{[Don’t measure your accomplishments by the money you have, or the home you live in… Measure it happy you wake up every morning… Measure it with how often you smile with your loved ones… And consider yourself wealthy when you close your eyes at night eager for the next day…]}
A hangover is the price someone pays after having a little too much fun.
Ashner woke up with his head aching. His mouth was dry and begging for water. He was back in his room. Luna and Risa were wrapped around him, and the blanket was on the cold floor.
What a night.
“Time to get up.” Ashner shook both girls. Risa lunged up immediately. She rubbed the back of her head. Luna had removed her green leather coat since it got dirty and only wore a white top that did nothing to hide her large chest. As she stood, her bosoms shook.
Ashner leered.
Ashner glanced away as Risa rubbed her eyes.
Risa glanced at Ashner and Luna. She narrowed her eyes since the elf had removed an article of her clothing. Luna smirked at the cat girl, giving her the wrong idea.
Risa took off without saying a word. Her nails dug into her palms, and she gritted her teeth.
“She seems to be in a bad mood.” Ashner grasped that much. Luna leaned up. Her long green hair was messy, and her thin clothes left her vulnerable to the eyes.
“She hates to lose.” Luna enjoyed teasing Risa, even in little misunderstandings.
“Also… About last night…” Ashner clasped his lips above his mask.
“Well.” Luna''s face and ears became red. “We drank too much, and most of the night is a blur, you know? I don''t remember coming into your room or Risa being here. I do remember going down by the river, but I don''t know why.”
Luna''s tone shifted. She was obviously lying, but the hard plastic on his face was a reminder of how deformed he was. “Yeah…” Ashner accepted her answer.
I might''ve imagined her kissing me… It’s not like anyone would… I’m not exactly handsome…
Ashner dressed himself and went to the river to clean himself up. As he made his way there, the locals were cautious of him. But they weren''t hostile.
Luna grabbed her leather top and put it on. It helped push her breasts into her body, not that it did much to hide her chest, but it helped when she walked or ran. She admired herself. Luna was proud of her femininity, but it came with its own sets of issues.
“No.” Luna was honest. "But for a bit, my body wanted it…"
Risa smiled.
“But…” Luna’s face burned red. “I did kiss him…”
Risa''s smile faded, and she glared at Luna.
An angry cat glare.
“Oh, stop it," Luna smirked at Risa. "We both know Ashner has a thing for both of us. If you really like him, then chase him. Kiss him, take his clothes off, and then give him your first time."
Risa’s ears dropped down.
“What are you scared of?" Luna walked next to Risa. "You treat me like a rival, but I haven''t made a move on him."
“How can I not be scared?" Risa held her arm. She blushed and cocooned into herself. "I''ve never felt this way before… I''m a warrior… Love, and these fuzzy feelings are confusing… I want him to hug me… Maybe hold my hand… But he tried to sleep with me once… And I cried… How am I supposed to apologize for that?"
“No." Risa shook her head. "I don''t want him to think I turned him away forever… I want him to desire me… You have it so easy with that face and those milk bags."
“Milk bags?” Luna giggled at the words. "Having these doesn''t guarantee a man will want me. If anything, they''re just a distraction that captivates the eyes of all men and even women.”
“If you had my body." Luna leaned in closer to Risa. The cat girl leaned back, and her back pressed against the wall. “You''d still panic.”
Risa glared at Luna partly because she was right.
“Your emotions are forming.” Luna put her fingers under Risa''s chin. As she did, Risa''s eyes relaxed like a switch was flipped. “You need to stop seeing me as your rival.”
“I…” Risa’s face burned hot. Admittedly, she was rarely cuddled or caressed, and Luna''s charm was overwhelming.
Luna leaned in and lifted the cat girl''s chin up gently, and then she kissed Risa.
Risa''s ears shot up, and her eyes widened. Electricity ripped through the girl''s body, her hands shook, and her chest and face grew hot. Luna continued her assault. Her hand ran down Risa''s hips, around her thighs, and her fingers ran across Risa''s kitten. The brunette''s knees weakened, and she stumbled to her knees.
Luna went down to her knees, too, never letting go of Risa''s chin. She was taller than the demi-cat, and now her eyes were devious, her lips dripped nectar, and her body enchanted all.
“Why?” Risa asked her body.
“You want more than just Ashner." Luna smiled. "It''s why your body is breathing so heavily and why your nipples are hard… And why you''re…"
Luna ran her fingers across Risa’s pussy once more. This made Risa half moan and half chirp.
“So wet.” Luna kissed Risa again, this time draining her energy and making her lightheaded. What surprised her most was her lower half, how it got wet.
Luna stood up with grace. Risa''s face was a mess. Her lips were wet from Luna''s kisses, and she squeezed her legs together.
“Don’t forget that feeling.” Luna composed herself. “Because the moment Ashner touches you, it’ll feel more intense.”
Risa glanced up at Luna with watery eyes.
“I''ll give you some time to sort your emotions out.” Luna walked out. As soon as she did, Risa walked towards the stone bed. She rolled on it. The scent of Ashner and Luna was mixed in it.
Risa took a few seconds to recover. She got madder. Luna had shifted her desires onto her, and somehow, Risa had let it happen. In a way, she had lost. But her body, her body told her otherwise.
*******
“Hey, Ashner." Wong was smiling and waiting by the river.
“You’re not hungover?”
“Fuck you!" Gio drunkenly replied, "I ain''t that short!"
“Well, at least he didn''t die of alcohol poisoning." Wong shrugged. "Also, you need to check this out."
Wong leaned forward and did a handstand. Then his body went down as he started doing handstand push-ups.
“What am I supposed to see?”
“I haven''t been able to do handstand push-ups since we were deployed." Wong got back on his feet. "That potion you gave me does more than just heal. It regenerates lost muscle mass. I have the same energy I did when I used to be a teenager. Physically and sexually, too."
“Don’t rub it in.”
Wong smirked. "I''m rubbing it in with salt."
Ashner sighed.
“If we can get more, I want to take it to the lab. If I can somehow replicate it, imagine how far medicine can advance." Wong''s eyes lit up. "Imagine the possibilities."
“It''s a magical drink. Do you think you can recreate it?"
“I don’t know. But I’m willing to try.”
“We''d have to destroy another dungeon," Ashner warned Wong.
“I know, but the locals say dungeons have different threat levels. If we can destroy a weaker one it''ll be worth the risk."
Gio walked towards the other two. “Hangover medicine.” He muttered.
Wong got a white powder and poured it into Gio’s canteen, then he shook it.
“What would I do without you?” Gio smiled.
“You’d deal with that hangover.”
“I''d rather die," Gio whined.
Spin?
"Oh, it''s my weekly spin.” Ashner smiled.
Both Gio and Wong gave him an eyebrow raise.
"What? They''re fun, and I never know what I''ll get." Ashner tapped his screen. "Spin."
"It''s just weird," Wong admitted. "You call it a menu, but all we see is you talking to yourself
(Ultra Rare) – Cost Remover.
Level – Max – Remove the XP cost of three obtained share skills that do not exceed 100XP per person.
d." Ashner smiled, and Gio and Wong glanced at each other.
“Menu, show me my options.”
The menu shook.
Radiation Resistance – 30XP Per Person – Can be reduced to 0XP Per Person.
Language Proficiency – 30XP Per Person – Can be reduced to 0XP Per Person.
Show stats – 10XP Per Person – Can be reduced to 0XP Per Person.
“Sure, use it.”
Radiation Resistance – 30XP > 0XP Per Person
Language Proficiency – 30XP > 0XP Per Person
Show stats – 10XP > 0XP Per Person
“What just happened?” Gio asked. “What power did you get?”
“This power reduced the amount of XP required for a demi to enter my world. Instead of it being 170, it''s now just 100 XP."
“Wow.” Gio chugged his medicine. “It’s almost like the author got tired of doing math and wanted to simplify it.”
“The what now?”
“Nothing.” Gio finished his drink and walked away. "I''m too hungover to think straight."
Rolo walked towards the two men. With a massive smile and without a hint of a hangover. “My new friends.”
“Good morning.” Ashner was still drowsy. “We’re going to head out soon.”
“I spoke to my people, and they agreed, it''s time for us to leave this mountain… At least until we can find a way to push back slavers and the Dead God''s influence… It''s going to be a long and dangerous road, so my people are hesitant to leave."
“About that.” Ashner held up his golden key. “I know a way to transport all of you safely.”
“You have my attention.” Rolo smiled.
*******
XP:125 > XP:1500
The group drove back to Sanctuary. Luna had a hard time keeping her eyes on Ashner during the entire trip, and Risa opted to stay in the White Room with Naomie for the whole ride. Rolo rode with the group, and the guys spoiled him with different types of rums, beers, and whiskeys.
“I miss apples," Gio admitted.
“I want oranges," Wong whined.
“At least they’re growing.” Ashner and the guys smiled. “I can’t believe we’ve done this much.”
“We need more seeds." Wong glanced at the bunnies. Most of them waved at the group, and some savored their lips at the sight of Wong. He was desirable, not just because he was hot, but because all the girls wanted to know why Violet was so dedicated to him.
Risa walked by the group. She was eating grapes. The cat hesitantly handed some to Ashner. Her eyes were bashful as she recalled what she had done on his bed.
“Oh, I haven’t given you your gift yet.” Ashner gobbled up a few grapes and handed them to Wong and Gio. The three of them had forgotten the sweet taste and how they popped in their mouths.
“Gift?" Risa''s mind relived the moment Luna had kissed her. Her tail went straight up, and her heart raced.
“Oh." Admittedly, Risa was both relieved and disappointed. She grew her fingernails. They were as sharp as knives. "You''ve given me a lot so far."
“Yes, but we might have to fight stronger monsters, so I''d like you to be prepared. Plus, you''ve earned it."
“Well… It’s not that I don’t appreciate the extra mana you’ve given me, but my body is struggling to keep balance and fight alongside it.” Risa tapped her nails together. “And my swordsmanship isn’t where I want it to be…”
I see, so her power is like Alex''s. It requires balance. Alright, Menu, buy Sure Foot level three.
XP:1500 > XP:500
Sure-Foot – Level 2 > 3
Her other skills could use a boost, too. Menu, show me her stats.
Risa’s Powers
Demi-Cat
Cat Eyes – Level 1
Enhanced Hearing – Level 2
Sure-Foot – Level 3
Wind Magic – Level 3
Subclass Skills
Balanced Steps – Level 1
Claw Strike – Level 1
Eavesdrop – Level 1
Glide – Level 0
Night Vision – Level 1
Quiet Steps – Level 2
Remove Scent – Level 1
Redirect Projectiles – Level 0
Wind Boost – Level 2
Wind Shield – Level 0
Wind Slash – Level 2
Alright, menu, buy these.
XP:500 > XP:225
Balanced Steps – Level 1 > 3
Eavesdrop – Level 1 > 2
Glide – Level 0 > 3
Quiet Steps – Level 2 > 3
Wind Boost – Level 2 > 3
Wind Slash – Level 2 > 3
Now for her swordsmanship. Level up as much as possible.
Learned skills will not exceed Racial Skills.
XP:225 > XP:175
Subclass
Swordsmanship – Level 1 > 3
That’s enough for now.
Rolo bowed to Ari, and Ashner was required to attend the meeting once more. Violet and Luna were also in attendance.
“I welcome you and your kin to Sanctuary. We offer you our food, our milk, and shelter." Ari spoke formally.
“The red beard dwarves will do our part." Rolo stood confidently. "We will repair these halls and the homes that lay in ruins. In time, we will create a kingdom where all demi''s can live in peace."
“If you require materials, speak to Ashner. He''s reliable and has my highest level of support." Ari extended her hand towards Ashner with a gentle smile.
“If you excuse me." Rolo made his way to Ashner. As he did, the audience dispersed. "Sir, Ashner."
“What is it, my friend?"
“Dwarf magic is phenomenal when it comes to stone and steel work, but we still lack the materials to rebuild this kingdom. We can create the stones, but we can''t fix it without crushed mortar. We can burn limestone, and then we''ll mix the items together."
He’s using a primitive style of stonework.
“Crushed mortar…” Ashner tapped his mask. “What if I bring something better? Something that’s stronger.”
The dwarf’s eyes twinkled. “Is there such a thing?”
“Yes, my world has something called concrete, and it''s something we''ve been perfecting for hundreds of years…"
“Please do it, and about your alcoholic drinks.” Rolo smiled like a college student who was ready for a night to get wasted.
“I’ll bring plenty.”
*******
XP:175 > XP:1175
They’re still hunting down monsters. I should find a way to reward the demi’s who are giving me XP.
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Ashner, Gio, Wong, Risa, and Luna readied themselves to return to Earth. The dwarfs had started working in the castle, but they had also started eating, and they ate a lot. Luckily, the bunnies were experts in their fields.
The people of Sanctuary were happy. They had plenty of food and tasks to keep them busy. They had even gone as far as to collect gold for Ashner. The kingdom was enormous, but the locals stayed close to the castle.
“Let''s go. Alex has been on his own for a while now." Ashner and the group emerged at the gold factory. The coins had all been smelted. Ashner dumped the gold bags the demi''s had given him, and they ventured into the world until they arrived at the floating city.
“Welcome." Alex bowed his head. He was wearing a dark blue business suit. It was tailored neatly, and his hair had been cut. On top of that, his skin was clearer. "I''m happy to see you all."
It appears the CEOs went out of their way to groom him.
“What do you have to report to me?” Ashner asked as one of the human attendants placed a gel over the C-R on his hands, hiding the stigma.
"I sold all the gold we accumulated, and our company is officially in the top 1000 wealthiest in America." Alex smiled. "We''ve also made partnerships with a dozen or so smaller companies. Our gold is becoming the bloodline for new technologies and has sparked a movement for a new floating city.”
Next to Alex were the demi''s he had chosen to help him. Twila was one of them.
Ashner put his hand on Alex’s shoulder. “Well done… I’m proud of you.”
Alex''s tail wagged happily.
"For your next task, find a way to obtain cows, ducks, pigs, basically any animal that we can eat. Make sure to get a handful of males and females." As Ashner spoke, Alex used one of his drones to record his words. “We also need concrete, steel, windows, anything and everything to build homes.”
"Of course." Alex led the group. As he did, his assistants dispersed, and the group glanced out the massive building they were in. Below was a city of metal that floated in the sky. Millions of people were working around the clock to maintain the new norm of society. "I''ve talked to the CEO, and they''ve been asking for a meeting with you, Ashner."
Alex''s voice was a bit hesitant. "You may be upset... Just know if you are, please put the blame on me." Alex insisted.
“What are you saying?" The group entered a room, the doors locked behind them and, the lights dimmed, and the cameras inside turned off.
This room is designed to keep secrets from leaking.
The five CEOs he had convinced to help him each sat on a seat. The five of them wore the latest and, as always, were breathtaking.
"Hello, Ashner." The redhead, once again, spoke for the group. She, like the others, wore a dress that highlighted body. She had a top that showed off her under-boobs. She was the CEO of Monarch. Monica was her name. "It''s been a while."
"Yes, it has." Ashner glanced at the walls and cameras. "Why go this far to have a conversation."
Ashner glanced at Alex, who held his head low. His tail had stopped wagging, and his ears had dropped.
“Actually.” Alex’s voice shook in fear. “I told them the truth.”
What truth?
"He told us, and everything started falling in place." The shortest of the CEOs was a petite Asian woman with black silky hair. She was shy and didn''t demand as much respect with her voice. She was the CEO of Yuugure Inc. Her name was Mikan. “So we''re here to confirm it with you."
Ashner glanced at the other two women.
A blonde with long hair and a brunette with deep brown eyes.
“Ask away. If Alex trusted you with something, then I''ll trust his insight.”
Alex, you told them everything… You must really trust these women…
Alex figured this out… He made the decision to trust them… I honestly wouldn''t have risked it… But these women… They''re still willing to help us… Good call, Alex…
HOLY SHIT!
What was that? Those two got hotter… And fuck… I should not be this hard next to a build-a-bear…
She''s nervous, like she''s talking to a boss she doesn''t want to disappoint.
Oh no…
Ashner studied the inside of the unfurnished mansion. It had a massive living room with two staircases that circled upward.
Each group member went into a different room. Ashner claimed one that had a massive walk-in closet. Risa and Luna chose the rooms left and right to his.
Outside in the yard, Wong enjoyed the cold and studied the massive pool. And a Jacuzzi.
Gio was inspecting their oversized garage. It was set up for at least ten cars.
Alex studied the kitchen. It had enough space for multiple people to cook a feast.
Risa found her way into the mansion''s attic, which was modified specifically for stargazing. Under the bright sun, she found herself excited for the sun to set.
Below their feet was a basement that extended down two floors. More extensive than the entire mansion. With a secret underground passage, it also served as a spare car garage. From what Ashner gathered, this mansion used to belong to some big-shot politician. In fact, all the windows were bulletproof, and the walls were reinforced with steel.
The property had a guest house as well. It wasn''t as large as the main house, but it had its own pool, and it was also two stories high.
The lowest floor was built to be a wine cellar with multiple honeycomb designs. It also had its own gun safe, along with a walk-in safe that doubled as a nuclear shelter.
The floor above that one was storage, more than likely for food or materials. Either way, Ashner loved it. And so did the rest of the group.