19 The Goddess beneath the moon (1/2)

One day later...

Zhen Shi opened his eyes and sat up on the bed with a thoughtful sigh. Even though he now had memories of another life, he didn't feel particularly different or that his personality had changed.

The only major change was that he now had complete memories of the other Zhen Shi; all eighteen years! The first few years were blurry, but this was expected. After all, they were memories of childhood.

But everything after that, up to the point of his death, was complete.

Zhen Shi looked down at his body as he fell into thought.

With all the memories complete, he now remembered every single second of the training he had undergone. He had the muscle memory, the training, and even a much stronger body. This meant that he should be able to make full use of his training!

Due to the memories, his understanding of [Draconic Wind Steps], [Unarmed Water Style] and even archery had improved by a great amount! After all, he now remembered spending months of training in each skill!

Seeing that his decision to complete Soul Assimilation had only brought about advantages, Zhen Shi smiled in relief.

Next, Zhen Shi proceeded to look through his memories for any information about this world but didn't find too much that was useful. After all, the former Zhen Shi had spent the majority of his life within the Zhen Clan...

But he was able to find an answer as to why there were western maids and butlers in a world with eastern cultivation. Apparently, in this world, just like Earth, there were people who followed various cultures and traditions. But no matter what culture it was, it definitely included cultivation! So even if he met a wandering knight on horseback or an old man versed in the way of the Mages, chances were that both of them were accomplished cultivators!

Nevertheless, Zhen Shi made a mental note to gather some books and find more information about this world. After all, asking about it will only cause problems and unnecessary questions. As such, he had to do it himself.

Suddenly remembering the system, Zhen Shi asked a question that had been in his mind for a while,

'System, what is the use of Otaku Points? And what are the conditions to gain more?'

Ding!

System Information[Otaku Points]: Otaku Points(OP) are generally gained when the user makes use of the system granted skills. However, after earning a certain number of points, designated by the system, that particular skill will stop yielding points. Earning the trust and admiration of people may also yield some OP. Certain other methods may be revealed in the future.

Finally, the user can utilize those points to purchase divine boons.

'Oh? That actually seems pretty reasonable for the troublesome GOD System... By the way, what exactly do you mean by a divine boon?'

Ding!

Divine Boon: The user can exchange a certain amount of otaku points for a favor from any god. The god whose favor you gain and what they owe you will depend on the luck. But of course, the user can pay extra to specify the god and what needs to be done.

'What Favor? You might as well call this an IOU(I OWE YOU)!

Holy Shit! IOU's from the Gods! Isn't that too OP? Not that I'm complaining though!'

'But wait... if it depends on luck, how is this different from gambling? System, don't you know that gambling isn't good for the family? And pay more to specify what I need? Is this the legendary pay-to-win?'

System: \”...\”

Nevertheless, Zhen Shi was greatly pleased as he asked again, \”Alright then. System, how much for a divine boon from the top tier gods... let's say, Zeus, Odin, Atum-Ra or one of the three pure ones?\”

Ding!

For the moment, the user is not strong enough for IOU's from the highest tier gods.

Zhen Shi's face stiffened, 'Damn! I should've figured that nothing could be that perfect... Oh, well. It would've been too OP(Overpowered) for my lack of OP(Otaku Points) anyways.'

Consoling himself as such, Zhen Shi fell into thought, 'Now what should I get for my first divine boon? Gamble and hope for the best? Or maybe something specific? Such as... A personal divine beast pet? A divine army? A strong old man to guide me? A portable treasure house? Or maybe even a Harem?'

Pushing aside those ridiculous thoughts, Zhen Shi began to think in line with reality. Reminded of the fact that he had quite a bit of material on hand and that he was lacking a proper weapon, he asked mentally, \”System, how much to get... let's say Hephaestus to make a weapon for me?\”

Ding!

Hephaestus is a high-tier god in the field of blacksmithing. The price is generally 1000 OP, but the user will be given a discount as it is his first time. As such, the price is 100 OP!

Zhen Shi couldn't help but smile at having received such a huge discount, 'Although I only have 45 OP, I do have an idea on how to earn a bit more. But wait... System, what would've happened if I gambled on the first try? Then I wouldn't have gotten such a massive discount, RIGHT?'

System: \”...\”

Praising his luck for not having missed such a good chance, Zhen Shi proceeded to activate , but only partially.

Instantly, a small pair of horns emerged out of the sides of his head but they remained hidden within his hair. Some azure scales appeared around his torso and chest, and his eyes gained a slight hint of red. But those were not the only changes.

Zhen Shi also felt a slight but strong killing intent stirring within him. But it wasn't strong enough to affect him since he had only activated the skill partially. And then he proceeded to maintain this state for about half an hour...

Ding!

The user has earned 1 OP for using

Zhen Shi grinned in satisfaction, 'Yes! It worked! This means that I can earn enough points for that weapon by tomorrow!'

He would've used Hel's flare as well, but a count's mansion seemed like a rather inappropriate place to do so.

Realizing that he shouldn't reveal his ability to transform into a beast and cause unnecessary misunderstanding that might cause others to hunt him, Zhen Shi proceeded to put on the clothes that the maid had left for him.

As he donned that black shirt and trousers, completely covering his scales, his hand touched a familiar clean but still dirty looking loincloth.

*Sigh* His heart ached as he pocketed the loincloth for old times sake.

But, suddenly a loud voice was heard from outside his room, \”Lady Isolde, the daughter of Count Anguish Brishman has arrived.\”

Realizing that his elusive savior had come over to pay a visit, Zhen Shi calmly stood up and made himself look presentable.

Simultaneously, a light sonorous voice was heard from outside, \”Jacque, you know it is unnecessary to be so formal with me. You can be more relaxed here than your former employment.\”

This 'Jacque' replied, \”My lady, forgive me. But it is only proper. How could I dare to be disrespectful in the presence of the healing princess?\”

A light sigh, \”Fine. Just remember to be more relaxed then,\” and the door opened.

A blonde-haired girl dressed in a shimmering light pink dress walked in. Her blonde hair cascaded down like waves of water, and her face the picture of innocence was curved up in a slight regal smile. However, her wide eyes glowed in a mysterious way reflecting that she wasn't a simple lady that knew nothing of life.

The aether also revealed that she was one single step away from reaching the Core Formation Stage! This meant that she was much stronger than Sun Rou and the idiots of the Xue Yue clan!

Zhen Shi stared wordlessly at this beautiful girl for a moment, but almost instantly gained his bearings. To his surprise, he found that he wasn't particularly affected by her beauty and could control himself with ease.

As such, he calmly bowed in a way he knew that western nobles would and spoke thankfully, \”Lady Isolde, it is a pleasure to meet my savior. I am indebted to you for saving my life.\” Realizing that this girl was obviously well brought up and believed in class, Zhen Shi decided to act appropriately.

Isolde smiled brightly and spoke, \”It's fine. Don't worry about it. I've helped many people and I suppose you are one of many,\” while gracefully sitting down on a nearby chair. She nodded at Jacque to leave, and he did, but only after giving Zhen Shi a long hard stare.

Having realized this fellow's Core Formation Stage cultivation through the aether, Zhen Shi fearlessly returned back his stare, while simultaneously talking to Isolde, \”That may be the case for the Lady, but the fact that you saved my life is a simple truth.\”

As Jacque closed the door behind him he felt a slight sweat trickle down his back as if he had just stared at a beast in human skin.

Isolde seemed to notice the stare off and raised a surprised eyebrow. Nevertheless, she replied with an explaining smile, \”Ever since I saved Jacque from his injuries, he has been a tad bit overprotective... Young master Zhen Shi, I hope that you can pardon him.\”

Zhen Shi turned to her in surprise and replied with a smile, \”A minor matter. He didn't do anything wrong either way.\”

Her eyes glimmered with curiosity as she asked, \”So, young master Zhen Shi care to explain how and why you suddenly appeared in my room?\”

Zhen Shi laughed as he re-explained the story of the 'mysterious ruins', how he had been attacked by a 'powerful beast' and how he had jumped into a spatial tear.