Tactical Embarrassment

I stood in the infinite white void, the new amulet warm in my palm, trying not to notice Miyako's sidelong glances about the ring revelation. Ruri's playful, predatory smile wasn't helping my composure either. The divine beings seemed amused by my discomfort, which was typical of their childlike yet all-powerful nature. Nothing like cosmic entities enjoying your embarrassment to really make your day complete.

Seven cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention as she tapped at her tablet. "Now that the amulet replacement is complete, we need to address another issue. Your current selections have become too numerous and inefficient."

Eight's hair flowed like liquid moonlight, illuminating the space around her with a soft glow. "Consolidation will enhance functionality while reducing mental load," she explained, her hair forming intricate patterns that somehow illustrated her point without using actual diagrams.

Six leaned forward, her galaxy eyes swirling with celestial bodies. Miniature stars exploded and reformed in her irises as she projected visual models into the air. "The optimization patterns are quite elegant," she said, her voice containing echoes of cosmic radiation.

"Streamlined selections mean improved combat effectiveness," Eleven added from her position slightly behind the others, her practical perspective cutting through the more esoteric explanations.

Seven gestured toward me with her tablet. "You'll go first in the process, Andie."

Of course I would. The cosmic guinea pig strikes again. I stepped forward into a glowing circle that hadn't been there a moment before. Miyako moved to stand beside me, her expression a mixture of concern and curiosity. The circle beneath my feet pulsed with energy, and suddenly my status screen expanded before me, magnified to a size visible to everyone in our group.

My stats appeared in a neat column:

Strength: M
Agility: M
Constitution: M
Intelligence: M
Dexterity: M
Charisma: M
Wisdom: M
Luck: M

"What is 'M'?" Miyako asked, peering at the screen.

"Maximum," Seven replied without looking up from her tablet.

"Maximum?" Miyako's voice rose in disbelief.

"Yes, maximum," Seven confirmed casually. "In this case, it is possible to be infinity."

There was a moment of stunned silence before the jocks erupted.

"WAIT, YOU HAVE INFINITY STRENGTH?" Ryota shouted, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.

"I don't know!" I protested, staring at my own status screen in shock. "I never knew what 'M' meant!"

Miyako turned to me with a sly grin. "Now I know why you're getting all the girls and locals... infinity charisma stud."

"I didn't know anything!" I insisted, feeling my face heat up. "It was just 'M'! How was I supposed to know what that meant?" I always thought it stood for "mediocre" or "middling," not "might as well be a god."

"Anyhow, let me update," Seven interrupted, tapping her tablet.

Before my eyes, all the 'M' values on my status screen transformed into infinity symbols (∞).

Seven interjected with a smirk, "He didn't bother to clarify, so I didn't bother to tell him."

I stared at the screen, trying to process what this meant. "Wait, if I have max intelligence and wisdom, why did the teleportation spell fail when we tried it at the sanctuary?"

Seven looked up from her tablet with a deadpan expression. "Did you do the incantation, or did you just stand there like a dumbass?"

"Er..." I couldn't actually remember if I'd spoken the incantation or just attempted to channel energy through the runes. So much for infinite wisdom.

"Next, selections," Seven said briskly, moving on without waiting for my response.

My selections suddenly displayed onto the walls of the void for everyone to see, every single ability, skill, and enhancement I'd accumulated since arriving in Voluptaria. Including the intimate ones. All of them. In full, glorious, mortifying detail. My life flashed before my eyes, except it wasn't my life, just all my embarrassing magical sex powers.

I heard Ruri's delighted gasp, her eyes lighting up with mischievous pleasure at seeing my more personal selections. Noel leaned forward with professional interest, occasionally nodding appreciatively as though evaluating a fine wine. Amakata-sensei watched with academic curiosity, an amused smile playing on her lips. The jocks were nudging each other and snickering.

Seven tapped her tablet. "Let's begin the consolidation."

My selections began merging visibly on the screen, coalescing into more cohesive groupings:

Pheromone Control (M) + Deep Voice of Desire → Multi-Sensory Seduction (M)
Endless Stamina (M) + Tantric Energy (M) → Intimate Energy Mastery (M)
Temperature Play (M) + Lubricating Touch (M) → Environmental Intimacy (M)
Physical Enhancement (M) + Selective Flexibility (M) → Physical Mastery (M)
Sensory Amplification (M) + Pleasure Transfer (M) → Sensation Mastery (M)
Perfect Touch (M) + Perfect Kiss (M) → Perfect Intimacy (M)

The consolidations continued with my combat and magical abilities:

Spell Component Substitution + Spell Mimicry + Spell Sculpting + Spell Synthesis + Metamagic Mastery + Element Synthesis + Elemental Mastery → Thaumaturgic Sovereign
Energy Absorption + Retribution Strike → Counterstrike
Surface Walking + Perfect Balance + Untangleable → Unfettered Mobility
Heightened Dust Perception + Magical Alignment Sense + Mana Visualization → Arcane Sight
Weapon Mastery + Weapon Synchronization → Weapon Affinity
Blood Fury + Combat Momentum + Flow State Combat + Duelist's Grace → Martial Transcendence
Mesmerize + Subjugation → Fatal Attraction
Clairvoyance + Presence Detection + Auditory Acuity + Enemy Tracking → Omnisensory Awareness

Miyako's eyes widened as she read through the intimate selections. She nudged me teasingly, "Multi-Sensory Seduction? Intimate Energy Mastery? Environmental Intimacy? How many seduction powers do you need?"

I felt my face burning. "They were given to me! I didn't choose them specifically!" I briefly wondered if it was possible to die from embarrassment. At this rate, I might be the first test case.

The Aspects spoke in unison, "Correction, you were complaining about it so much, so we just gave you everything. We thought you couldn't choose because there was too much to choose from, so we gave you everything."

"Lies! That wasn't what happened!" I protested, though I knew it was futile to argue with beings who could rewrite reality on a whim.

Miyako grinned at me. "Perfect Intimacy? I'm looking forward to testing that one."

Ruri clapped her hands together with delight, her silver-patterned rabbit ears perking up. "Oh my! I'd be more than happy to help evaluate these fascinating selections. For research purposes, of course."

I could hear my Earth classmates trying not to laugh at my embarrassment. Six's galaxy eyes twinkled with amusement at their reactions, sending tiny comets streaking across her irises.

My face felt hot enough to cook an egg as everyone openly stared at my intimate selections displayed for all to see. If there was a hole in this endless white void, I would have gladly jumped into it.

Seven continued the process undisturbed, "Now for your new selection allocation."

My screen displayed a new entry, still magnified for all to see:

Category: Abilities
Selection Name: Perfect Preparation (M)
Selection Content: Supernatural control over personal hygiene and appearance, ensuring perfect readiness for intimate encounters at all times.
Equipped Effect: Maintain perfect cleanliness in intimate areas; breath always smells pleasant; hair and nails maintain preferred style
Passive Effect: Always fresh and prepared for unexpected encounters; resistance to oral infections; always appear well-groomed

Miyako burst into laughter. "Seriously? Magical deodorant? The almighty deities think that's what you need?"

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "Why are all my new selections like this?"

"I find it quite practical," Ruri purred playfully, her silver-patterned rabbit ears twitching forward. "Nothing ruins the mood quite like poor hygiene. How thoughtful of the deities."

Noel nodded with diplomatic tact. "A surprisingly practical selection with multiple applications."

"Hygiene is crucial for social interaction," Six added, her galaxy eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Practical applications are numerous," Eleven nodded seriously.

Amakata-sensei covered her mouth to suppress laughter. "Essential life skills, Andie-kun."

Seven glanced up from her tablet. "You have extra selections. What do you want to do with them?"

I blinked, seeing a small counter at the bottom of my screen showing available selection slots. "Can I transfer them? I have some ideas."

Seven tapped her tablet. "Transfer selections phase initiating."

A new interface appeared, allowing me to assign selections to others. I began transferring:

Tracking → Hitomi
Accelerated Learning → Miyako
Battle Omniscience → Miyuki
Minor Telekinesis → Airi
Magical Recognition → Miyako
Magical Conductor → Miyako
Self-Repairing Armor → Miyako
Soul-Bound Weapon → Miyako
Flint and Steel → Airi
Basic Weapon → Mochi
Probability Nudge → Miyako
Time Bubble → Miyuki
Time Manipulation →
Reality Manipulation →

Miyako raised an eyebrow at receiving so many selections. "Feeling generous today?"

I shrugged. "Most of these are more useful for you than me."

Seven tapped her tablet one final time. "Consolidation complete. Next participant."

One by one, others stepped into the circle for their consolidation process. I watched as their selections merged and streamlined:

Airi: Spell Layering + Spell Layering + Efficient Spellcasting → Arcane Engineering
Aoi: Food Analyzer + Material Analysis → Substance Mastery
Hiroko: Arcane Detection + Spell Stability → Arcane Precision
Hitomi: Perfect Navigation + Environmental Mastery + Tracking → Wilderness Mastery
Kazuki: Spell Weaving + Combat Flow → Arcane Bladework
Keiko: Battle Cry + Negotiation Mastery → Voice of Influence
Mei: Tactical Analysis + Trade Mastery → Strategic Analysis
Miyako: Magical Dampening + Reality Anchoring → Reality Mastery; Magical Recognition + Magical Conductor → Arcane Attunement
Miyuki: Mental Shield + Magical Focus → Mental Bastion; Battle Omniscience + Danger Intuition → Battle Omniscience
Naoki: Defensive Positioning + Shield Expert → Master Defender
Ryota: Mass Physical Enhancement + Battle Commander → Battlefield Commander

Each person experienced a strange sensation as their mind reorganised to accommodate the consolidated abilities. Status screens updated with new, streamlined selection arrangements. The Voluptarian locals received permanent access to their own screens, reacting with a mixture of awe and excitement as inventory access and personal stats became available to them.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

I noticed each of them receiving a notification about "Limited Earthling Edition Twelve Aspect Tent" appearing in their inventories. The Felinari trio (Vinera, Fryevia, and Mediena) examined their new interfaces with professional interest, while Viktora's fox ears twitched rapidly as she processed the information. Noel maintained her diplomatic composure despite her obvious excitement, while Ruri bounced slightly as she explored her new abilities.

When everyone's consolidation was complete, Five stepped forward solemnly, her upward-falling tears creating miniature rainbows as they caught non-existent light. "Now for the final gift, to be bestowed upon all of you."

Six's galaxy eyes expanded dramatically, revealing spiral nebulae and cosmic dust. "A capability we rarely grant to mortals."

Eight's moonlight hair glowed intensely, casting soft shadows across her face. "The potential applications are... extensive."

Nine moved around our group without seeming to traverse the space between. "The shadows within and without, joined as one."

Eleven examined everyone critically, her practical demeanour never wavering. "This will significantly enhance survival probability."

Seven tapped her tablet decisively. "Universal selection implementation beginning."

Everyone's status screens simultaneously displayed a new entry:

Category: Abilities
Selection Name: Inheritance
Selection Content: Absorption of traits, skills, and abilities from defeated monsters
Equipped Effect: Can access and utilize any absorbed monster abilities and skills
Passive Effect: Gradually incorporate beneficial monster traits into your natural abilities; develop intuitive understanding of creature behaviours; experience occasional "spontaneous trait expression" at any time.

Confused murmurs spread through our group as we read the description.

"Wait, what exactly is 'Inheritance'?" I asked, growing concerned as I read the description more carefully. "And 'spontaneous trait expression'? Does that mean we'll randomly start showing monster traits?" Because growing scales in the middle of a conversation doesn't sound awkward at all.

Seven suddenly became very interested in her tablet, avoiding eye contact. "Only beneficial expressions."

Six smiled mysteriously, her galaxy eyes twinkling. "A gift suited to your collective journey."

"The applications are fascinating from a theoretical perspective," Eight added, her moonlight hair rippling with what seemed like excitement.

"The shadows within monsters can become your own," Nine whispered, appearing beside me without warning.

"This is freaking sus," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Why are you all being so evasive?"

Five's upward tears caught light as she tilted her head. "All gifts have potential for both balance and imbalance."

"The practical applications will become apparent when needed," Eleven shrugged, her pragmatic approach somehow making the whole thing more concerning.

I glanced around at the others' reactions. Ruri was examining her screen with curious intrigue rather than fear. "How delightfully unpredictable," she murmured, her silver-patterned ears twitching forward.

Noel was already considering the implications from a trade perspective. "This could revolutionise how we interact with monsters."

"So, we can... absorb monster abilities?" Miyako asked, examining her own screen. "Like become part monster?"

Eight nodded, her moonlight hair flowing in impossible patterns. "In essence, yes. Though more accurately, you're incorporating beneficial aspects."

The Voluptarian locals exchanged curious glances, seeming more intrigued than alarmed by this development.

"The texts mention similar abilities in ancient heroes," Ruri noted, tapping her screen thoughtfully.

My Earth classmates looked at each other with mixed concern and interest. The divine beings exchanged knowing glances while continuing to avoid direct answers.

"So, we all might start growing claws or scales randomly?" I pressed, trying to get a straight answer.

"Only beneficial adaptations," Seven deflected. "Nothing to concern yourself with."

Eight's moonlight hair formed illustrative patterns in the air. "Think of it as accelerated evolution."

Six's galaxy eyes showed flashes of creatures, wolves, dragons, strange beasts I couldn't identify. "The potential combinations are fascinating."

"Why would we need this ability?" Miyako asked, voicing the question I was thinking. "What's coming that requires us to become monster-like?"

"The path ahead contains challenges requiring... versatility," Five answered cryptically, her upward tears forming constellations above her head.

"Sometimes to understand the shadow, one must become it," Nine added in riddles, appearing and disappearing between members of our group.

Eleven offered what was probably meant to be reassurance: "Adaptation increases survival probability."

Amakata-sensei stepped forward, her academic interest piqued. "What are the limitations to this ability? Can we control when these traits manifest? Are there potential side effects we should be aware of?"

"Control develops with practice," Eight explained, her moonlight hair forming patterns that somehow illustrated the concept. "The initial manifestations may be... surprising, but will stabilise over time."

"Will these traits be permanent?" Noel asked diplomatically.

"Some may become integrated," Five confirmed. "Others will be accessible at will once mastered."

"But why give us such a power?" I persisted, still unsatisfied with their evasive answers.

"You'll understand when the time comes," Seven said dismissively.

I suddenly remembered the vehicle we were planning to build. "I need some materials to make the transport for our journey to Takejin territory."

Seven looked up from her tablet with an expression of disbelief. "You didn't check your Bazaar app, did you?"

"Wait, what Bazaar app?" Miyako asked, turning to me with narrowed eyes.

I fumbled for words. "It's... an app on my smartphone. The divine beings enhanced my phone when I arrived in Voluptaria, and there's a Bazaar app where I can order items using divine credit."

"Wait," Kazuki adjusted his glasses, "you have access to your smartphone and to quality-of-life apps and you don't bother telling us!?!?"

Miyako and Airi both looked at me with expressions that clearly said I was in trouble later. The kind of trouble that would make fighting Shinji seem like a relaxing holiday.

"Since everyone will be testing Inheritance," Eight said, her moonlight hair flowing with amusement, "I guess everyone should be able to use their smartphones as a trade."

"What do you mean testing the Inheritance selection?" I asked, catching the slip.

The Aspects pointedly avoided the topic, exchanging glances as if in silent communication.

"Check your pockets," Six suggested, her galaxy eyes twinkling.

To everyone's surprise, each of my Earth classmates pulled out their smartphones, devices that had been dead and useless since our arrival in Voluptaria. Now they were alive, fully charged, and showing network connectivity.

"Unfortunately, you can't call your origin planet," Five explained, her upward tears falling in complex patterns. "However, you should be able to use the apps and all. Bazaar, you need to do your own funds top-up. You can call each other as well."

The Voluptarians looked confused, examining the unfamiliar devices with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

With a wave of her hand, Six created exact duplicates of my phone, which floated toward each of our Voluptarian companions.

"There you go," Nine said, appearing beside Ruri as a phone drifted into her hands. "Have fun exploring."

The Voluptarian locals were clearly in awe, handling the devices with reverence.

"Thank you, Divine Ones," Noel said formally, bowing low. "This gift is beyond generous."

"Wait, wait, wait," I interrupted. "You guys are getting too generous. This is sus as hell." In my limited experience, when gods start giving gifts, they're usually setting you up for something nasty.

"You should say thank you!" Haruka chided me. "So much more to do now!"

"Indeed," Ruri agreed, already tapping at her screen with a delighted expression. "Such marvellous devices!"

Seven occasionally checked her tablet, giving warning glances to the other divine beings when they seemed about to reveal too much. They occasionally argued like siblings, with Five and Six bickering over some cosmic detail while Eight's moonlight hair flared with annoyance.

"Earth's technological progress is quite interesting," Six commented to Kazuki. "Though your quantum computing is still in its infancy compared to..." She caught herself. "Never mind."

"Compared to what?" Kazuki pressed eagerly.

"Spoilers," Five said, placing a finger to her lips.

The divine beings continued to offer information about recent events and coming challenges, though their perspectives were often difficult to follow.

"The Incendiveth experiments with shadow-flame fusion are part of a larger pattern," Eight explained, her moonlight hair forming complex diagrams. "The balance between primal forces has been... agitated."

"The Takejin territory holds more than just your missing mother," Nine added, appearing beside the Kimochi sisters. "Ancient secrets lie dormant, waiting."

"Your guild system will serve as a stabilising influence," Eleven noted practically. "Structure amid chaos."

After what felt like both minutes and hours in the timeless void, Seven checked her tablet. "Our session must conclude now."

"The balance shifts again soon," Five warned, her upward tears forming urgent patterns. "Be vigilant."

The divine beings seemed almost childlike in their enthusiasm about watching our future adventures. Six's galaxy eyes twinkled as she mentioned being "particularly excited about the next phase of the game..." before Eight's moonlight hair wrapped around her mouth, silencing her.

"Experiment," Eight corrected firmly. "The next phase of the experiment."

"You still haven't properly explained this new selection," I said, pressing the issue once more. "Or this sudden generosity with phones and abilities."

"You'll discover its value in time," Seven said, quickly changing the subject. "Now, we must return you."

The divine beings began to depart. Five disappeared in a shower of upward-falling tears that caught the non-existent light, forming a rainbow that faded into the void. Six's galaxy eyes swirled one final time, expanding to show an entire universe before she vanished in a flash of starlight.

Eight's moonlight hair swirled around her, forming complex patterns as she explained something about "quantum entanglement and monster essence" before dissolving into luminous mist. Nine simply stepped into a shadow that shouldn't have existed in the featureless white void, disappearing without a trace. Eleven gave a practical nod before fading from view with no special effects, entirely on-brand for her no-nonsense personality.

Seven remained momentarily with me, tablet still in hand. "The Twelve watches more closely now," she warned. "The game grows more complex."

"Why help us all?" I asked, still not satisfied. "What's your actual goal? And why give us all something that could make us part monster?"

Seven's smile was enigmatic as she glanced at her tablet. "Even we don't know the endgame. That's what makes it interesting." She looked up, her expression suddenly more serious. "As for Inheritance... let's just say you might need to understand monsters from the inside out."

She tapped one last command. "Also, I patched some mythril into the alloy during the backend update. It should mitigate the drain for now. Consider this a silent patch note."

I blinked. "Wait, you can just… do that?"

Her smirk didn't reach her would-be eyes. "Of course."

A flash of something unusual flickered across my status screen, a category labelled Divine Interest Level: High, before it disappeared.

Before I could ask about it, the white void dissolved, and we were suddenly back in the sanctuary's main hall, standing exactly where we had been when Seven first appeared. The disorientation of returning to normal space-time was jarring, but I quickly realised that no time seemed to have passed in the real world.

"Seven must have activated time stasis this time," Miyako noted, looking around. "Unlike when Twelve took you."

Our Voluptarian companions were in various states of excitement and wonder. Ruri bounced back quickly, examining her new abilities and smartphone with delighted curiosity.

"You mean I can take memories and make them static?" she exclaimed, testing the camera function. "Wonderful!"

Noel was already making notes about potential applications, her diplomatic mind clearly working through the implications of this new technology.

Ruri grabbed Noel's arm, then pulled Mediena, Fryevia, Vinera, and Viktora together. "We must try this 'selfie' concept!" she declared, holding up her phone at arm's length.

The gyaru girls (Miyako, Airi, Haruka, Rina, and Aoi) immediately jumped in to assist, showing the Voluptarians how to pose and set up the shots.

My Earth classmates were checking their status screens, excited discussions breaking out about new abilities and divine selections. The Voluptarians marvelled at their new smartphone gifts, with Viktora's fox ears twitching rapidly as she examined every function with analytical precision.

I examined my new amulet thoughtfully, tracing the twelve-pointed star with my finger before checking my Inheritance selection again. The implications were concerning, to say the least.

"So, you're the divine favourite, hmm?" Ruri's voice purred as she slid up beside me, her gossamer dress shifting provocatively. "I've always wanted to experience a man touched by the Twelve."

I tried to maintain eye contact and avoid looking at her barely-concealed curves. "I wouldn't say favourite. More like their main source of entertainment." I was less a chosen one and more a cosmic reality show star.

Ruri leaned closer, her silver-patterned ears twitching with playful confidence. "Your magical essence tastes different from others. More... spicy. I'd love another taste sometime." Before I could respond, she grabbed my arm. "But let's take a selfie first!"

She pulled me close, positioning us in what could only be described as a compromising pose, her curvaceous body pressed against mine, her lips nearly touching my cheek. The camera flash went off, and she immediately began tapping at her screen.

"Airi taught me how to send messages!" she explained with a wink as my phone buzzed with the incoming photo. "Now I can share memories directly with you."

I noticed Miyako observing the interaction from across the room, one eyebrow raised questioningly.

"They gave us all the ability to absorb monster traits," I explained to her when she approached. "That seems... problematic."

Miyako's expression turned thoughtful. "Or necessary, depending on what's ahead."

"The ancient texts speak of the Becoming," Ruri said, overhearing our conversation. "Those who walked between forms, incorporating aspects of beasts into their essence."

"Such gifts were only bestowed before great challenges," Noel added matter-of-factly as she joined us.

Ruri traced a finger down my arm with playful flirtation. "Perhaps we should discuss these new abilities... privately. I have extensive knowledge of ancient texts that might be... illuminating."

I swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise to my face again. "Uh, maybe later. We should focus on understanding what just happened."

Amakata-sensei watched the interaction with amusement, exchanging knowing glances with Miyako.

As I observed everyone testing their new abilities and excitedly exploring their smartphones, a sense of unease settled in my stomach. The divine beings' generosity and cryptic warnings were clearly leading toward something significant.

They were definitely preparing us for something bigger than we realised.

The mortals faded from the white void. For a moment, silence. Then light rippled, and the Aspects rematerialised, casual now that the performance was over.

Five sighed, tears drifting lazily. "So… he's grown well. Just as you wished."

Six gave a soft laugh, galaxies blooming in her eyes. "Strong, reckless… alive. Much like her."

Seven tapped her tablet, expression unreadable. "Irrelevant. He is who he chooses to be."

Nine smirked from the shadows. "Still, you watch him like a mother watching her child."

Seven's hands froze, her mask slipping for only an instant. "…Don't."

Eight twirled a strand of moonlight hair with amusement. "Sentiment later. The show is only getting good."

Six's stars glittered playfully. "Yes… let's keep watching."

And with that, the white void folded away, leaving only silence.