DxD: The Plunder System Chapter 66

Chapter 66: The Trials

"This might be tough." Susanoo warned, "I don't know the details, but she did tell me that there will be three stages to determine if you are worthy enough."


Kento was a little bummed that he didn't know about the trails, and now it is not one but three.


'I hate surprises.'


He hated surprises, all kinds.


As of now, they were in the Mie Prefecture of Japan, as the test was to be conducted through Amaterasu’s shrine which was called the Ise Jingu.


The shrine has two parts, the Geku, which was the outer shrine and the Naiku, which was the inner shrine. The outer shrine was a combination of several buildings and structures with the main structure being marked by a bright torii gate. Beyond the gate, there was a long approach lined with tall trees that led to the main worship hall. The buildings were constructed using dark, unpainted wood, and the thatched roofs gave them a rustic and traditional feel.


The Inner Shrine or the Naiku, was the most sacred part of Ise Jingu and was located deeper within the complex. It was surrounded by a dense forest, which contributed to its serene and secluded atmosphere. The entrance to the Inner Shrine was also marked by a torii gate and a stone bridge that crossed the Isuzugawa River. The main buildings were hidden from view behind a tall wooden fence, and visitors were not allowed inside the innermost sanctuaries.


All visitors expect them, as the moment they stepped inside, two certain Youkai manifested to greet them.


One was a tengu as tengus were some of the most loyal followers of the Shinto gods, and the other one was a Youkai with a rooster head.


‘From what I know the pure rooster Youkai is a variant of the Shachi Youkai which is a Youkai with the body of a fish and head of a rooster. However, this Youkai has all the features of a human except the head which was of a rooster.’


Roosters announced the coming of dawn and symbolized the sun’s rising, hence they were some of the most loyal Youkai that served Amaterasu.


And as Kento went through their stats, he wasn’t surprised to see that they were almost comparable to high class devils.


Everything was on the level of high class or higher recently.


Susanoo was in his human sized form, so it didn’t feel like walking next to a giant for Kento, even with the massive muscles that the god possessed.


As the duo walked inside the shrine, Kento immediately felt the massive surge of power engulfing the place. It was similar to his first interaction with Susanoo, with the only difference being that this time there was no hostility in the aura. 


‘It also feels a little stronger than my first meeting with Kami Susanoo.’


And it made sense as despite Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo being almost of the same power level, Amaterasu was still a little stronger as she was the top most figurehead of the Shinto faction.


“Don’t worry,” Susanoo said, “She can be emotional at times but she is also very kind. You do not have to worry about making her angry at this meeting. Besides, there is an entire test dedicated to judging you.”


And well, he wasn't wrong as Kento was fully aware everything was dependent on this trial and if he did well in it, there were a lot of mysteries that were going to be solved.


For now, he had to worry about the trial as he had finally reached the location. 


He stood in front of the door behind which was the architect of the upcoming trials.


“Sister,” Susanoo announced, “We have arrived.”


And with that, the ground began to shake as the massive door in front of them started to creak open.


With the door opening, came the bright rays of blinding lights, revealing a fully golden themed room- the floor to the ceiling, the pillars to the furniture, everything was sparkling and golden.


But nothing that was golden caught his eye as bright as the rays that radiated from the one person that was responsible for the whole event.


Red and yellow were the only colors that blocked the rays of pure beauty that radiated from the figure. The traditional clothing consisted only of gold and red, with a slight hint of black. 


And there was only one word that left Kento’s mouth.


“Wow.”


Not the usual bow of respect or words of praise, but a single ‘wow.’


Even with the enormous magical power and force weighing on everyone, Kento still couldn’t feel anything but the beauty.


Noticing this Susanoo raised an eyebrow, while the goddess responsible for such a display curved up her lips in a smile, “I do not remember anyone’s first reaction being this,” She said, “Most of the people are unable to withstand the pressure when they first see me.”


Kento immediately got his senses back, trying to be respectful. “I apologize for the lack of my manners, Lady Amaterasu.”


He tried his best not to appear affected by her beauty but it would be a lie to say that it wasn't the case. Not even the supernatural women that he had interacted with before came close to her beauty.


{Inspect}


{Name: Amaterasu Ōmikami


Age: 30000+ years 


Class: Greater Kami 


Skills: Godly Physique (SS+), Photon Manipulation (SSS), Divine Immunity (S), Heat Manipulation (SSS), Fire Manipulation (SSS), Leadership (S+), Elemental Manipulation (SS), Flight (A+), Charm (SS+), Aura Shield (S+)


Special Trait: Being the goddess of the sun and light, Amaterasu possesses the ability to manipulate heat, photons and fire on a planetary scale. Amaterasu's charm and leadership skills combined is capable of subduing even the most savage of the rebels and bringing them under her control.}


<<Note: A Greater Kami is on par with a Satan Class Devil>>


'She is strong… extremely strong.'


“Well, it does happen at times that people are captivated by beauty but I would prefer that you don’t stare at my sister so much, Kento.”


Kento immediately turned his head, while the goddess chuckled.


“It is not all bad, after all, it is nice to have a fresh reaction as compared to the usual shuddering in fear ones.”


The goddess was elegantly sitting on her throne, enjoying the casual but fun interaction she had with Kento.


However, everyone was well aware that it was not the reason that she had summoned Kento over.


“I have heard a lot about you, praise most of all.” She said, “That you are a fast learner, a skilled fighter and an honest person.”


Kento couldn’t agree with the honest part but he nodded nonetheless, “Your praises are wasted on me, Kami Amaterasu.” 


The goddess continued, “Neither Inari nor Susanoo are bad judges of people, and for them to vouch for you, I have high expectations”


That was putting a lot of pressure but Kento knew that with the rate that he was growing, he could be considered a monstrous talent. And it was up to him to take advantage of this view that others had of him.


“Susanoo must have told you about the responsibilities you will have if you pass this trial, and while becoming a Champion comes with a lot of perks, it also comes with a lot of troubles and responsibilities.”


“I am aware of that, Kami.” Kento assured, “But I am ready for the hurdles.”


Being able to possibly clash with beings of other factions was a great way to obtain experience and above all else plunder skills.


Hearing this, Amaterasu was pleased and nodded as she got off of her throne.


“The test will consist of three trails, each testing different abilities and characteristics,” Amaterasu revealed, “The first one will be the Trial of the Sage, which will test your intelligence. The second one will be the Trial of the Oni, which will test your strength and finally you will have to go through the Trial of the Tennō, which will test your leadership skills.” 

She continued, "And do keep in mind that for the Trial of the Sage, you are forbidden from using your powers."


Kento already guessed that two of the tests might be about his intellect and strength, so the last one made him amused.


‘Leadership, huh? I guess it is necessary to be a Champion.’


“So, Kento Yamazaki,” Amaterasu walked close to him and asked, “Are you prepared for the trails?”


<<Bonus Quest Alert!>>


<<Quest: Complete the Trial of the Sage in under a day: 0/1>>


<<Rewards: Points ×300, {Leaf Blade (B+)}>>


And with a determined face and a calm voice, Kento nodded, “I am.”

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[[A/N: Another chapter coming in 20 mins]]