Sinner System

Chapter 693: Chapter 693: Next Course of Action

"The main change we want to make is in regards to the Spirits and the beings you refer to as Apostles. Until and unless you complete the trial, you will not be able to summon them."

Huh?

"What?! Oh, come on, that’s-...!" Ciel began to protest.

"We shall permit the use of Spirit Fusion, but they will not be allowed to fight alongside you. Only the five who are subject to this trial may participate. And on that note...," Trailed off Uranus.

"Kavi Intrix shall no longer be allowed to participate. For the duration of the trial, she will have to remain in the Pocket Dimension."

"In hindsight, maybe we should’ve pretended to struggle against that Angel," Mom sighed wistfully.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. But, well...these Gods, they ultimately want us to fail the trial. On the bright side, it does look like they intend to avoid making it impossible to pass. But on the other hand, they’re definitely intent on cranking up the difficulty level.

"And on the topic of the Pocket Dimension, we shall limit the time dilation function. We will permit a twofold dilation, nothing more. In other words, one day on the outside will be two days inside the Pocket Dimension."

Seriously? Tch, I guess they didn’t like that the others were able to get over two months of training in an hour while inside the Pocket Dimension.

"What else?" I asked them with a grimace.

"We shall be making adjustments to the power and capabilities of the remaining two Angels. And that is the extent of our interference. Now, then, as promised, we shall make some favorable changes as well. Do you have any suggestions? We will reject anything that would give you too significant of an advantage, of course."

"Alright, I’ve got one. I want your word that, no matter what happens going forward, you won’t make any other changes to the rules after we’re done here," I remarked without hesitation.

"Very well, you have our word," Responded Chronos affirmatively.

"Oh, can we get an extension on the time limit?" Chimed in Ciel.

Oh, that’s a good one. Honestly, I don’t think we’ll really need it, but it doesn’t hurt to have more of a cushion.

"Hm. Alright, we shall extend the trial’s time limit from one hundred days to one hundred and twenty days," Replied Uranus, after a brief pause.

"Hey, max out my stats! It’s unfair that I’m the only one who’s weak!" Spoke up Leto.

That, I’m not totally on-board with. But, with the Apostles and Spirits mostly taken out of the equation, I don’t exactly have the luxury of being picky.

"I suppose that would be fine. Very well, then. Once you return to Earth, your power will be increased to its upper limit," Remarked Chronos.

"You may request one or two more minor changes, I believe that is fair," Added Uranus thoughtfully.

"In that case, we should try and think of something good, we need whatever advantages we can get right now," Muttered Alkimia, a concerned look on her face.

"I’ve got one. How about this? Upload status profiles of the two remaining Angels into the Appraisal databases of all of us who have the Skill, up-to-date with whatever tweaks and adjustments you’re going to make to their abilities and power," I suggested, after taking a moment to think it over.

"Oh, that’s a good one, it’ll definitely help if we know what we’re up against ahead of time," Nodded Cleo in agreement.

"Mhm, no objections here, I can’t think of anything better," Added Ciel with a thumbs up.

"Hm...alright, we can do that, but in return, the two Angels shall also receive similar information about each of you," Chronos suggested a compromise.

"I think that’s fine. Based on that last Angel, it seems like they have a general idea of what we’re capable of anyway," Chimed in Alkimia.

"Yeah, I have no problem with it either. What about you guys?" I inquired, as I glanced at the others.

"Mhm, all good," Smiled Ciel with a nod.

"Same here," Agreed Cleo.

"Yeah, whatever," Muttered Leto with a shrug.

"Very well, then. Alright, with that, I believe we can conclude this discussion. As agreed, no further changes shall be made. Until and unless you complete the trial, we shall not meet again. Now-..."

"Wait! Just to clarify, the restriction on summoning Apostles and Spirits is temporary, right?" Ciel interrupted with a worried look on her face.

"Yes, it is. But the restriction will only be lifted if and when the trial is completed successfully."

"In that case, could you remove the restriction while we’re in the Pocket Dimension? That shouldn’t make any difference to the trial, right?" She suggested hopefully.

"I suppose so. Fine, you may summon the Apostles and Spirits within the Pocket Dimension, but they may not leave or be summoned outside of it."

"One last thing," I spoke up.

"Hm? You’ve already asked for plenty, mortals. Do not push your luck."

"Wait, I thought you could read our minds? So, shouldn’t you know what I want before I say it?" I pointed out.

"You all seemed disconcerted by it last time, so we refrained. Very well, speak, what further request would you make of us?" Uranus prompted me.

"It’s simple. When you send us back to Earth, could you send us to a different location? Specifically, let’s say...within a kilometer in the outskirts of Sanctuary Alpha," I requested hopefully.

"I suppose that is a reasonable request. Alright, then, we accept that request. Now, we have no further matters to discuss, it is time to return you to Earth."

Our surroundings began to get brighter and brighter, as I felt my consciousness starting to get pulled out of the Divine Realm. My mind blanked as my senses got overwhelmed, before suddenly, I found myself inside the Pocket Dimension, along with the others.

I glanced around at the, before opening a portal to the outside and peering out, spotting a Sanctuary in the distance. Ai?

<Yes, that’s Sanctuary Alpha, no doubt about it>

"Okay, so...," I began, trailing off as I couldn’t think of anything to say.

"Well, this sucks. Not being able to summon our Spirits or the Apostles is a major blow. It’s thanks to us overwhelming Baraqiel with sheer number that we won. But these next two Angels are supposed to be even stronger, and that’s before whatever buffs the Gods are planning on giving them," Sighed Cleo wearily.

"On the bright side, we’ll know exactly what we’ll be dealing with. Alright, the time dilation is maxed out, so let’s take our time in planning our next move. Even with the dilation limited, we can still double the amount of time we have, it’s better than nothing. Let’s go through the stats of the remaining pair of Angels and decide on our next course of action," I declared with a sense of determination.