: [master, they're moving.]
Yuuki: The fireworks are about to start.
Ryuu nodded in understanding upon hearing my words, and then a series of explosions rocked the city; a large one also destroyed the restaurant behind us.
Ryuu was shocked to see her workplace blown to pieces and she almost took off running to check under the rubble but I put a hand on her shoulder and shook my head.
Yuuki: Remember what we talked about earlier.
Ryuu: ...it's never calm around you.
Yuuki: It can be sometimes, but not now. We have company.
I activated my bone tails and attacked two random ceilings, and that was enough of a jolt to make a couple of shadows jump out; those were more Hydra agents.