Loki’s Successor System

Jin followed the Wizard to a two-story concrete house in the distance. There was a man outside the house on a crafted wooden scaffolding, painting the front wall a dark grey. The Wizard wore a smile on his face as he approached the building alongside Jin.

The Wizard looked up at the man on the scaffolding, still approaching the building. "Waw," he said, "you just had to ruin the surprise, didn't you, Grub?"

Grub fixed his hat, and passed the heel of his palm across his forehead, wiping a few beads of sweat. "I wanted to start earlier before Jin arrives, but my son kept bothering me for my advice on picking up women."

The Wizard stopped in front of the door, shaking his head. "Tardy you weren't in any position to give advice. The early bird catches the chick. Tell him that for me."

"That's not how the saying goes."

"It does now ..."

Jin stopped.

The Wizard turned to Jin. "Alright, we're here. I'm sorry it was such a long walk. But it was great for the legs, wasn't it? Teleportation has you lazy."

"What is this?" Jin raised a brow.

The Wizard smirked. "Wait, and see ..." he turned to the door again. 

Jin narrowed his eyes at his back.

The Wizard then clutched at the door handle, revolved it, and pulled it open. He moved aside to allow Jin to walk into the house. "Ladies first."

Jin walked in with apathetic eyes. It was a sizable house—much bigger than Kai's place. The concrete walls were thick and sturdy, the furniture was of acceptable quality, and there was a large kitchen being packed with food. 

Kai approached Jin. "The man himself ..."

Jin smirked. 

Kai stopped in front of him and folded his arms. "You're a real buzzkill, you know that, right?"

Jin hadn't said anything. He just heeded the look on Kai's face. It was a rather mirthful expression. At that moment, Jin realized that most of the village was in a particularly good mood, and not just the Wizard alone.

He wondered why. 

"You're a huge buzz kill," Kai said, "because you don't know anything about fun. And, you ruined our big surprise for you. The place hasn't even finished yet. We put so much work into this, man. You came back in, what, three days?"

"A bit less than that," Jin said.

Kai shook his head. "Just waw, man. You've journeyed so far and you're back already. Unharmed, not even too battered."

Jin smiled softly. 

"How many people did you defeat?"

"About three-four Hunters," Jin said. 

"That's insane, man. Was that all of them?"

"Nope," Jin said, "I'm going back after the tournament. I had pity on them."

"Oh," Kai nodded, "I see."

It went quiet for a while. Then, Jin started looking around the place. 

He looked at Kai again. "What's this by the way? I keep hearing 'surprise' but I don't know what you're talking about ..."

"It's a house," Kai said.

"Your house," the Wizard added, standing at the door.

"Well, yeah," Kai scratched behind his head, "but just for now. We're planning to give you and Kaylie bigger places but we haven't started the construction yet, so the Wizard's assigning you to temporary homes."

"I was fine living in your house," Jin said, "didn't quite ask for this ..."

"This is where I tell you the fun part," Kai perked up, "we're sharing the house!"

Kai turned around and outstretched his arms. "This first floor is mine, and the top floor is yours."

Jin rolled his eyes. "Gee, I'm so excited to move in with you again, and deal with an empty fridge."

"He decided to let you have the second floor since he sees you as someone above him," said Kaylie, walking toward Jin.

Kai blushed, stratching his head. "Hey, that's not what this is, Kaylie. Jin and I haven't had that rematch yet, so we don't know who's the stronger lad."

Kaylie stopped, folding her arms, and narrowing her eyes at her brother. 

Jin placed a hand upon Kai's shoulder. "Why don't we have that rematch in the tournament? It'll be the perfect time for it."

Kaylie smirked. "Hey," she said, "don't you go forgetting that you'll need energy to fight me as well, Jin. I'm," she frowned, "running out of time ..."

Kai glanced at her. "Well, we already know who the winner of that match would be ..."

Kaylie looked at him. "Who? And what makes you so certain?"

"Jin's gonna hold back," Kai said, "I mean, he knows you only have that much time left. If you don't defeat a Successor before the due time, you will ... die. So, of course, Jin would obviously let you win," he glimpsed at Jin, "right, Jin?"

Jin smirked. "Of course," he said, "since her death is inevitable. But I'll want a rematch the next day to make up for my very first defeat."

"Wait," Kai widened his eyes, "Your very first defeat?" He echoed. 

"Yes," Jin said, "the streak hasn't been broken. That's, of course, if you're counting defeat exactly how the systems does: only counting something as a defeat if the person is unconsciousness."

"That means Kaylie would be breaking your streak," Kai said.

Kaylie frowned. "Never got defeated before," Kaylie said, "Jin's not only hotness and looks after all."

"You should be grateful," Kai said, "he's sacrificing his streak for you."

"And you as well," Kaylie said. 

"You guys keep surprising me with things of triviality," Jin said.

They both looked at him. 

"I'm happily sacrificing my streak for you," he continued, "but that's only because I want something in return. I won't say what it is," his eyes glowed violently green, "but it is something pretty damn monumental."

Kai and Kaylie seemed a bit spooked out by Jin. They both averted their eyes, virtually simultaneous in the act.

Franklin suddenly came through the door. 

He walked in front of Jin. "Welcome back, Jinny-boy. This means there's two Successors in the settlement again. You make me feel a sensation of safety, you two. Welcome back, Jin."

"Been only two days, man," Jin said, "so save it."

Franklin shrugged, and turned away. 

Kai looked around. "So ... what are we doing now? Are we going to continue working on the house, go get something to eat, or are we gonna just chill."

"I'm quite hungry," Jin said, "so I can't say see myself driving anything but that second thing you just mentioned."

"Well," Kai said, "you're always hungry—I don't even know why I even bothered asking."

Kaylie hopped over to Jin, and placed a hand upon his chest. "You know, Jin, I love baking stuff. Maybe I can feed some good cake or cupcakes or whatever for you. Since you're willing to give one of your lives to me, I don't see a problem baking for you," she winked.

Jin smirked. "I do feel like for a cake right now. Had some earlier. It reminded me just how much I like it."

"Be my guest," Kaylie said, "I'll gladly make you cake. In fact, I'll start right away."

"Hey," Kai frowned, "you don't bake me cake anymore. I literally gave my life to you. My only life."

Kaylie narrowed her eyes at him and sucked her teeth. 

A man came walking down the flight of stairs. "By the way, guys. I'm finished. The room's in living condition."

Kai turned to Jin. "She's all yours, Cowboy."

"I always hated Cowboys," Jin said, starting toward the flight of stairs. 

"Come back down in a bit and tell me just how

much you like it, neighbor," Kai said.

Jin shook his head and teleported up the stairs. 

"How lazy of you, man! Come on!"

Jin smirked. 

There was an opened door to a room. He entered the room. He didn't even look around. He closed the door behind him and plopped down on the bed. 

Cliff appeared. "How's life treating you?"

"It's alright," Jin said, "but still too short. And so, I'm aiming to become an immortal."

"Spoiler alert," Cliff said, "immortality sucks a ton."

"It does when you're too weak," Jin said.

"I think you meant to say 'it does when you're too strong'," Cliff said.

"Any updates on the disciple?"

"She's not moving again," Cliff said, "I don't sense her presence moving forward."

"That's a bomber," Jin frowned.

"It isn't," Cliff said, "you don't want to underestimate her just because she was summoned at level ten. I've seen a few over even level twenty lose to her. Her ability is just that good."

Jin narrowed his eyes at him. "Why don't you tell me exactly what her abilities are so that I can learn her weaknesses and beat her easily? I'll much rather you do that than warn me all day about her."

"Would you like me to tell you about her right now?" Cliff asked.

"Not right now," Jin smirked, "my clones are making trouble, the tournament is nearing, my future-kill is baking me a cake, and I'm spending my upgrade points ..."

[Strength: 65]

[Health: 90]

[Speed: 48]

[Skill: 61]

[UP: 80]

[Exp: 43/100| Level 14]

"Eighty UP? Where do I even begin?"