Vigo was less than pleased the moment he heard about the monster tide in Valkia. He might not remember all the events that had been talked about, but he knew plenty and he was quite sure he would have remembered something about a monster tide this soon after the end of tutorials, especially so when the city in question was one of the gifted gathering places. 'It seems I have already changed some things with our own trial ending differently from the first go around.' he though as he ate alongside his party. Not only had much more people survived, but he had even acquired an epic class for not only himself but for Leila as well- the one person he was willing to go through hell and back. Not that she knew just how close the two of them had gotten the first go around, but Vigo would be damned if he lost her once more. She was one of the main reasons he had chosen the regression as his final reward- nothing else seemed to have meaning at that point. Now? Now he had a chance to fix things, to make everything right and end the bastards that took everything he had held dear in the last go around.

  Still, to hear of such large changes so soon after the rewind was disheartening, muddying the timeline he was working off of,making this go around that much more difficult. He understood already that the further ahead from this moment the original events were the more unlikely they were to repeat themselves as they did the last time. 'Butterfly effect indeed.' he thought resolutely, for at the end of the day, it did not matter whatsoever. He would still push himself to grow stronger, at a much greater rate than the first time around, and when the time came- he would be more than ready to eliminate all those who threatened his close ones.

  "What's on your mind boss?" Asked one of his new party members, having noticed that slightly distracted gaze of his.

  "Just thinking about the next few days is all. Don't worry about it Inetta." Vigo replied, lightly smiling towards the girl, acknowledging her worries though keeping himself somewhat distant. The girl, while nice and all, seemed to have a bit of a hero crush on him after he pulled their small band together and helped them get through the tutorial. Unfortunately for the girl, he was all too invested in regaining what he and Leila had the last time around, thus he could do nothing buts slowly and carefully push her back to leave no hard feelings behind. Could he just tear off the bandaid and end whatever illusions the girl had? Of course and his overall plans would not suffer all that much when it came to growing stronger and whatnot, but as hard shelled as he had become during the last couple of years of his solitary push, he could still recognize when such a harsh approach would do nothing but harm. That and Leila would grow colder at such a display of honesty. The girl, for all her smarts and qualities was a bit of a sucker for such things.

  "Think we should be weary of a similar event here as well? The two towns are supposedly in extremely similar circumstances after all." another one of his companions- Raxhu- chimed in, his mouth still half full with food.

  "While unlikely, we should consider such a possibility, yes." Vigo nodded in acknowledgement.

  "So larger scouting circles while remaining closer to the city for the next couple of days should be planned, yes?" Leila also joined the conversation as he had just finished her own latest bite.

  The other three girls of their party just nodded along, going with what the main team brainpower thought of. Not that Vigo complained or anything- it was so much easier to lead then you have what looked like near unanimous decision making, allowing for quick and efficient planning and execution of said plans. Still, he could not shake the feeling that he was in for quite the surprises thus time around, especially since the butterfly effect was already in full swing.

  "Rest up well tonight. We will have quite a hard day ahead of us." he warned one their meal was over and they slowly prepared to retire for the night.

  --------------------------

  "You are home early." Jack greeted his combat party at the doors of the mansion, a slightly surprised look on his face. "Care to tell who the girl is?" he added when he glanced at the new addition among their group.

  "Ran into a large gob group quite close to town. She was all who survived by the time we arrived." Izumi explained, going over the details quite quickly while the rest of the squad brought the girl inside, with Carla right next to the girl, leaving only Izumi, Mika and Kate behind- the latter two, while worried and sympathetic towards the unconscious girl, had no desire to be too close to her, unpleasant memories resurfacing of their own horrific past the longer they were right besides.

  "On another, less depressive note, how did Mika and Kate do?" he then asked, not all that interested in lingering on the strangers misfortune.

  "They were a bit timid to start with, within expectations, though they got into it when we encountered the larger monster pack."

  "That is quite interesting." Jack hummed as he looked at the two, freshly level five gifted. "Anything you would like to share?" he smiled lightly as he looked at the duo. "Before that though- congratulations on acquiring your classes." he added before they opened their mouths.

  "Thank you." Kate and Mika smiled as they replied, glancing at him expectantly.

  "Oh? What's this? Go on, speak. I am no mind reader you know."

  "Could we?" Mika started, a bit awkwardly tapping her index fingers together as though both a bit ashamed or nervous to ask and at the same time trying to properly put the desire into words. "Get a hug maybee?" Jack did notice there were traces of vulnerability in their gazes as well. He made an educated guess both girls were looking for a way to maybee figure out if they could stomach the idea of actual contact with a man, no matter how small and innocent in nature and since he was at the moment the only viable candidate in their eyes they had decided to go for it in a guise of a reward for an achievement.

  "I think that might be a bit much, so how about a head pat or two?" Jack replied calmly "That should do the job, yes?" and only once both nodded did he slowly raised his hands and gently caressed their heads, like a mother soothing a crying child. What he did not expect though was for both to lean in as much as they could, eyes closed and content expression on their faces. Though it could be explained if one thought far enough he supposed. The angel of vengeance showing care and gentleness towards you might be quite the reassuring sensation. He withdrew his hand a short while later as he gestured for them to follow inside, asking small questions about their state of mind and some details about their classes. Sure, he could see it all, something the party already knew, but what was the fun in not asking. Besides, he might know, but the rest of the team would also like to learn and only as much as the girls decided to share would be revealed.

  -------------------

  "Are you okay? Everything's fine? Should I hurry back to help you?" the moment Jack connected to the 'call' he was receiving from Anastiela later that evening he was assaulted by a barrage of questions, slight worry clear in the six winged angels voice. Only once she stopped did he replied, a small smirk sneaking on his face.

  "Sheesh. Someone actually sounds worried for some reason. Liked the product that much?" he then changed his tone, suddenly acting hurt "And I thought we had hit it off so well back then. To think all you care about is using my skills for your own benefit. Oh, woe is me."

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  "Hi, hi." Anastiela chuckled "Come now, we both are doing the same, besides, what business partner would I be to not check in on my very special supplier after such troubling news had reached me. Do tell me though if you don't mind, since when can you make heroic quality gear."

  "I know not what you are talking about. And even if I could make them, it would obviously be either some insanely lucky fluke or a small chance way too small to happen regularly. And I mean astronomically small one at that. At least at this moment. Though I gotta say news travel way too fast it seems. The attack ended just a short while ago."

  "Shouldn't that be the case? Some of the groups have existed for hundreds, the oldest even for a thousand years. It is only natural for such old and refined organizations to have both a competent way to gather intel as well as ways to ensure quick delivery of said intel. Also, I did hear about a rather peculiar utility item that has surfaced. Your handiwork as well I presume?"

  "Care to elaborate? I doubt the amount of information reaching your hands is small and only about one town where gifted pass through early."

  "Ring of deconstruction."

  "Got some people you need to disappear without a trace left?"

  "Gods no. Why would you think that? I find the idea of cleaning combat zones afterwards quite utilitarian. It sounds like such a quality of life option to not have to worry about decomposing flesh and other problems associated with corpses left behind numerous adventurer parties slogging through the zones of danger around cities."

  "Not worried the influx of such items might tip the balance off?"

  "I count on it." Anastiela smiled, explaining. "It's precisely because of the number of monsters slain and consequently devoured by the forests and/or whatever other zone was around the place in question that the numbers of monsters do not seem to be dropping, slowing down not only the expansion of our cities further out, but also culling the adventurers willing to head out into the unknown. Sure, there is plenty space we civilised races have managed to claim, but when compared to the size of this world of ours, we control less than a few percent of its lands if some of the estimates are to be believed. There are numerous scholars who say that even that number is heavily oversized."

  "So you are saying that most of this world is unexplored and savage?"

  "That's precisely what I am saying. We have ancient records of expeditions uncovering new continents and being wiped out near entirely upon the moment of landing, with only a few lucky survivors escaping back into sea and returning to tell the tale. We have dungeons that have existed for centuries, too hard to clear and contain, making places no entry zones due to the insane level of danger. After all, unlike us, the monsters don't seem to have such limitations of growth- something we do our best to compensate for with our ingenuity and gear, but there is only so much that can be done to overcome a gap that is ever growing. That and the ever growing amount of experience needed to gain new levels the further one gets. I don't even remember the last time someone reached level hundred and I myself am hundred of years old. So yes, I believe it is paramount to latch onto every advantage we can get to reclaim even a bit more of the world that is slowly pushing us further and further together. If nothing changes, I suspect we will go extinct eventually, or become what equals 'zoo exhibits' back in the world you came from. I did pick the right word for comparison, yes? I swear some of your language words just roll of the tongue wrong."

  "I believe the usage was correct. As for the rings? Yes, those are my creation, but unfortunately they are quite tricky to make and thus it is not possible for me to mass produce them in the quantities you might need given the explanation. And before you ask, it is more than a question of having the correct materials. You are, of course, free to hire independent researchers and crafters who would try and replicate them once you get your hands on a sample, but I would sincerely advise against it. It would just be a waste of your time and resources better spent on another endeavour. You could, however, allow your adversaries to take on the task for you. No doubt they would be willing to get one over you and without the foreknowledge you now have, they should be willing to take the fall for you."

  "My, my. How devious." Anastiela smiled so much so Jack could even feel it on his side "I suppose I will have to do that then. I would still like to request a number of such rings to be distributed to my people."

  "For the right price, we can always come to an agreement. And you will even get a slight discount."

  "Ha ha ha ha. I do like the sound of that. Any catch I should be worried about though? If you are anything like that old goat Ramia, I should expect one soon enough."

  "Come now beautiful. All I am doing is worming my way into your good graces. Only once you are well and properly baited would I try and pounce. Those wings of yours seemed extremely pleasant to the touch."

  "Hi hi hi." Ansatiela giggled once again, clearly more amused than anything by Jack's directness. "It is a century too soon for you to aim at me, but do go ahead and try. Plenty had done so and failed. But do entertain me. Who knows, you might just succeed one day. The man who claimed the seraph beauty. Quite the sound to it, no?"

  "Ha, ha ha ha." Jack laughed in turn, all too amused by this whole thing as he added "You might not even realize, but this would be a much more powerful play on the hardcore grinders than what those barely clothed, if that, succubuses could achieve."

  "Do contact Ramia at a later time about the rings though. He will have the logistics and whatnot sorted with your people." Jack added shortly after.

  "Stay in touch Jack. I would hate for my new favourite crafter to disappear on me." Asnastiela added she finally ended the 'call.'

  "Yep, that's it. I am calling these types of communications a call. It fits after all." Jack decided, blatantly using his original home and the language to his own benefit.

  ----------------

  "You look different." Jack commented as he sat across from Ramia in his own mansion. The old man did not look nearly as old as he had the last time Jack had seen him. And when Jack thought younger, he did not mean a few days or so, for that was not what he could see. The merchant looked decades younger right now, his baseline vitality had clearly increased.

  "I do have to say, I am quite disappointed in you." Jack hummed after a moment of silence "I believe I did mention that I would be more than just a little interested in having a look at an actual elixir of absolute growth, no matter the series."

  "I remember all right." Ramia chuckled, adding "Though you should not harbour any resentment for my actions. I did, after all, consider your request in earnest and have come with more than just news about some rather concerning movements from number of undesirable elements."

  Once Jack's entire attention was on Ramia, his previous disappointed look momentarily discarded, Ramia continued, withdrawing a beautiful looking vial that seemed to be made of some sort of a crystal and displayed it carefully to Jack, though not releasing the vial from his grip one bit. At the sight of the vial, Jack grinned like a madman, leaning his face closer to it, though his hands moved behind his back- a clear indication that all he desired with the extremely rare and valuable consumable was observe.

  "Fascinating." Jack murmured a few minutes later, all this time spent seemingly staring through the vial, as though everything else around him had faded for this duration. Then, he exhaled as he leaned backscratching his chin in thought, speaking a moment later.

  "That is all I needed. You have my thanks for humoring me, and my apologies for the earlier expression. You should be able to understand my previous reaction, right? I doubt you never dealt with another Virtuoso."

  "I have, yes. And I indeed should be able to understand. But the part about Virtuoso's should not apply to you, so why the comparison?"

  "Firstly, because as far as the world around us is concerned, I am one, And secondly- because that part I do share with them."

  "So, care to tell me why the need to observe it? Seeking inspiration? There is no way you can actually see through its structure."

  "Does not matter at the end of the day, now does it? It's way too expensive in terms of materials and energy to even consider making."

  "Come again?" Ramia almost squawked as he heard the response.

  "I would need tier 5 items in quite the large quantities to get even one made. The rarer the better obviously, but even then the numbers would be vast. Not worth the effort now before I get my class upgraded at least once, maybe even twice. On that note, any direct paths to areas with stronger monsters? The kids are closing in on level twenty and will soon find the goblins and orcs around Valkia not enough to keep sharpening themselves."

  "Let's leave that for later. I have a bit more pressing matters to discuss with you." Ramia sighed, still half confused after the absolute bombshell of a revelation dropped in his lap."

  Jack Raja(?)

  Age- 27

  Species- human(?)

  Level- 20

  Class- Twin aspect of Creation and Destruction(EX)

  Stats unassigned: +11

  Attributes:

  Strength- 24 (14+7+3)

  Vitality- 23 (12+8+3)

  Dexterity- 21 (15+6)

  Intelligence-7

  Spirit- Spirit- 25 (20+5)

  Skills- Wisdom of Creation and destruction(EX), Choice of the creator(EX), Eyes of procurer(EX), Matter storage(EX), Arukain language(C), Spark of inspiration(EX).

  Spells- none.

  Titles(unlocked): The real Monster, Big Game Hunter, The brilliant rookie, The insane Solo. Monster debugger.The actor. Executioner. Survivor. Pioneer, Record breaker.The new champion supreme.

  Gear: amulet +2 vit: weapon- Gundao+3 str. Rings- spatial storage, vit +